Nothing compares to the fun and adventure that can be had on a camping trip with family and friends. If you have never gone camping, you are certainly missing out on a great experience, so give it a try when you can. Camping isn’t a fool’s sport and it requires a bit of knowledge regarding your surrounding environment. Read this article to pick up some useful advice for camping.
It is better to over-pack than to under-pack, especially for kids. Camping can be a sloppy time. Your kids may love playing around in the grass and dirt. As the day moves along, your children are going to get really messy. Know that you must accept that fact, but have a change of clothing for them so they can be comfortable. Be sure you’re prepared!
Preparation could mean the difference between a good camping experience and a dreaded one. Be sure you’re always prepared before you go camping. When heading to a new spot, be sure to research the area thoroughly so you know what to expect with regard to weather and wildlife.
Make sure that you know basic first aid before you go out on a camping trip. In the unfortunate case of an accident, you will be prepared to handle the situation. Be sure to do some research as well. Know about any poisonous snakes and spiders in the area, and learn what animals live there.
Check out your medical insurance policy. Sometimes going into a different state means that you will need to have an additional policy. This is very important if you will be camping in a foreign country. Be prepared in case there is an injury or illness.
Never forget to see what the weather will be like in the area you will be camping at, prior to leaving. There are countless websites that contain information about what sort of weather you should expect at the area you are going camping at. When you have accurate weather information, the right clothing and equipment can be included in your supplies.
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. There are many uses for these, so you want to be sure you have one or both of them on your next camping trip.
When you’re new to camping, make sure you camp close to home. Things may go wrong and you may have to abort your trip early if things don’t go your way. You may run short of food or need more clothing than you packed. Many things can arise for the first-time camper, so camp close to home the first time.
Even the most natural experience can allow for one nice luxury from home. Make it something easy to transport like your favorite coffee sweetener or candy. A small luxury that reminds you of home can be uplifting.
If you will be camping in an area that is known for having dangerous wildlife, you need to double up your precautions when it comes to food. You must wrap everything up tight, store it away from your tent and do not take certain types of food with you. This can help you to prevent an attack from a wild animal.
Your camp should always be set up before the sun sets. Choose a parking spot that you feel comfortable with if you are camping in an RV. Pitch your tent on land that is flat and dry. Choosing a site before night falls gives you an opportunity to get used to your surroundings. It will also allow prevent the frustration of not being able to see while setting up your equipment.
Have you just bought your first tent as a rookie camper? Spend time practicing pitching a tent prior to leaving for your trip. This will allow you take an inventory of all the necessary equipment needed to set up the tent. This is ideal, as even if you end up at your campsite while the sunlight is fading you will be able to quickly set up your camp.
Pack a roll of duct tape with the rest of your supplies; this sticky wonder can help in a variety of circumstances. You can patch holes in your tent, your mattress or your shoes, or secure your tent poles, seal mosquito netting and much, much more.
You must take the appropriate items with you when camping. Overlooking even a small thing can ruin an entire trip. Making a list and checking things off is a good way to remember everything. Your list should include a sleeping bag, tent, tarp, water, food, knife, soap, fire-starting items and more.
Ensure that you pack everything that you will need before leaving for a camping trip. It is very inconvenient to forget to bring essential items like your sleeping bag or tent. Double check the items you want to take and make a check list before you leave to make sure that you bring everything with you.
When you reach your campsite, pitch your tent on the softest, most level ground you can locate. Choosing a rocky or sloped spot will result in you feeling discomfort when you have to spend time in the tent. Always put a tarp down on the ground first so that water can’t get in and ruin the tent.
Know what dangers await you at your camping destination. You should be aware of any venomous insects or snakes, dangerous weather or cliffs in the area. Every camping spot has its own potential dangers for the untrained.
Plan ahead to avoid draining flashlight batteries on your next camping trip. It can be really easy to inadvertently press the “on” switch on your flashlight when jostling through a bag of camping equipment. To avoid drained batteries, store your flashlights with the batteries backwards. This will allow you to keep them stored without accidentally turning them on and wasting the batteries.
When out in the wilds camping, it is smart to be prepared for just about anything. While it’s crucial to plan ahead for things, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Weather conditions may abruptly change for the worse, someone could get sick or injured, along with a number of other possible mishaps. Is is essential that you pay attention at all times, not take anything for granted, avoid risks and plan everything carefully.
A tasty orange provides a peel that can help repel nasty mosquitoes. Don’t worry if the insect repellant was left behind on the kitchen counter. Experts say to rub your exposed body parts with a inside layer of a ripe orange peel. This should stop any frustrating, itchy mosquito bites.
Take some preventative steps in order to avoid inadvertently draining the batteries in your flashlights during your next camping adventure. You don’t want to waste your flashlight battery and not be able to see. To ensure that this does not happen to you, you can put the batteries in facing the wrong direction until you reach your destination. They will stay handy but a thoughtless push of the button will not turn the flashlight on.
Every camper should possess a basic utility knife. An utility knife is the most versatile tool you’ll have as a camper, and bring another one if you should lose the other.
Pick out all of your clothing before you go camping. Make sure that you pack enough clothes to last you for the whole trip. Also, check the weather so that you can dress accordingly. You should also have a pair of hiking boots or some other type of durable, protective shoe.
It is generally a smart idea to leave your basecamp or car with a fully charged cell phone. Even better, tote an extra battery in case your first one dies. A cellphone is a great way to get in touch with someone in case of an emergency so be sure yours isn’t going to die.
Beef jerky and trail mix are two camping staples you should always bring with you. These grab-and-go snacks are great for taking on a hike or as a snack after a long day when you don’t feel like preparing a meal. They stay fresh for a while, so you do not have to worry about them going bad if you do not use them up right away.
Do your packing deliberately and intelligently. Keep a checklist of the things you need and check them off as you collect and pack them. If you are planning to camp in an area away from first aid access, then this will be especially necessary.
Make sure to carry a utility knife with you when you are camping. This knife is a must-have for campers, and you should have a spare in case something happens to the first one.
Make sure to pack some duct tape for your camping trip. Tents can be quite durable, but they aren’t invincible. Well-placed duct tape can save a trip, especially when a hole rips on the top of your tent.
Cell Phone
Make sure you know how to use a compass and map before you go camping. If you have visited the campsite before, you can still get lost once you arrive. Avoid problems by learning to use these items that can save your life.
Try to keep your cell phone completely charged. You should also seriously consider bringing a spare battery for your cell phone in case the main battery dies. A cell phone is perhaps the most useful item of emergency equipment that you can carry with you, but you do need to ensure that it does not run out of juice.
When you’re done with your trip, be sure to leave behind a clean campsite. Bring garbage bags with you on the trip so that you have a place to store all of the trash. Also, it’s important to take all food with you when you leave too. A golden rule for departing a campsite: leave only your footprints behind.
Seal the seams on your tent when you’re putting it up. Tubes of sealer are readily available at the sporting good shop. By doing this, you will prevent wayward animals or rain from making it inside.
Whenever you’re choosing a sleeping bag, pick one out that’s for the climate you’re in. In the summer you want to have a light, cool bag. But during the cold of winter, you need a thermal bag that will keep you protected from the elements.
Be safe with food when you go camping. Keep food in waterproof containers of airtight bags. Store food that requires refrigeration in an insulated cooler. Prevent cross-contamination of raw and cooked foods by storing them separately. Keep surfaces and hands clean when you’re dealing with your food. Use hand sanitizer or soap. Chill foods in a prompt manner and cook your foods to proper temperatures.
Stick with food safety when you camp. Make sure your food stays dry and safe by using airtight bags and waterproof containers. Use a cooler that is insulated properly and filled with ice if need be. Cooked foods should always be kept away from raw foods so they don’t become contaminated. Make sure your hands stay clean by washing them with soap and/or using hand sanitizer. Cook all of your food to the right temperature and get them chilled quickly.
As you can see by now, camping is a great deal of fun but also requires knowledge and preparation. Use these tips on your next trip. The tips above, and many more, can only increase your safety, fun, and knowledge gained during a relaxing camping trip.
Plan what you will do from the time you arrive until you leave to make your trip fun. There is much more to camping than fires and smores. Think about enjoyable activities for all family members. You may want to do different activities for different age groups to ensure that everyone has fun.
