Camping is an activity like no other. Seeing the wonders of the world and experiencing nature up close is an awesome experience indeed. Camping is an activity that you need to prepare for though, as going without proper preparation can lead to an uncomfortable, or even dangerous, situation.
Find your best place for camping shelter long before nightfall. If you wait until after dark to set up you will find it to be nearly impossible, even if you have decent light. That is particularly true if you aren’t used to the blackness of the wilderness. Avoid this hazard completely, by finding adequate shelter long before the sun goes down.
Find where you will camp before sunset. Finding the right spot for your tent, gathering firewood and making dinner are all a lot tougher after darkness settles in. This is even more true for city folks whose eyes are not used to the pitch black. Do whatever you can to make sure that you find a safe location for your tent and pitch it before you find yourself in this sticky situation.
Remember that everything you bring will get dirty on your trip. If you’re prepared beforehand then you won’t be so stressed out when things start to get dirtier. Enjoy your time and don’t afraid to be messy. You can get clean when you get home.
Let everyone help choose the perfect campsite for your family. One of the things you will want to discuss is which state you would like to visit. The U.S. has dozens of great camping options. To make your decision easier, pick a few favorites and then vote on the final choice.
Your sleeping bag should be seasonally appropriate. Bringing a sub-zero type of sleeping bag to use on a trip in the summer will make you sweat the entire night. On the other hand, if you bring along a light-weight bag in the winter, you may feel like you are freezing to death. Using a lighter sleeping bag in the winter could actually lead to you developing hypothermia.
Don’t worry about over-packing for your kids. Camping can be messy. Children seem to be dirt magnets. So, you are likely to be dealing with grimy kids all day long. The solution is not to stop them from getting dirty, but to have clean clothes ready for them after they are done. Be prepared!
A “jungle breakfast” is something that could be enjoyed when camping with children. Bring several, small boxes of easy-to-fix foods, such as cereals, fruits, snacks, and other quick, yet healthy, meals. Then, have the kids go on a hunt for their breakfast when they awaken. It’s a fun way to make camping a little more exciting for the children.
Chances are, your family and your belongings are going to end up getting dirty. Being prepared for this will make sure you don’t stress too much when it occurs. Enjoy being in the woods and allow yourself to let loose and be messy. You can clean up when you get back home.
Try to fit swimming into your schedule in some way. The thing people tend to miss most while camping is the convenience of their home shower. The coolness of water while swimming is refreshing on hot days, and it helps you to clean yourself. You might not miss the shower after all!
Emergency Kit
Include the family in the selection of the campsite. Openly talk about the various options available to you. There are so many options around the U.S. that it can actually be difficult to pick one! If it makes things simpler, list your personal preferences and then have the family choose from them.
No matter if you are going camping alone, or with a huge group, you need to always bring along an emergency kit. This emergency kit changes depending on the place you go camping, but you have to be certain it has the basic tools. For example, if you will be camping in a Southern state you should certainly carry anti-venom for the local wildlife that you may encounter.
Duct tape is a valuable item to carry for many different situations. You can patch holes in your tent, your mattress or your shoes, or secure your tent poles, seal mosquito netting and much, much more.
Bring a hankerchief or a bandanna with you. You can use these as hand towels, cleanup towels, pot holders or anything you need cloth for. It is very versatile, so be sure you take one with you every time you go camping.
Take along a specialized pillow or two for camping. If you use your bedroom pillows, the humid weather will make them feel hot and sticky. As they absorb moisture from the air, they can become covered in mildew rather quickly. Camping pillows are coated to prevent this from happening, keeping you dry and comfortable.
When first getting involved with camping, start out close to home. That way, if problems arise, you won’t be too far from help. You might find that you do not have enough clothes or food. Many issues can occur for new campers, so you should camp near home your first time.
Make sure that you bring all of your camping equipment with you before you head out on your trip. It would be a shame to arrive at your campsite only to realize you have forgotten some important items, like food and water. Use a check list that you can use to double check, to be sure that you have everything before you leave home.
Be sure to pack a sufficient amount of the proper foods. You don’t want to take food with you that will spoil easily, no matter the length of time of your trip. Getting food poisoning can bring an abrupt end to a camping trip. Take the proper steps to prepare your food and do research if necessary.
Duct Tape
It’s important to talk with you kids about the dangers of camping. You can always visit websites that illustrate the dangers posed by poison ivy as well as other harmful plants.
Rolls of duct tape can be useful to take along on any camping trips you have planned in the future. Duct tape has numerous uses at a campsite. Tape can be used to seal holes in your sleeping mattress. You can close up rips and tears, and bundle things together. You can also protect your feet against blisters while hiking long distances by putting duct tape on them. You can even use it to bandage up injuries.
Don’t let your kids out of your sight. Kids love to explore in the woods and they can very easily get lost. Things happen very quickly and your kids should be supervised.
Don’t go far from home during your first couple of camping trips. You may run into problems that will require you to shorten your trip, like problems with equipment. Perhaps you realize that you’ve run out of food or haven’t packed enough clothing. There are many unexpected problems you may encounter the first time you go camping, so stay close to home.
An orange may prevent you from getting mosquito bites when you’re on your camping trip. Don’t worry if you forget the bug spray. Experts say to rub your exposed body parts with a inside layer of a ripe orange peel. This can last a few hours and make your trip a more comfortable one.
Always make sure that you have a sharp knife with you when you go camping. Utility knives serve many functions so bring along at least one.
Food is one of the most important items to bring while camping. If you are going to be camping for a considerable duration, you need to ensure that you have food than will not go bad. Food poisoning can quickly put an ugly end to any outdoor vacation. Use proper food preparation techniques and make sure you are well-read regarding the precautions you should take.
It is generally a smart idea to leave your basecamp or car with a fully charged cell phone. Bring extra batteries in case the first one dies. A cellphone is a great way to get in touch with someone in case of an emergency so be sure yours isn’t going to die.
Make sure the sleeping bag you choose for your camping trip is right for the time of year and all the weather it brings. For instance, you’ll want a lightwweight bag to keep you cool in the summer. Meanwhile, if you are camping during the winter months, you will probably desire a more heavyweight sleep bag that will protect the body’s extremities from frostbite.
Bringing a dog on your camping trip is fine as long as you bring a leash and keep a close eye on them. Some people get frightened by dogs. This will maximize the respect that you have for others while camping. Also, your pet could be destructive to other people’s belongings.
There are few things in this world to match camping. The fresh air, the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world, all make camping a great experience. You’ll be headed to a nice camping trip with these tips.
