Camping is a pastime that has long been known to be a favorite of many families. But, some people don’t even bother going on a trip because they think the whole process is difficult. With the correct advice, camping is really quite simple. Here you will find great camping advice that can help any beginner get to know this fabulous activity a little better.
Anytime you buy a tent, be sure to practice setting it up and taking it down in your backyard prior to actually camping. This allows you to check and see that all the pieces are there and that you know how to assemble your shelter correctly. That can also cut down on the frustration some feel when setting a tent up for the first time.
Find your best place for camping shelter long before nightfall. Once it is dark in the woods, pitching a tent can be next to impossible, finding firewood can be difficult and preparing food hard. This is very true if you’re used to being in a city where there isn’t any darkness ever. Avoid this by setting up your shelter ahead of time.
A first aid session, especially if you have children, is essential. If you have an accident, you are going to know how to fix the situation before you can get professional medical help. Be sure to research beforehand. Know the types of wild animals that inhabit the woods and gain understanding of any poisonous snakes or plants nearby.
A ‘jungle breakfast’ can be a great activity for the kids. Take juice boxes, mini cereal boxes and fruit and tie the food to trees. Let the kids go out hunt for their breakfast. It is a fun way to start the day and something for the kids to look forward to each morning.
Remember, wet wood won’t burn right, so nature may not always provide the wood you need. Make sure you bring some of your own dry kindling and make sure it stays in a dry area.
Emergency kits are one of the most important things to bring on a camping trip. This kit must include the basics for the event of an emergency. You may want to pack bear repellent or antivenom.
Not only are oranges a great snack for camping, but they also serve as a natural mosquito repellant. When you get through eating an orange, rub the peel on exposed skin to keep pesky bugs away.
Expect that camping is not typically a time you can stay clean easily. If you know this ahead of the actual trip, you can prepare for the inevitable and get yourself some extra supplies. Then, you can be as messy as you want, without worry of getting dirty. You can always take a bath back at the house.
Make sure to finish setting up camp during daylight hours. If you are in a vehicle, this means find a secure spot to park the vehicle. If you have a tent, carefully select the plot of land you are going to use. Knowing the area around your campsite before it gets dark adds to your camping safety. It will also allow prevent the frustration of not being able to see while setting up your equipment.
Make sure you have activities to do while camping. You can entertain yourself and your family by fishing, playing card games or setting up a scavenger hunt. If you are going camping with children, you need to make sure that you bring a lot of things to keep them entertained during the trip.
Learn proper first aid. In the unfortunate case of an accident, you will be prepared to handle the situation. Do your research properly. Be sure you are aware whether there are any snakes or spiders that are poisonous and what kind of critters are out there in the area.
If you will be camping in an area that is known for having dangerous wildlife, you need to double up your precautions when it comes to food. All of your foods should be tightly wrapped and not place near your tent. Some foods shouldn’t be brought at all. This will help prevent wild animals from being tempted to visit your campsite.
Sleeping Bags
Make sure you know what the weather will be before going on your trip. Lots of websites offer detailed information about average temperatures and rainfall. If you have the correct information, you can pack properly.
Make sure that you choose the right sleeping bag for the conditions on the campsite. When the weather is warm, light sleeping bags work best; heavier sleeping bags are also available for colder weather. You will need sleeping bags that hug your body and help you retain body heat if you’re sleeping in a tent.
Camping can make for a very relaxing weekend in your life or it can be a hellish trip. The difference between these two comes down to one thing – preparation. The more prepared you are for your trip, the more likely that it will be the relaxing trip of your dreams.
Try to combine a camping experience with a swimming experience of some kind. Any time you go camping, you are likely to miss taking a shower. The cool water at a beach or pool will help you feel clean and refreshed.
It’s essential to take duct tape on every camping trip. Although tents tend to be more durable nowadays, they may still get torn. A few strips of this durable tape can keep you dry and cozy at night if your tent is damaged during the day.
When choosing a sleeping bag, be sure you select one that fits the season in which you are going to be camping. If it’s summer time, look for the lightest weight bag you can find, to keep extra cool. For wintertime, you will need to ensure that you have a heavyweight bag that will keep you warm in cold temperatures.
Set your campsite, tent and sleeping bags up before it gets dark. If you have an RV, find a secure place to park. If you are camping in a tent, look for a dry and flat area of ground. It is much easier to do these things during the day, and you can become familiar with the area. You can see how to set up your camp, which will save a good deal of frustration.
Follow the right procedures for safety when you go camping. This means you need to avoid large and small wildlife. Don’t be fooled into thinking that smaller animals are safe to be around. Even a small animal can be deadly, especially if they are carrying a disease. Everyone should know, but some are unaware, that you should never feed any bears or other wildlife when camping.
Now that you’ve come to the end of this article, you realize how easy camping can be. No matter your skill level, you can advance very quickly. Use this advice on your next trip. Soon you’ll be closer to nature on a great adventure.
Find all of your equipment and start packing well in advance of your trip. You certainly don’t want to forget something important like your sleeping bag or tent. Check and double check your list to ensure that you pack everything you need.
