Spending some time with your family and friends under the stars is a fantastic way to get away from it all. There are many reasons why camping can be a great pastime. Although there are a lot of positives associated with camping, you do need to be prepared. This article will provide you with some helpful advice to properly prepare for your camping excursion.
When camping, get your shelter squared away before nightfall. Once blackness falls out there in the woods, it can be extremely difficult to pitch a tent, find good firewood and prepare food. This is particularly true for those city-dwellers that are not used to pitch-black darkness. Don’t let this happen to you. Look for adequate shelter before it gets this dark.
Always seek shelter before it is too dark to assess your surroundings. It can be hard to set up camp when it’s dark outside. This is particularly the case for city slickers who are unaccustomed to darkness. Do not get yourself into this situation, and find your shelter during daylight hours.
Check out what the weather is going to be like before you leave for your destination. There are countless websites that contain information about what sort of weather you should expect at the area you are going camping at. If you have the correct information, you can pack properly.
You are going camping outdoors, so expect that you will all be getting dirty. Setting the proper regulations in advance can help to combat this. Have fun and go with the moment rather than stressing and worrying about it. There’s plenty of time for showers and being super clean once you’re home again.
Double check your medical insurance. Some policies will not cover you outside your own state. This is very important if you will be camping in a foreign country. Better to be prepared and safe than sorry later.
After buying a tent, make sure to pitch it in your yard before you leave for a trip. That way, you won’t be missing any pieces, and you’ll be able to set it up correctly the first time. In addition, it will eradicate a portion of the frustration often associated with erecting a new tent.
Try combining a swimming experience with your camping experience. When you’re out camping, it’s really easy to miss your shower at home. The water helps you feel refreshed and a bit cleaner so that you don’t miss showering quite as much.
Always have an emergency kit on hand when camping with family, or even staying alone. There are certain things you’ll need to include at certain locations (i.e. a snake bite kit.) However, there some basics you should always have with you. Species specific antivenom should be packed to protect against animal bites.
Take a luxury item with you when camping. Whether this is a nice coffee creamer, or something as simple as candy, it will make you feel like you are at home. These things can help to keep you happy and make your trip more enjoyable.
Be sure to bring a supply of oranges with you on your trip; they are both healthy and keep mosquitoes away. Rubbing orange peels on your body will function as a perfect insect repellent.
Make sure you arrive at the campground before it gets dark. When adventuring in an RV, be safely parked before dark. If you have a tent, carefully select the plot of land you are going to use. This should be done before nightfall as is it much more difficult to navigate when it is dark. You will have an easier time seeing the task a hand, preventing frustration from setting in.
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 can help you out if something happens and your tent gets torn somehow. You can fix leaks on inflatable beds, tape up shoes, seal up any bug netting, and a lot more.
It’s important that you make an effort to ensure that all camping gear you will need is packed before you leave to go camping. You can not afford to forget an important item like your sleeping bag or your tent. In order to ensure that this does not happen, make a checklist before you head out and cross off the items as you pack them.
If your campsite is known for wildlife, be extremely careful with food. This means wrapping things up tightly, keeping them far from your tent, and avoiding some types of food completely. You will be less likely to have an attack with these procedures.
Make sure you choose a sleeping bag that is appropriate for where you will be camping. Lighter weight bags are great for warm weather; however, if the climate is cooler, a heavier bag will be in order. Be sure the bags you bring hug your body so your body heat is contained.
Take steps to prevent dead flashlight batteries while camping. It is easy to inadvertently turn the flashlight on when digging through your camping equipment. To prevent this, load batteries into the flashlight backwards. If the power switch is touched, the flashlight won’t turn on and you’ll still have full battery power.
Plan out all of your clothing before leaving for your trip. Pack plenty of clothes that will last you the length of your trip. Be sure to also carry clothing that is weather and climate appropriate on your trip. Shoes that will hold up and have closed toes are what you should wear for the most part.
Use an orange to help prevent bug bites. Don’t worry if you forget the bug spray. Experts say that if you rub your body with the inside of the orange peel, it will keep the annoying bugs away. Mosquitoes hate the smell and will fly away for a few good hours; and you will be free of the nuisance.
It is wise to leave a cell phone fully charged somewhere where you can reach it. As an added safety precaution, you may wish to bring an additional battery so you have plenty of power. A cell phone is a great emergency device; make certain it will keep working.
Trail mix and jerky are great snacks for a camping trip. When the sun sets and you get too exhausted to cook that night’s meal, you can cheat once or twice and eat some of those tasty, filling snacks you’ve now decided to pack. These foods are non-perishable; if you do not use them, you can simply bring them home.
People that are new at camping sometimes mistakenly set up their camps near restrooms. They do this in the belief that it will be very convenient, but quickly learn the truth. Campground bathrooms attract high foot traffic and create bright light during the night. After a while, it becomes less of a convenience and more of a hindrance.
Be sure to create your shelter before it gets dark. It is really hard to set up a tent in the dark. You will have to have a flashlight or create a fire. It’s much easier to arrive early enough to get set up before sundown.
Be aware of food safety precautions on your trip. Pack it in airtight containers and make sure they are waterproof too. Also carry ice packs so you can insulate and cool your food. Make sure to keep your raw food and cooked food separate. And always wash your hands before touching food. Always cook and store foods at the proper temperatures.
Learn how to use a compass or read a map, beforehand. Although you may be familiar with the area where you are camping, you can still get lost when you arrive because many areas can look similar. You can avoid things going wrong if you know how to operate these great lifesaving tools.
Dress in layers when camping. Weather conditions can quickly change. A cold morning can turn into a very hot afternoon. This type of cycle can continue with a cold night. You’ll need to be sure your clothes are layered so it’s easy to adjust what you’re wearing throughout your day.
When you’re getting a survival kit together for camping, it’s recommended to bring waterproof matches. Keep them stored in an air and water tight container. A regular match can be made waterproof by dipping it in nail polish or paraffin. A film container makes a great storage place for matches.
Try to prevent your tent from getting wet and be sure it is properly ventilated. You risk condensation building up inside the tent if you seal it up completely. This can result in you getting wet. Tents generally have built-in doors, windows, and vents that you can crack to create a cross-breeze and prevent a buildup of moisture.
There are several things to keep in mind when considering camping. Utilize the tips you have seen in this piece to make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible.
For an inexpensive and disposable way to protect the bottom of your tent, use an old vinyl shower curtain as a tarp. You can also use it to cover the ground when you wash dishes or yourself to control the direction of the dirty water. Instead of throwing out old shower curtains, keep them around for your next camping trip.
