You may be tempted to rush right out and go camping, but there are things you need to know and do first. Your future camping trips will be much more successful with the tips from this article.
Choose a sleeping bag that is seasonally appropriate. A winter bag for the summer will cause you to sweat all night. The reverse is also true. Using a light, cool sleeping bag in the middle of winter will keep you very cold. Hypothermia can be experienced, as well.
Let your loved ones help you pick a campsite. Talk about which state you would like to go to. The many options may make it difficult to settle on one. If it simplifies things, pick four or five favorites and then give everyone a vote.
Take a first aid class, particularly if you are traveling with children. Should an emergency arise, your knowledge of first aid can prevent further issues until help arrives. Also, do your research. You should be aware of the poisonous snakes, wild animals, etc., that inhabit the area.
Don’t be afraid to over-pack for your children. Camping can be a messy affair. Children seem to be magnetically attracted to dirt. Your kids may become filthy as the day goes on. While this cannot usually be prevented, be sure to pack some extra clothing. It’s best to be prepared.
Check the terms of your health insurance before leaving. If you go to another state, you may have to have another policy. If you are camping outside of your own country, it can be even more critical. Better to be prepared and safe than sorry later.
Be sure your tent is big enough. This helps you to have a more comfy night’s sleep, and trips in and out of the tent will be less disturbing for those who are sleeping.
Your camp should be set up before nightfall. If you driving an RV, you should locate a safe parking spot. If you are in a tent, you need to find some flat, high ground. Doing this before night comes around will let you become accustomed to your surroundings. It also makes it much easier to actually see what you are doing, thus saving a great deal of frustration.
Take a class on how to do first aid. This is especially important if you are taking kids with you. In case of an accident, you will know what to do until medical help arrives. Be sure to research the area you are visiting. You should be aware of the poisonous snakes, wild animals, etc., that inhabit the area.
Do not forget to pack duct tape for your camping trip so that it can solve neraly any problem! Such tape can quickly fix holes in tents, leaking inflatables and worn soles on shoes. It can also be used to seal mosquito netting.
It can be fun to camp, but you have to be prepared. That is why it’s important to prepare in advance and prepare well. Find out about the weather, the wildlife and the terrain of any location that you have not been to before.
Don’t go far from home during your first couple of camping trips. If you have any equipment issues, it is better and easier to cut your trip short when you do not have so far to travel. Others may find that they have a shortage of food or their clothing isn’t appropriate. There are a lot of different things that can come about and being closer to home will make it a lot easier.
Set your campsite, tent and sleeping bags up before it gets dark. If you come to the camp site in an RV, find a parking spot immediately. Find a piece of ground that’s flat and dry if you are putting up a tent. You will be able to see the area better before nightfall and become familiar with it. You can see how to set up your camp, which will save a good deal of frustration.
Are you a new camper with a brand new tent? Practice setting up and taking down your tent before your trip. This practice will give you the opportunity to make sure you have everything you need to get set up quickly and easily. 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.
Talk to your children about the dangers of camping before heading out on your trip. It is easy to go online together and look at pictures of poison ivy and other hazardous plants so they will know what not to touch as they explore the great outdoors.
When you find your camping spot, put the tent up on top of the patch of ground that is flattest and softest. It is important to feel as level as possible to maximize the comfort that you feel. Always lay down some tarp first to prevent any water damage to the tent.
Remember to bring along wilderness-friendly activities. Card games, fishing poles, scavenger hunt lists and other supplies can make hanging out in the woods more fun. If the kids are camping with you, you’ll need to increase the amount of entertainment items that you pack.
Try to refrain from draining your flashlight when camping. You don’t want to waste your flashlight battery and not be able to see. Keep your flashlight in a secure place to avoid accidentally turning them on. This prevents accidental switch nudges so that they will remain fresh when you need them.
Did you just purchase a new tent for your trip? Give your tent a test run before you set out to pitch it in your first camp site in the wild. This will allow you take an inventory of all the necessary equipment needed to set up the tent. This will also help you be able to accomplish the task quickly and efficiently once you arrive at your campsite, even if it is near dark.
Your sleeping bag should be able to accommodate a variety of camping conditions. So bring a lighter sleeping bag for the hotter months out of the year, and a thicker one for the colder months out of the year. Make sure your sleeping bag fits you well, hugs your body and helps you to retain heat.
Be certain you are prepared for any event when you’re camping. No matter how careful you are, things can happen that are not a part of your original plan. There can be changes in the weather or circumstances, and illness and injury can also occur. The more time you spend preparing for the unforeseen, the better off you will be when it comes to dealing with an emergency later on.
Watch your kids closely. People may be driving around the campsites, and it’s also very easy for kids to get up and get lost when they’re not familiar with an area. Disaster can strike quickly if you aren’t watching closely.
Always keep a close eye on your kids. Cars and campers will be pulling in and out, and there is always the possibility of little ones getting quickly lost in an unfamiliar forest. Therefore, children should always have close supervision.
Pack your things carefully and smartly. Keep a checklist of the things you need and check them off as you collect and pack them. This is imperative if you’re camping in an area that does not have alternative access to essential safety items.
Pick out all of your clothing before you go camping. Clean clothes are important, as you will not want to feel dirty while out in the wilderness. Pack clothes that will allow you to dress properly for whatever weather is expected in the area where you will be camping. Don’t forget to pack durable, comfortable shoes for walking.
A simple and obvious piece of advice is that you should create your shelter when it is still light. The tent pitching process can be extremely hard if there is no light. It is possible to do by firelight or by flashlight, but it will more than likely be frustrating and can be downright impossible in areas where there are hazards nearby. It is easier if you do it while it is still daylight.
When you spend time outside, you are going to have a much more fun time if you are prepared. You will feel safer, secure, and more relaxed when you use these camping tips.
Having a roll of grey duct tape is a good idea when camping. While most camping equipment is durable, they can tear or break easily. Duct tape can seal up your tent and keep you dry, especially when the weather is not cooperating with you like you thought it would.
