Camping can be really fun. You might discover something new about yourself, get a little closer to nature or just feel free from the everyday stress you have to deal with. Hiking, building fires and relaxing are just a few ways that you can enjoy your time. There are many fun things to do when you are camping, and these are a few tips than will help you have a great experience.
You will get dirty. Being prepared for the inevitable is the best way to avoid unneeded stress. Let loose and allow everyone to get messy while you enjoy the time spent in the woods. There’s plenty of time for showers and being super clean once you’re home again.
Let all the members of your family have a hand in picking your campsite. 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 many different places, so it can be hard to choose. This can get people engaged and ready to go camping.
If you’re going to be taking your children camping, attend a first-aid course. Camping can be very remote, so it is best to be able to deal with emergencies on your own, until help can be reached. Make sure you do the proper research. You should be aware of things like whether there are snakes around and what kind of animals live there.
Bring a hankerchief or a bandanna with you. A bandana is very versatile and can be used as a blotter, potholder, mini-bag and more. Because there are so many versatile uses for them, bringing one or two on each camping trip is a good idea.
Check the terms of your health insurance before leaving. Out-of-state traveling will sometimes require additional coverage. This is more crucial if you go camping in another country. Be sure you’re prepared to be on the safe side!
If you are going camping, whether with others or alone, a survival kit is essential. The content of this kit should be personalized to the type of camping you will be doing. For example, if you will be camping in a Southern state you should certainly carry anti-venom for the local wildlife that you may encounter.
Oranges can be used as a food source and a way to repel mosquitoes while you camp. Save the peels when you’re done eating and gently rub them on your face, arms, legs or any other exposed areas, and you keep the pesky bugs away with no harsh chemicals and for a great price!
A cute way to add fun to meals is to make what is known as a “jungle meal”. Tie up small boxes of juice, cereal and food to a tree. When the children awake, tell them that they have to “hunt” to get breakfast. This makes an interesting diversion for them during the trip.
Always understand what dangers are associated with a new place. This involves finding out which spiders are dangerous, whether flash floods are commonplace and whether there are any sheer drops nearby. Every location has its own dangers.
When you are planning a camping trip with children, take some time before you go to talk with them about common camping dangers. Make sure they understand what poison ivy looks like, to stay away from wild animals and to carry a light if they are walking around at night.
Try to combine a camping experience with a swimming experience of some kind. You might long for a good shower when you are camping. The coolness of the water when you swim will help you feel clean and refreshed, so you may not miss your home shower as much.
If your intended camping destination is known for its prowling wildlife, take more than enough precautions to secure food. Keep all food items wrapped tightly and securely away from your tent. Some kinds of foods should be avoided altogether. This will reduce your chances of being attacked.
When you go camping, you live on basics, but you need to be prepared too. Not only should you carry a sleeping bag, a few blankets are a good idea also. Blankets make good padding and can help you stay warm if it’s colder than you expect at night.
Pack a bandanna or handkerchief. A bandana is very versatile and can be used as a blotter, potholder, mini-bag and more. It has a multitude of uses and should be an essential part of your camping gear.
Make sure to bring several flashlights or lanterns and extra batteries on your camping trip. Even after the sun is gone, you may need to see. Having ample light sources can prevent falls or surprise encounters with local wildlife. When you go camping and your kids come along, it is smart to let them each have their own flashlight.
Watch your kids closely. Cars constantly come and go at campsites, and kids can quickly lose their way in the woods. It takes just a second and something can happen; therefore be certain you always give kids the proper supervision.
Always bring along a well-stocked emergency kit when you head out on a camping trip. Depending on the location, the kit may have extra items, but the basic items should be there. Take things for specific creatures as well, like antivenom.
Be aware of the location of your campsite. Always avoid camping near a bee’s nest or insect breeding grounds. Whenever you are close to a great deal of vegetation, protective clothing layers are key to stave off insect bites. You might also want to carry bug repellent too.
Utility knives are great to have when camping. It is even better if you have more than one. An utility knife is the most versatile tool you’ll have as a camper, and bring another one if you should lose the other.
Your camp should be set up before the sun goes down. Find a safe place to park if you’re in an RV. Locate a flat area of dry ground if you plan to pitch a tent. Doing this during daylight hours will save you hassle and frustration. It will also make it easier to see what you’re doing, saving you a lot of frustration.
First aid and survival kits are essential to bring while camping. These can be useful for any situation and can extend your trip. Carrying these items can help a situation stay safe, rather than turning very harmful or even fatal.
Many people don’t realize that it is necessary to make a shelter before it gets dark. It’s very hard to set up your tent when it’s dark outside. If you plan on pitching a tent when its dark, you will need a flashlight. The easier thing is just to do it before darkness falls.
Pack your camping supplies in advance of your trip. The last thing you need is to forget something essential like your tent or sleeping bag. Check and double check your packing list and make certain that every item has been included.
Always take a map with you, and make sure you know how to read the map and a compass before you go. Even if you’ve already been to your future campsite, getting lost once there is still a possibility since many areas of the site will look the same. Using a map or compass can actually save your life if you’re lost. Learn to use them so that you don’t suffer a tragic fate.
Any survival kit you assemble for camping needs to include waterproof matches. Always store your matches in a container or packaging that is airtight. Make some average matches waterproof by simply dipping them in nail polish or paraffin. You can store them in a prescription bottle or film canister.
If you are camping in uncharted territory, make sure that you understand potential dangers lurking there. There may be spiders or bears near you that could pose a threat. Each camping spot poses its own dangers.
Having a great time is easier with the great tips in this article. Don’t forget them next time you go camping. They ensure that you have the supplies you need and can spend your time enjoying nature.