Ah–going camping. All on your own, as a couple or out with the whole family, camping is an ideal getaway to enjoy the beauty of nature. Camping can be an exciting and fun way to enjoy nature, but there are a lot of things you have to know. Look at the following advice to learn how to have fun camping.
Always find your shelter before it gets dark when you go camping. Once the woods are dark, it is very difficult to find firewood, pitch your tent and prepare some food. This is particularly important if you are not used to doing things in the dark. Do whatever you can to make sure that you find a safe location for your tent and pitch it before you find yourself in this sticky situation.
Though you may believe that there will be sufficient wood lying around for your fire, you may only be able to find wet lumber that does not easily burn. It’s always prudent to bring wood that you have gathered beforehand, and to store it in a location where it will stay dry.
You are going camping outdoors, so expect that you will all be getting dirty. As long as you are prepared for getting dirty, you will not feel so stressed out when it happens. Enjoy being in the woods and allow yourself to let loose and be messy. When you return home, make sure to stay as organized as possible.
Be well-versed in emergency first aid if you plan on camping out, especially if there will be kids with you. In an emergency, your first aid training could be the difference between life and death. Be sure to do some research as well. Figure out what wild animals are hanging out there and what kinds of poisonous snakes or bugs are sneaking around.
Prior to leaving on your camping adventure, look at the weather forecast in the location your are going to be camping. There are lots of websites that can give you an idea of what the typical weather is like in the area during the time of your travel. When you have some idea of how the weather will behavior while you are camping, you can pack appropriate clothing and equipment.
Review the medical coverage that you have. You might need a new policy if you go to another state. If you plan to travel to a different country, such as Canada, then its is especially important. Make sure you have prepared yourself, just in case of an accident.
You can go swimming at the same time that you camp! When camping, you might find yourself missing your shower. The cool water at a beach or pool will help you feel clean and refreshed.
A bandanna or a handkerchief can be beneficial to bring on your trip. That small piece of cloth could become a potholder, a bag, a blotter or a towel. Take a few with you anytime you go camping.
Double check that you have all of your necessary equipment prior to your camping trip. For example, your trip can be ruined if you forget your sleeping bag or tent. Look over the items you plan to bring and create a checklist before leaving to ensure that all of your essential gear comes with you.
Try to get your camp fully set up by nightfall. Choose a parking spot that you feel comfortable with if you are camping in an RV. When forming your tent, find a spot that is level and dry. You will be able to see the area better before nightfall and become familiar with it. It is also easier for you to see what is happening, so you won’t feel so frustrated.
If you are camping in uncharted territory, make sure that you understand potential dangers lurking there. This includes things like which spiders are deadly, whether or not there are sheer drops, and if flash floods are common. Every camping spot has a few dangers to be aware of.
Kids love camping, but you need to plan out activities for them to do on the trip. If you’re out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do, boredom will set in. They may not know how to fish or pitch tents. Expose them to these activities prior to embarking on your trip.
Camping is a very kid-friendly activity, but you should keep kids busy by planning activities. Your kids may start to get bored when you are out in the woods. Children may not have an idea of how to fish or set up a tent. Take the time to demonstrate the activities prior to leaving, especially if they’ve never really lived outdoors.
If you pet is accompanying you on your camping trip, then be sure to keep them leashed and under control at all times. Your neighboring campers may be afraid of dogs. You must respect other campers. Your dog might even damage someone else’s property if not properly supervised.
Make sure to pack plenty of food, and pack the right kind too. Depending on the amount of time you will be out, it is important to have food that will not spoil while you are out. It could end up causing food poisoning and quickly end your trip. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain the highest level of preparation with your food.
Duct Tape
If Fido is coming with your on your camping trip, don’t forget his leash. There are campers who do not like dogs. Respect for other campers is an important aspect of public camping. Additionally, dogs can wreak a lot of havoc on a campsite if they are not supervised properly.
Duct tape is a handy item to pack with you on any camping trip. Just like around the home, it has many uses while camping. Duct tape can be used to repair anything. It works well for repairing tears in tent material, sleeping bags or tarps. If you are hiking long distances, a strip applied to your feet can keep blisters from forming. This can also be used for injuries when you do not have a regular doctor around.
Don’t forget the duct tape. Just as it has myriad uses around the house, you can use it for a variety of needs in the woods, too. It can be used as a quick patch in the case of a punctured air mattress. It can also be used on your tarp or tent. Tape also does wonders for blisters by offering an additional layer of protection. In a pinch, it can even serve as a bandage for injuries.
Although camping is one of the all-time favorite vacation activities, without proper planning and packing, it can be a disastrous and even dangerous time for anyone! Fortunately, the article above provided you with what you must know to enjoy a safe and enjoyable excursion.
Pack extra flashlights and plenty of batteries for your camping trip. You may need to be able to see in front of you after sunset at some points during your trip. Make sure areas are well-lit to avoid falls or animal issues. If you have kids with you, be sure they each have their own flashlight.