If you go camping, you’ll be doing without certain amenities for a while. Your trip needs to be planned out thoroughly and prepared carefully. For tips and suggestions about having a great camping trip, keep reading.
Check weather reports in the area you plan to camp in. You can visit http://www.weather.com to check the weather just about anywhere. Be sure to look at the 10 day forecast along with extended weather patterns. When you know what the weather will be like beforehand, you can plan more appropriately.
Take the tent into your yard and set it up before you go on your camping trip. This will prevent you from having a tent with missing pieces and then you can set it up properly. You don’t want to waste time at your destination, so this will make you well prepared.
Camping has the potential to be thrilling or hazardous, depending on your level of preparation. Only go camping once you are fully prepared. If camping at a new location, make sure you investigate the geography, climate, and local wildlife so you are prepared for any dangers.
Review your health insurance policy. Sometimes, being covered while out of state requires an additional policy. This is especially important if your camping destination is in Canada or another country. Semper paratus doesn’t just apply to the military! Be prepared!
When buying a tent, be sure that it’s large enough to accommodate you and any guests you have. This ensures the most comfortable sleeping arrangement and allows you to move about without disturbing others.
A bandana or handkerchief can be a great addition to your camping equipment. You can use it as a potholder, bag holder or a towel. As you can see, a handkerchief can serve many different purposes on a camping trip.
Take along a specialized pillow or two for camping. If you take along a regular bedroom pillow, it can get hot and sticky when it’s hot outside. Your average pillow will also become moldy from the excessive moisture in the outdoor air. Camping pillows are made with a protective, moisture-proof coating to prevent these issues.
Camping is a great time but it can be dangerous if you’re not able to properly prepare. Always fully prepare before you head out on a camping trip. Research the place that you are traveling to, which will help you to understand the climate and geography.
If your dog will be joining you on your camping trip, keep him leashed and under constant supervision. Some people get frightened by dogs. You must always respect the needs of others when camping. Also, dogs can damage your campsite or another person’s campsite if they’re not watched carefully.
Make sure that you bring things to occupy yourself when camping. You can take card games, a list for a scavenger hunt, and fishing poles for some entertainment. If you are taking children camping, you might want to bring more activities than you think you are going to need.
Do a “jungle breakfast” if you are bringing kids. Bring small cereal boxes, juice drinks and fruit, and keep them tied up high in the trees. Once the children are awake, tell them they need to forage for their meal. This makes the trip even more magical for kids.
If you are camping in a location with dangerous wildlife, take safety precautions with your food. You have to wrap your food tightly and keep them away from the tent; some foods, you may have to forget. Taking these precautions can significantly lower you chances of being attacked.
Duct Tape
Carry a bandana or handkerchief with you. That small piece of cloth could become a potholder, a bag, a blotter or a towel. As you can see, a handkerchief can serve many different purposes on a camping trip.
Don’t forget the duct tape. A roll of duct tape has a great number of uses on a campsite. This can be used to repair holes in air mattresses. You can also use it to patch up a tent, tarp or sleeping bag. If you are hiking long distances, a strip applied to your feet can keep blisters from forming. This can also be used for injuries when you do not have a regular doctor around.
Create a list of the items you must bring before you go camping. This will really be handy if you have a long hike to get to your campground. Get prepared well ahead of schedule; at least one day, maybe two, is required to gather all the “forgotten” items you would regret not having in the wild.
Dryer lint can make great kindling for creating campfires. In order to have enough lint to start a fire, begin collecting it a month prior to your trip. Hang up a grocery bag beside your dryer and collect the lint in it. Doing this means you can just snag your kindling on the way out the door the morning your trip starts.
Pack extra flashlights and batteries when you are packing for your trip. You’ll need these items to help you be able to see after dark, which may be necessary at times. If you have a flashlight or lamp you can avoid injury, such as getting poked in the eye by a branch. If you are camping with your children, a flashlight for each child is a wise idea.
Camping is an experience in life that is very rewarding. Some folks find this exciting, while it sends shivers down the spines of others. Camping’s supposed to be a fun and relaxing trip so make sure you plan out good ideas beforehand. You read a few of them in this article, so use them!
Even when you’re trying to get away from the luxuries of life, it can help to bring something nice on your camping trip. Something small and lightweight is appropriate, like candy or some cream for coffee. These items can make your trip as pleasurable as possible.