Some people associate camping with mosquitoes, hunger and boredom. This is not how it has to be. You can have a great time, eat great food and avoid those pesky bugs if you plan properly. Continue reading to learn the best way to plan your next trip.
If you’re bringing kids on your camping trip, over-pack for them. Camping can get very messy and dirty when you bring your children. Children love the dirt. So, you are likely to be dealing with grimy kids all day long. Know that you must accept that fact, but have a change of clothing for them so they can be comfortable. It is important to be prepared.
Be sure to know the recent conditions of where you will be staying. For example, you will want to know if the area will be dry enough to find suitable firewood. Bring some wood and store it in an area that is not moist when you camp.
Choose a tent large enough for everyone that will be expected to use it. 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! A hot shower can be sorely missed. The cool water helps you to feel fresher, and you may just miss your shower a bit less.
When purchasing a brand new tent, put it together once at home before going on your camping trip. That will help you make sure your tent has all the pieces and you know how to properly set it up. It’s a great way to avoid the frustration of having to set up a tent on site.
If you think you’ll miss the luxuries of home, bring along a liitle something. Bring an interesting book, some luxurious candy or even a nice fluffy pillow. Don’t bring any items that are heavy, though. These small treats for yourself can really boost morale.
When you take children camping with you, make sure to go over some of the dangers associated with camping. Ensure you children know what poison ivy and poison oak looks like, what to do if they get lost or stumble upon wildlife.
A survival kit should be packed and carried on you everywhere you go. Must haves include, but aren’t limited to, a knife, matches, a flare gun, and a first aid pack. This kit may keep you alive if you are lost and these items are indispensable for a survival situation. Always carry it on your person when you venture away from your campsite, or it won’t do you much good.
Always pack enough food and the right kind. Depending on the amount of time you will be out, it is important to have food that will not spoil while you are out. You don’t want to get food poisoning, so you want food that doesn’t spoil easily. Use proper food preparation techniques and make sure you are well-read regarding the precautions you should take.
If a pet accompanies you to the campground, do not just let him or her run free. Many people are fearful of pets – especially large dogs. You must respect other campers. Also, your pet could be destructive to other people’s belongings.
Make sure to have an idea of the weather before starting your trip. There are countless websites that contain information about what sort of weather you should expect at the area you are going camping at. If you have the correct weather information, you will be better prepared with proper equipment and clothing.
The idea of camping is to live with just the essentials, but you should make sure to be well prepared. Blankets are essential, in addition to a sleeping bag, to maximize comfort. They can be very handy when the evening temperatures drop. If not needed for warmth, they can be extra padding from the solid ground beneath.
Remember the Boy Scout motto – be prepared! It is important to plan, but sometimes unexpected things happen. The weather can suddenly change, surrounding circumstances can change, injuries and illness can happen, etc. Do not be careless, because this can get in the way of you having fun.
Try to go swimming when you are camping. While camping, you might really miss the luxury of showering. The coolness of the water when you swim will help you feel clean and refreshed, so you may not miss your home shower as much.
Camping Trip
Try to arrange all of your clothing in advance before you go on a camping trip. You don’t want to be stuck wearing dirty clothes daily. Make sure that you have the correct types of clothes for your camping trip. It is also a good idea to bring a few pairs of shoes so that you have extras in case of mud or water getting into them.
Always prepare an emergency kit when camping, whether you are going by yourself or with others. Always keep the bare basics with you in the kit, and make sure that you have water purification tablets in it as well. Take into consideration all the possibilities that nature has to offer, and take precautions for them.
If you’re taking along the kids, pack current pictures of them. If they go missing, you can show people the photo to help find them quickly. When camping far away from your house, remember to bring one in case of an emergency.
Camping can either be an extremely relaxing or an extremely torturous experience. Preparation can mean the difference between a good or a bad trip. When you prepare correctly, your trip will be great.
Duct tape is a valuable item to carry for many different situations. This can help to seal and protect your tent and even protect your body.
Make sure you know how to use a compass and map before you go camping. Even if you are familiar with your intended campsite, you could still get lost because many areas look the same. Avoid problems by learning to use these items that can save your life.
Many get food poisoning due to improperly stored food on a camping trip. Any food that is not canned, preserved, or vacuum sealed is at risk of spoiling or causing food poisoning. Pack plenty of ice to keep any perishable foods cold and remember to pull the drain plug in the cooler so the food does not get soaked.
Purchase pillows that are made specifically for camping. Your standard pillow that you have at home will not be comfortable if the conditions become humid. Standard pillows will take in moisture and could mold or mildew. A good pillow intended for camping, however, will keep the moisture out, which will prevent any of the above problems.
Sleeping Bag
Remember to choose a sleeping bag that is suitable for the season you are camping in. In the summer you want to have a light, cool bag. When it’s cold, you need to have a sleeping bag that will handle sub zero temperatures.
Make sure that you bring all of your camping equipment with you before you head out on your trip. Forgetting your sleeping bag or food is not what you want to happen. Have a checklist of the items you need before you leave lest something be left behind.
Plan activities to make the trip exciting from beginning to end. Marshmallows and campfires aren’t the only things you can do when you’re camping. Exercise your creative muscles and think of things everyone in your group will enjoy. Take everyone into consideration when you’re making your camping trip plans.
Keep the tent well ventilated and dry. If you choose to sleep in a completely closed tent, by morning the condensation from humidity, sweating and breathing will really accumulate on everything inside. You may even wake up wet. Make sure to purchase a tent that has vents or windows that can be opened to stop moisture from becoming a problem.
Know what dangers await you at your camping destination. This would include stuff like what spiders dwell there, how steep the terrain is, and if the area is prone to flooding. Every camping area has its dangers.
You don’t have to purchase a tarp to put under your tent; use a cheap or old shower curtain instead. You can also use it as a way to control run-off as you are washing or cooking. Don’t throw away a shower curtain; use it for your next camping trip.
Don’t forget the lint! This may sound silly, but lint is a great, cheap, and quick way to make a campfire. It lights easily and is completely free! All you have to do is create a spark and the lint will create a fire quickly.
Bringing a dog on your camping trip is fine as long as you bring a leash and keep a close eye on them. Many people fear dogs. Take others into consideration when you camp if you bring a dog. In addition, dogs are capable of causing a great deal of damage to a campsite if not well supervised.
This information has helped you see that camping can be enjoyable and successful. Apply the ideas presented here as a roadmap to planning your next time in the great outdoors. They are great for helping you steer clear of camping pitfalls so that you can enjoy nothing but the benefits.