There are no home amenities like air conditioning or a full kitchen when you are camping. Because of this, you need to plan and prepare very carefully. For tips and suggestions about having a great camping trip, keep reading.
Remember that you, your possessions and your family members are inevitably going to get dirty. If you’re prepared beforehand then you won’t be so stressed out when things start to get dirtier. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. You can always clean up, and be “normal” when you return home.
When you’re camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. Once it grows black in the woods, you can have a hard time setting up your tent, preparing food, and getting adequate firewood. This is even more true if you’re accustomed to city life, and your eyes haven’t adjusted to the darkness of the woods. Avoid this hazard completely, by finding adequate shelter long before the sun goes down.
After you buy your camping tent, set it up at home rather than waiting until your trip to set it up for the first time. This will prevent you from having a tent with missing pieces and then you can set it up properly. A little practice can eliminate the frustration of setting up a new piece of camping equipment.
You may wish to take a class that has to do with first aid, especially if you’re traveling with kids. 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. Be sure to research beforehand. Are there any poisonous snakes, plants or any other things you should know before you head out?
When going camping you need to ensure that the tent you build can easily hold you and anybody else that comes along. This ensures the most comfortable sleeping arrangement and allows you to move about without disturbing others.
Proper planning and preparation can keep you safe and make your camping experience more enjoyable. When you are prepared, you avoid many of the common mistakes that are made on camping trips. Research the area you are planning on camping at.
Pack a bandanna or handkerchief. That small piece of cloth could become a potholder, a bag, a blotter or a towel. Because there are so many versatile uses for them, bringing one or two on each camping trip is a good idea.
If you are not prepared for your camping trip, your fun excursion can turn dangerous fast. Prepare fully before going on a camping trip. If you are camping in a new location, research the local wildlife, geography and the climate before leaving home.
Dryer lint makes surprisingly good kindling for starting campfires. Start saving this lint a short time period prior to going camping and you’ll have enough lint in time. Place a bag near your tumble dryer and just stuff lint from the dryer’s filter into the bag every time it is full. The morning of your departure, all you need to do is grab the bag and depart, kindling sorted!
Even when you’re trying to get away from the luxuries of life, it can help to bring something nice on your camping trip. Take something like creamer for your coffee or a chocolate candy bar. Comforts from home can really spice up the rustic outdoors!
Dryer lint can be used as kindling for starting your campfire. Start collecting it in advance of your trip. Collecting lint in a bag will allow you to have a fire building tool for your trip. Using this for your kindling will save you time looking for it, and it will work even better than any kindling that you do find.
Camping is a very kid-friendly activity, but you should keep kids busy by planning activities. Far from civilization, kids tend to get bored. They may not know what it’s like to fish or do things in nature. Spend a day teaching them what they need to know before you leave for your trip.
It is important to take even greater care storing food if you are planning to travel to an area with active and dangerous wildlife. Take safety precautions, such as wrapping your items in many layers for protection. Making sure to do this, will lessen any chance of a wild animal attack.
Always prepare an emergency kit when camping, whether you are going by yourself or with others. There may be different items in it depending on your camping location, but there are some things that should be in any kit. Don’t forget to pack the extra for your location, too, such as antivenom for snake bites.
Pay close attention to where your kids are when camping. It is easy for children to get lost, and cars often come and go. Disaster can strike quickly if you aren’t watching closely.
When you are out in the wilderness with kids, have a photo of them with you. This can come in handy if they are separated from you while on your trip. Make sure you bring one for emergencies, especially if you are camping far from home.
Before the sun goes down, make sure that you have your camp completely set up. If you have an RV, find a secure place to park. If you are camping in a tent, look for a dry and flat area of ground. If you do that before it gets dark, you can get a good look at your immediate surroundings. This can help you see what you are doing and prevent frustration.
Be careful and wise when you are packing. Create a list of necessary supplies and check each one off as they are packed. This is very important if you’re camping in some remote region without quick access to first-aid items or any other emergency supplies.
Take time to learn map and compass reading. Although the camp site may be a familiar one, there may have been changes since your last visit and you could still get lost. Also, this will help to avoid tragedy with friends or family.
Don’t forget to pack up some duct tape when you’re camping because it’s very versatile. It works quickly in a pinch for tent holes, inflatables with leaks, shoes with worn soles, securing the tent to its pole, sealing up your mosquito netting and many, many more things.
When erecting your tent, ensure that you are able to seal all seams. You may find a tube at many sporting good stores if the tent didn’t include any. This will stop critters and rainwater from entering your tent.
Food poisoning afflicts many campers annually, since they don’t pack their food right. If food is not properly vacuum-sealed, canned, or preserved, you risk getting sick from spoiled food. Bring a lot of ice, and don’t forget to drain your cooler.
While kids love camping, they need to have activities planned for them. They might get antsy once you start to get deeper in the forest. Kids are often not used to outdoor activities such as pitching a tent or fishing. Spend a day teaching them what they need to know before you leave for your trip.
Don’t make the rookie mistake of pitching camp too close to bathroom facilities. Although the location is convenient, there are many downfalls to this location. Bathrooms attract many people and also end up lit up at night. Therefore they can be more of a nuisance than anything else.
Dress in layers when camping. Weather in the outdoors can change very quickly. It can be chilly in the early morning, only to be followed up with a sweltering, humid afternoon. Also, as soon as night time begins to fall, temperatures can plummet. With layers of clothes available, you can remove or add them dependent on the changing climate.
When going camping with kids, explain to them some common camping problems you might run into. You can all get together and check out pictures of various plants that are hazardous so they can learn what they can’t touch when they’re looking around.
Camping allows you to free yourself from modern life and its stresses. Some people find this appealing, while others find it an ordeal. In order to get the most out of your camping trip, make sure you plan it well ahead of time. The tips from this article should help you out.
