Are you considering packing up and heading out for a camping trip? You have to plan for a camping trip regardless of how long you will be gone. The following advice can make any camping trip more relaxing and fun.
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.
You may feel that when you get to your campsite you will have enough wood to make a fire. This is not always the case because green and wet wood will not burn easily. It’s a great idea to carry your own wood with you and to keep it secure in a dry area.
Carry a survival kit on your person. You should have a bandanna (to use as a sling or tourniquet), wound coverings, something to use for sprains, matches, a knife, tablets to purify water and a compass in your kit. For any life threatening situation, these items may be the only thing standing between you and disaster. This kit should be carried with you and not left back at camp.
When you purchase a new tent for camping, take it home and completely set the tent up before going on a camping trip. That way, you will know that the tent is complete and will understand the assembly process. It also helps with the frustration of putting a tent up.
Learn proper first aid. In an emergency, your first aid training could be the difference between life and death. Make sure to do your research. Are there any poisonous snakes, plants or any other things you should know before you head out?
When it comes to children, don’t hesitate to over-pack. Going camping can get really dirty. Kids love getting into dirt. Your kids may become filthy as the day goes on. While there is nothing you can do about that, you can have some extra clothing just in case. Prepare ahead of time!
See if you can integrate swimming into your camping trip. While camping, you might really miss the luxury of showering. Cool water can give you a feeling of exhilaration that may help you to miss your shower at home much less.
Bring along a bandana or handkerchief. It can be used as a hand towel, potholder or even a gag in a pinch. This is an essential item that does not cost a lot of money and can provide a lot of benefits.
Take a bandana or handkerchief with you. It can be used as a hand towel, potholder or even a gag in a pinch. Take a few with you anytime you go camping.
Dryer lint makes surprisingly good kindling for starting campfires. Start saving this lint a short time period prior to going camping and you’ll have enough lint in time. Place a bag near your tumble dryer and just stuff lint from the dryer’s filter into the bag every time it is full. Your kindling will be ready for you to grab on the way out the door for your trip.
The lint from your dryer’s lint filter will help you start a campfire. Start saving this lint a short time period prior to going camping and you’ll have enough lint in time. You can hang a bag next to the dryer and just stuff your lint into it. This technique allows you to grab your kindling and go the day of your trip.
Emergency Kit
If a pet accompanies you to the campground, do not just let him or her run free. There are campers who do not like dogs. You should respect your fellow campers in the area. Additionally, your dog could really destroy anyone’s campsite if left on his own, including yours.
Always have an emergency kit on hand when camping with family, or even staying alone. Pack an emergency kit that contains basic first aid supplies as well as anything needed for the specific location in which you are camping. Some extra emergency supplies like anti-venom may be included, too, depending on the types of wildlife you may encounter.
Make sure you have activities to do while camping. Card games, fishing poles, scavenger hunt lists and other supplies can make hanging out in the woods more fun. If you are taking children camping, you might want to bring more activities than you think you are going to need.
Duct tape is important to pack because it can be used for a good bit of things. It can be used as a quick patch for tents, shoes, inflatables, or can be used to secure items such as your mosquito netting.
Pack some duct tape next time you embark on a camping trip. The tape that does it all at home, also does it all while camping. Duct tape is useful for patching holes in air mattresses. You can also seal holes in sleeping bags or tents. If you are going on a long hike, you can put it on the sensitive parts of your feet for blister prevention. In a pinch, it can even substitute as a bandage.
Be sure to pack a sufficient amount of the proper foods. Take a decent amount of food that won’t spoil when you go camping. Remember, food poisoning could quickly put an end to your camping adventure. Use proper food preparation techniques and make sure you are well-read regarding the precautions you should take.
Upon arrival at the campsite, find a soft, flat area of ground and pitch your tent there. Picking a sloped or rocky spot causes you to feel uncomfortable anytime you sit in your tent. Make sure you put down a tarp before you set up your tent. This will keep water from entering your tent at night.
Take some things to entertain yourself while in the wild. You can entertain yourself and your family by fishing, playing card games or setting up a scavenger hunt. If you are going camping with children, you need to make sure that you bring a lot of things to keep them entertained during the trip.
Take some preventative steps in order to avoid inadvertently draining the batteries in your flashlights during your next camping adventure. You can easily turn on the flashlight while searching through bags and equipment. If you put the batteries in your flashlight backwards, you can avoid this. It will keep the power from draining from the batteries and have them easily installed when you need it.
Be certain you are prepared for any event when you’re camping. Even with a perfect plan, things can still go awry. Also, be aware that the weather can be very unpredictable. It’s vital to everyone’s well being that no severe risks are taken and that all safety precautions are heeded.
Before going on a camping trip, make sure that you compile a list of things that you will need to take with you. It’s especially important to make a checklist if you will be traveling a distance to the campgrounds. Start packing a few days ahead of your trip, and tick items off as you pack them.
Don’t forget to bring back-ups of things like batteries and flashlights. Flashlights will come in very handy when it is dark. If you have a flashlight or lamp you can avoid injury, such as getting poked in the eye by a branch. Make sure you have at least enough flashlights for each person to have their own.
Make sure you choose a sleeping bag that is appropriate for where you will be camping. Sleeping bags made of lightweight material are optimal for warmer climates. By contrast, you should invest in a heavy sleeping bag if you plan to camp in a cold area. Cold weather and winter camping means that you need a sleeping bag that contours your physique so that you can keep body heat during your sleep.
You should now know how to plan and prepare for your next trip. Many of the same preparations are required for an overnight stay as are needed for a longer trip. Start planning your camping trip today by making use of the knowledge you have acquired form this article, and you will be able to enjoy an unforgettable camping adventure in the near future.
To avoid those nasty mosquito bites the next time you go camping, try the peel from an ordinary orange. This is especially helpful if you forget bug spray, but have oranges on hand, or can borrow them from someone at your camping trip. Experts say to rub your exposed body parts with a inside layer of a ripe orange peel. This should keep you free from mosquitoes and other pesky insects of the woods for hours.
