When did you last go camping? A well planned camping trip offers relaxation and a way to reflect on the beauties of our natural world. No phone, no TV, no work related problems… just relaxation and fun. Keep the information here in mind to help make your trip enjoyable.
Let all the members of your family have a hand in picking your campsite. Talk about the state you wish to see. With all of the options available, it is wise to let people decide for themselves. If it makes things simpler, list your personal preferences and then have the family choose from them.
Always keep a close eye on yourself, your family, and your possessions; as they will all get a little dirty. Don’t stress out when it inevitably happens. Then, you can be as messy as you want, without worry of getting dirty. You can always take a bath back at the house.
When you buy a new tent, set it up completely at home before you take it camping. This will ensure that your tent is not missing pieces and that you understand how to set up your tent correctly. This also makes setting up your tent at the campsite a much smoother process.
Enroll in a first aid course, especially if your trip will include kids. In an emergency, your first aid training could be the difference between life and death. In addition, make sure you do enough research on the area. Be aware of poisonous flora and fauna, as well as of what sounds animals make.
Learn proper first aid. If something bad happens, you’ll be able to take care of it because you’ll know exactly what to do while waiting for a health professional to show up. In addition, make sure you do enough research on the area. Be sure you are aware whether there are any snakes or spiders that are poisonous and what kind of critters are out there in the area.
Bring oranges with you since they are great for snacking and repelling insects. When you finish eating them, save all of your peels and rub them around your body to use as a natural insect repellent.
Gets Dark
Bring things like a bandanna and handkerchief along with you. You can use that piece of material for many purposes, such as holding a hot pot, cleaning surfaces, etc. As you can see, a handkerchief can serve many different purposes on a camping trip.
Set your campsite, tent and sleeping bags up before it gets dark. If you have an RV, find a secure place to park. When using a tent, choose a dry flat location. Knowing the area around your campsite before it gets dark adds to your camping safety. This can help to reduce the stress that you have during your trip.
Make sure to pack plenty of food, and pack the right kind too. Depending on how long you’re planning to be camping, it’s important to have things that won’t go bad during the trip. Just a little food poisoning can turn a camping trip upside down. Properly prepare food and take any necessary precautions.
An emergency kit is a very important component to have while camping. Always keep the bare basics with you in the kit, and make sure that you have water purification tablets in it as well. Having extras like anti-venom is a good defense for certain kinds of wildlife.
When you get to the campsite, set your tent up on the flattest, softest ground you can find. Spots that are rocky, steep or wet mean an uncomfortable sleeping experience for you. In addition to looking for soft ground, lay down a tarp to prevent moisture from soaking into the bottom of your tent.
Sleeping Bag
Camp needs to be set up before night begins. Choose a parking spot that you feel comfortable with if you are camping in an RV. Search for flat, dry ground when camping in a tent. If you do this before dark, you can become accustomed to the area around you. You will have an easier time seeing the task a hand, preventing frustration from setting in.
Always pick an appropriate sleeping bag for the weather. Sleeping bags made of lightweight material are optimal for warmer climates. By contrast, you should invest in a heavy sleeping bag if you plan to camp in a cold area. You also want to get a sleeping bag that is comfortable to sleep in as well, so test them out.
Have the clothing you will pack planned out before your trip. Be sure you have a lot of clean clothes that will last you your whole trip. You should also make sure that you pack suitable clothes for the weather forecast and activities planned. Don’t forget to pack durable, comfortable shoes for walking.
Double check that you have all of your necessary equipment prior to your camping trip. Forgetting something crucial like your sleeping bag or a fire starter is not something you want to happen. In order to ensure that this does not happen, make a checklist before you head out and cross off the items as you pack them.
Consider the erection spot for your tent carefully. Try to steer clear of wasp nests or other pest havens. Granted, even if you are cautious, you should still protect yourself from insects using long garments to keep them off of your skin. This way you ensure your safety as much as possible.
Utility Knife
When you’re going to take some kids with you on your camping trip, educate them on the dangers that camping can bring with it. Get online with them and show them what poison ivy, poisonous snakes, and other dangers look like. This will help your kids know what to avoid when exploring.
Carry an additional utility knife in case your original one breaks. An utility knife is the most versatile tool you’ll have as a camper, and bring another one if you should lose the other.
Duct tape is handy to bring along on your camping trip. While most camping equipment is durable, they can tear or break easily. A piece of duct tape is sure to fix any damage on your tent and can ensure a safe, dry night in the woods.
Make sure you pack plenty of camping-friendly food. Depending on how long you’re planning to be camping, it’s important to have things that won’t go bad during the trip. Remember, food poisoning could quickly put an end to your camping adventure. Prepare your food properly and research any precautions you need to take.
Make sure waterproof matches are in your survival kit. Store them in airtight containers. You can convert standard matches into waterproof ones simply by dipping each one into substances like nail polish or paraffin. Provide your own caddy for the matches by storing them in a plastic medicine bottle or 35mm film container.
When you’re done with your trip, be sure to leave behind a clean campsite. Trash bags must be packed for use when cleaning up the site. Do not leave any left over food behind. The best practice for cleaning up a campsite is to leave nothing but your footprints behind.
Camping’s main idea is to generally live off of the land, however, you still need to be well-prepared. In addition to your sleeping bag, bring a couple of blankets. They can be used as padding or for warmth.
Make sure that you are always conscious of safety rules, regulations and best practices when you camp. Stay away from all large animals and most small ones as well. Even squirrels and tiny animals may pose a threat to you and your family. Obviously, you should never try to feed a bear, should you encounter one.
Use proper food safety techniques when you go camping. Foods should be packed in airtight and waterproof containers. Also carry ice packs so you can insulate and cool your food. Prevent cross-contamination of raw and cooked foods by storing them separately. Keep surfaces and hands clean when you’re dealing with your food. Use hand sanitizer or soap. Thoroughly cook foods and store them right away.
Packing all the essentials is vital to the success of your camping venture. Forgetting just one or two things could ruin your trip. Write a list of essentials and as you pack the items, cross them off. Don’t forget sleeping bags, water, utility knives, anti-bacterial soap and sanitizer, fire starters and a sturdy tent.
If you are thinking of taking a camping trip, first make sure that you will like it. Pitch your tent right up in the sanctuary of your very own backyard, and sleep there for the entire night. Pretend that your house is not there and do not use it for anything. If you like it, you will probably enjoy camping.
If you follow the tips you just read, you can greatly enhance your camping trip. These suggestions will help make your planning easier and more productive. It is a great idea to always look for any information that can enhance your experience.
Be certain you are prepared for any event when you’re camping. Try to plan your camping trip as best you can, but know that unexpected events can arise. The weather could change suddenly, you could encounter hostile people or animals, and someone could become sick or injured. You mustn’t take any reckless risks, be careless, and you need to think before acting.