For a lot of people, the thought of camping outdoors is attractive. If you want to be properly ready to make the most out of your camping, you need to be knowledgeable about the subject. By spending a little bit of time figuring out how everything should go, you’ll have a better trip than ever.
Remember, wet wood won’t burn right, so nature may not always provide the wood you need. Bringing some extra wood in a watertight wrapping is a smart idea for camping success.
Always find your shelter before it gets dark when you go camping. Once blackness falls out there in the woods, it can be extremely difficult to pitch a tent, find good firewood and prepare food. This is particularly important if you are not used to doing things in the dark. Don’t get into this situation, look for proper shelter before you get to this point.
Let your family members all have a decision when it comes to choosing a campsite. Discuss which state you wish to visit. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. You can select a few places to have the family vote on to make it easier.
Double check your medical insurance. When you travel to camp, you may need to have this updated or add an additional policy. This can be especially important if you leave the country on your trip, such as camping across the border in Canada. It always pays to be prepared for anything!
Bring sleeping bags appropriate for the season. If you’re camping in the heat of summer, a sub-zero bag just isn’t comfortable or appropriate. On the other hand, light-weight sleeping supplies will never keep you warm enough in the dead of winter. You may even risk hypothermia.
Try to add an activity having to do with swimming to your camping trip if at all possible. The thing people tend to miss most while camping is the convenience of their home shower. The water helps you feel refreshed and a bit cleaner so that you don’t miss showering quite as much.
Pack a first aid kit. The contents of the kit may change depending on where you camp and who you are with, but it should contain basic supplies. You may want to pack bear repellent or antivenom.
While you think nature will provide enough wood for your fire to continue burning, it may be wet, which will not burn. Bring along some dry wood and store it where it remain dry.
Look into pillows made specifically for camping. Standard bed pillows can become hot and sticky in humid weather. They may also get mildew from all the moisture outside. Pillows specifically designed for camping have a barrier to stop this behavior.
If you bring a dog with you to go camping, keep it leashed up and keep an eye on it. Other campers might be fearful of your dog, no matter how friendly he might be. You must consider them when you are camping, too. You do not want then to ruin anyone’s campsite due to lack of supervision.
Let everyone help choose the perfect campsite for your family. Openly talk about the various options available to you. With all of the options available, it is wise to let people decide for themselves. To make it easy, pick a few that you really like and then have a family vote.
When you are camping around dangerous creatures, you have to be even safer regarding food. Keep things tightly wrapped and store them away from the site of your tent; if needed, avoid certain types of food altogether. Doing so is going to decrease the likeliness of a random attack.
Make sure to prepare in advance before you engage in a camping trip. Bring creature comforts like a sleeping bag, extra blankets and even an air mattress. This is useful for nights where the temperature gets too cold or as extra padding when sleeping on hard ground.
Put together a survival pack and have it on you all the time. You need to pack a flare gun, utility knife, matches and a first aid kit. If you were to get lost or were put in an emergency situation, the survival kit will be of great help. This kit should be carried with you and not left back at camp.
It is imperative that you are properly packed for your camping trip. Omitting just an item or two can be calamitous. Making a list and checking things off is a good way to remember everything. A few things that you probably should pack include a sleeping bag, tent, knife, food, soap, and plenty of water.
Prior to going camping, be sure to create a list of what you’ll need. This is doubly important for campgrounds that are far away. Pack a day or two before going camping, and check off things on your list as you go along.
Make sure that you find out what sort of weather is forecast for the place that you are going to be camping at. There are countless websites that contain information about what sort of weather you should expect at the area you are going camping at. This way you will know what type of clothing to pack and the equipment you need.
Utility Knife
Make sure to carry a utility knife with you when you are camping. A utility knife is very convenient to carry while you are camping, so make sure to bring a spare in case one is lost.
Keep a kerchief or bandanna close at hand. They can serve many purposes, like potholder, blotter, hand towel or carrying bag. It has a multitude of uses and should be an essential part of your camping gear.
Clean out your campsite before you leave to go back home. Include trash bags in your supplies to make cleanup easy. Dispose of any left over food as well as your trash. One big camping rule is that only your footprints should remain when you go home.
Choose a sleeping bag that is made for the time of year you will be camping. Choose a lighter bag for summer months, as an example. In the winter, however, you need something a bit thicker to stay warm.
Duct tape is the cure-all for many mishaps in camping. It can help you out if something happens and your tent gets torn somehow. You can fix leaks on inflatable beds, tape up shoes, seal up any bug netting, and a lot more.
When camping in the cooler weather, dress in layers. Outdoor weather can change quickly. It may be very cold in the morning, but the afternoon can be blistering hot. Also, as soon as night time begins to fall, temperatures can plummet. Make sure to layer your clothing so you are prepared for anything.
If you are interested in camping in the woods but have never done so before, there is a quick way to test if you will enjoy it or not. Just set your tent up right in your backyard and spend a night outside. Don’t go into your house at all until morning. If you enjoy this, you may like camping!
Camping is great fun for kids if you plan things that they can do. When you are in the woods with nothing around but trees, they may become bored. They may not know how to fish or pitch tents. This a great way for them to experience the great outdoors.
When you are planning a long trip, bring games to increase the amount of fun that you have. A book or some music are perfect entertainment while you are out camping, leave the technology at home.
Plenty of sunscreen should be packed. Guarding your skin against the sun is important. Make sure to get a sunscreen with a high SPF and put it on regularly. Your ideal sunscreen will also contain a bug repellent. Make sure that you do not put too much chemicals on your body when out in the wilderness, though.
Take a few things with you to entertain yourself while you’re camping. Pack such things as cards, fishing poles or even plan for a scavenger hunt. If your kids are along on your camping trip, include as many entertainment items as possible.
Successful campers know that camping is a great life experience. But to plan the best camping trip, you should do some research first. Heed the advice in this article, and you should be a camping pro soon.
