Camping is a great activity to share with family and friends. But, some people don’t even bother going on a trip because they think the whole process is difficult. It is not that hard when you some great advice. Check out this article to learn how to plan the best camping trip.
When camping, be sure to locate a shelter before dark. Finding the right spot for your tent, gathering firewood and making dinner are all a lot tougher after darkness settles in. Those that live in urban areas find this to be the case even more than those that are used to pitch black darkness. Don’t get into this situation, look for proper shelter before you get to this point.
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. Simply hang a plastic bag near the dryer and stash the lint in the bag as it collects. You can just go about your business after that.
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. Bring along some dry wood and store it where it remain dry.
Always bring along a well-stocked emergency kit when you head out on a camping trip. What you include will depend on where you are going and when. Some extra emergency supplies like anti-venom may be included, too, depending on the types of wildlife you may encounter.
If you’re going to be taking your children camping, attend a first-aid course. If something unexpected comes up, you will be ready to handle it. Also remember to research other dangers near your camping location. Knowing about the native species in your camp area, such as snakes or other dangerous animals, is essential.
Even when you’re trying to get away from the luxuries of life, it can help to bring something nice on your camping trip. Take something like creamer for your coffee or a chocolate candy bar. These little things can make your day!
Before you set out on your camping trip take the time to check the weather forecast for the area that you will be visiting. Some websites will tell you what the weather is usually like during the time you’ll be going. Having a good idea of what the weather will be like will ensure that you pack accordingly for your trip.
Don’t forget to pack up some duct tape when you’re camping because it’s very versatile. It can be used as a quick patch for tents, shoes, inflatables, or can be used to secure items such as your mosquito netting.
Oranges are not only a healthy snack to take on a camping trip, but they are also versatile when used as a mosquito repellent. Once you finish your orange, save the peel. Rub it easily on all your exposed skin for a chemical-free bug repellent.
Kids love camping, especially when you plan activities that they can do. Your kids may start to get bored when you are out in the woods. Make sure that they get acquainted with different camping activities such as fishing and pitching the tent. Consider introducing your kids to these things in advance of your trip so they know how to do them and view them as fun.
Living off the land is part of camping, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go prepared. While you should bring a sleeping bag, you should bring additional blankets. This will keep you warm if it gets really cool at night and/or you can use them for additional padding.
Talk to your children about the dangers of camping before heading out on your trip. The information contains pictures of poisonous plants that they can use as a guide of what to avoid.
Packing all the essentials is vital to the success of your camping venture. Your trip will not be as fun if you forget imperative items. Make a master checklist of everything that you will be needing on your trip and be sure to check off items as they are packed or loaded into the car. Be sure your list includes the tent and sleeping bags, as well as food items and personal hygiene items.
Make sure that you bring things to occupy yourself when camping. You might want to take a deck of cards or a list of things to look for during a scavenger hunt as well as a fishing pole. If kids are coming along for the trip, take even more entertainment with you to keep them from getting bored without their electronics.
Make it a point to properly prepare your flashlight when you pack for your trip. You may accidentally turn on a flashlight while you’re looking through what you have packed for your trip. To prevent draining the batteries, place them in your flashlight backwards. This way they won’t activate if the switch is nudged and will stay fresh till you need them.
Camping’s main idea is to generally live off of the land, however, you still need to be well-prepared. Packing a sleeping bag is pretty obvious, but take the extra precaution of including extra blankets too. Blankets make good padding and can help you stay warm if it’s colder than you expect at night.
Know where your kids are at all times. There are many people coming and going all of the time and you do not want them to get kidnapped or lost. It doesn’t take much time for something to occur, so be sure your kids are properly supervised.
You need to make sure you have everything you need when you go camping. Even just a few missing items can turn your trip into a disaster. Write a list of essentials and as you pack the items, cross them off. Don’t forget to include your sleeping bag, water, knives, prepared food, hand gel, soap, and your tent.
Decide what clothing you will need before you make your trip. A ready supply of clean clothing should included in your inventory. Make sure that you have the correct types of clothes for your camping trip. Even if you don’t plan to do any hiking, you should wear study shoes or boots meant for hiking, in case your vehicle breaks down or you get lost.
When you are at your campsite, pitch your tent on the softest and most level ground you are able to find. If you pick out a sloped or a rocky spot it can make sleeping and hanging out in the tent very uncomfortable. Always lay a tarp down first to prevent water from entering or damaging the tent.
Make sure you pack a utility knife when going camping. A utility knife is one of the most versatile and important pieces of equipment that no camper should be without.
Sleeping Bag
You should never leave your car or basecamp without a fully-charged cell phone. You should also seriously consider bringing a spare battery for your cell phone in case the main battery dies. The cell phone comes in handy in emergency situations, so you will need all the battery power you can get.
Make sure your sleeping bag is appropriate for the location. For example, there are lightweight sleeping bag for warm weather and heavy sleeping bags for colder weather. If you are spending the night in a tent in cold weather, a bag that hugs your body and traps your body heat is essential.
Learn how to use a map or a compass before going camping. Even if you’ve already been to your future campsite, getting lost once there is still a possibility since many areas of the site will look the same. To avoid a potential tragedy, carry a map and compass with you.
Bring a good utility knife when you camp. These pieces of equipment are quite versitile and can get you out of a lot of bad situations.
At the end of your camping outing, try to leave the site cleaner than you found it. Be sure to bring plenty of garbage bags to put your trash in when you cleanup. Pack up any leftover food and take it with you. When you leave a campsite, the only thing left should be your footprints.
Prepare for camping by packing smart. Make a list of what you’ll need and check it off as you get things packed. This helps to reduce the chance of an emergency impacting the quality of your trip.
Make sure that you are always conscious of safety rules, regulations and best practices when you camp. Make sure to avoid all bears and larger wildlife in the wilderness. Smaller animals can be a lot more dangerous than expected, like squirrels for instance. One thing you should never do is feed a bear if you see one, even though you probably would be too scared to approach one!
Reading a map and using a compass are two things that should be done before heading out for a camping trip. You need to do this even if you’ve been to the campsite before. You may get lost even in a familiar site because so many areas look alike. You can avoid potential tragedy by learning how to use these lifesaving items.
Take toilet paper and baby wipes with you when you go camping. You could use leaves, but there’s no reason to since baby wipes and toilet paper are so much easier on the skin.
Clean your campsite at the end of your stay. Make sure you have garbage bags to clean up trash. Don’t leave any food behind either. The only thing you want left are your footprints when you are gone.
When packing for a camping trip, remember to pack something entertaining. If you pack a bunch of electronic gadgets, it might conflict with the reasons why you chose a camping trip. However, there are few things better than sitting by a lake reading a great book or relaxing by a campfire listening to music.
Never forget to pack ample toilet paper on your next camping trip. If there are no toilets at your campsite, you will need to use the bathroom outside. Rather than using leaves as a substitute, just bring your own toilet paper.
Always bring lots of sunscreen. You need to be protected from the sun’s rays. Locate a sunscreen that gives you the best protection. You may also want to consider a sunscreen that keeps bugs away too. It’s best to avoid encasing yourself with excessive amounts of chemicals when you are out in the wilderness.
Make sure the sleeping bag you choose for your camping trip is right for the time of year and all the weather it brings. In summer weather, for example, you’ll need a light bag that will help you stay cool. Conversely, you’ll need a heavy bag during cold winter nights to keep you from freezing.
Bring water purification tablets when you go camping. Even if you pack what should be enough water or plan on boiling water you collect, you might run out of time or need more than you think. Try using the tablets at home before heading out on your trip to ensure you understand how they work and what the water will taste like. You will want to get a different type of tablet it you find out that you don’t like the way your water taste.
Safety procedures should be acknowledged when you’re out camping. Stay away from wildlife, even if they are not very large. Even small animals can present a danger. And, unless you’re in Jellystone Park, don’t feed any bears!
Include plenty of food, drinks and water in your camping supplies. If your campsite is a known bear hot spot, you must ensure that your food items are not stored near where you are sleeping. Dispose of any garbage by burning it so the smell does not attract bears to your camp.
Now that you’ve come to the end of this article, you realize how easy camping can be. Anyone can learn the tricks of the trade. Apply the tips you have just read to your next adventure. In no time, you will feel confident in your ability to plan a great camping trip that lets you enjoy Mother Nature fully.
Make sure that you bring along some items that can keep you entertained while indoors. If there is bad weather, this can really help to pass the time. You might get hit with some heavy rain. This doesn’t mean the trip is ruined. Be certain to have lots of activities handy that can be enjoyed inside.
