Camping provides hours of enjoyment that you can share with family and friends. Surprisingly, many people never give it a try because they are intimidated by the prospect. Having the right tips can erase this negative approach. Read this article for some sound tried and true camping advice.
When you’re camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. It can be hard to set up camp when it’s dark outside. Some people cannot see very well at night, and this makes setting up camp at night next to impossible. Do not wind up in this position. Seek shelter and make camp for the night well before darkness sets in.
Sleeping Bag
After you buy your camping tent, set it up at home rather than waiting until your trip to set it up for the first time. This allows you to check and see that all the pieces are there and that you know how to assemble your shelter correctly. This kind of “dry run” also helps lower your frustration level when setting up the tent at the campsite
You need to make sure your sleeping bag is sufficient for the climate. If you bring a sub-zero sleeping bag to go camping in mid-summer, you might find that you are sweating all night long. On the other hand, you don’t want a lightweight summer sleeping bag if you’re going to be out in the frigid temperatures of wintertime. You may even get hypothermia.
Make sure your medical insurance is up-to-date. If you go camping out of state, you may need to have coverage where you go. This is more crucial if you go camping in another country. Be sure that you prepare yourself in case anything happens!
Prior to heading out, be sure you are aware of the forecast for your destination. There are lots of excellent websites that you can use for a weather forecast and they can give you an idea of what to expect. With the right weather information, you can be prepared with the proper clothing and equipment.
Try to camp near water, where you can also enjoy swimming. You may miss the shower at your home when you are camping. Cool water will make you feel clean and fresh, so you may not miss your shower at all.
During a camping trip, try to go swimming at some point. Showering is one of the comforts of home you will have to do without while camping. The water helps you feel refreshed and a bit cleaner so that you don’t miss showering quite as much.
Dryer lint makes surprisingly good kindling for starting campfires. Start collecting the lint from your dryer’s filter about a month before you go on your trip. You can simply stuff it all into a plastic grocery bag you keep near the dryer. The morning of your departure, all you need to do is grab the bag and depart, kindling sorted!
Take either a bandanna or handkerchief with you when you go camping. Not only can it keep the hair out of your eyes, it can also be a sack to carry things, a towel to dry your hands or a potholder to grab your coffee pot from the fire. Take a few with you anytime you go camping.
Buy special camping pillows instead of using your standard ones. Regular bed pillows can become damp if the weather is wet or humid. Those big pillows can also mildew, because they absorbs moisture. Pillows designed for camping offer a coating that prevents moisture absorption.
Oranges are not only a healthy snack to take on a camping trip, but they are also versatile when used as a mosquito repellent. After you’ve eaten the flesh of the fruit, save all the peels. When you need bug repellant, rub the peels on your skin to repel mosquitos naturally and on the cheap!
Kids generally love camping, but plan some activities for them ahead of time. If you’re out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do, boredom will set in. They may not have any experience with things such as fishing or setting up a tent. Take the time to demonstrate the activities prior to leaving, especially if they’ve never really lived outdoors.
Make sure you have a good chat with your children about basic camping dangers before you head away. The information contains pictures of poisonous plants that they can use as a guide of what to avoid.
Take a few things with you to entertain yourself while you’re camping. For instance, card games, fishing poles and footballs will help to ensure that you have a fun time in the woods. If you are taking children camping, you might want to bring more activities than you think you are going to need.
Don’t go far from home during your first couple of camping trips. You could have problems with your gear, or you may find you don’t like camping. Also, you can easily get home if you don’t have enough food or clothing. Many issues can occur for new campers, so you should camp near home your first time.
Remember the old scout motto – be prepared! Anything can happen while camping so it is crucial to be prepared. Injuries, illnesses and the weather can change suddenly. It’s vital to everyone’s well being that no severe risks are taken and that all safety precautions are heeded.
Always pack enough food and the right kind. Take a decent amount of food that won’t spoil when you go camping. Your camping trip will be ruined if you get food poisoning. Properly prepare food and take any necessary precautions.
An orange peel can help to avoid insect bites. Don’t worry if you forget the bug spray. Rub this inner peel of the orange over your exposed skin and watch the magic at work. This should give you the protection that you need while out in the wilderness.
If your dog goes with you, always keep up with him. There are those who fear dogs. It is essential to respect the feelings of your fellow campers. Besides that, dogs can also damage equipment and campsites if they aren’t supervised.
Pick out all of your clothing before you go camping. Make sure that you pack enough clothes to last you for the whole trip. It is also important to have clothing that is right for the weather you might encounter. Make sure to pack a good pair of shoes to hike in as well.
Now that you have read the article above you have learned that camping can be quite simple. Anyone can learn to perfect the art of camping. Use what you have learned from this article and apply it to your next camping trip. You should be well on the way to an adventure that will help you get closer with nature.
Pack wisely! Make a list of what you’ll need and check it off as you get things packed. A checklist is especially crucial if your campsite is located remotely, making it less likely that you will have access to first-aid items or other emergency supplies.