Has it been a while since your last camping trip? Have you never been camping at all? A camping trip provides people with the opportunity to be at one with nature and to spend some time both relaxing and reflecting on life. You don’t have to deal with anyone at work, you don’t have television to distract you… you really can just relax. Use the information shared here to make your camping trip a great one.
Let everyone know they have a say in the campsite and should help pick a favorite spot. Discuss which state you would most like to visit. With all of the options available, it is wise to let people decide for themselves. If it is the simpler option, try picking a few you favor and letting your whole family vote on them.
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. It’s always a good idea to take along some wood of your own and keep it in a dry place.
Get a big enough tent to fit everyone and gear properly. 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.
After buying a tent, make sure to pitch it in your yard before you leave for a trip. This will allow you to get the experience needed for erecting your tent. That can also cut down on the frustration some feel when setting a tent up for the first time.
The way you prepare will determine whether your camping trip will be fun or if it will be dangerous. When you are prepared, you avoid many of the common mistakes that are made on camping trips. If you’re visiting a new location, be sure to research its wildlife, climate, and geography.
Make sure that you know basic first aid before you go out on a camping trip. This way, should an accident occur, at least you are properly prepared until help arrives. Additional research can also provide valuable information. Know if there are any poisonous snakes in the area, what type of wild animals call those woods their home, etc.
You can go swimming at the same time that you camp! Showering is one of the comforts of home you will have to do without while camping. The coolness of the water when you swim will help you feel clean and refreshed, so you may not miss your home shower as much.
Make sure you know what’s covered in your medical insurance. If you go camping out of state, you may need to have coverage where you go. This is even more of a factor if you travel to another country to go camping, like Canada. Be sure that you prepare yourself in case anything happens!
Take either a bandanna or handkerchief with you when you go camping. A bandana is very versatile and can be used as a blotter, potholder, mini-bag and more. There are countless other uses for such items, so try your best to remember to bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you.
If you’re camping with kids, try a “jungle breakfast”. You can tie small food and drink boxes into the trees. When your kids get up, have them hunt down their breakfast. It is a fun way to start the day and something for the kids to look forward to each morning.
It’s important to talk with you kids about the dangers of camping. Get online with them and show them what poison ivy, poisonous snakes, and other dangers look like. This will help your kids know what to avoid when exploring.
Always set up your camp before nightfall. If you are in an RV, a safe parking spot should be found. If you have a tent, carefully select the plot of land you are going to use. Choosing a site before night falls gives you an opportunity to get used to your surroundings. You will be able to see a lot better, and this will make everything easier.
When taking a dog along, be certain they have a leash and are always supervised. Many people are fearful of pets – especially large dogs. This will maximize the respect that you have for others while camping. Additionally, your dog may cause damage to the property of someone else if left untethered and unsupervised.
When you go camping for the first few times, be sure that your camp is close to where you live. Things may go wrong and you may have to abort your trip early if things don’t go your way. Maybe you will find you have not brought enough food, clothing or other necessities. The first time, you should camp at close to home in the event of an emergency.
If you are traveling to a place with an abundance of animals, make sure you are prepared with respect to food. Wrap your food up tightly so that smells don’t escape and store it away from your sleeping tent area. That will reduce the chance of a critter attack.
Duct Tape
When out in the wilds camping, it is smart to be prepared for just about anything. Things can sometimes go awry, even when carefully planned. The weather can suddenly change, surrounding circumstances can change, injuries and illness can happen, etc. Don’t take risks, think ahead before doing anything and be careful.
One handy piece of equipment to take with you when you head out on your next camping trip is a roll of duct tape. It is versatile at camp, just like at home. You could seal an air leak in your mattress. It can repair a rip in a sleeping bag, tarp or tent. You can also protect your feet against blisters while hiking long distances by putting duct tape on them. It can even be used to bandage injuries.
Be aware of the location of your campsite. You have to be sure you don’t set up next to stinging insects or anything unsafe. When near vegetation, long sleeves shirts and long pants will keep insects from getting on your skin. You should also have insect repellent.
Have you just bought your first tent as a rookie camper? Learn how to pitch your tent before you leave for the campsite. This will allow you take an inventory of all the necessary equipment needed to set up the tent. This also ensure that you can perform the task more quickly if you get to your campsite late, and darkness begins to set in.
It makes sense to keep a totally charged cell phone on hand. As an added safety precaution, you may wish to bring an additional battery so you have plenty of power. In the event of an emergency, you will need your cell to call out for help, so this item is very important.
Orange peels are great items to reduce mosquito bites while camping. So, if you forgot to pack your mosquito repellant, do not despair. Rub this inner peel of the orange over your exposed skin and watch the magic at work. This should give you the protection that you need while out in the wilderness.
Make sure you pack carefully and wisely. Make a checklist of supplies that you will need on your camping trip, and check items off as you pack them. That is essential if you are going far away to a remote site and unable to get first aid items and other necessary things.
Before you go camping, make sure to think about the clothes you will need for the trip. Make sure you pack enough appropriate clothing for the duration and activity planned for your outing. Also, make sure you’re taking along clothes that work with whatever the weather will be where you are camping. Durable shoes like hiking boots or other closed-toe shoes are also recommended for many situations.
Always keep some duct tape with you when you’re out camping. Tents are pretty strong, but they can suffer tears. A little duct tape can be the difference between a comfortable and dry night’s sleep and a drippy night spent awake.
A camping trip can go well with the help of the advice shared here. The information here is just the beginning and will make your trip more enjoyable. Each time you go camping, you will learn more new experiences that will help make your trips better each time you go.
Make sure waterproof matches are in your survival kit. Store them in a container that is both airtight and watertight. Regular matches can be dipped in nail polish or paraffin to make them waterproof. A film container or pill bottle can serve for storage.
