Nothing really beats spending time with your friends and family beneath the stars. Camping is among the greatest pastimes we have and for good reason. While it may be fun, there is a lot to keep in mind when camping. Keep reading for some great tips to help you prepare for a camping trip.
When it comes to children, don’t hesitate to over-pack. Camping can be dirty. The dirt is like a magnet that draws your children into the mess. Your kids may become filthy as the day goes on. While there is nothing you can do about that, you can have some extra clothing just in case. Prepare thoroughly!
Have everyone give their opinion on where you should camp. Discuss things like the state you would like to see, particular parks that interest you and what type of camping experience you are looking for. There are so many options around the U.S. that it can actually be difficult to pick one! Make a list of your favorites and allow the family to vote.
If you’re going to be taking your children camping, attend a first-aid course. This way, if someone were to have an accident, you’ll possess enough knowledge to deal with it enough until medical help arrives. Make sure to do your research. Know about any poisonous snakes and spiders in the area, and learn what animals live there.
Look at the weather forecast prior to leaving for your trip. You can find the average weather during a season for almost any location online. This will help you prepare by having the right clothes and equipment.
Camping has the potential to be thrilling or hazardous, depending on your level of preparation. When you are prepared, you avoid many of the common mistakes that are made on camping trips. When heading to a new spot, be sure to research the area thoroughly so you know what to expect with regard to weather and wildlife.
You can easily start a campfire with lint from the dryer. Begin collecting dryer lint a few weeks before 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.
Always bring ample food, and make sure you bring the right types. You don’t want to take food with you that will spoil easily, no matter the length of time of your trip. Just a little food poisoning can turn a camping trip upside down. This will make it easier to avoid food poisoning.
A jungle breakfest is a great way to add excitement to your trip. Take smaller boxes of cereal, small cups of fruit and juice boxes away from your site and tie them up to treas. When your kids get up, have them hunt down their breakfast. This is a wonderful way to spice up the whole camping trip.
Pitching a tent can be complicated for anyone, but it is especially difficult for beginner campers. You should try pitching your tent before you head out for the first time. This will ensure that you understand how the tent is to be set up and taken down. Doing this will help you pitch your tent quickly, just in case you get to your campsite when it starts to get dark.
You want to make sure that you don’t end up with drained flashlight batteries when you head out on your camping trip. You may accidentally turn on a flashlight while you’re looking through what you have packed for your trip. If you put the batteries in your flashlight backwards, you can avoid this. This will ensure they do not drain if the flashlight is accidentally turned on.
Camping and swimming are a great combination. Many people miss a nice warm shower while camping. The coolness of the water will help you feel cleaner and more refreshed, so you won’t miss your shower as much as you thought you might!
Be aware of where your campsite is. Try to steer clear of wasp nests or other pest havens. If the campsite has a lot of vegetation, protect exposed skin by wearing long pants and sleeves. This way you ensure your safety as much as possible.
It’s a good choice to take off from your automobile or base when your phone has a full battery. Better yet, bring along an extra battery or two in case your phone runs out of juice. Your cell phone is the best piece of emergency equipment you have so make sure it doesn’t die on you.
You can use dryer lint as a kindling to start a campfire with. Several weeks prior to your trip, start gathering up everything that collects in your lint trap. Have a bag next to the dryer so you don’t forget to collect it. Your kindling will be easily accessible when you are leaving for your destination.
A camping trip could be a relaxing, tranquil experience, or it could end up being a vacation from hell. The key difference? Preparation. The more prepared you are for your trip, the more likely that it will be the relaxing trip of your dreams.
Often, those new to camping make the erroneous choice of putting up tents too close to restrooms. They do this in the belief that it will be very convenient, but quickly learn the truth. Bathrooms have constant light and lots of foot traffic. Therefore, they end up not having the convenience and comfort that they expected.
Oranges taste great, but they can also help keep mosquitoes away from you. After you’ve enjoyed the orange, keep all the peels. If the mosquitoes are swarming, rub the peels over your body to keep them at bay.
Safety procedures should be acknowledged when you’re out camping. This includes avoiding interaction with any wildlife. You may be surprised at just how dangerous little critters can be. One thing you should never do is feed a bear if you see one, even though you probably would be too scared to approach one!
When camping in the fall, try to dress in layers for your protection. Weather can change on a dime. It may be chilly early in the morning, but then the afternoon can be incredibly hot and humid. The evenings may turn cold again very quickly. You’ll need to have layers of clothes so that you can adjust to the weather as it changes throughout the day.
Try to get your camp fully set up by nightfall. If you are in an RV, a safe parking spot should be found. 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. Since you will know what you are doing, you’ll prevent frustration.
Plan Activities
Make plans in advance so you can have the most fun. Campfires and marshmallows provide hours of fun, but there is so much more to a camping trip. Plan activities that create fun for everyone at the campsite. You should plan activities that both the older campers and younger campers alike will enjoy.
Kids love camping, especially when you plan activities that they can do. When you are in the woods with nothing around but trees, they may become bored. Children may not be familiar with activities like pitching a tent or fishing. If this is their first time, it is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn new skills.
Toilet paper and baby wipes are great tools for savvy campers. Unless you really want to rough it by using leaves, you should always pack plenty of bathroom tissue and wet wipes.
For a longer camping trip, make sure you bring something to entertain yourself. Also, you can bring books or music to read or put on near a lake or fire.
Should you decide to bring your dog, pack a long leash and prepare everyone to keep careful watch on the pet. A lot of people have a fear of dogs. Respecting others at the campsite is vital. Your dog might even damage someone else’s property if not properly supervised.
As you can see, preparing for a great trip to the outdoors can take careful planning and consideration. Be sure to use these tips on your trip in order to enjoy a safe trip with your loved ones.