Camping is a great way to spend a vacation. To ensure that you enjoy your next camping adventure to its maximum, make sure that you read some of the top tips featured in this article. These tips offer some great advice for your next outdoor adventure.
Before going camping, take a course in first aid, especially if you plan to bring children with you. In an emergency, your first aid training could be the difference between life and death. Make sure to do your research. Find out if the local snakes are poisonous or if there may be plants or animals that you need to avoid.
Let everyone know they have a say in the campsite and should help pick a favorite spot. Talk about the state you would like to go to. There are many sites in the country to visit that are nearby and are very beneficial. To make it easy, pick a few that you really like and then have a family vote.
An emergency kit is a very important component to have while camping. Depending on the location, the kit may have extra items, but the basic items should be there. Take precautions for wildlife too, so keep some anti-venom on hand.
Duct tape is a handy tool to carry when you are camping. It can fix so many different things, holes, leaks and just about anything else that arises.
Make sure that you know basic first aid before you go out on a camping trip. This way, if someone were to have an accident, you’ll possess enough knowledge to deal with it enough until medical help arrives. Never forget to research. Find out if the area has poisonous snakes, what type of wildlife lives in the woods, etc.
Talk to your children about the dangers of camping before heading out on your trip. Make sure they understand what poison ivy looks like, to stay away from wild animals and to carry a light if they are walking around at night.
Always pack enough of the proper foods. Depending on the length of your stay, you will want food that is not very perishable. Just a little food poisoning can turn a camping trip upside down. Prepare all of your food in the proper way and take any necessary precautions.
Double check your 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. Don’t get caught without the protection you need in case of an emergency situation.
Take along items to use while you are camping in the wild. For instance, card games, fishing poles and footballs will help to ensure that you have a fun time in the woods. If your camping group includes children, consider bringing extra entertainment options.
Remember the old scout motto – be prepared! No matter how careful you are, things can happen that are not a part of your original plan. The weather may change all of a sudden, illness and injuries can occur, your circumstance can change, etc. Always avoid unnecessary risks and try not to be careless.
Set up a “jungle breakfast” when you are camping with your kids. To do this, tie cereal and juice boxes to trees so that your kids have to hunt for their breakfest. When your kids get up, have them hunt down their breakfast. This makes the trip even more magical for kids.
Upon arrival at the campsite, find a soft, flat area of ground and pitch your tent there. There is nothing more uncomfortable than sleeping on a slope or a spot with a rocky surface. Make sure you put down a tarp before you set up your tent. This will keep water from entering your tent at night.
Think carefully on your next trip to prevent the drainage of your flashlight batteries. You may accidentally turn on a flashlight while you’re looking through what you have packed for your trip. An easy way to prevent this is to switch your batteries around when the flashlight isn’t being used. That way, the flashlight cannot possibly drain the batteries if the ON button is bumped.
Pack a bandanna or handkerchief. Such an item can be used as a carrying bag, a potholder, a hand towel, a blotter or a paper towel. Make this multi-use item a standard addition to your camping supplies.
Make a list and check it twice before packing for your camping excursion. For trips that take a while to arrive at the destination, this is crucial. Pack a day or two before going camping, and check off things on your list as you go along.
If you go out camping with kids, have a photo of them on hand. If you lose them at some point, a picture will be very helpful to local authorities. Always have one on you for emergencies.
Bring oranges not only to eat but also to deter mosquitoes. Don’t throw away the peels when you are finished with them and rub them on yourself. Apply to any skin that’s exposed to keep insects away with no chemicals. It’s a lot cheaper than spending your money on bug spray!
Make sure to carry a utility knife with you when you are camping. Utility knives are among the most versatile pieces of equipment in a camper’s arsenal so make sure you Pack an extra one in your bag just in case you lose the one you carry around.
Smart campers will leave their car or base camp with a charged mobile phone. Or, bring an extra battery just in case your battery dies. Your cell phone can help should an emergency arise.
Set your campsite, tent and sleeping bags up before it gets dark. When traveling in an RV, locate a safe parking area. When forming your tent, find a spot that is level and dry. Making sure this is all done before dark gives you time to become familiar with the area. This will save you from feeling stressed and frustrated, as you can see exactly what you’re doing.
Make sure your shelter is ready before dark. It’s very hard to set up your tent when it’s dark outside. If you wait until dark to pitch your tent, you will need to build a fire or light several lanterns to ensure you can see to pitch your tent correctly. This should be done when the sun is present so that you can use natural light.
Master a map and a compass before heading out for your trip. Even if you’ve been to your campsite before, getting lost one time can still happen since many areas will looks the same. Also, this will help to avoid tragedy with friends or family.
Inform your children of possible dangers before taking them camping. Check out the plants that elicit poison ivy to better prepare for the dangers of camping.
Your survival kit should include waterproof matches. These should be stored in an airtight container. You could also make your own by coating them with nail polish before you leave for your trip. You can make a carrying case for matches by putting them in a film canister or a small plastic medicine bottle.
Camping novices often erroneously decide to camp close to the restrooms. People quickly realize that camping near bathrooms is a bad idea. Bathrooms get a lot of traffic, and they keep the lights on all night. Therefore, camping is not as comfortable and convenient as expected.
Don’t forget the duct tape. There are multiple uses to put it to when camping, just like at home. Duct tape can be used to repair anything. You can also use it to patch up a tent, tarp or sleeping bag. You can even use it to help prevent blisters on your feet. You can even use it to bandage up injuries.
Do you know what means you are going to use to cook your food? The cooking method is going to determine what food is appropriate for taking so make this decision well in advance. Cooking over an open campfire can be tasty and fun, but if you are not prepared for it, it can be impossible.
Keep your tent dry and ventilated. Condensation can form when you perspire and breathe in a completely sealed tent. This sometimes causes campers to wake from a deep sleep feeling wet. To avoid moisture build up in your tent, open the door or window in your tent.
Be mindful of your camp location choice. You want to avoid things like wasp’s nest, ant hills and things of that nature. When near vegetation, long sleeves shirts and long pants will keep insects from getting on your skin. Don’t forget to bring along the bug spray.
Camping can be made simpler and much more fun with advice that you can follow. You will really enjoy your camping trip and all the outdoors has to offer you by using these tips.
