When you head out away from civilization for camping, the time you have can be entertaining and adventurous. Still, you need to know a few basics and be prepared to ensure both your comfort and your safety. The tips and advice you will learn here can provide you with some helpful hints to ensure a successful camping trip.
Always seek shelter before it is too dark to assess your surroundings. Once it gets dark outside, figuring out how to set up a tent, finding wood and making food may become impossible. Some people cannot see very well at night, and this makes setting up camp at night next to impossible. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.
Remember, wet wood won’t burn right, so nature may not always provide the wood you need. It is good planning to take your own wood with you and store it where it is dry.
Though you may believe that there will be sufficient wood lying around for your fire, you may only be able to find wet lumber that does not easily burn. As an added precaution, bring along wood from around your yard or logs from a home store, and keep them where they will stay dry.
Don’t be afraid of bringing too much if you have kids. Camping can be quite dirty. The dirt is like a magnet that draws your children into the mess. As the day goes on, your kids will get messier and messier. While you can’t do much about that, you should have extra clothing on hand. Remember, always be prepared!
Chances are, your family and your belongings are going to end up getting dirty. Being prepared for this will make sure you don’t stress too much when it occurs. Part of the whole camping experience includes allowing yourself to get dirty. You can get cleaned up when you return home.
Consider camping in an area that also provides you with a place to swim. You are probably going to miss the shower you have at home while camping. By taking a dip in a pool, lake or river, you will have fun and feel clean and refreshed at the same time!
A surprising tip you may not know about is that the lint from your dryer also doubles as great kindling for your camp fire. Start storing your lint in a bag a couple weeks before your trip. You can hang a bag next to the dryer and just stuff your lint into it. As such, you’ll have kindling ready whenever you are.
Try to camp near water, where you can also enjoy swimming. A hot shower can be sorely missed. Spending some time in cool water can help you stay clean and refresh your spirits, so a little swimming can soothe the part of your heart longing for a bath.
Even when you’re trying to get away from the luxuries of life, it can help to bring something nice on your camping trip. Your favorite candy bar or some prepackaged creamers for your morning coffee are light and simple to bring along. A few small indulgences can make you incredibly happy.
Always pack enough of the proper foods. Depending on how long you’re planning to be camping, it’s important to have things that won’t go bad during the trip. It could end up causing food poisoning and quickly end your trip. Take the proper steps to prepare your food and do research if necessary.
A bandanna or handkerchief should be brought along with you. It can be used as a hand towel, potholder or even a gag in a pinch. There are a lot of different uses for it, so make sure you bring one on every camping trip with you.
If you pet is accompanying you on your camping trip, then be sure to keep them leashed and under control at all times. Many folks are scared of dogs. This will maximize the respect that you have for others while camping. Also, dogs have the potential to wreck your campsite, or that of someone else, if they are allowed to run loose.
Make sure you have everything you need for a camping trip. Even letting one particular item slip your mind can devastate your trip. The creation of a list of all the things needed and use of that list when packing will be helpful. The most basic requirements are a tent, water, sleeping bag, an all-purpose knife, food, matches and soap.
Not only are oranges a great snack for camping, but they also serve as a natural mosquito repellant. Once you finish your orange, save the peel. Rub it easily on all your exposed skin for a chemical-free bug repellent.
It is more enjoyable to go camping when you are properly prepared. When you use the information laid out here, you will have a more relaxing trip because it is safer, and you will know you possess the skills to handle anything.