If you have never camped, you don’t know how great it can be. Mother Nature has a way of relaxing even the most stressed soul. Camping is really not as difficult as it may seem. With a little advice from this article, you can become an outdoor junkie in no time.
If you have a new tent, practice setting it up at home before your trip. That will help you make sure your tent has all the pieces and you know how to properly set it up. This will also eliminate some of the frustration associated with setting up a tent.
While it may be that there’s enough wood around to keep a fire going for a long time, some of the wood may be wet and cannot burn no matter what you try. Make sure you bring some of your own dry kindling and make sure it stays in a dry area.
Build yourself a survival kit; keep it with you anywhere you go while camping. A first aid kit, matches in a water tight container, a good knife, flares and tablet to purify water are some essentials to include. This kit can keep you alive! Remember to carry it with you and do not leave it in your camp.
Always keep a close eye on yourself, your family, and your possessions; as they will all get a little dirty. Setting the proper regulations in advance can help to combat this. Just enjoy and appreciate being free in the wilderness; get stuck in and get messy. You can always clean up, and be “normal” when you return home.
Do not hesitate to pack too much for your kids. Being out in the wild can result in all sorts of messes. Kids simply love to get dirty. As the day moves along, your children are going to get really messy. The solution is not to stop them from getting dirty, but to have clean clothes ready for them after they are done. The key is being prepared.
Make sure that you both carry a survival kit and then get in the habit of always having it with you. Survival kits should contain waterproof matches, a survival knife, a first aid kit, a flare gun and water purifying tablets. For any life threatening situation, these items may be the only thing standing between you and disaster. Carry it at all times.
Take a first aid class, particularly if you are traveling with children. If an accident occurs, you’ll need to know what you need to better the situation until you can receive medical attention. Also be sure to do all the research you can about the area. Know about any poisonous snakes and spiders in the area, and learn what animals live there.
The difference between a fun camping trip and a dangerous one? Preparation. Be sure you don’t go camping until you are fully prepared with all the supplies you need. If you are camping in a new location, research the local wildlife, geography and the climate before leaving home.
Before leaving on a camping trip, check the forecast for your destination. You can visit http://www.weather.com to check the weather just about anywhere. Be sure to look at the 10 day forecast along with extended weather patterns. If you have the correct weather information, you will be better prepared with proper equipment and clothing.
Take oranges with you as a way to snack in a healthy, convenient way–and as a mosquito repellent that is organic. Save the orange peels and rub them into your exposed skin. Insects will stay away from you for an affordable price.
Don’t miss the opportunity to add swimming activities to your next camping trip. Showering is one of the comforts of home you will have to do without while camping. When swimming, you will feel refreshed and cleaner. If you use some biodegradable soap, you can get just as clean as you would at home.
Make sure to bring duct tape on your camping trip to fix almost any problem. It works quickly for inflatable leaks, tent holes, worn soles on shoes, sealing mosquito nets, securing tent poles, and so much more.
Always set up your camp before nightfall. Look for a safe parking place if you are camping in an RV. If you have a tent, find dry, flat ground. Doing this when you still have daylight lets you get familiar with the area. You will be able to see a lot better, and this will make everything easier.
Make sure that you understand the dangers and risks of the camping site that you choose. Figure out if there are any poisonous insects, what the land looks like and how the weather will be. Every camping area has its dangers.
Make sure to prepare in advance before you engage in a camping trip. While a sleeping bag is obvious, it is still a good idea to bring extra blankets. This will allow you to stay warm, no matter how cold it gets, and it also serves as extra padding.
Bring sufficient amounts of the right kinds of foods. Make sure the food you bring won’t spoil while you’re camping. Just a little food poisoning can turn a camping trip upside down. Prepare all food in the right way and follow all other precautions that the kind of food needs.
Bringing everything you need for your trip is important. Forgetting just one or two things could ruin your trip. It’s very helpful to write out a list and cross each item off once you have packed it. Don’t forget sleeping bags, water, utility knives, anti-bacterial soap and sanitizer, fire starters and a sturdy tent.
Pack some duct tape next time you embark on a camping trip. The tape that does it all at home, also does it all while camping. You can slap a piece of it on a leaking air mattress. You can also seal holes in sleeping bags or tents. If you plan to take a long hike, be sure to place some on feet to avoid developing blisters. Injuries can even be bandaged with it.
You want to make sure that you don’t end up with drained flashlight batteries when you head out on your camping trip. While searching your backpack or bag, it is not too hard to accidentally hit the power button on your flashlight. To avoid drained batteries, store your flashlights with the batteries backwards. Your batteries will remain fully charged until you turn them around the right direction, and you won’t be able to accidentally turn the flashlight on.
It’s critical that you take along the right things with you when you go camping. Your trip will not be as fun if you forget imperative items. It is best to create a list a few weeks before your trip and to use it while packing. A few things that you probably should pack include a sleeping bag, tent, knife, food, soap, and plenty of water.
Pack lanterns, flashlights and extra batteries when you go camping. You will surely find it necessary to illuminate things once night falls. After all, you don’t want to stumble in the dark, or accidentally step on a wild critter. If you have kids with you, be sure they each have their own flashlight.
Look for the softest and flattest ground you can possibly find for your tent. Picking a sloped or rocky spot causes you to feel uncomfortable anytime you sit in your tent. A tarp should be laid on the ground before the tent is set up to keep moisture out.
Watch your kids closely. People may be driving around the campsites, and it’s also very easy for kids to get up and get lost when they’re not familiar with an area. It doesn’t take much time for something to occur, so be sure your kids are properly supervised.
Now that you have good information, you can plan your camping trip. Use the information you learned to become a master camper. It does not matter if you stay close to home or travel far away for your camping adventure, you will have the time of your life.
Select your campsite carefully. You should avoid setting up near any insect breeding grounds like wasp’s nest and beehives. If the campsite has a lot of vegetation, protect exposed skin by wearing long pants and sleeves. A strong bug spray is also something you want on hand, especially if the vegetation is very thick.