Nothing is better than being under the night stars with those you love. There is a reason that camping is so great. That said, in order to ensure that your camping trip is fun and enjoyable, you do need to take a few things into consideration when planing such a trip. This article contains excellent advice to prepare properly for a camping excursion.
Allow everyone who is going on the trip to have a say about the campsite. Discuss things like the state you would like to see, particular parks that interest you and what type of camping experience you are looking for. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. Narrow down your top choices and let your entire family decide.
While you may think that nature will offer up enough wood to keep your fire embers burning, it could quite possibly be wet wood that doesn’t really want to burn. Bringing some extra wood in a watertight wrapping is a smart idea for camping success.
Always pack enough for your kids. Camping can be a sloppy time. Kids love to play in the dirt and will bring it back to your tent. Children will get dirtier as the day goes on. The solution is not to stop them from getting dirty, but to have clean clothes ready for them after they are done. Prepare thoroughly!
Double-check any medical insurance. Some policies don’t cover you while out of state and you may have to add an extra policy. This is more crucial if you go camping in another country. Be sure you’re prepared to be on the safe side!
Always keep a close eye on yourself, your family, and your possessions; as they will all get a little dirty. If you know this ahead of the actual trip, you can prepare for the inevitable and get yourself some extra supplies. Let loose and allow everyone to get messy while you enjoy the time spent in the woods. You can get back to normal after returning home.
A hankerchief is a great item to bring on your trip. You can use it as a potholder, bag holder or a towel. Because there are so many versatile uses for them, bringing one or two on each camping trip is a good idea.
Buy special camping pillows instead of using your standard ones. Standard bed pillows tend to get sticky in humid weather. Your average pillow will also become moldy from the excessive moisture in the outdoor air. A good pillow intended for camping, however, will keep the moisture out, which will prevent any of the above problems.
Let those you are camping with help pick the site. Talk about the state you would like to go to. There are various options throughout the United States that it may make it hard to pick only one. Try to select a short-list and then put it to a family vote.
Talk with your children about the dangers associated with camping before you leave home. Use the Internet to teach them about things like poison ivy and the like, and ensure that they will approach nature with respect and caution.
When taking a dog along, be certain they have a leash and are always supervised. Other campers may not like dogs, or could even be afraid of them. You must show respect for others when you camp. Additionally, your dog could really destroy anyone’s campsite if left on his own, including yours.
Don’t worry about over-packing for the kids. Camping can be a sloppy time. Kids are seriously attracted to the dirt. That all means that you will have very dirty children as the day progresses. You don’t want to interrupt their fun, it’s a joy of camping after all; but, keep some extra clothing with you for them. It’s best to be prepared.
Bring along some fun activities on the trip. Card games are a fun way to pass the time if the weather does not cooperate. If you bring your kids, these games will help to fill the void when there is free time.
If your intended camping destination is known for its prowling wildlife, take more than enough precautions to secure food. This means you must warp things up tightly, keep them away from the tent, and avoid some food types while camping. This will reduce your chances of being attacked.
Choose a tent large enough for everyone that will be expected to use it. A bigger tent means easier movement, which can be useful when you have to urinate at night.
Make sure you have everything you need for a camping trip. Forgetting a few simple items could be disastrous for your trip. Make a master checklist of everything that you will be needing on your trip and be sure to check off items as they are packed or loaded into the car. Don’t forget sleeping bags, water, utility knives, anti-bacterial soap and sanitizer, fire starters and a sturdy tent.
Trail mix is a classic snack and for a good reason. Throw a little beef jerky, a few fruits, and you’ve got yourself a full camper’s meal. When you reach the end of a long day, it may not sound appealing to cook, so it helps to have these things to eat when you’re too tired. They stay fresh for a while, so you do not have to worry about them going bad if you do not use them up right away.
You may wish to take a class that has to do with first aid, especially if you’re traveling with kids. This way, if someone were to have an accident, you’ll possess enough knowledge to deal with it enough until medical help arrives. In addition, make sure you do enough research on the area. Look into snake species, poisonous plants, spiders, bugs, and other animals.
Have a first aid pack on hand, as well as a well stocked survival kit. These items can literally save your life, or to a lesser extent, prevent you from returning from your trip before you are ready to do so. You may also be able to prevent things that are serious from becoming deadly and earn yourself enough time to get the injured some medical help.
Pack carefully and wisely. List all of the supplies that you need so that you are not missing anything while on the trip. This is very important if you’re camping in some remote region without quick access to first-aid items or any other emergency supplies.
Take a bandana or handkerchief with you. In a pinch, that single piece of fabric can serve as a potholder, carrying bag, blotter, hand towel and paper towel. This is an essential item that does not cost a lot of money and can provide a lot of benefits.
When setting up the tent, know how to seal every seam. If your tent doesn’t have it, you may purchase a tube at a sporting goods store. This helps to keep animals, insects and rainwater out so you stay comfortable.
Always bring toilet paper when you are packing for your camping trip. You may be camping in an area that doesn’t offer toilets, so you will need to find other places to go to the bathroom. Leaves are not something you want to wipe with, since you can get poison ivy and a host of other issues. Pack toilet paper.
Even camping purists may find that having a small luxury item is a good thing. Bring along something lightweight and easy to carry, like a little bit of cream for your coffee or a candy bar. Small things like this can increase your enjoyment of the trip.
Sleeping Bag
Whenever you’re choosing a sleeping bag, pick one out that’s for the climate you’re in. For example, if it’s summertime you need a bag that’s lighter so you’re not too hot during the night. Winter, on the other hand, requires a heavier sleeping bag that is rated for low temperatures.
As you plan your camping adventure, take children aside and go over common dangers and issues they may encounter. Check out the plants that elicit poison ivy to better prepare for the dangers of camping.
There are several things to keep in mind when considering camping. Apply all that you have learned here so that your friends and family can have a blast with you in the woods.
