Camping is one of the most enjoyable things to do 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. You must know what you are doing when you go camping. In this article, you will be presented with some great camping tips, so read on.
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. It can be even more difficult for those who are not accustomed to trying to see in complete darkness. To prevent this from happening to you, you should set up your camp immediately when you arrive.
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. Bringing your own wood never hurts, especially when things are a little wet and you know a fire will be needed.
Make sure that your sleeping bag is right for the season and climate where you are camping. You are going to be really hot and uncomfortable camping in the summertime if your sleeping bag is rated for sub-zero temperatures. Alternatively, taking a light bag in the winter can lead to great discomfort. You may even develop hypothermia.
Let all the members of your family have a hand in picking your campsite. Talk about the state you wish to see. With all of the options available, it is wise to let people decide for themselves. Throw out your ideas to see if they stick with members of your family.
Remember that everything you bring along, including you and your family, will more than likely get dirty. If you prepare yourself for this ahead of time, it won’t stress you out as much when it happens. Enjoy hanging out in the wilderness and don’t worry too much about getting messy. You can get clean when you get home.
Don’t worry about over-packing for the kids. Camping can be quite dirty. Kids love to play in the dirt and will bring it back to your tent. As they go about enjoying the natural surroundings, you may find that dirt is added to dirt. Take extra clothing with you for your children. There is nothing like being prepared!
Have everyone give their opinion on where you should camp. Talk about which state to go to. There are a lot of choices in the USA; it is hard to choose just one. If it makes things simpler, list your personal preferences and then have the family choose from them.
Choose a tent large enough for everyone that is going to sleep in it. This will ensure comfort while inside the tent.
Check out what the weather is going to be like before you leave for your destination. Some websites will tell you what the weather is usually like during the time you’ll be going. Armed with the proper facts, you will know that to expect and what to pack.
Make sure you know what’s covered in your medical insurance. Sometimes going into a different state means that you will need to have an additional policy. It is even more critical if you are camping outside of your country. Be sure that you prepare yourself in case anything happens!
Affirm that your insurance is intact before you leave on your trip. If you go to another state, you may have to have another policy. If you plan to travel to a different country, such as Canada, then its is especially important. It always pays to be prepared for anything!
Your camp should be set up before nightfall. Choose a parking spot that you feel comfortable with if you are camping in an RV. When you find a camping area, make sure that your tent is pitched on a flat area that isn’t near any unsafe ledges. If you do that before it gets dark, you can get a good look at your immediate surroundings. It is also easier for you to see what is happening, so you won’t feel so frustrated.
Consider having a “jungle breakfast” if you are on a camping trip with children. Take juice boxes, mini cereal boxes and fruit and tie the food to trees. When your kids get up, have them hunt down their breakfast. It is a fun way to start the day and something for the kids to look forward to each morning.
Duct tape can be used to solve many problems on camping trips. It can be used as a quick patch for tents, shoes, inflatables, or can be used to secure items such as your mosquito netting.
Bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you when you go camping. You can use it as a potholder, bag holder or a towel. Its uses are innumerable, so it is smart to always have one available.
Take along a specialized pillow or two for camping. Standard bed pillows tend to get sticky in humid weather. Those big pillows can also mildew, because they absorbs moisture. Pillows made specifically for camping have a protective layer that keeps these things from happening.
Kids love camping, especially when you plan activities that they can do. They might get antsy once you start to get deeper in the forest. The may not be accustomed to activities like pitching a tent or fishing. Teach them these things ahead of time to ensure a great trip.
Camping Trip
When you go camping, you live on basics, but you need to be prepared too. While a sleeping bag is obvious, it is still a good idea to bring extra blankets. This makes sure that any warmth that is not handled by the sleeping bag can be augmented by using extra blankets.
Before you decide to take off on a camping trip somewhere you’ve never been, you need to do some research on what the area is like and be aware of the local risks and dangers. There may be spiders or bears near you that could pose a threat. Every camping trip has different dangers.
Find the softest, flattest ground possible to set up your tent. A sloped and/or rocky area will make any time spent inside the tent very uncomfortable. A tarp should be laid on the ground before the tent is set up to keep moisture out.
Take care to pack sufficient, non-perishable foods. You don’t want to bring a lot of food that will easily spoil. Just a little food poisoning can turn a camping trip upside down. Make sure your food is prepared the right way to avoid the risk of spoilage.
Pack extra flashlights and plenty of batteries for your camping trip. Flashlights will come in very handy when it is dark. Adequate light can help you avoid falling in the dark, or encountering wildlife. If you’re taking kids along with you, give each one of them a flashlight.
As you set up your campsite, choose an area that is as smooth and as level as possible for the location of your tent. You will be uncomfortable if you pick a spot that is rocky an uneven. Also, put a tarp down on your site to repel water in the best fashion.
Know the area that you’re setting up your camp in. Always avoid camping near a bee’s nest or insect breeding grounds. Make sure that everyone wears long sleeved clothing if you camp near abundant vegetation, to minimize poison and insect issues. You might also want to carry bug repellent too.
Pack lanterns, flashlights and extra batteries when you go camping. There are going to be moments when you must clearly see certain items when it gets dark. If you have a flashlight or lamp you can avoid injury, such as getting poked in the eye by a branch. If your children are along on your camping trip, give them each their own flashlight.
It makes sense to keep a totally charged cell phone on hand. You may also want to bring a couple of extra batteries in case one runs out. A cell phone is a great emergency device; make certain it will keep working.
Keep pictures of your children handy if they are camping with you. If the unthinkable happens and your kids get lost, possessing a picture of them could be a lifesaver. Always bring an emergency photo, especially if your campsite is far from your home.
It is important that you have first aid and survival kits on hand when you go camping. Together, these items can be the difference between going home early and rapidly addressing problems that arise. You may be able to keep an emergency from going from bad to worse.
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 are next to a lot of vegetation, it is a good idea to wear longer sleeves to protect you from insects. Having insect repellent is a really sound idea.
Food poisoning is a common danger of camping stemming from improper food storage. Bring preserved foods and foods that don’t spoil easily. Pack plenty of ice to keep any perishable foods cold and remember to pull the drain plug in the cooler so the food does not get soaked.
Make sure that you pack strategically and efficiently when you go on a camping trip. Compile a checklist of things that you need for your trip, then check the items off on the list as you add them to your bags. This is especially important if you will be camping in a remote location without access to first-aid supplies or other items you might need in an emergency.
Ensure that your food is safe while camping. Food should be packed in bags that are airtight or in waterproof containers. Insulated coolers are a great place to place food. Cooked food should be kept separate from raw in order to prevent cross-contamination. Make sure your hands stay clean by washing them with soap and/or using hand sanitizer. Make sure your food is thoroughly cooked, and keep perishable foods cold.
Once you are finished camping, be sure your campsite is left clean. Include trash bags in your supplies to make cleanup easy. Get rid of things like trash and leftover food. The best practice for cleaning up a campsite is to leave nothing but your footprints behind.
When camping in the fall, try to dress in layers for your protection. Outdoor weather is subject to rapid and extreme change. It may be very cold in the morning, but the afternoon can be blistering hot. It may get cold late at night, so make sure you are prepared. You’ll need to have layers of clothes so that you can adjust to the weather as it changes throughout the day.
When selecting a sleeping bag, make sure it’s season-appropriate. In the summer months, you need a lightweight option. For wintertime, you will need to ensure that you have a heavyweight bag that will keep you warm in cold temperatures.
It is a good idea to set up your shelter before darkness arrives. When the darkness comes in, it can be very difficult to form your tent. It’s easier to build your nightly shelter while you have plenty of light to help you see what you’re doing.
Cooking Method
Be sure to have some activities you can do indoors. That way you will have something to do should the weather not cooperate. If it rains, you may find you are spending much of your time inside. Rain does not have to ruin your trip. Make sure you bring plenty of activities to pass the time in your tent, cabin, or RV.
Are you wondering how you will cook while you are camping? Prior to leaving, decide which cooking method you will be using so that you can pack the supplies you will need. Know what cooking method you will use so you can be prepared to fix meals over the fire if you so desire.
Don’t forget items for a pet that camps with you. You need proper restraints to keep them safe if they see another animal nearby. Leashes can also come in handy. Make sure all vaccinations and licenses are current too. Also address their needs for food by packing bowls, food and bottled water. You have to clean up any messes that they leave behind.
As this article said before, it’s a lot of fun to go camping if you arm yourself with the right knowledge first. Use the information you learned here prior to taking your trip. If you adhere to what you have read, your trip will rock.
Reading and music can be great activities outdoors, but remember to appreciate the scenery for what it is. Witness the beautiful starry sky or look at the lovely foliage along a nature trail. It can make you more relaxed.