Camping is an unmatched activity. The fresh air and outdoor environment will help you have loads of fun. 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.
Though you may believe that there will be sufficient wood lying around for your fire, you may only be able to find wet lumber that does not easily burn. Bringing your own wood never hurts, especially when things are a little wet and you know a fire will be needed.
Let all the members of your family have a hand in picking your campsite. Have a conversation about where you want to go. Choosing one can be really hard in the United States, given how many places there are to go! If it makes things simpler, list your personal preferences and then have the family choose from them.
Camping provides the inevitable experience that you, your family and most of your possessions will probably get dirty. Being prepared for this will make sure you don’t stress too much when it occurs. Have fun in nature and don’t be afraid to get dirty! There’s plenty of time for showers and being super clean once you’re home again.
When you’re getting a brand new tent for your camping trip, take it out and set it up at home before you go camping. That will help you make sure your tent has all the pieces and you know how to properly set it up. This will also allow you to feel more comfortable about setting up the tent later.
Consider taking a CPR and first aid class. This is especially important if young children are traveling with you. Camping can be very remote, so it is best to be able to deal with emergencies on your own, until help can be reached. Also be sure to do all the research you can about the area. Be aware of the potential for poisonous snakes, wild animals and other possible wildlife dangers.
Put together a survival pack and have it on you all the time. A first aid kit, matches in a water tight container, a good knife, flares and tablet to purify water are some essentials to include. Your survival kit can be the difference between you making it out of the woods on a stretcher or your own two feet. Keep it with you at all times when you leave your campsite for any reason.
During a camping trip, try to go swimming at some point. You may miss the shower at your home when you are camping. 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!
Over-packing is better than under-packing when it comes to children. There is a lot of mess that goes along with camping. The dirt is like a magnet that draws your children into the mess. As the day goes on, your kids will get messier and messier. Take extra clothing with you for your children. There is nothing like being prepared!
When camping alone or in the company of friends, always bring an emergency kit. This kit should contain the basics, but should evolve as you change your camping locations. Take into consideration all the possibilities that nature has to offer, and take precautions for them.
Bring oranges. Not only are they nutritious, but the peels can be used for mosquito repellant. Don’t throw away the peels when you are finished with them and rub them on yourself. Apply to any skin that’s exposed to keep insects away with no chemicals. It’s a lot cheaper than spending your money on bug spray!
Even the most natural experience can allow for one nice luxury from home. Take something like creamer for your coffee or a chocolate candy bar. These things can help to keep you happy and make your trip more enjoyable.
Don’t forget to include special pillows made just for camping on your adventure. If you take along a regular bedroom pillow, it can get hot and sticky when it’s hot outside. Mildew can grow in it when they absorb the moisture from the air. Camping pillows, on the other hand, possess a protective coating that prevents that from happening.
Take oranges with you as a way to snack in a healthy, convenient way–and as a mosquito repellent that is organic. Save all the orange peels. Before mosquitoes attack, rub them on exposed skin.
Make sure you have all the gear you need before you leave your driveway. You certainly don’t want to forget something important like your sleeping bag or tent. Check to make sure you have everything you need with a check list prior to going on your trip.
Try to get your camp fully set up by nightfall. If you are in a vehicle, this means find a secure spot to park the vehicle. When forming your tent, find a spot that is level and dry. If you don’t do this, you could find yourself in a precarious and unsafe area after dark. It will also allow prevent the frustration of not being able to see while setting up your equipment.

If you are a camping novice, you should initially stay near home. This is so you can easily get home if you don’t enjoy your camping experience. Novice campers sometimes don’t pack enough food or clothing, which is a problem if they are far away. The first time, you should camp at close to home in the event of an emergency.
When you are camping around dangerous creatures, you have to be even safer regarding food. Take safety precautions, such as wrapping your items in many layers for protection. This will help prevent wild animals from being tempted to visit your campsite.
Take along items to use while you are camping in the wild. Card games are a fun way to pass the time if the weather does not cooperate. This is especially important if you are bringing children, as they tend to bore easily.
It’s critical that you take along the right things with you when you go camping. Forgetting a few simple items could be disastrous for your trip. Write a list of essentials and as you pack the items, cross them off. Your list should include a sleeping bag, tent, tarp, water, food, knife, soap, fire-starting items and more.
Although you want to live on as little as possible while camping, you need to prepare yourself for your trip. In addition to your sleeping bag, bring a couple of blankets. That helps you if the night gets really cold, and you are able to use them as padding, as well.
Plan to save the light of your flashlight before you go camping. It is very common for flashlights to be turned on inadvertently when going through camping supplies or while being stored. To avoid drained batteries, store your flashlights with the batteries backwards. You will be able to keep your battery life this way.
If you put some thought in ahead of time, you will not have to worry about drained batteries in your flashlight while you are at a camp out. You can easily press the “on” switch on a flashlight when digging in your camping bag. Keep the batteries for the flashlight in backwards. That way, the flashlight cannot possibly drain the batteries if the ON button is bumped.
Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before leaving your car or campsite. If that’s not an option, bring an extra battery. A cell phone is a great emergency device; make certain it will keep working.
Before heading out to go camping, compile a checklist of items that you plan to bring. This can be of particular importance if you are traveling a long distance and will be in more remote locations. Get all your things together a few days before your trip and mark them off on your list.
Camping can provide you with the ultimate relaxation, or it can turn your weekend into the worst. The difference between each experience all comes down to how prepared you are. If you are well prepared for any possible situation, you are likely to have a great camping experience.
Pick out all of your clothing before you go camping. Consider how many outfits you will need for the number of days you plan to be on your trip and add in a few extra in case of bad weather. Also, make sure you’re taking along clothes that work with whatever the weather will be where you are camping. Shoes need to be closed and durable, especially for hiking.
Be sure to create your shelter before it gets dark. It’s hard enough to throw up a tent, but it’s even harder with the lights out. It will be necessary to build a fire or at least have a flashlight. It is so much easier to set up your shelter before dark.
If you go out camping with kids, have a photo of them on hand. This picture could be used to help find them if they were to get separated from the group and lost. When camping far away from your house, remember to bring one in case of an emergency.
Master a map and a compass before heading out for your trip. Although the camp site may be a familiar one, there may have been changes since your last visit and you could still get lost. Avoid problems by learning to use these items that can save your life.
Camping is a unique adventure. Through camping, you can see and feel every aspect of nature. When you apply what you’ve learned here, you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing trip wherever you decide to camp.
Clean up your campsite before going home. Bring garbage bags with you on the trip so that you have a place to store all of the trash. Also, it’s important to take all food with you when you leave too. One big camping rule is that only your footprints should remain when you go home.