Whether you are camping in your backyard or packing up for a trip to the mountains, preparation will make the time spent under the stars more enjoyable for everyone. Look at these tips to find out how to properly prepare for a camping excursion. The information is surely something you will appreciate in the end.
While you may count on Mother Nature to have plenty of wood to stoke your campfire, you may encounter only wet wood that won’t burn. It’s always recommended that you bring extra wood and keep it where it won’t get wet.
If you have bought a brand new tent in preparation for your camping trip, set it up at home first before you use it for camping. That way, you can make sure you have everything you need to set up the tent, including knowledge of how to do it properly. You will find your frustration level diminishes greatly as well.
Make sure that all of your friends and family are involved in choosing the camping site. Talk about the state you would like to go to. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. If it is the simpler option, try picking a few you favor and letting your whole family vote on them.
Do a “jungle breakfast” if you are bringing kids. You can tie small food and drink boxes into the trees. When they wake up, they’ll have to search the “jungle” for breakfast. It’s a fun way to make camping a little more exciting for the children.
Carry a survival kit on your person. A survival kit should consist of matches, first aid necessities a flare gun and a knife. This kit can save your life if you get into a dangerous situation. Remember to take it everywhere you go when you’re away from your campsite.
Try to go swimming when you are camping. Camping can make you miss your shower. Spending some time in cool water can help you stay clean and refresh your spirits, so a little swimming can soothe the part of your heart longing for a bath.
Don’t be afraid to over-pack for your children. Camping is messy. Your kids may love playing around in the grass and dirt. Children will get dirtier as the day goes on. Know that you must accept that fact, but have a change of clothing for them so they can be comfortable. The key is being prepared.
Purchase camping pillows for a camping trip! If you bring a standard pillow for the bedroom, they become sticky and hot when the weather is humid. They can mildew quickly after absorbing moisture. Pillows designed for camping have a coating on them that does not all the moisture to be absorbed.
If you are taking kids camping, have them eat a “jungle breakfast.” You can tie small food and drink boxes into the trees. Make your children “hunt” them in the wild; like a great outdoorsman. It adds some fun to camping.
Inform your children of possible dangers before taking them camping. Check out the plants that elicit poison ivy to better prepare for the dangers of camping.
Pack a bandanna or handkerchief. A bandana is very versatile and can be used as a blotter, potholder, mini-bag and more. It does not take much space in your bag and can save the day in many different situations.
Bring activities for you to have fun with while camping. Card games, fishing poles or games like a scavenger hunt can be very entertaining in the wild. If your kids are along on your camping trip, include as many entertainment items as possible.
Always prepare an emergency kit when camping, whether you are going by yourself or with others. Pack an emergency kit that contains basic first aid supplies as well as anything needed for the specific location in which you are camping. Items that will help with possible snake bites or a sling in case of sprains or breaks is a good idea, too.
Write down a list of all the essentials that are required before embarking on your trip. This is particularly helpful if you have to travel quite far to get where you are going. Pack a day or two before going camping, and check off things on your list as you go along.
Always remember to bring a roll of duct tape with you when you go camping as it can be used for all manner of things. It’s easy to use, can hold out moisture and will even fix a leak or a broken shoe!
Flashlights, lanterns and a few extra batteries must be taken for every camping trip. You will surely find it necessary to illuminate things once night falls. Having enough light can prevent nasty falls or unwanted encounters with wildlife. If you are bringing children on your trip, it’s a good idea to provide each of them with their own light.
Be sure that you have a good amount of lighting devices with you, as well as means of keeping them running. It is important to see clearly at night, especially if you are venturing away from your site. You can prevent accidents, such as falling or coming face-to-face with wild animals, if you have enough light available. Bring flashlights to safeguard against the dangers of darkness.
Sleeping Bag
Bring along a sleeping bag made for the current weather. For example, there are lightweight sleeping bag for warm weather and heavy sleeping bags for colder weather. The main goal with your sleeping bag is to conserve body heat, which means having a snug bag that hugs the body.
Your sleeping bag should be able to accommodate a variety of camping conditions. If its winter, use a heavy-weight bag and use a light-weight one in the summer. If you are going in cold weather, you will want a sleeping bag that hugs your body.
Don’t let your children out of your sight. It is easy for children to get lost, and cars often come and go. It only takes a second for something to happen, so make sure that your children always have the supervision that they need.
As you just read, it’s easy to have an enjoyable camping trip if you know what you’re doing. After today, you now know how to get the most out of your next camping trip and plan activities that even those who are the indoor-type can enjoy. Mother Nature has a lot to offer, so get out there and enjoy it!
Camping can be a great experience or it can be a miserable one. How your camping experience turns out is down to one key factor: preparation. The more prepared you are for your trip, the more likely that it will be the relaxing trip of your dreams.
