Camping 101: Tips And Tricks For Great Outdoor Excursions

Camping makes for some of the most exciting travel experiences. It not only lets you discover nature, but it also helps you get in touch with your inner self. Hiking, campfires and bird watching are all things to enjoy on a camping trip. Camping is a great experience, although it takes some planning. The following article will give you some great tips.

When camping, bring the sleeping bag that appeals to the season that you are in. If you use a heavy winter sleeping bag in summer, this can be stifling and uncomfortable. Conversely, if you bring a light-weight sleeping bag to a winter camping trip, you can be extremely uncomfortable the entire time. You would in fact be risking your health and safety.

Never assume that you will find enough wood to burn, because rain can change that in an instant. Make sure you bring some of your own dry kindling and make sure it stays in a dry area.

TIP! Never assume that you will find enough wood to burn, because rain can change that in an instant. Bringing your own small supply of wood and keeping it dry is a wise decision.

Let all the members of your family have a hand in picking your campsite. Engage in conversation about what state and location they would like to visit. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. If necessary, select a few locations yourself, then let the family decide among your choices.

Survival Kit

It is always a smart idea to look into what the weather is going to be like, before going camping. There are many great websites that can also give you a good idea of what weather is typical for the area during the time you plan to visit. If you have the correct weather information, you will be better prepared with proper equipment and clothing.

TIP! Prior to heading out, be sure you are aware of the forecast for your destination. The Internet is a great resource for finding weather related information for the area you will be camping in.

Pack and carry a survival kit on your person for the entire trip. A survival kit should include items like a flare gun, matches that are waterproof, a knife and other items you think you may need. If you were to get lost or were put in an emergency situation, the survival kit will be of great help. Always keep it nearby and never leave it behind at the campsite.

Check weather reports in the area you plan to camp in. The Internet is a great resource for finding weather related information for the area you will be camping in. This will help you prepare by having the right clothes and equipment.

If you are not prepared for your camping trip, your fun excursion can turn dangerous fast. Be certain that your camping trips always involve proper planning. Find out about the weather, the wildlife and the terrain of any location that you have not been to before.

TIP! The way you prepare will determine whether your camping trip will be fun or if it will be dangerous. Only go camping once you are fully prepared.

Take a bandana or handkerchief with you. In emergencies, such cloth can turn into a towel, a potholder or a piece of luggage. Because there are so many versatile uses for them, bringing one or two on each camping trip is a good idea.

Always have all your gear prepared before the trip. It is very inconvenient to forget to bring essential items like your sleeping bag or tent. Look over the items you plan to bring and create a checklist before leaving to ensure that all of your essential gear comes with you.

If you’re camping with kids, try a “jungle breakfast”. Portable foods, such as boxed cereal, juice, and fruit, can be tied to trees. The kids can go on a treasure hunt for their breakfast when they wake up. It is a fun way to start the day and something for the kids to look forward to each morning.

TIP! For an exciting twist on the morning meal while camping with your kids, get up early and prepare a “jungle breakfast”. Take juice boxes, mini cereal boxes and fruit and tie the food to trees.

Make sure your children have something to do while camping. They could get bored if there isn’t anything to do. They have probably never fished or set up tents. Teach them these things ahead of time to ensure a great trip.

When you go camping for the first few times, be sure that your camp is close to where you live. That way, if problems arise, you won’t be too far from help. Other problems can be food shortage or inadequate clothing. Many things can arise for the first-time camper, so camp close to home the first time.

Bring a hankerchief or a bandanna with you. Such an item can be used as a carrying bag, a potholder, a hand towel, a blotter or a paper towel. You will find that you can use these in a lot of versatile ways, so bring one along when you’re camping.

TIP! Bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you when you go camping. You can use that piece of material for many purposes, such as holding a hot pot, cleaning surfaces, etc.

Duct Tape

The supplies for your next camping excursion should include a couple rolls of duct tape. Duct tape is very useful camping, the same as it is at home. You can use this to repair any holes in an air mattress. It works well for repairing tears in tent material, sleeping bags or tarps. You can even put some under your feet before long hikes so that you don’t get blisters. It can also be used in lieu of bandages.

Create a proper emergency kit if you plan to go camping. Always keep the bare basics with you in the kit, and make sure that you have water purification tablets in it as well. Be sure to do your research and bring along any location-specific items you will need.

TIP! Create a proper emergency kit if you plan to go camping. You want to bring a kit for any situation that might arise during your camping trip.

Remember the Boy Scout motto – be prepared! It is important to be prepared for certain situations. However, your plans never unfold exactly how you want them. Weather is truly unpredictable at times, so prepare yourself for the worse. You must always exercise great care, avoid risk and consider your actions always.

If you are taking children with on your camping trip be sure to bring pictures of them as well. If the unthinkable happens and your kids get lost, possessing a picture of them could be a lifesaver. A picture should be carried anytime you are away from home, but even more importantly when camping in the woods.

Before the sun goes down, make sure that you have your camp completely set up. If you are in an RV, park it safely. Find a piece of ground that’s flat and dry if you are putting up a tent. If you don’t do this, you could find yourself in a precarious and unsafe area after dark. This can help you see what you are doing and prevent frustration.

TIP! Your camp should always be set up before the sun sets. Choose a parking spot that you feel comfortable with if you are camping in an RV.

Camping Trip

Trail mix and beef jerky are a couple great things to bring along on a camping trip. You may find yourself too tired to prepare food and these nutritious snacks could be very satisfying. Also, these types of snacks have a long shelf life, so you can always reuse them on the next camping trip if they don’t get eaten this time.

Buy yourself some camping pillows for your trip. If you use your bedroom pillows, the humid weather will make them feel hot and sticky. On top of that, they will mildew rapidly as they suck in moisture. Camping pillows are covered with a special coating that keeps moisture at bay.

TIP! Use specialty camping pillows when camping. If you bring a standard pillow for the bedroom, they become sticky and hot when the weather is humid.

One great suggestion for any camping trip is to pack a second utility knife. Utility knives can be quite versatile, so be sure to have an extra with you.

Waterproof matches should be added to your camping survival kit. Keep them in a container that is airtight. You can take ordinary matches and make them waterproof when you dip them into nail polish or paraffin. You can use an old 35mm film canister to store them. A medicine bottle also works as a viable storage container.

Talk to your kids about common dangers before taking them on a camping trip. It is simple to check out the Internet for photos of dangerous plants like poison ivy so they know what to avoid in the wild.

TIP! Talk to your children about the dangers of camping before heading out on your trip. Use the Internet to teach them about things like poison ivy and the like, and ensure that they will approach nature with respect and caution.

With the great information in this article, it will be easier to enjoy a great camping trip. Make sure you remember all you have learned for your upcoming trip. You don’t want to forget an important step, and the advice shared here will help you make the most out of your trip.