Camping 101: What You Need To Know

Whether you’re just going to spend the night out in your back yard or if you’re going to go far away, it’s very important to be prepared to have a safe and enjoyable time. Read the suggestions that follow in order to motivate you to better prepare for your camping trips. You will not regret reading this great information.

When you purchase a new tent for camping, take it home and completely set the tent up before going on a camping trip. This will allow you to get the experience needed for erecting your tent. That can also cut down on the frustration some feel when setting a tent up for the first time.

Make sure your sleeping bag is right for the weather. You are going to roast all night long in a sleeping bag designed for cold weather that you camp with during summer. On the other hand, if you pack a lighter summer bag during cold weather camping, you are going to not get any rest. You could even experience hypothermia.

TIP! Choose a sleeping bag that is seasonally appropriate. If you bring a sub-zero sleeping bag to go camping in mid-summer, you might find that you are sweating all night long.

Make sure that the tent you take camping has enough space for everyone you are taking along. This makes it possible for everyone to sleep comfortably, and it also allows for room to move about and exit the tent if nature calls.

You can go swimming at the same time that you camp! Showering is one of the comforts of home you will have to do without while camping. Swimming can help you feel a little cleaner.

You might think nature naturally provides all the wood you need, but the wood where you are could have already been picked clean, or it could be wet. Bringing your own small supply of wood and keeping it dry is a wise decision.

TIP! While you think nature will provide enough wood for your fire to continue burning, it may be wet, which will not burn. It’s a great idea to carry your own wood with you and to keep it secure in a dry area.

Dryer lint is a great item to bring if you are trying to start a campfire. Start collecting it in advance of your trip. Keep a simple plastic or ziplock bag near your dryer to make collecting easier. This allows you to just get your kindling and leave when you’re ready.

Bring oranges not only to eat but also to deter mosquitoes. Use the peels to rub your body down. It is a low-cost, chemical-free way to keep bugs away.

A first aid session, especially if you have children, is essential. Should an emergency arise, your knowledge of first aid can prevent further issues until help arrives. Additional research can also provide valuable information. It is also best to know what exists in the area you will be in so that you can prepare for that as well.

TIP! You may wish to take a class that has to do with first aid, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Camping can be very remote, so it is best to be able to deal with emergencies on your own, until help can be reached.

Try to ensure your camp is set up before night falls. Find a safe place to park if you’re in an RV. Seek out flat, dry ground if you are roughing it with a tent. If you do it before nighttime, it is easier to get familiar with the area. It will also allow prevent the frustration of not being able to see while setting up your equipment.

Protect your canine companion on the trip by keeping him leashed and under careful supervision. Some people are afraid of dogs. Respecting your fellow campers is essential when camping. Additionally, dogs can wreak a lot of havoc on a campsite if they are not supervised properly.

Preparation can make your camping trip easy and relaxing. Always be well prepared prior to leaving on your camping trip. Research the place that you are traveling to, which will help you to understand the climate and geography.

TIP! Camping can be incredibly fun or incredibly dangerous depending on just one factor: preparation. Only go camping when you have prepared yourself for it.

You need duct tape because it is a versatile, handy tool. It is as convenient for repairs while you are camping as it is at home. You could seal an air leak in your mattress. You could patch a hole or tear in your sleeping bag, tarp or tent. If you are hiking long distances, a strip applied to your feet can keep blisters from forming. In a pinch, it can even serve as a bandage for injuries.

When it comes to camping, it is important to be prepared. Make sure you have put a little thought into things in case the unexpected does occur. The weather is something that can change suddenly, and that can make the environment become more dangerous. Do what you can to prevent any accidents or illnesses and bring what you need to treat it if it does happen.

Double-check any medical insurance. Out-of-state traveling will sometimes require additional coverage. This is more crucial if you go camping in another country. Be ready for any eventuality.

TIP! Before camping, check out your medical insurance to affirm that it is intact. Leaving your state may affect your policy.

Camping Trip

Pack extra flashlights and plenty of batteries for your camping trip. There are going to be moments when you must clearly see certain items when it gets dark. A flashlight can prevent a fall and scare away unwanted wildlife. If you have kids with you on your camping trip, hand each of them a flashlight.

Even if you’re roughing it, you can better your camping experience by bring a small luxury. For example, bring a bar of chocolate or a small container of cream to put in your coffee. These little things can make your day!

TIP! If you are going to tough it out, you can still bring along a little bit of luxury item to add comfort to your camping trip. Take something that is lightweight, like a chocolate bar or coffee creamer.

Believe it or not, an orange’s peel may keep mosquitoes from biting you during your next camping excursion. Don’t worry if you forgot mosquito repellant. Rubbing your exposed skin with the inside of the orange peel is something recommended by many camping experts. Mosquitoes hate the smell and will fly away for a few good hours; and you will be free of the nuisance.

You should always bring a spare utility knife when camping. Utility knives can be quite versatile, so be sure to have an extra with you.

One handy piece of equipment to take with you when you head out on your next camping trip is a roll of duct tape. It is nearly as useful while camping as it is around the house. You can use this to repair any holes in an air mattress. You could patch a hole or tear in your sleeping bag, tarp or tent. When walking for a long time, it can also help avoid blisters. In a pinch, it can even substitute as a bandage.

TIP! Duct tape is a handy item to include in your camping gear. It is as convenient for repairs while you are camping as it is at home.

You next camping trip can turn out to be a weekend full of relaxation or it can be a nightmare. The key difference? Preparation. If you know how to prepare for everything that may pop up, you’ll be able to better enjoy your trip.

As you leave for home, clean up your space. Pack your own garbage bags to make cleaning easy. Make sure you pick up any food that you have as leftovers too. The rule of thumb when breaking down a campsite is to only leave footprints behind.

Make a list of essential items to take on your camping trip before you leave. This is imperative when there is travel involved during your camping trip. Start packing a couple of days in advance of camping, making sure to follow a checklist.

TIP! Before heading out to go camping, compile a checklist of items that you plan to bring. A list will help you to not forget to bring any essentials.

It might silly, but remember to take toilet paper along when you go camping. If there are no toilets at your campsite, you will need to use the bathroom outside. If you forget the toilet paper, you may be forced to use leaves, some of which could be poison ivy.

Sleeping Bag

When you are camping, be sure you choose the right sleeping bag for the site conditions. Lighter weight bags are great for warm weather; however, if the climate is cooler, a heavier bag will be in order. Make sure your sleeping bag fits you well, hugs your body and helps you to retain heat.

TIP! Make sure your sleeping bag is fit for the environment in which you are going to camp. If the weather is warm, you want a lightweight bag.

Make sure the sleeping bag you choose is the correct one. For instance, you’ll want a lightwweight bag to keep you cool in the summer. Winter, on the other hand, requires a heavier sleeping bag that is rated for low temperatures.

Camping is a great activity for everyone. By applying what you have learned today, you can make plans for a trip even the pickiest family member can enjoy. Mother Nature has a lot to offer, so get out there and enjoy it!

Think about where to set up camp before you do. You don’t want to overlook something like a snake hole, take a little precaution. Keep an eye out for animals and insects around your camp, and make sure there aren’t any large populations of them close to you. Also, carry insect repellent.

TIP! Be mindful of where exactly you put up your camp. Areas with insect nests and breeding grounds should always be avoided when setting up.