Nothing is quite like the experience of camping. After all, what can compare to inhaling fresh, clean air and becoming one with nature? Regardless if you are new to camping or an old pro, this article will provide you with tips for having the best possible camping experience.
Remember that your loved ones and possessions will get filthy. Don’t stress out when it inevitably happens. Enjoy being in the woods and allow yourself to let loose and be messy. You can always clean up, and be “normal” when you return home.
Sleeping Bag
Make sure you know what the weather will be before going on your trip. 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. When you know what the weather will be like, you can bring the proper gear and clothes.
Select the right sleeping bag for the season. You are going to roast all night long in a sleeping bag designed for cold weather that you camp with during summer. If you use a lightweight sleeping bag during the winter, you can spend your night shivering if it’s cold outside. You would in fact be risking your health and safety.
Be prepared to handle any emergency that may arise and have a plan in place. Your kit’s contents will change depending upon the season and location of your trip, but you should always bring the basics. Species specific antivenom should be packed to protect against animal bites.
Set up a “jungle breakfast” when you are camping with your kids. Bring small cereal boxes, juice drinks and fruit, and keep them tied up high in the trees. When they wake up, they’ll have to search the “jungle” for breakfast. This is a wonderful way to add fun to their camping enjoyment.
Kids really enjoy camping if they are kept busy with fun activities. Boredom is something that you will want to avoid at all costs while camping. They have probably never fished or set up tents. If you don’t normally spend time outside, show them before you go camping.
No matter if you are going camping alone, or with a huge group, you need to always bring along an emergency kit. Depending on the location, the kit may have extra items, but the basic items should be there. Take precautions for wildlife too, so keep some anti-venom on hand.
When you’re new to camping, make sure you camp close to home. You don’t want to be far away if you decide you’ve had enough of camping, or if you have problems with your equipment. You might find that you do not have enough clothes or food. Lots of calamities can befall new campers, so sticking close to home at first is wise.
Make sure you arrive at the campground before it gets dark. If you are in a vehicle, this means find a secure spot to park the vehicle. If you are camping in a tent, look for a dry and flat area of ground. Doing this during daylight hours will save you hassle and frustration. You can see how to set up your camp, which will save a good deal of frustration.
Take a few things with you to entertain yourself while you’re camping. You might want to take a deck of cards or a list of things to look for during a scavenger hunt as well as a fishing pole. This is especially important if you are bringing children, as they tend to bore easily.
Children love camping, but be sure that you provide them with activities. If you’re out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do, boredom will set in. They have probably never fished or set up tents. Teach them how to perform these acts before you set out to camp.
Don’t forget the duct tape. It has a myriad of uses for campers, just as it does for homeowners. You could seal an air leak in your mattress. You could patch a hole or tear in your sleeping bag, tarp or tent. If you’re planning on taking a long hike, place it on your feet to prevent 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.
Protect your canine companion on the trip by keeping him leashed and under careful supervision. Not all people are dog lovers, and some are extremely terrified of dogs. You should keep that in mind while you are on your camping trip. Your dog might even damage someone else’s property if not properly supervised.
While the concept of camping involves getting away from it all, you still need to be prepared with some basic items. Bring extra blankets along with your sleeping bag. They can be very handy when the evening temperatures drop. If not needed for warmth, they can be extra padding from the solid ground beneath.
Generally when you camp, you want to live with as little as possible but still be prepared for anything. While a sleeping bag is a necessity, you should bring extra blankets. They can be very handy when the evening temperatures drop. If not needed for warmth, they can be extra padding from the solid ground beneath.
Be sure that you have a good amount of lighting devices with you, as well as means of keeping them running. There are going to be moments when you must clearly see certain items when it gets dark. Having ample light sources can prevent falls or surprise encounters with local wildlife. Bring flashlights to safeguard against the dangers of darkness.
Prior to going camping, be sure to create a list of what you’ll need. This is imperative when there is travel involved during your camping trip. To ensure that everything gets packed, mark each item off the list as you pack it.
Orange peels are great items to reduce mosquito bites while camping. If you forgot your mosquito repellant, do not worry. Rub the inner peel of an orange over your body as mosquitoes will refrain from biting you. This can keep mosquitoes at bay for a number of hours.
Trail mix and beef jerky are a couple great things to bring along on a camping trip. You may not be in the mood to cook, so having these with you can be helpful. These kinds of foods do not spoil quickly, so you can always save them for a later time.
Plan your camping attire in advance of your trip. Pack plenty of different items of clean clothing for all types of weather. You should also make sure to include clothing that is appropriate for the climate and possible weather changes in your camping area. Sturdy shoes or boots with closed toes are essential gear for any camping trip.
Waterproof Matches
When planning for a camping trip, make sure you bring beef jerky and trail mix. These little nutritious snacks can come in handy after a long day. Trail mix and beef jerky are non-perishable foods, so they will keep for very long periods of time; you can even bring them home with you if you do not eat them at the campsite.
Waterproof matches are an essential part of any camping survival kit. Use an airtight container to store them. You also can create waterproof matches yourself by taking regular ones and dipping them in nail polish or paraffin. An empty prescription bottle or an old film container makes great storage for your matches.
A great camping tip that everyone should use is to bring along an extra utility knife. These types of knives are the key to success when you need tools at a campsite. Carry an extra one in your bags in the event that your main one gets lost.
As you leave for home, clean up your space. Include trash bags in your supplies to make cleanup easy. Do not leave food there, either. The rule of thumb when breaking down a campsite is to only leave footprints behind.
Always take along a survival and first aid kit when you’re going camping. These items can literally save your life, or to a lesser extent, prevent you from returning from your trip before you are ready to do so. This allows you to help someone should they become injured.
Food poisoning is a common danger of camping stemming from improper food storage. When food is not properly preserved, it can increase the risk of becoming spoiled and make you sick. Make sure you keep all perishable food on ice, but keep the drain open!
Learn how to read a map or use a compass ahead of time. Although you might know your site, it is still easy to get lost, as many places in the woods look similar. Your skill using a compass and a map can be a lifesaver one day.
Choose a sleeping bag that is made for the time of year you will be camping. For example, if it’s summertime you need a bag that’s lighter so you’re not too hot during the night. However, if it is winter, a thicker sleeping bag will be needed so you won’t freeze during the night.
When you are putting up your tent, make sure that you find a way to seal all of the seams. You may find a tube at many sporting good stores if the tent didn’t include any. This will prevent rainwater or critters from getting into your tent.
Cooking Method
Always make sure that your sleeping bag is light enough or heavy enough for the season you will be using it in. In summer weather, for example, you’ll need a light bag that will help you stay cool. When it’s wintertime, it’s a good idea to get a thicker bag so you’re not too cold.
How do you plan to cook at your camp site? The cooking method is going to determine what food is appropriate for taking so make this decision well in advance. Know what cooking method you will use so you can be prepared to fix meals over the fire if you so desire.
Do not set your camp near a bathroom. Although the location is convenient, there are many downfalls to this location. Bathrooms have constant light and lots of foot traffic. When you camp by the bathrooms, it isn’t as convenient as you think.
Camping is a unique adventure. The scenery, being around nature, and the fresh air are all great things to enjoy while camping. Use the tips you have learned in this article so you’re able to have the best camping trip possible wherever you may go.
Take drinks, food and water with you when you go camping. If you are camping in an area where bears are common, make sure you store your food supplies away from the area you are sleeping in. You don’t want this to happen because you want to enjoy yourself camping.