Camping is getting to be a popular pastime because of the amount of exposure it is getting from reality television. If you want to go camping and have a wonderful time continue reading this helpful article.
Ask family or friends who are camping with you for their input on your camping location. Have a conversation about where you want to go. There are a lot of choices in the USA; it is hard to choose just one. Make a list of your favorites and allow the family to vote.
When you’re camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. You do not want to be stuck trying to put your tent together or finding a safe location for the tent when it’s pitch black outside. This is particularly true for anyone accustomed to city living and unfamiliar with pitch dark woods. To ensure you get your campsite operational arrive several hours before sunset.
Survival Kit
Make sure your survival kit is available on a constant basis. Things to include in your survival pack are a knife, matches that are waterproof, first aid kit, flares and tablets to purify water. You need this if you become lost or stranded; the items in your kit may save your life. It is important that you carry your survival kit with you at all times.
Let everyone know they have a say in the campsite and should help pick a favorite spot. Talk about where you want to camp. The U.S. has dozens of great camping options. You can select a few places to have the family vote on to make it easier.
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. Be sure to do your research and bring along any location-specific items you will need.
Make sure to bring duct tape on your camping trip to fix almost any problem. You can use to help seal leaks and rips and hold together important things that break. It can hold your shoes together if they fall apart, and you can even use it in case of emergencies for a temporary bandage or sling.
Always pack and carry a survival kit. Must haves include, but aren’t limited to, a knife, matches, a flare gun, and a first aid pack. This kit can save your life if you get into a dangerous situation. Your kit should not be left behind at the camp site, but should be carried with you wherever you go.
Before camping, get some camping pillows. If you bring a standard pillow for the bedroom, they become sticky and hot when the weather is humid. These pillows will also retain water from the air during humid conditions, so they can mildew. Pillows made especially for camping have a protective outer layer that prohibits moisture absorption.
Make sure that you bring all of your camping equipment with you before you head out on your trip. Forgetting something important, such as a sleeping bag, is a terrible feeling. Have a checklist of the items you need before you leave lest something be left behind.
Pack what is necessary for your children. Camping can be a messy affair. Kids love to play in the dirt. This means that by day’s end your children and their clothes can be quite soiled. Know that you must accept that fact, but have a change of clothing for them so they can be comfortable. It is important to be prepared.
Talk with your children about the dangers associated with camping before you leave home. Check out the plants that elicit poison ivy to better prepare for the dangers of camping.

Duct Tape
A tent needs to be the proper size for all people staying in it. This will ensure comfort while inside the tent.
Did you know that a roll of high-quality duct tape is a great item to take camping with you? Duct tape is very useful camping, the same as it is at home. It can be used to repair holes in air mattresses. You could patch a hole or tear in your sleeping bag, tarp or tent. Prior to heading off on a long nature hike, place some tape on your heels to avoid blistering. It even works as a bandage.
Don’t let your flashlight batteries get drained inadvertently. It can be really easy to inadvertently press the “on” switch on your flashlight when jostling through a bag of camping equipment. Keep the batteries for the flashlight in backwards. That way you make sure you don’t accidentally turn them on.
Proper planning and preparation can keep you safe and make your camping experience more enjoyable. You must make sure you are completely prepared before you go camping. Especially if you are camping in a new location, take the time to research the wildlife, plants, geography, and climate of the area.
Before leaving for your trip, write a list of what you need to bring along. This is particularly helpful if you have to travel quite far to get where you are going. Pack a day or two before going camping, and check off things on your list as you go along.
Camping Trip
To start your fires at camp, use dryer lint as kindling. Start collecting the lint from your dryer’s filter about a month before you go on your trip. You can simply stuff it all into a plastic grocery bag you keep near the dryer. Your kindling will be ready for you to grab on the way out the door for your trip.
Flashlights, lanterns and a good supply of extra batteries are necessary supplies during any camping trip. It is important to see clearly at night, especially if you are venturing away from your site. Having ample light sources can prevent falls or surprise encounters with local wildlife. If you have children with you on your camping trip, a smart thing to do is to give each of them a flashlight.
Pick out all of your clothing before you go camping. Consider how many outfits you will need for the number of days you plan to be on your trip and add in a few extra in case of bad weather. Also, before you leave, check the climate to determine what types of clothes to bring. Shoes that will hold up and have closed toes are what you should wear for the most part.
When camping alone or in the company of friends, always bring an emergency kit. Depending on the location, the kit may have extra items, but the basic items should be there. Take precautions for wildlife too, so keep some anti-venom on hand.
There are many things to take into consideration before camping. Now, you should feel confident that you know the basic ins and outs of camping in the great outdoors. You are sure to enjoy your next camping trip now that you are better equipped.
