Many people like to camp to get away from the stress of their everyday lives. With that said, it is necessary to plan for the worst, so that you do not end up having an awful time. Fortunately, in the article below you will find the information you need to have a great camping experience.
Always seek shelter before it is too dark to assess your surroundings. After the night falls, pitching a tent, locating firewood and making food can be difficult. That is particularly true if you aren’t used to the blackness of the wilderness. Try to avoid setting up after the sun sets.
Pick a sleeping bag which is 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. On the other hand, bringing a lightweight sleeping bap for a winter trip can make you really uncomfortable the entire trip. You could even develop hypothermia or frostbite if it’s very cold.
You are going camping outdoors, so expect that you will all be getting dirty. If you are prepared for that before you go, it will cause less stress when it happens. Allow yourself to be improper, messy and just “let go” while outside. There’s plenty of time for showers and being super clean once you’re home again.
Have everyone give their opinion on where you should camp. This will make everyone feel invested. There are millions of options just in the United States, and it can sometimes be difficult to choose the perfect one! It may be easier to choose a few front runners and have family members vote.
If you have a new tent, practice setting it up at home before your trip. That way, you will know that the tent is complete and will understand the assembly process. It also helps with the frustration of putting a tent up.
Don’t be afraid of bringing too much if you have kids. Camping can get very messy and dirty when you bring your children. Children, in particular, love to get their hands in the dirt. That all means that you will have very dirty children as the day progresses. While this cannot usually be prevented, be sure to pack some extra clothing. Prepare thoroughly!

The way you prepare will determine whether your camping trip will be fun or if it will be dangerous. Make sure you always go camping only after preparing yourself fully. Research the place that you are traveling to, which will help you to understand the climate and geography.
Bring a survival kit on the trip and keep it on your person all the time. A first aid kit, matches in a water tight container, a good knife, flares and tablet to purify water are some essentials to include. These are essential items for your survival if you ever get lost. This kit should be carried with you and not left back at camp.
Dryer lint can be used as kindling for starting your campfire. Start collecting it in advance of your trip. Have a bag next to the dryer so you don’t forget to collect it. This allows you to just get your kindling and leave when you’re ready.
Buy yourself some camping pillows for your trip. Standard bed pillows tend to get sticky in humid weather. The will also pull moisture from the air and mildew will form quickly. Pillows specifically designed for camping will not draw in wetness like regular pillows will.
Make your kids a “jungle breakfast”. Tie up small boxes of juice, cereal and food to a tree. The kids can go on a treasure hunt for their breakfast when they wake up. It’s a fun way to make camping a little more exciting for the children.
As you know, camping is supposed to be enjoyable. But, without the proper preparations, your whole trip could turn into a disaster. Apply the ideas found above to guarantee a fabulous excursion in the great outdoors. Just remember to have fun!