You may be tempted to rush right out and go camping, but there are things you need to know and do first. The tips and tricks that we’ve provided to you here should help make your next trip much more enjoyable.
You might imagine that nature has an inexhaustible supply of firewood, but there might be nothing but wet wood that refuses to burn. To prevent this problem, bring along a few pieces of your own wood. Make sure to keep that wood dry in your car or another secure location.
Although you might assume the woods will offer you plenty of firewood for your camping needs, nature may surprise you with rain-soaked logs or wood that will not easily ignite. It’s always a good idea to take along some wood of your own and keep it in a dry place.
Check weather reports in the area you plan to camp in. There are dozens of websites that can tell you about local climates. When you know what the weather will be like, you can bring the proper gear and clothes.
Remember that your loved ones and possessions will get filthy. Setting the proper regulations in advance can help to combat this. Let loose and allow everyone to get messy while you enjoy the time spent in the woods. You can clean up when you get back home.
Do a “jungle breakfast” if you are bringing kids. Tie juice boxes, tiny boxes of cereal and fruit to trees in the woods. When the children awake, tell them that they have to “hunt” to get breakfast. This is a fun game for the kids and makes their camping experience more interesting.
If you have a new tent, practice setting it up at home before your trip. This helps you learn to put up your tent and make sure there aren’t missing pieces. This kind of “dry run” also helps lower your frustration level when setting up the tent at the campsite
You can go swimming at the same time that you camp! Many people miss a nice warm shower while camping. A swim may help you to not miss the luxury of your shower quite so much.
When choosing a tent, pick one that has plenty of room for you and all of your camping companions. This helps you to have a more comfy night’s sleep, and trips in and out of the tent will be less disturbing for those who are sleeping.
Bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you when you go camping. In emergencies, such cloth can turn into a towel, a potholder or a piece of luggage. It does not take much space in your bag and can save the day in many different situations.
Review your health insurance policy. You may need an additional policy when you are traveling on your camping trip. This can be even more important if you’re leaving to another country when you are camping, such as Canada. Be sure that your insurance will cover you, no matter where you are.
Pack things like oranges when you go camping. They are nutritious, and they also keep mosquitoes away. Just keep the peels in a plastic bag after you eat the orange and then use them to rub on your skin as the sun begins to go down. It is a cheap and effective way to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
Always remember to bring a roll of duct tape with you when you go camping as it can be used for all manner of things. It is good for patching holes in tents, shoes, and inflatables. It is also good for securing tents and sealing up mosquito nets.
Be sure you set up camp before nighttime comes around. If you are in an RV, a safe parking spot should be found. When using a tent, choose a dry flat location. Doing so before nightfall will allow you to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. This can help to reduce the stress that you have during your trip.
Ensure that you have everything you need before you go out camping. It would be horrible to forget something important like the tent or camp mat. Make a comprehensive checklist of all of the items you will need on your camping trip and double check items in your bags and car against the list to ensure that you do not forget anything.
Before you camp in a new location, you should familiarize yourself with the local dangers and risks. Knowing what poisonous creatures to watch out for, where terrain gets rugged, and when to expect dangerous weather are key to ensuring your safety. All camping spots have some dangers associated with them and you want to make sure you pick a spot that isn’t too bad.
Take care to pack sufficient, non-perishable foods. If you are going to be camping for a considerable duration, you need to ensure that you have food than will not go bad. Food poisoning can ruin your trip in no time. There are many great online sources to provide you with information on how to properly prepare and store food for your camping trip.
Teach your kids about camping safety before you bring them camping. You can always visit websites that illustrate the dangers posed by poison ivy as well as other harmful plants.
When going on a camping trip, it is vital that you bring several lanterns and/or flashlights, as well as extra batteries with you. There are times when you’ll need light to help you see after sundown. You can prevent accidents, such as falling or coming face-to-face with wild animals, if you have enough light available. When you go camping and your kids come along, it is smart to let them each have their own flashlight.
You should always bring a spare utility knife when camping. Utility knives serve many functions so bring along at least one.
The more organized you are, the better your camping trip will be. Make the smart decision to use the advice from this article, as you are sure to enjoy a more relaxing and fun filled trip.
It’s a great idea to go to your main camp when you have a cell phone that you’ve fully charged. Or, bring an extra battery just in case your battery dies. This is an important thing to have and you need to make sure you can use it if you need.
