There are few activities in the world that can match the the feeling of camping. There is truly nothing that can surpass the feeling of enjoying nature first hand and witnessing its beauty. 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.
Always pack and carry a survival kit. You should have a bandanna (to use as a sling or tourniquet), wound coverings, something to use for sprains, matches, a knife, tablets to purify water and a compass in your kit. These are essential items for your survival if you ever get lost. Your kit should not be left behind at the camp site, but should be carried with you wherever you go.
Select your sleeping bag with the weather, season and location of your trip in mind. Don’t take a heavy sleeping bag out in the summer, it could make you sweat and be uncomfortable all night long. On the other hand, bringing a light-weight bag in the middle of winter could cause you to wake up freezing. Extremely cold weather can bring about frostbite.
Don’t worry about over-packing for the kids. Camping can be very messy. The dirt is like a magnet that draws your children into the mess. So, you are likely to be dealing with grimy kids all day long. You may not be able to keep them clean, but you can bring a change of clothes. Always prepare!
Be certain that your tent has enough space for both yourself and whoever else comes with you. Being stuffed into a tent can make it almost impossible to get any sleep, and you certainly do not want to be stepping on people if you have to get out during the night.
When it comes to children, don’t hesitate to over-pack. Camping is messy. Kids are always attracted to dirt. So, you are likely to be dealing with grimy kids all day long. You may not be able to keep them clean, but you can bring a change of clothes. It’s best to be prepared.
Consider taking a CPR and first aid class. This is especially important if young children are traveling with you. With the training you receive, you will be better prepared to handle an accident or other emergency situation while you wait for medical assistance. Also remember to research other dangers near your camping location. Look into snake species, poisonous plants, spiders, bugs, and other animals.
You can use dryer lint as a kindling to start a campfire with. Before you go camping, start saving lint from the dryer’s filter. Place a bag near your tumble dryer and just stuff lint from the dryer’s filter into the bag every time it is full. That way, it will be convenient to just grab it at put it in your car at the last minute.
Dryer lint can be used as kindling for starting your campfire. Start storing your lint in a bag a couple weeks before your trip. Collecting lint in a bag will allow you to have a fire building tool for your trip. You can just go about your business after that.
Bring activities for you to have fun with while camping. You can take card games, a list for a scavenger hunt, and fishing poles for some entertainment. If your kids are along on your camping trip, include as many entertainment items as possible.
While camping’s purpose is to survive off the fat of the land, it is still important to prepare yourself. A sleeping bag is a must, and extra blankets should also be considered. This can help you stay warm if it cools down at night or you may use them for extra padding.
Make sure to finish setting up camp during daylight hours. When adventuring in an RV, be safely parked before dark. If your camping with a tent, make sure to find a dry area that is also flat so you can pitch your tent with ease. If you do it before nighttime, it is easier to get familiar with the area. By setting up camp during the daylight, you can avoid the frustration associated with setting up camp.
When going on a camping trip, it is vital that you bring several lanterns and/or flashlights, as well as extra batteries with you. Once the sun has set it is nice to have a source of light. Having that extra light source might help to prevent a fall or accident, or even getting lost in the woods. When you go camping and your kids come along, it is smart to let them each have their own flashlight.
Plan out all of your clothing before leaving for your trip. This way you’ll have enough clean clothing for your trip. Pack clothing appropriate for your campsite’s climate and weather. Shoes need to be closed and durable, especially for hiking.
When you go camping for the first few times, be sure that your camp is close to where you live. You could run into problems with your gear, or decide to cut the trip short. You might find that you do not have enough clothes or food. Lots of calamities can befall new campers, so sticking close to home at first is wise.
Beef jerky and trail mix are two camping staples you should always bring with you. It’s likely that you’ll be so worn out at dinnertime that you will only feel like snacking and not cooking. Also, these foods keep well so if you don’t eat them, you can enjoy them later.
In closing, there are not very many activities that can compete with the experience of a camping adventure. Through camping, you can see and feel every aspect of nature. If you apply the suggestions in this article, your next camping trip at your favorite location can be relaxing and enjoyable.
Take a leash with you if you plan to bring your dog camping. Some people are afraid of dogs. You should be respectful of other campers while at the site. Also, your pet could be destructive to other people’s belongings.
