Are you looking to spend some time under the stars? Read the following tips to learn more about preparing to go camping. The information presented is sure to help you throughout your camping trips.
Choose a tent large enough for everyone that is going to sleep in it. A bigger tent means easier movement, which can be useful when you have to urinate at night.
Always find your shelter before it gets dark when you go camping. Once the woods are dark, it is very difficult to find firewood, pitch your tent and prepare some food. That is particularly true if you aren’t used to the blackness of the wilderness. Don’t get into this situation, look for proper shelter before you get to this point.
Check weather reports in the area you plan to camp in. There are websites available to provide information about the typical weather of the area for the time of your planned trip. Armed with the proper facts, you will know that to expect and what to pack.
Take the tent into your yard and set it up before you go on your camping trip. That way, you won’t be missing any pieces, and you’ll be able to set it up correctly the first time. This also helps you not to be frustrated when you’re trying to pitch your tent.
Try to camp near water, where you can also enjoy swimming. Many people miss a nice warm shower while camping. When swimming, you will feel refreshed and cleaner. If you use some biodegradable soap, you can get just as clean as you would at home.
Put together a survival pack and have it on you all the time. A survival kit should include items like a flare gun, matches that are waterproof, a knife and other items you think you may need. This kit could be the difference between life and death. Keep your kit with you at all times; don’t leave it at the campsite.
Pack a first aid kit. The contents of the kit may change depending on where you camp and who you are with, but it should contain basic supplies. Don’t forget to pack the extra for your location, too, such as antivenom for snake bites.
You may wish to take a class that has to do with first aid, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Accidents happen, and taking the right precautions will ensure you know how to better a poor situation. You could also read about different first aid techniques online. Know about any poisonous snakes and spiders in the area, and learn what animals live there.
It’s important to have all your equipment with you when camping. Forgetting your sleeping bag or food is not what you want to happen. Double check all your supplies to make sure they are accounted for and in working condition. Do this before you leave.
Never forget to see what the weather will be like in the area you will be camping at, prior to leaving. You can visit http://www.weather.com to check the weather just about anywhere. Be sure to look at the 10 day forecast along with extended weather patterns. Armed with the forecast, you can prepare yourself with appropriate clothing and camping gear.
Always become familiar with the potential dangers of a campsite before you enter it. For example, there might be poisonous spiders or dangerous trails. Every camping area has different dangers that you should be aware of.
Review your health insurance policy. Out-of-state traveling will sometimes require additional coverage. If you plan to travel to a different country, such as Canada, then its is especially important. Don’t get caught without the protection you need in case of an emergency situation.
Your children will love to join you on your camping trip, but be sure to plan some fun activities for them. Many of today’s children are not used to downtime away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and the quiet outdoors can cause boredom for them. The may not be accustomed to activities like pitching a tent or fishing. This a great way for them to experience the great outdoors.
Always have an emergency kit on hand when camping with family, or even staying alone. Always keep the bare basics with you in the kit, and make sure that you have water purification tablets in it as well. If you think there will be snakes, you might want to include antivenom.
Try to find a campsite that is closer to your house for your convenience when on your first trip. If you want to end your trip, you will be close to home. Novice campers sometimes don’t pack enough food or clothing, which is a problem if they are far away. The first time, you should camp at close to home in the event of an emergency.
Bring oranges with you since they are great for snacking and repelling insects. After you’ve eaten the flesh of the fruit, save all the peels. When you need bug repellant, rub the peels on your skin to repel mosquitos naturally and on the cheap!
Is this the first time you are camping? Before you head off on that initial camping trip, practice pitching your tent. This way, you will know the things you need to put your tent up. This is ideal, as even if you end up at your campsite while the sunlight is fading you will be able to quickly set up your camp.
Pack lanterns, flashlights and extra batteries when you go camping. You’ll need these items to help you be able to see after dark, which may be necessary at times. Adequate light can help you avoid falling in the dark, or encountering wildlife. If you have children with you on your camping trip, a smart thing to do is to give each of them a flashlight.
Prior to your camping trip, create a list of all the equipment and personal items you need to take. This is particularly helpful if you have to travel quite far to get where you are going. Get prepared well ahead of schedule; at least one day, maybe two, is required to gather all the “forgotten” items you would regret not having in the wild.
Believe it or not, an orange’s peel may keep mosquitoes from biting you during your next camping excursion. Don’t worry if you forgot mosquito repellant. Experts have said that you can just rub inner side of an orange peel on any exposed skin. Mosquitoes hate the smell and will fly away for a few good hours; and you will be free of the nuisance.
Be certain to have multiple lanterns or flashlights handy as well as additional batteries. There are times when you’ll need light to help you see after sundown. Without a flashlight, you could easily fall or be surprised by an animal. Bring flashlights to safeguard against the dangers of darkness.
Make sure to have a picture of your children when camping with them. If you lose a child at any point, having a picture to show rescuers or search parties could be very useful. You should bring another photo to keep in case of emergencies.
Make sure that you pack strategically and efficiently when you go on a camping trip. Have a checklist on hand and cross your items off the list as you add them to your pack. This is something you should strive to do if you are camping in a secluded spot, away from first-aid or emergency amenities.
Be mindful of where exactly you put up your camp. You should avoid setting up near any insect breeding grounds like wasp’s nest and beehives. Keep an eye out for animals and insects around your camp, and make sure there aren’t any large populations of them close to you. Insect repellent is a life saver.
When erecting your tent, ensure that you are able to seal all seams. Extra sealer tubes can be purchased at most sporting supply stores. This will allow you to keep wild animals and bad weather from getting into your tent.
A simple camping tip everyone should know is to build shelter during daylight. Pitching tents in the dark can be almost impossible. You will need to make a fire or have flashlight to do this. It is best to do this before dark so you can put it up correctly.
As crazy as it might sound, do not forget to pack some toilet paper. If there are no toilets at your campsite, you will need to use the bathroom outside. Using leaves to clean off is not a good idea because there may be some poison ivy mixed in.
Camping is something that anyone can appreciate and enjoy. By using what you have gone over in this article, you’ll be able to go on a camping trip that would make even someone who hates the outdoors have a good time. Explore and have a great time in the outdoors.
Use the appropriate sleeping bag for the current season. So a lighter bag for summers and a heavier and thicker bag for winter time. Conversely, during the winter you need to choose a heavy bag.
