Camping is a great activity to share with family and friends. But some people don’t camp because they assume that it’s not easy. It can be easy if you have the best information. Keep on reading for advice that you can use to be a great camping expert in no time.
Double check your medical insurance. Some policies don’t cover you while out of state and you may have to add an extra policy. If you plan to travel to a different country, such as Canada, then its is especially important. Be sure you’re prepared to be on the safe side!
When you’re camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. Once darkness falls, it is very difficult to set up camp. That can be especially true for someone who live in the suburbs and is not used to total darkness. To ensure you get your campsite operational arrive several hours before sunset.
A surprising tip you may not know about is that the lint from your dryer also doubles as great kindling for your camp fire. Start collecting lint from the filter in your tumble dryer several weeks before your camping adventure. Place the lint you normally throw in the trash in a plastic bag to take with you. That technique lets you simply grab the kindling you’ll use right before you go on your trip.
Sleeping Bag
A small luxury can help brighten up any camping trip. Whether this is a nice coffee creamer, or something as simple as candy, it will make you feel like you are at home. Having these luxuries available can help lift your mood.
Make sure that your sleeping bag is right for the season and climate where you are camping. 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. On the other hand, you don’t want a lightweight summer sleeping bag if you’re going to be out in the frigid temperatures of wintertime. Hypothermia can be experienced, as well.
Make sure you have all the gear you need before you leave your driveway. You never want to forget something important, like a tent or your sleeping bag. 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.
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.
For your first trip camping, avoid straying too far from home. You could run into problems with your gear, or decide to cut the trip short. Perhaps you realize that you’ve run out of food or haven’t packed enough clothing. There are a lot of different things that can come about and being closer to home will make it a lot easier.
Let everyone know they have a say in the campsite and should help pick a favorite spot. Talk about which state you would like to go to. With the many parks and preserves in the world, deciding where to go can be a task into itself. To aid in this decision, you may want to offer a few of those that you personally like the best and than let each family member vote.
Use an orange peel mosquito repellant. This is especially helpful if you forget bug spray, but have oranges on hand, or can borrow them from someone at your camping trip. Rub the inner peel of an orange over your body as mosquitoes will refrain from biting you. Mosquitoes hate the smell and will fly away for a few good hours; and you will be free of the nuisance.
Anytime you buy a tent, be sure to practice setting it up and taking it down in your backyard prior to actually camping. That way, you won’t be missing any pieces, and you’ll be able to set it up correctly the first time. That can also cut down on the frustration some feel when setting a tent up for the first time.
Be mindful of where exactly you put up your camp. Refrain from setting your camper up next to bees nests or breeding grounds for safety. When near vegetation, long sleeves shirts and long pants will keep insects from getting on your skin. A strong bug spray is also something you want on hand, especially if the vegetation is very thick.
A first aid session, especially if you have children, is essential. With the training you receive, you will be better prepared to handle an accident or other emergency situation while you wait for medical assistance. You should also do some research. Know about any poisonous snakes and spiders in the area, and learn what animals live there.
Pack ready to eat foods in your camping gear, like trail mix and jerky. You may find yourself too tired to prepare food and these nutritious snacks could be very satisfying. Also, these types of snacks have a long shelf life, so you can always reuse them on the next camping trip if they don’t get eaten this time.
Preparation is key to enjoying your camping trip. Be sure you’re always prepared before you go camping. If camping at a new location, make sure you investigate the geography, climate, and local wildlife so you are prepared for any dangers.
Smart campers will leave their car or base camp with a charged mobile phone. Bring extra batteries in case the first one dies. A mobile phone is an important part of camping safety these days, and you want it to be ready to go when you need it.
Before camping, check out your medical insurance to affirm that it is intact. Out-of-state traveling will sometimes require additional coverage. This is more crucial if you go camping in another country. Make sure that you that you are prepared, just in case!
Always take a map with you, and make sure you know how to read the map and a compass before you go. Although you might know your site, it is still easy to get lost, as many places in the woods look similar. This can help you to avoid getting lost or falling into a dangerous situation.
It’s not totally necessary to rough it during your entire trip. You can bring along something comforting from home for your trip. Bring a lightweight, easy-to-carry item like good chocolate, cream for coffee or another reminder of home with you. Just one small thing can feel luxurious if you start to miss the comforts of home.
Make sure the sleeping bag you choose is the correct one. For example, if it’s summertime you need a bag that’s lighter so you’re not too hot during the night. However, if it is winter, a thicker sleeping bag will be needed so you won’t freeze during the night.
Not only are oranges a great snack for camping, but they also serve as a natural mosquito repellant. Don’t throw away the peels when you are finished with them and rub them on yourself. Apply to any skin that’s exposed to keep insects away with no chemicals. It’s a lot cheaper than spending your money on bug spray!
Camping novices often erroneously decide to camp close to the restrooms. They might feel that it’s convenient for them, but they’ll find out quickly it’s the opposite. Bathrooms provide constant light and also have a lot of traffic running through them at all hours. Thus the strategy of camping out close to the restrooms ultimately backfires.
Camping Trip
Do you know how to cook while you are camping? The cooking method is going to determine what food is appropriate for taking so make this decision well in advance. Cooking over a campfire is fun, but can’t be done with out the right tools.
After reading this, you should be able to see camping is not very difficult. Anyone can do it! Use the advice you’ve learned here to start planning your camping trip. In no time, you will feel confident in your ability to plan a great camping trip that lets you enjoy Mother Nature fully.
Use proper food safety techniques when you go camping. If you bring food, pack them in waterproof containers and airtight re-sealable plastic bags. Keep your food inside insulated coolers. 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 cooked foods reach the correct temperature and make sure perishable foods are kept chilled.
