You might remember having a blast camping when you were a child, but it can still be a source of fun. You can have just as much fun now, if you make use of good information. The following are tips that can help you.
When camping, get your shelter squared away before nightfall. Once it is dark in the woods, pitching a tent can be next to impossible, finding firewood can be difficult and preparing food hard. This is especially important to those who are not accustomed to the darkness associated with the great outdoors. Don’t let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.
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 prudent to bring wood that you have gathered beforehand, and to store it in a location where it will stay dry.
When going camping you need to ensure that the tent you build can easily hold you and anybody else that comes along. This makes it possible for everyone to sleep comfortably, and it also allows for room to move about and exit the tent if nature calls.
After buying a tent, make sure to pitch it in your yard before you leave for a trip. That way, you won’t be missing any pieces, and you’ll be able to set it up correctly the first time. You will find your frustration level diminishes greatly as well.
Check the terms of your health insurance before leaving. Some policies will not cover you outside your own state. That can be even more important when you plan to travel across international borders. Better to be prepared and safe than sorry later.
Prior to leaving on your camping adventure, look at the weather forecast in the location your are going to be camping. There are websites available to provide information about the typical weather of the area for the time of your planned trip. With the right weather information, you can be prepared with the proper clothing and equipment.
You can easily start a campfire with lint from the dryer. Collect the lint in your dryer and store it in a bag a few weeks before you go camping to prepare for this. Simply hang a plastic bag near the dryer and stash the lint in the bag as it collects. Using this method, you can acquire kindling and camp in the same day.
Camping can be very dangerous or fun depending on whether you’re prepared or not. That is why it’s important to prepare in advance and prepare well. If you’re visiting a new location, be sure to research its wildlife, climate, and geography.
When camping alone or in the company of friends, always bring an emergency kit. This emergency kit changes depending on the place you go camping, but you have to be certain it has the basic tools. Items that will help with possible snake bites or a sling in case of sprains or breaks is a good idea, too.
Review your health insurance policy. Some policies don’t cover you while out of state and you may have to add an extra policy. That can be even more important when you plan to travel across international borders. Make sure you have prepared yourself, just in case of an accident.
Your camp should be set up before nightfall. If you driving an RV, you should locate a safe parking spot. If your camping with a tent, make sure to find a dry area that is also flat so you can pitch your tent with ease. Making sure this is all done before dark gives you time to become familiar with the area. By setting up camp during the daylight, you can avoid the frustration associated with setting up camp.
The lint from your dryer’s lint filter will help you start a campfire. Start collecting the lint from your dryer’s filter about a month before you go on your trip. Just hang a grocery bag next to your dryer and stuff the lint into the bag. Doing this means you can just snag your kindling on the way out the door the morning your trip starts.
Duct tape is a must-have when you go camping as it can be used for a variety of things. Such tape can quickly fix holes in tents, leaking inflatables and worn soles on shoes. It can also be used to seal mosquito netting.
If you are interested in camping alone or with friends, make sure you have prepared an emergency kit. You want to bring a kit for any situation that might arise during your camping trip. Antivenom is another important component to bring with you, depending on the area where you visit.
Camping is fun for children, but make sure to plan out some extra activities they will like. Boredom is something that you will want to avoid at all costs while camping. They may never have had a chance to set up a tent or catch a fish. Teach them how to perform these acts before you set out to camp.
It’s important to take duct tape on every camping trip so that you can use it to solve problems. It’s easy to use, can hold out moisture and will even fix a leak or a broken shoe!
Plan to save the light of your flashlight before you go camping. It is very easy to accidentally press the ‘on’ button of your flashlight when it is jostling in a bag with other camping equipment. You can safeguard the power by slipping the batteries in backwards in the flashlight cylinder. This prevents accidental switch nudges so that they will remain fresh when you need them.
Camping Pillows
Your list of camping supplies should include several flashlights with extra batteries and lanterns. There will be times when you will need to see clearly after the sun goes down. Without a flashlight, you could easily stumble and fall or be surprised by local wildlife. If you have little ones with you, make sure to pack a flashlight for them, too.
Buy special camping pillows instead of using your standard ones. Regular bed pillows will feel hot and sticky during humid weather. These types of pillows are prone to taking in the moisture in the air and can even mold if left in wet conditions for too long. Camping pillows are coated to prevent this from happening, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Your sleeping bag should be able to accommodate a variety of camping conditions. In warmer weather, you will probably want a lightweight sleeping bag, whereas in cooler weather, you will probably want a heavyweight sleeping bag. You also want to get a sleeping bag that is comfortable to sleep in as well, so test them out.
Always become familiar with the potential dangers of a campsite before you enter it. This could be anything from wildlife to insects to poisonous plant life that could be a danger to you. Each camping spot poses its own dangers.
Pick out all of your clothing before you go camping. Pack plenty of different items of clean clothing for all types of weather. Also, be sure that you carry articles of clothing that are appropriate for the weather and climate of your camping location. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are considered essential footwear for any camping trip.
If Fido is coming with your on your camping trip, don’t forget his leash. Some people fear dogs. Respect for other campers is an important aspect of public camping. Besides that, dogs can also damage equipment and campsites if they aren’t supervised.
If your kids are going camping with you, have a photo of them on you. Should you lose track of your children at some point during your camping trip, having a picture handy could make a world of difference. Be sure to have a photo for an emergency, even more so if you’re camping far away from your home.
When you find your camping spot, put the tent up on top of the patch of ground that is flattest and softest. There is nothing more uncomfortable than sleeping on a slope or a spot with a rocky surface. Make sure you put down a tarp before you set up your tent. This will keep water from entering your tent at night.
People will often forget to build their shelter before sunset. It is extremely difficult to pitch a tent whenever it is dark. You need to make a fire or use a flashlight. It is best to do this before dark so you can put it up correctly.
Choose an appropriate sleeping bag for the conditions in which you will be camping. Heavy weight sleeping bags are best for cold weather, while lightweight bags works best for hot weather. You must have a bag that surrounds the body closely so that body heat can be retained.
When going camping, bring some duct tape with you. Tents may be durable, but eventually they can rip. The right strip of duct tape can mean sleeping dry at night after your tent has suffered damage during a day that was more exciting that you wanted.
Cell Phone
When you’re setting up a tent it’s important to seal every seam. Extra sealer tubes can be purchased at most sporting supply stores. This will stop critters and rainwater from entering your tent.
It is generally a smart idea to leave your basecamp or car with a fully charged cell phone. You should also seriously consider bringing a spare battery for your cell phone in case the main battery dies. Your cell phone can help should an emergency arise.
Clean up your campsite before going home. Bring garbage bags with you on the trip so that you have a place to store all of the trash. Do not leave any left over food behind. A golden rule for departing a campsite: leave only your footprints behind.
One simple tip that many people overlook is creating your shelter before dark. Pitching a tent can be difficult enough in the daylight, let alone in the dark of night. You will need a flashlight or you’ll have to build a fire. However, setting up your camp while it is still daylight is always your best option.
When camping, how will you cook your food? Before you leave you should decide just how to cook and what you’ll need to bring for it. Cooking over an open campfire can be tasty and fun, but if you are not prepared for it, it can be impossible.
Leave Behind
Are you wondering if camping is right for you? Pitch a tent in your garden or backyard and spend one or two nights in it. Don’t allow yourself to go into the house for anything. If you find this to be an enjoyable experience, chances are good you will like camping out for real.
When you’re done with your trip, be sure to leave behind a clean campsite. Include trash bags in your supplies to make cleanup easy. Don’t forget to pack up your leftovers. The major rule for leaving a campsite is to just leave behind footprints.
One tip that people should follow when they’re camping is to bring toilet paper or baby wipes with them. Unless you really want to rough it by using leaves, you should always pack plenty of bathroom tissue and wet wipes.
Never forget to pack ample toilet paper on your next camping trip. If there are no restrooms in your area, you will need to go out in nature. You certainly don’t want to be wiping yourself with leaves.
Take a lot of sunscreen. Protecting yourself from the sun’s rays is very important. Locate a sunscreen that gives you the best protection. It can also be helpful to find a sunscreen that combines bug protection. You don’t want to slather yourself with too many chemicals while you are camping.
Keep your food safe when you are camping. Pack your foods in bags or containers that are airtight and waterproof. Insulated coolers are where the food should be stored. Store raw food apart from cooked food to avoid contamination. Before you handle your food, clean your hands properly with soap or other sanitizers, and clean the food prep surfaces. Make sure your food is thoroughly cooked, and keep perishable foods cold.
It’s imperative that tablets that help to purify water are brought with you anytime you go camping. Use these for emergency situations where you either run out of water, or do not have to time or means to clean the water otherwise. It is also a good idea to try out the tablets once or twice at home before you leave, so you have some idea what the taste is like. You do not want to dehydrate yourself on your trip because you hate the taste.
If you enjoyed camping as a child, that love for adventure can be re-ignited with good information and tips useful to camping today. Use the ideas in this article to reawaken your interest in camping and start the planning for a great trip.
If you’re going to go camping but have some kind of medical problem, no matter what it is, you need to talk with your doctor first. There may be complications that you didn’t think about. You may need an extra precaution to avoid a serious issue and enjoy your trip.
