A great camping experience is in a league of its own. The fresh air and natural beauty are unrivaled. Camping is an activity that you need to prepare for though, as going without proper preparation can lead to an uncomfortable, or even dangerous, situation.
Bring sleeping bags appropriate for the season. If you take a sub-zero bag camping in the middle of summer, you will probably sweat all night, or even overheat. Also, during the winter, you should bring a sleeping bag that has down or heavy material. You could even experience hypothermia.
The difference between a fun camping trip and a dangerous one? Preparation. Be sure you’re always prepared before you go camping. If you are camping in a new location, research the local wildlife, geography and the climate before leaving home.
Make sure that all of your friends and family are involved in choosing the camping site. Openly talk about the various options available to you. Choosing one can be really hard in the United States, given how many places there are to go! Narrow down your top choices and let your entire family decide.
Attend a class in first aid; this is a really good idea if you are camping with children. This way, should an accident occur, at least you are properly prepared until help arrives. Also, do your research. Find out what poisonous snakes or dangerous animals live in the area.
Incorporate swimming into your camping trip. A hot shower can be sorely missed. 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!
Check weather reports in the area you plan to camp in. 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. When you know what the weather will be like beforehand, you can plan more appropriately.
Oranges can be used as a food source and a way to repel mosquitoes while you camp. Rubbing orange peels on your body will function as a perfect insect repellent.
Keep a kerchief or bandanna close at hand. You can use it as a potholder, bag holder or a towel. Its uses are innumerable, so it is smart to always have one available.
Duct tape is a valuable item to carry for many different situations. It can be used as a quick patch for tents, shoes, inflatables, or can be used to secure items such as your mosquito netting.
When you decide to camp in an unfamiliar location, you should read up on any dangers that you could encounter. This would include stuff like what spiders dwell there, how steep the terrain is, and if the area is prone to flooding. Every camping spot has its own potential dangers for the untrained.
Pillows are a good item to bring to maximize your level of comfort while camping. Regular pillows do not hold up well in the outdoor air. Because they absorb moisture from the air, they can quickly mildew. Pillows designed for camping offer a coating that prevents moisture absorption.
When going camping with kids, explain to them some common camping problems you might run into. 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.
Take a leash with you if you plan to bring your dog camping. Some people are afraid of dogs. You must respect other campers. Dogs can also damage campsites, or get into the belongings of your neighboring camps, without proper supervision.
Always take along plenty of food, and be sure it’s the proper kind. It depends on how long you’ll be out, but you must have food that won’t spoil on your trip. A bout of food poisoning can end a wonderful trip very quickly. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain the highest level of preparation with your food.
When it comes to camping, expect the unexpected. It is important to be prepared for certain situations. However, your plans never unfold exactly how you want them. Someone could get hurt, the weather could change drastically or people could get sick. You need to pay attention to what you’re doing, avoid unnecessarily risky behavior, and think before you act whether you are in a crisis or a normal camping situation.
Plan ahead and make sure your flashlight batteries have full power before you leave for a camping trip. It is very common for flashlights to be turned on inadvertently when going through camping supplies or while being stored. To ensure that this does not happen to you, you can put the batteries in facing the wrong direction until you reach your destination. That way, there is no way to turn the flashlight on until you switch the batteries around.
Bring some duct tape on your camping trip. Just as it has myriad uses around the house, you can use it for a variety of needs in the woods, too. It can be used as a quick patch in the case of a punctured air mattress. It is also useful for taping up tears in tents, tarps or sleeping bags. You can even put some under your feet before long hikes so that you don’t get blisters. If anyone hurts themselves, it can be used for securing splints or for covering wounds, provided something soft is placed between the tape and skin.
Camping Trip
In summary, nothing beats a great camping trip. The fresh air, the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world, all make camping a great experience. Try the tips and tricks you’ve learned here to make your next camping trip even more relaxing.
Find the softest, flattest ground possible to set up your tent. This will ensure that your sleeping area is comfortable. Always put a tarp down on the ground first so that water can’t get in and ruin the tent.
