Ah yes, camping! It is a wonderful time with nature that makes a great vacation for families, couples or one seeking solitude. Camping can be an exciting and fun way to enjoy nature, but there are a lot of things you have to know. Read the tips in this article so you can have an exciting and fun filled camping trip.
Make your kids a “jungle breakfast”. Tie fruit, juice boxes, and small boxes of cereal to trees. Then your kids can go out searching for their own breakfast. This is a wonderful way to add fun to their camping enjoyment.
Make sure your sleeping bag is right for the weather. A winter bag for the summer will cause you to sweat all night. If you are going to bring a light bag in the winter, you may end up freezing and having a miserable time. In the worst case, you could be putting yourself at risk of getting frostbite or even worse.
See if you can integrate swimming into your camping trip. You may miss the shower at your home when you are camping. Cool water can give you a feeling of exhilaration that may help you to miss your shower at home much less.
Let all of your family members have a chance to contribute to picking a campsite. Talk about where you want to camp. There are thousands upon thousands of places to choose from. If necessary, select a few locations yourself, then let the family decide among your choices.
Pack oranges on your camping trip for nutritious and convenient snacking as well as organic mosquito repellant. Keep the peels when you are finished eating them. Rub the peels on your body and mosquitoes will stay away.
Don’t worry about over-packing for your kids. Being out in the wild can result in all sorts of messes. Children seem to be dirt magnets. Therefore, you will need to understand that a clean trip is probably out of the question. By packing a few extra changes of clothes, your children can be presentable at dinner. Always prepare!
Don’t forget to include special pillows made just for camping on your adventure. If you use your bedroom pillows, the humid weather will make them feel hot and sticky. These pillows will also retain water from the air during humid conditions, so they can mildew. Pillows specifically designed for camping will not draw in wetness like regular pillows will.
Take a first-aid class, especially if children are camping with you. In an emergency, your first aid training could be the difference between life and death. Make sure to do your research. Find out if the area has poisonous snakes, what type of wildlife lives in the woods, etc.
It is important that you remember all the camping gear when going on a trip. It would be a shame to arrive at your campsite only to realize you have forgotten some important items, like food and water. Double check all your supplies to make sure they are accounted for and in working condition. Do this before you leave.
If you are going camping, whether with others or alone, a survival kit is essential. The contents of the kit may change depending on where you camp and who you are with, but it should contain basic supplies. You may want to pack bear repellent or antivenom.
Try to find a campsite that is closer to your house for your convenience when on your first trip. You could have problems with your gear, or you may find you don’t like camping. You may run short of food or need more clothing than you packed. So many things can go awry for the newbie camper; it’s definitely best to find a campground near to home.
Oranges are good things to bring for your camping trip, and not only as a healthy snack option. When you finish eating them, save all of your peels and rub them around your body to use as a natural insect repellent.
If Fido is coming with your on your camping trip, don’t forget his leash. There are those who fear dogs. Respecting your fellow campers is essential when camping. Also, dogs have the potential to wreck your campsite, or that of someone else, if they are allowed to run loose.
Try to ensure your camp is set up before night falls. Look for a safe parking place if you are camping in an RV. When using a tent, choose a dry flat location. It is much easier to do these things during the day, and you can become familiar with the area. By setting up camp during the daylight, you can avoid the frustration associated with setting up camp.
It is imperative that you are properly packed for your camping trip. Not planning properly can ruin a whole trip. Write a list of all the items you need and make sure to cross them off of the list once you pack them. Some useful items are items to create a fire, your tent, tarp, a sleeping bag, water (and lots of it), soap, food that is already prepared, and a utility knife.
Always have all your gear prepared before the trip. You do not want to forget essential items. Verify all the things that you need or should take and write out a list of all of them. Then, check your final packing according to the list to be sure.
Remember the old scout motto – be prepared! Things can sometimes go awry, even when carefully planned. The weather is something that can change suddenly, and that can make the environment become more dangerous. You should not be careless, take unnecessary risks, or perform any action without considering the consequences.
Try to schedule activities for your children such as board games or card games. Do not let the absence of TV and video games lead them to complain that they are bored. In today’s techno society, children may not be accustomed to the great outdoors. Teach them these things ahead of time to ensure a great trip.
Pay close attention to where your kids are when camping. Kids love to explore in the woods and they can very easily get lost. It doesn’t take more than a minute for something unexpected to happen.
Make a list of your required camping gear and double check it while packing. Unfortunately, forgetting one or two key items can ruin your trip. Making a list and checking things off is a good way to remember everything. Don’t forget to include your sleeping bag, water, knives, prepared food, hand gel, soap, and your tent.
Orange peels are great items to reduce mosquito bites while camping. If you forgot your mosquito repellant, do not worry. Rub this inner peel of the orange over your exposed skin and watch the magic at work. This can last a few hours and make your trip a more comfortable one.
Take some time to think about the appropriate camping clothing ahead of time. Pack plenty of clothes that will last you the length of your trip. Also, check the weather so that you can dress accordingly. Include closed toe shoes or hiking boots if you want to do some hiking.
One simple tip that many people overlook is creating your shelter before dark. When it’s dark outside it can be very hard to put your tent up. You will need to make a fire or have flashlight to do this. It is basically easier to get your campsite set up before it gets dark and you are not fumbling around in the dark.
Be very aware of the place where you have decided to set up. Try to steer clear of wasp nests or other pest havens. If you’re in an area that is rich in vegetation, try wearing long pants and long sleeves to protect yourself from insects. This way you ensure your safety as much as possible.
Make sure you know how to read both a map and a compass. Even if you are familiar with your intended campsite, you could still get lost because many areas look the same. You can prevent disaster by knowing how to use these lifesaving items.
It is recommended you bring lots of beef jerky and/or trail mix when you go camping. After a busy day of hiking or other strenuous outdoor activities, you may be too tired to deal with campsite cooking. These snacks are healthy and nutrient-dense, making them a quick and easy source of nourishment. These foods are non-perishable; if you do not use them, you can simply bring them home.
Many people get food poisoning when camping because of improper packing every year. Any food that is not canned, preserved, or vacuum sealed is at risk of spoiling or causing food poisoning. Pack plenty of ice to keep any perishable foods cold and remember to pull the drain plug in the cooler so the food does not get soaked.
Camping is a popular thing to do on vacation, but if it is not planned well, it can turn into a disaster. The above article has given you all the advice you need to ensure your next camping trip is enjoyable.
While it may sound obvious, don’t forget to pack the toilet paper when you head out for a camping trip. If you go camping at a location with no toilets, you will have to use the bathroom in the woods. Leaves can be dangerous alternatives to toilet paper, so don’t forget it.