Many people have a negative view of camping. This doesn’t have to be the case. It is possible to enjoy yourself, eat well and stay away from the bugs if you really try. Continue reading to learn the best way to plan your next trip.
It is important to establish and set up your shelter before the sun goes down. Once the woods are dark, it is very difficult to find firewood, pitch your tent and prepare some food. This is even more true if you’re accustomed to city life, and your eyes haven’t adjusted to the darkness of the woods. Avoid being in that position; find good shelter before the sun goes down.
You may feel that when you get to your campsite you will have enough wood to make a fire. This is not always the case because green and wet wood will not burn easily. It’s always recommended that you bring extra wood and keep it where it won’t get wet.
Sleeping Bag
Make sure that the sleeping bag you bring camping is right for the weather. If you use a heavy winter sleeping bag in summer, this can be stifling and uncomfortable. On the other hand, if you pack a lighter summer bag during cold weather camping, you are going to not get any rest. Using a lighter sleeping bag in the winter could actually lead to you developing hypothermia.
Remember that everything you bring will get dirty on your trip. If you know this ahead of the actual trip, you can prepare for the inevitable and get yourself some extra supplies. Enjoy your time and don’t afraid to be messy. You can always clean up, and be “normal” when you return home.
Have everyone give their opinion on where you should camp. Talk about where you want to camp. With all of the options available, it is wise to let people decide for themselves. Try to select a short-list and then put it to a family vote.
When you buy a new tent, set it up completely at home before you take it camping. This allows you to check and see that all the pieces are there and that you know how to assemble your shelter correctly. In addition, it will eradicate a portion of the frustration often associated with erecting a new tent.
Camping can be extremely fun or extremely dangerous depending upon how prepared you are. Only go camping when you have prepared yourself for it. If you are camping somewhere new, research the area to familiarize yourself with the climate, wildlife and other factors.
Consider taking a CPR and first aid class. This is especially important if young children are traveling with you. In case of an accident, you will know what to do until medical help arrives. Be sure to research the area you are visiting. It is also best to know what exists in the area you will be in so that you can prepare for that as well.
Double-check any medical insurance. You may need additional coverage in case you have an accident in a different state. This is very important if you will be camping in a foreign country. It always pays to be prepared for anything!
Bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you when you go camping. They can serve many purposes, like potholder, blotter, hand towel or carrying bag. Take a few with you anytime you go camping.
Camping is great fun for kids if you plan things that they can do. Many of today’s children are not used to downtime away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and the quiet outdoors can cause boredom for them. They may not know what it’s like to fish or do things in nature. If they aren’t used to camping activities, teach them before you leave.
Are you a novice at camping, having just bought your tent? Practice putting your tent up before going camping. This will help you to be prepared with the right equipment and skills to pitch your tent with ease. This will help you quickly pitch a tent before darkness falls at your campsite.
Your camp should be set up before nightfall. When adventuring in an RV, be safely parked before dark. If you are camping in a tent, look for a dry and flat area of ground. Doing this during daylight hours will save you hassle and frustration. It will also allow prevent the frustration of not being able to see while setting up your equipment.
Ensure you bring some flashlights and extra batteries whenever you go camping. You will surely find it necessary to illuminate things once night falls. Having the ability to light up an area well can prevent injuries and potentially dangerous encounters with wildlife. It’s a good idea to bring along one flashlight for each person in your camping party.
Sleeping bags can be purchased for a variety of camping conditions. Lighter bags might be good ideas for warmer climates and seasons to avoid unnecessary weight and space usage, but make sure that you have a heavy enough bag to stay warm in cold conditions. You want a sleeping bag that is close to your body and helps you retain your body heat if you plan to sleep in a tent.
If you are camping for the first time, stay close to home. If you want to end your trip, you will be close to home. It could be that you didn’t pack enough food or your clothing is not warm enough. First-time camping is a learning experience and anything can happen, so find a campground near your home.
Think about where to set up camp before you do. You want to avoid erecting your tent near a wasp’s nest or other insect habitats. When near vegetation, long sleeves shirts and long pants will keep insects from getting on your skin. It is also a good idea to carry insect repellent.
Make sure that you pack strategically and efficiently when you go on a camping trip. Write down everything you will need, and cross them off as they are packed. If you are planning to camp in an area away from first aid access, then this will be especially necessary.
Protect your canine companion on the trip by keeping him leashed and under careful supervision. There are those who have a fear of dogs. You should respect your fellow campers in the area. Dogs can also damage campsites, or get into the belongings of your neighboring camps, without proper supervision.
Study the map of the area you plan to enter in advance and learn how to use a compass. You can get lost no matter where you are camping, keep that in mind. Learn to use these survival tools to prevent potentially bad situations.
Clean up your campsite before going home. Bring enough garbage bags for all the trash. Remove any traces of food from the campsite. The only things you should really be leaving behind at your campsite are your footprints.
Are you a new camper with a brand new tent? Before you take it on your first trip, practice setting up your tent. This way, you will know the things you need to put your tent up. This also means that you can do it rather easily and speedily when you get to your campsite, meaning your tent might be up before the sun is totally gone.
Many people who are new to camping think that erecting a tent next to the campsite’s communal bathrooms is a good idea. While this can seem convenient, it really isn’t. The bathroom areas are light sources and draw a great deal of traffic. When you camp by the bathrooms, it isn’t as convenient as you think.
What do you plan on cooking when you embark on your trip? The cooking method is going to determine what food is appropriate for taking so make this decision well in advance. You can easily boil foods like hot dogs over a boiling pot of water and an open flame, but you need the right equipment.
Make sure you bring the right things when you go camping. Forgetting a few simple items could be disastrous for your trip. Write a list of all the items you need and make sure to cross them off of the list once you pack them. Don’t forget sleeping bags, water, utility knives, anti-bacterial soap and sanitizer, fire starters and a sturdy tent.
You can now see that camping can be a lot of fun. You can use the tips that you found in this article as a guideline to help you in the planning of future outdoor adventures. These tips will assist you in enjoying the positive aspects of camping while circumventing the negatives.