Remember there is no heating, air conditioning, or kitchen when you are outdoor camping. This means advance planning is handy for both comfort and safety. Use this article to get some ideas down for what you should think about when going camping.
Look for where you’re going to set up your shelter before darkness falls. Once blackness falls out there in the woods, it can be extremely difficult to pitch a tent, find good firewood and prepare food. This is particularly important if you are not used to doing things in the dark. To prevent this from happening to you, you should set up your camp immediately when you arrive.
Pick out your sleeping bag according to what season it is. You don’t want to sweat all night because you brought a sleeping bag that is suitable for winter in the middle of the summer. The reverse is also true. Using a light, cool sleeping bag in the middle of winter will keep you very cold. You could even develop hypothermia or frostbite if it’s very cold.
Get everyone involved in choosing a campsite. Talk about which state you would like to go to. There are a lot of choices in the USA; it is hard to choose just one. Make a list of your favorites and allow the family to vote.
Bring along a bandana or handkerchief. They can serve many purposes, like potholder, blotter, hand towel or carrying bag. As you can see, a handkerchief can serve many different purposes on a camping trip.
Learn proper first aid. In case of an accident, you will know what to do until medical help arrives. You should also research the area you plan on camping in. It is also best to know what exists in the area you will be in so that you can prepare for that as well.
Even if you’re roughing it, you can better your camping experience by bring a small luxury. Take something like creamer for your coffee or a chocolate candy bar. These items can make your trip as pleasurable as possible.
Preparation could mean the difference between a good camping experience and a dreaded one. Try to be as prepared as possible when you go out camping; don’t just take off on a whim. If camping at a new location, make sure you investigate the geography, climate, and local wildlife so you are prepared for any dangers.
Your camp should be set up before nightfall. If you’re driving an RV, find a safe parking spot. If you have a tent, carefully select the plot of land you are going to use. Making sure this is all done before dark gives you time to become familiar with the area. You can see how to set up your camp, which will save a good deal of frustration.
Review your health insurance policy. 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. Better to be prepared and safe than sorry later.
If you bring a dog with you to go camping, keep it leashed up and keep an eye on it. There are those who have a fear of dogs. You should be respectful of other campers while at the site. Additionally, dogs are capable of damaging the camping area if you don’t keep a good eye on them.
Double check that you have all of your necessary equipment prior to your camping trip. It would be a shame to arrive at your campsite only to realize you have forgotten some important items, like food and water. 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.

If the area in which you’ll be camping is well known for wildlife that poses a danger, special precautions must be taken regarding your food. These precautions include tightly wrapping your foods and storing them away from your tent. You also have to just forgo certain foods entirely. Making sure to do this, will lessen any chance of a wild animal attack.
If you are camping for the first time, stay close to home. You might have gear problems, or you might figure that you want to cut your camping trip short. You may come to realize that you should have packed different clothing, or need more food. First-time camping is a learning experience and anything can happen, so find a campground near your home.
Are you the proud owner of your first tent and a beginner at the art of camping? You should try pitching your tent before you head out for the first time. This will help ensure that your trip goes smoothly, for a more enjoyable trip when you understand your tent. This will also enable you to do this task quickly if you arrive at the campsite, right before darkness sets in.
Take some things to entertain yourself while in the wild. You can take card games, a list for a scavenger hunt, and fishing poles for some entertainment. If kids are coming along for the trip, take even more entertainment with you to keep them from getting bored without their electronics.
Write down a list of all the essentials that are required before embarking on your trip. This is an important step if you are traveling a distance to get to your camp site. Pack a few days before your camping trip is supposed to happen and check off your list while you go through things.
Is this the first time you are camping? If you are, practice setting up your tent before you go camping. If you have successfully done it at home, pitching it at your campsite will be easier. Practicing how to pitch a tent will also ensure you can quickly set up your tent when you arrive at your campsite.
Sleeping Bag
A tasty orange provides a peel that can help repel nasty mosquitoes. If you neglected to pack mosquito spray, fear not. Rub the inner peel of an orange over your body as mosquitoes will refrain from biting you. The mosquitoes should steer clear of you for several hours.
Take along a sleeping bag that matches the climate where you’re going. Lighter weight bags are great for warm weather; however, if the climate is cooler, a heavier bag will be in order. You want a sleeping bag that is close to your body and helps you retain your body heat if you plan to sleep in a tent.
Take some time to think about the appropriate camping clothing ahead of time. You don’t want to be stuck wearing dirty clothes daily. You should also make sure to include clothing that is appropriate for the climate and possible weather changes in your camping area. Include closed toe shoes or hiking boots if you want to do some hiking.
When you camp, you are “roughing it”. This is a good thing for some, but for others it can be hard to handle. A little advance planning can ensure that your camping trip is relaxing, fun, and stress-free. This article gave you plenty of tips, so keep them in mind!
When planning for a camping trip, make sure you bring beef jerky and trail mix. When the sun sets and you get too exhausted to cook that night’s meal, you can cheat once or twice and eat some of those tasty, filling snacks you’ve now decided to pack. Also, these foods keep well so if you don’t eat them, you can enjoy them later.