Going Camping? Read These Top Tips First!

Are you planning a camping trip? Are you prepared for even the most simple aspects of camping? Though plenty of what you need to know is basic, you must take the time to educate yourself. Keep reading to get some terrific guidance.

Bring sleeping bags appropriate for the season. You are going to be really hot and uncomfortable camping in the summertime if your sleeping bag is rated for sub-zero temperatures. If you are going to bring a light bag in the winter, you may end up freezing and having a miserable time. Without protection, you are running the risk of developing hypothermia.

It is important to keep in mind the fact that your person and all of your possessions will get dirty during a camping trip. Being prepared for the inevitable is the best way to avoid unneeded stress. Just have fun. Relax, and enjoy your time in the great outdoors. You can return to being clean and civilized when you’re at home.

TIP! Chances are, your family and your belongings are going to end up getting dirty. When you know that going in, you won’t stress out when it happens.

Allow everyone who is going on the trip to have a say about the campsite. Discuss which state you wish to visit. The many options may make it difficult to settle on one. Try to select a short-list and then put it to a family vote.

A survival kit should be packed and carried on you everywhere you go. Survival kits must include water purification tablets, a knife, a first aid box, flare gun and waterproof matches. If you are injured or lose your way, this will give you a greater chance of survival. Always carry this pack with you instead of leaving it at the campsite.

Let all of your family members have a chance to contribute to picking a campsite. One of the things you will want to discuss is which state you would like to visit. The many options may make it difficult to settle on one. Try to select a short-list and then put it to a family vote.

TIP! Make sure that all of your friends and family are involved in choosing the camping site. Think about where it is you want to go.

Pack additional clothes when going camping. Camping can be messy. Children seem to be dirt magnets. Expect them to be all shades of dirty as the day moves on. You may not be able to keep them clean, but you can bring a change of clothes. It’s best to be prepared.

Take a luxury item with you when camping. Take something that is lightweight, like a chocolate bar or coffee creamer. Small things like this can increase your enjoyment of the trip.

A first aid kit or survival kit is imperative for camping. In your survival kit, be sure you have waterproof matches, a flare gun, a first aid kit, water-purifying tablets and a knife. This kit could be the difference between life and death. Never let it leave your side.

TIP! Make sure your survival kit is available on a constant basis. Survival kits should contain waterproof matches, a survival knife, a first aid kit, a flare gun and water purifying tablets.

Pack oranges on your camping trip for nutritious and convenient snacking as well as organic mosquito repellant. When you finish eating them, save all of your peels and rub them around your body to use as a natural insect repellent.

Duct tape is a must-have when you go camping as it can be used for a variety of things. It’s easy to use, can hold out moisture and will even fix a leak or a broken shoe!

A tent needs to be the proper size for all people staying in it. That makes it easier for everyone to have a comfy time while they’re asleep and moving around when they have to get up in the dead of night.

TIP! Choose a tent large enough for everyone that will be expected to use it. With enough room, getting up during the night will not disturb others in the tent, and you can all be comfortable while sleeping.

Make sure you pack enough of the right kinds of food for camping. It is very important to make sure the food you bring will not spoil during your trip. Food poisoning will put a damper on your trip and force you to end it quickly. This will make it easier to avoid food poisoning.

It’s very important that you bring the proper items on your camping trip. If you forget a few things, your trip may just get ruined. Lists help people know what they need before they go. Your list should include a sleeping bag, tent, tarp, water, food, knife, soap, fire-starting items and more.

Go to a class to learn about first aid. If you have an accident, you are going to know how to fix the situation before you can get professional medical help. Do your research properly. Know if there are any poisonous snakes in the area, what type of wild animals call those woods their home, etc.

TIP! Enroll in a first aid course, especially if your trip will include kids. Should an emergency arise, your knowledge of first aid can prevent further issues until help arrives.

When you find your camping spot, put the tent up on top of the patch of ground that is flattest and softest. Picking a sloped or rocky spot causes you to feel uncomfortable anytime you sit in your tent. Make sure to put a tarp down so that water cannot penetrate your tent.

Take steps to prevent dead flashlight batteries while camping. You can easily press the “on” switch on a flashlight when digging in your camping bag. Keep the batteries for the flashlight in backwards. It will keep the power from draining from the batteries and have them easily installed when you need it.

Review your health insurance policy. You may need an additional policy when you are traveling on your camping trip. This can be especially important if you leave the country on your trip, such as camping across the border in Canada. Be prepared in case there is an injury or illness.

TIP! Understand your medical coverage. You may need to purchase additional coverage if you will be camping in another state.

Watch your kids closely. There is quite a bit of traffic at campsites, and young kids can wander around in the woods, often getting lost. Accidents and mishaps occur in a split second; make certain your children are safely supervised at all times.

Try to arrange all of your clothing in advance before you go on a camping trip. You don’t want to be stuck wearing dirty clothes daily. Pack clothing appropriate for your campsite’s climate and weather. Shoes that are durable enough to handle rough terrain should be worn at all times.

If you pet is accompanying you on your camping trip, then be sure to keep them leashed and under control at all times. There are those who have a fear of dogs. You should respect your fellow campers in the area. Also, your pet could be destructive to other people’s belongings.

TIP! Keep a close eye on your dog while you are camping and always keep him on a leash. There are those who fear dogs.

Pay attention to where you’re setting up camp. You don’t want to camp very close to bee hives or ant hills. Whenever you are close to a great deal of vegetation, protective clothing layers are key to stave off insect bites. Also, insect repellent is a great device to use while camping.

Armed with the advice in the piece above, you ought to have a good feel for what you should consider prior to your trip. Camping trips need not be complicated, but, as you can see, there are some basic tips that can really help. By using the insights discussed here, you’ll have a fun and memorable experience.

It is important to take even greater care storing food if you are planning to travel to an area with active and dangerous wildlife. You should wrap up your food tightly, store it somewhere that isn’t close to your tent, and avoid certain types of food altogether. This will reduce your chances of being attacked.

TIP! If your campsite is known for wildlife, be extremely careful with food. So, you will need to keep things wrapped well, keep them far removed from the tent, and you may need to steer clear of certain foods entirely.