TV relies heavily on outdoor reality shows, so it is hardly a wonder camping has become so popular. If you think it’s time to take an adventure of your own, learn a few tricks to make your experience into a great one.
When you go camping, you wand to find shelter before the sun goes down. Once it gets dark outside, figuring out how to set up a tent, finding wood and making food may become impossible. This is particularly important if you are not used to doing things in the dark. To ensure you get your campsite operational arrive several hours before sunset.
Always find your shelter before it gets dark when you go camping. Once the sky becomes dark, finding a good spot for your tent, necessary firewood and food preparation become near impossible. That can be especially true for someone who live in the suburbs and is not used to total darkness. Avoid these circumstances by finding the right shelter while it is still light.
Although you might assume the woods will offer you plenty of firewood for your camping needs, nature may surprise you with rain-soaked logs or wood that will not easily ignite. It is good planning to take your own wood with you and store it where it is dry.
Take a first-aid class, especially if children are camping with you. If something unexpected comes up, you will be ready to handle it. Also, do your research. You should be aware of the poisonous snakes, wild animals, etc., that inhabit the area.
Let those you are camping with help pick the site. Discuss which state you wish to visit. The U.S. has dozens of great camping options. This can get people engaged and ready to go camping.
If you are camping in the summer, go swimming too. Showering is one of the comforts of home you will have to do without while camping. Cool water will make you feel clean and fresh, so you may not miss your shower at all.
Don’t be afraid of bringing too much if you have kids. Camping can be very messy. Children seem to be magnetically attracted to dirt. That all means that you will have very dirty children as the day progresses. While you can’t do much about that, you should have extra clothing on hand. Don’t be caught without something you need!
Try using dryer lint to help you start your campfire. Start storing your lint in a bag a couple weeks before your trip. Just hang a grocery bag next to your dryer and stuff the lint into the bag. That technique lets you simply grab the kindling you’ll use right before you go on your trip.
Understand your medical coverage. You may need another policy if you’re going to a different state. This comes into effect, more so, when you are traveling out of the country. It always pays to be prepared for anything!
Take oranges with you as a way to snack in a healthy, convenient way–and as a mosquito repellent that is organic. When you get through eating an orange, rub the peel on exposed skin to keep pesky bugs away.
Try to go swimming when you are camping. Any time you go camping, you are likely to miss taking a shower. By taking a dip in a pool, lake or river, you will have fun and feel clean and refreshed at the same time!
Duct tape can be used to solve many problems on camping trips. It works quickly for inflatable leaks, tent holes, worn soles on shoes, sealing mosquito nets, securing tent poles, and so much more.
You should bring a small, luxurious item along with you to help keep your mood up. Regardless of how authentic you want your experience to be, this can help. Your favorite candy bar or some prepackaged creamers for your morning coffee are light and simple to bring along. Such little luxuries will really pick up your spirits!
Double Check
Try to ensure your camp is set up before night falls. Quickly locate a good parking place if you’ve brought along an RV. If you have a tent, carefully select the plot of land you are going to use. Doing this during daylight hours will save you hassle and frustration. This will also let you avoid the frustration of doing it when it’s not at easy to see what you are doing.
Double check that you have all of your necessary equipment prior to your camping trip. You certainly don’t want to forget something important like your sleeping bag or tent. Therefore, double check everything before you leave home.
Bring everything that you will need before starting out on your camping trip. You don’t need to forget something important like your sleeping bag or tent. Be sure you double check everything you’re taking and create a checklist prior to taking off so you’re sure everything is there.
One smart thing to bring along camping is duct tape. Just like at home, its uses are nearly endless. This can be used to repair holes in air mattresses. It can also fix up a tarp, sleeping bag, or even the tent. Before embarking on an arduous hike, put it on each foot to stave off blisters. You can also put it over bandages for extra protection.
Bringing a dog on your camping trip is fine as long as you bring a leash and keep a close eye on them. There are people who do not like dogs, so you will want to keep them in control. Respecting your fellow campers is essential when camping. Additionally, dogs can wreak a lot of havoc on a campsite if they are not supervised properly.
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 underneath your tent is handy as it can help keep water from entering.
Bring activities for you to have fun with while camping. Scavenger hunts, card games and fishing poles all add up to wonderful diversions to do in the wild. This is especially important if children are going to be camping.
Write down a list of all the materials you need before you go camping. This is doubly important for campgrounds that are far away. Get prepared well ahead of schedule; at least one day, maybe two, is required to gather all the “forgotten” items you would regret not having in the wild.
Flashlights, lanterns and a good supply of extra batteries are necessary supplies during any camping trip. You will likely need to see when it gets dark out. Having an adequate amount of light can help avoid injuries from falls and running into animals living in the wild. If your children are along on your camping trip, give them each their own flashlight.
Sleeping Bags Tend
Always keep an eye on your children, no matter where they are. 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 takes just a second and something can happen; therefore be certain you always give kids the proper supervision.
Make sure that your sleeping bag is appropriate for where and when you are camping. Lightweight sleeping bags tend to work better in warmer weather and heavyweight sleeping bags tend to work better in colder weather. If you plan to pitch a tent, make sure your sleeping bag stays snug against your body, as this prevents your body heat from escaping.
If your kids are going camping with you, have a photo of them on you. If you lose them at some point, a picture will be very helpful to local authorities. Bring at least one photo of each child for any emergencies.
Take pictures of your children with you when you camp. In the unfortunate event of an accident, this will help you have some form of identification for seeking assistance. Be certain you take a picture in case of an emergency, particularly if you are far away from your home.
Make sure to carry a utility knife with you when you are camping. An utility knife is the most versatile tool you’ll have as a camper, and bring another one if you should lose the other.
Know the area that you’re setting up your camp in. You should avoid setting up near any insect breeding grounds like wasp’s nest and beehives. If you’re near lots of vegetation, you should wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from insects. Also, carry insect repellent.
Figure out how to use a compass and read a map in advance. Even if you’ve been to your campsite before, getting lost one time can still happen since many areas will looks the same. Your skill using a compass and a map can be a lifesaver one day.
Many people forget to set up shelter before night falls. It’s hard and frustrating to set up a tent in the dark. If it’s already dark, you’ll need to create fire while using a flashlight. It’s much easier to arrive early enough to get set up before sundown.
When you put up your tent, seal the tent seams the best you can. You can buy a tube at most sporting goods stores if your tent did not come with any. Sealing the seams of your tent will prevent any insects or water from getting inside.
When erecting your tent, ensure that all of the tent’s seams are sealed. You may find a tube at many sporting good stores if the tent didn’t include any. The seals keep water and pests from entering your tent.
Plan your whole entire trip and add some fun activities for the whole family. Campfire songs and roasting marshmallows aren’t the only fun things to do while camping. Use your imagination to come up with ideas that each family member will enjoy. Think of both your younger and older kids when choosing activities.
As you are now aware, any number of unexpected events can occur when you are camping. However, you are now armed with the knowledge you need to tackle any topics that come up. With a grasp of what you can expect, your focus can be on having a great time.
Bring along sunscreen. Sun protection is important! Purchase a sunscreen that will provide you with optimal sun protection. You might want to choose sunscreen that includes insect repellent. It will make it easier for you to apply all of the protection you need to stay comfortable while camping.
