At a camp, there is no air conditioning, furnace or kitchen. You need to plan carefully and prepare yourself for these things. The following article can help you make sure you get the most out of your camping trip.
It is important to remember that getting dirty is inevitable. If you’re prepared beforehand, it won’t stress you out when it occurs. Enjoy your time in the woods by letting yourself relax and get dirty. You can get clean when you return home.
You may wish to take a class that has to do with first aid, especially if you’re traveling with kids. If something unexpected comes up, you will be ready to handle it. Make sure you do the proper research. Find out what poisonous snakes or dangerous animals live in the area.
Dryer lint makes wonderful kindling to start your campfires with. Several weeks prior to your trip, start gathering up everything that collects in your lint trap. Just hang a grocery bag next to your dryer and stuff the lint into the bag. Doing this means you can just snag your kindling on the way out the door the morning your trip starts.
Try to find a campsite that is closer to your house for your convenience when on your first trip. You could run into problems with your gear, or you may decide you simply don’t like camping that much. You may not have enough food, or realize that you didn’t pack the right clothing. Many problems may occur for novice campers, so be sure to camp near home.
Check the weather before leaving for your camping trip. You may even be able to find a website that gives you a general idea of the normal weather patterns in that area. When you know what to expect, you will have the right clothes packed.
Make sure you pack enough of the right kinds of food for camping. Depending upon how long your trip will last, you should have plenty of food that won’t spoil over the course of your trip. Food poisoning will put a damper on your trip and force you to end it quickly. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain the highest level of preparation with your food.
If Fido is coming with your on your camping trip, don’t forget his leash. Other campers might be fearful of your dog, no matter how friendly he might be. Respect is important when camping. Additionally, your dog could really destroy anyone’s campsite if left on his own, including yours.
Make sure you know what’s covered in your medical insurance. If you are going camping out of state, you may have to add an additional policy for full coverage. This can be especially important if you leave the country on your trip, such as camping across the border in Canada. Semper paratus doesn’t just apply to the military! Be prepared!
Before going on a camping trip, make sure that you compile a list of things that you will need to take with you. This is an important step if you are traveling a distance to get to your camp site. Pack a day or two before going camping, and check off things on your list as you go along.
Flashlights are imperative to bring while camping as there is minimal light in the wilderness. After the sun sets, the night can be very dark and sources of light are a necessity. If you have a flashlight or lamp you can avoid injury, such as getting poked in the eye by a branch. If you have children with you on your camping trip, a smart thing to do is to give each of them a flashlight.
Try to go swimming when you are camping. You may miss the shower at your home when you are camping. Swimming can help you feel a little cleaner.
Sleeping Bag
When you are camping, be sure you choose the right sleeping bag for the site conditions. For example, there are lightweight sleeping bag for warm weather and heavy sleeping bags for colder weather. If you are spending the night in a tent in cold weather, a bag that hugs your body and traps your body heat is essential.
Be sure to bring a supply of oranges with you on your trip; they are both healthy and keep mosquitoes away. When you get through eating an orange, rub the peel on exposed skin to keep pesky bugs away.
Always keep a close eye on your kids. There are cars that pull in and out of campsites, and of course, young children can quickly and easily get lost in the woods. It can happen in an instant, so make sure they are always supervised.
An orange may prevent you from getting mosquito bites when you’re on your camping trip. If you remembered to pack everything but the mosquito repellant, don’t despair. Experts suggest rubbing the inside peel of a ripe orange over the exposed parts of your body. This can last a few hours and make your trip a more comfortable one.
Don’t forget to include special pillows made just for camping on your adventure. Your standard pillow that you have at home will not be comfortable if the conditions become humid. The moisture in the air can also cause mildew. Specialized pillows for campers feature protective fabric that resists moisture absorption.
Plan some to take some extra snacks on your camping trip such as trail mix or beef jerky. These grab-and-go snacks are great for taking on a hike or as a snack after a long day when you don’t feel like preparing a meal. These items keep for a long time so it won’t be like your wasting food if you don’t use them.
Food poisoning happens for campers when food is not packed properly. Foods should be properly vacuum-packed, canned and sealed. Pack perishable foods in ice and drain your cooler often to prevent water from damaging the food.
You need duct tape because it is a versatile, handy tool. Duct tape is very useful camping, the same as it is at home. You can slap a piece of it on a leaking air mattress. It can seal a rip in your tent, sleeping bag, or tarp. If someone’s shoe falls apart while out and about, it can hold shoes together quite nicely. Applied to the foot itself can prevent blisters. It can also work as a bandage.
It may sound silly to be reminded of this, but always make sure you take toilet paper on a camping trip. Many camping trips involve trees as toilets. Without toilet paper, your only option is to use a few leaves to wipe. This is not pleasant and might even contain poison ivy or poison oak.
When choosing a sleeping bag, be sure you select one that fits the season in which you are going to be camping. In the summer you want to have a light, cool bag. Though, winter will require a heavy bag that traps body warmth during the night.
Pitching a tent can be complicated for anyone, but it is especially difficult for beginner campers. Practice pitching the tent that you purchase to gain experience and avoid stress. This will enable you to learn how to pitch the tent properly and make sure all of the equipment is fully functional. This is ideal, as even if you end up at your campsite while the sunlight is fading you will be able to quickly set up your camp.
Lots of camping novices set up their camp beside the rest area. While this can seem convenient, it really isn’t. Communal campsite bathrooms are a constant source of light, noise and unpleasant smells. Because of that, they aren’t really as convenient as one might think.
Keep your food safe when you are camping. Pack foods in airtight bags and containers that are waterproof. Put your food in an insulated cooler. Keep your raw food away from cooked foods. Wash your hands while preparing food and afterward, and keep any surfaces, utensils and cooking containers clean as well. Cook all your foods completely, and make sure to chill perishables as soon as possible.
When you are at your campsite, pitch your tent on the softest and most level ground you are able to find. If you pick out a sloped or a rocky spot it can make sleeping and hanging out in the tent very uncomfortable. Make sure you place a tarp underneath your tent to keep water out, also.
Camping trips require that you give up a few of your creature comforts and get back to nature. Many people enjoy that, but others have a hard time with it. Since the idea of a camping trip is fun and relaxation, you should plan your trip carefully and have some good ideas. This article provided you with some good advice, so use them wisely.
