Does the idea of taking a camping trip intimidate you due to your lack of experience? There is no reason to allow that to stand in your way. A little confidence and some good advice should help you on your way. And for that, you are looking in the right place. This article has the best online camping tips.
Find your best place for camping shelter long before nightfall. You do not want to be stuck trying to put your tent together or finding a safe location for the tent when it’s pitch black outside. This is particularly true for anyone accustomed to city living and unfamiliar with pitch dark woods. To prevent this from happening to you, you should set up your camp immediately when you arrive.
While you think nature will provide enough wood for your fire to continue burning, it may be wet, which will not burn. It’s a great idea to carry your own wood with you and to keep it secure in a dry area.
It is better to over-pack than to under-pack, especially for kids. Camping can be a sloppy time. Children love the dirt. Because of this, your children will likely be filthy by the end of the day. Though this is inevitable, having extra clothes on hand is always smart. Keep yourself ready at all times.
Let your family members all have a decision when it comes to choosing a campsite. Discuss which state you wish to visit. There are millions of options just in the United States, and it can sometimes be difficult to choose the perfect one! To make your decision easier, pick a few favorites and then vote on the final choice.
Before leaving for a trip away, attend a comprehensive first aid tutorial. Undertaking such a task is particularly important if you are going to be camping with children. If an accident occurs, you’ll need to know what you need to better the situation until you can receive medical attention. Be sure to research beforehand. Are there any poisonous snakes, plants or any other things you should know before you head out?
After you buy your camping tent, set it up at home rather than waiting until your trip to set it up for the first time. That will help you make sure your tent has all the pieces and you know how to properly set it up. It can reduce the frustration that you could experience setting up the tent as well.
If possible, incorporate swimming into your camping trip. A hot shower can be sorely missed. The water helps you feel refreshed and a bit cleaner so that you don’t miss showering quite as much.
Ensure the tent is an adequate size for anyone that might be with you. This will allow you to sleep more comfortably and get up easier during the night when you need to use the bathroom.
Carry a bandana or handkerchief with you. This single fabric piece can be used as a carrying bag, hand towel, paper towel, potholder, and blotter. They are quite versatile, so be sure to bring one every time you go on a trip.
Understand your medical coverage. Some policies will not cover you outside your own state. This is especially true if you are traveling out of the country. It is essential to be prepared in case of emergency.
Before you go camping in a new place, it is essential to have an understanding of what dangers are located there. Knowing what poisonous creatures to watch out for, where terrain gets rugged, and when to expect dangerous weather are key to ensuring your safety. There are natural hazards associated with every camping area.
Camping and swimming are a great combination. When camping, you might find yourself missing your shower. Swimming can help you feel a little cleaner.
If you are camping for the first time, stay close to home. Things may go wrong and you may have to abort your trip early if things don’t go your way. You might realize you haven’t packed enough clothes or food. A lot of issues can happen for the new camper, so do not go too far for your first camp trip.
If you are going camping, be sure to have a first aid kit. You want to bring a kit for any situation that might arise during your camping trip. You may want to pack bear repellent or antivenom.
Did you know that a roll of high-quality duct tape is a great item to take camping with you? This item has many uses and can help you save a lot of time and money. Duct tape is useful for patching holes in air mattresses. It can also fix up a tarp, sleeping bag, or even the tent. If you plan to take a long hike, be sure to place some on feet to avoid developing blisters. In a pinch, it can even serve as a bandage for injuries.
The incredible orange should be on everyone’s camping supply list to keep away bugs and provide something healthy to eat. Use the discarded peels to rub your exposed skin, and the insects will stay away from you.
Whenever you go camping, it’s important to remember to bring all of the items you will need when you arrive at your destination. If you forget a key item, it can destroy the vacation. Make an all-inclusive list, and check each item off as you pack. You need a lot of things to take with you on a trip, and you don’t want to miss anything.
Is this your first tent? Practice pitching the tent that you purchase to gain experience and avoid stress. This will allow you take an inventory of all the necessary equipment needed to set up the tent. You can do this best before it gets dark outside.
Bringing along a cell phone with a full charge isn’t a bad idea while camping. The best idea is to bring a couple of extra batteries to maintain your phone. 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.
Find the softest, flattest ground possible to set up your tent. If you pick a spot that is rocky or has a slope to it, you will be uncomfortable when you are inside your tent. Always lay down some tarp first to prevent any water damage to the tent.
Take time to learn map and compass reading. You can get lost in the woods even if you have been to the area before. Learning how to actually use certain items will help you avoid getting lost.
Watch your kids closely. Kids love to explore in the woods and they can very easily get lost. Something could happen very quickly, so if you keep an eye on your kids, your supervision will help keep them safe.
Once you are finished camping, be sure your campsite is left clean. Bring enough trash bags for the anticipated clean up. Make sure to take any food that is left over as well. A golden rule for departing a campsite: leave only your footprints behind.
Pick out your clothing attire ahead of time. Make sure that you pack enough clothes to last you for the whole trip. Always bring temperature appropriate clothing for your campsite. Shoes need to be closed and durable, especially for hiking.
Many people get food poisoning each year while camping because they do not pack properly. If food is not properly vacuum-sealed, canned, or preserved, you risk getting sick from spoiled food. Take a lot of ice for keeping food cold and pull out drain plugs so you don’t soak the food.
Know the area that you’re setting up your camp in. You want to avoid erecting your tent near a wasp’s nest or other insect habitats. When staying near plants, use long sleeved shirts as well as pants; this avoids insect issues. Also, carry insect repellent.
Don’t make the rookie mistake of pitching camp too close to bathroom facilities. They do this in the belief that it will be very convenient, but quickly learn the truth. Bathrooms provide constant light, and people are always going to and from them. They may end up ruining the entire experience.
A utility knife can serve you well on your camping trip. This knife is a must-have for campers, and you should have a spare in case something happens to the first one.
Keep your food safe when you are camping. Make sure your food stays dry and safe by using airtight bags and waterproof containers. Also carry ice packs so you can insulate and cool your food. Store raw food apart from cooked food to avoid contamination. Always wash your hands, cutting boards and preparation surfaces to optimize safety and keep yourself from getting food poisoning. Make sure that you cook foods throughout so that you do not risk any sickness.
Clean up your campsite before going home. Include trash bags in your supplies to make cleanup easy. Do not leave food there, either. When you leave a campsite, the only thing left should be your footprints.
You don’t have to purchase a tarp to put under your tent; use a cheap or old shower curtain instead. It could also be used as a base for a cooking or washing area, where you can easily control all the run-off. Instead of getting rid of an old shower curtain, use it for your next camping trip.
Food poisoning happens for campers when food is not packed properly. Any food that is not canned, preserved, or vacuum sealed is at risk of spoiling or causing food poisoning. Make sure food and drinks stay at a safe temperature by using enough ice. Most coolers have a plug that you can open, this drains the excess water, so your food won’t get wet.
When you are going camping for a longer time, be certain to bring activities for entertaining yourself. Of course, if you bring too many electronics, you may defeat the purpose of the trip, but there is nothing better than sitting beside a lake reading, or listening to music beside a camp fire at night.
While it may sound obvious, don’t forget to pack the toilet paper when you head out for a camping trip. If there are no toilets at your campsite, you will need to use the bathroom outside. It is best not to use something from nature to clean yourself, so toilet paper will come in handy.
Don’t forget the sunscreen. Sun protection is extremely important. Look for an optimum sunscreen for the conditions and make sure the SPF is sufficient. You might even consider a sunscreen with bug protection. It will make it easier for you to apply all of the protection you need to stay comfortable while camping.
There are safety procedures that should be followed when camping. Stay away from larger animals, and be cautious even around smaller ones. Even squirrels and tiny animals may pose a threat to you and your family. Obviously, stay away from larger animals like bears and never feed them.
If snakes are native to your campground area, ensure your campsite is snake-proof. Steer clear of thick brush and rock piles that tend to attract snakes. Make sure you check your items to make sure a snake didn’t sneak into them. Always keep your tent properly sealed by packing the edges with earth or sand to weigh it down; this will prevent any snakes from entering.
A shower curtain that is past its prime is a quick and inexpensive tarp for placement under your tent. You can also use it as a way to control run-off as you are washing or cooking. Don’t toss old shower curtains; save them for your next trip.
Always set up your shelter before the sky turns dark. If its sundown, it might be too late for you to finish your shelter before dark. Even if you aren’t putting a tent up, it’s easier to make your shelter while there is light out.
From reading the tips in the above article, you should now be all set to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors. It doesn’t matter where you plan to camp, make sure you get the most out of your trip by applying the advice you learned today. You are sure to want to repeat your camping experience.
Make sure that you bring along some items that can keep you entertained while indoors. Be ready in case inclement weather shows up. You might get hit with some heavy rain. This does not have to ruin your trip. Bringing along books, magazines or even coloring books for children can help everyone pass the time until the weather calms again.
