You’ve never camped before? You’re missing out! Sleeping and waking up to nature is one of the most relaxing things imaginable. If you are not sure what to do to have a great camping experience, try some of the helpful tips below.
Make sure your sleeping bag is right for the weather. A sleep bag designed for winter camping would make you sweat during the summer. Also, during the winter, you should bring a sleeping bag that has down or heavy material. You may even risk hypothermia.
Enroll in a first aid course, especially if your trip will include kids. Camping can be very remote, so it is best to be able to deal with emergencies on your own, until help can be reached. You should also do some research. Know if there are any poisonous snakes in the area, what type of wild animals call those woods their home, etc.
Pack additional clothes when going camping. Camping can be a bit messy. Kids love to play in dirt. Because of this, your children will likely be filthy by the end of the day. To prepare, bring additional clothing for your children. It’s best to be prepared.
A “jungle breakfast” is something that could be enjoyed when camping with children. Bring some packaged foods, beverage boxes and even fruits, then tie them to trees near the campsite. Then, when the kids wake up, have them go and “hunt” for their breakfast. This will add some adventure and fun to their day.
Choose a tent large enough for everyone that will be expected to use it. This will ensure comfort while inside the tent.
Pack a bandana. You can use these as hand towels, cleanup towels, pot holders or anything you need cloth for. There are various uses for this fabric piece, so be sure to carry one on your trip.
A hankerchief is a great item to bring on your trip. They can serve many purposes, like potholder, blotter, hand towel or carrying bag. There are countless other uses for such items, so try your best to remember to bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you.
Don’t forget to pack up some duct tape when you’re camping because it’s very versatile. It is great for patching your tent, repairing your shoes, fixing your insect netting and various other tasks.
Even camping purists may find that having a small luxury item is a good thing. Take something like creamer for your coffee or a chocolate candy bar. These little things can make your day!
When you’re new to camping, make sure you camp close to home. There may be unforeseen issues that you never considered they may force you to cut the trip short. Other problems can be food shortage or inadequate clothing. Many problems may arise for a new camper, so camping close to where you live can help you.
Before the sun goes down, make sure that you have your camp completely set up. If you are in an RV, a safe parking spot should be found. If your camping with a tent, make sure to find a dry area that is also flat so you can pitch your tent with ease. Getting your camp set up before dark will give you time to get to know your campsite and surrounding area. You will have an easier time seeing the task a hand, preventing frustration from setting in.
You need to take things to entertain yourself during your camping trip. Card games, fishing poles, scavenger hunt lists and other supplies can make hanging out in the woods more fun. If you’re bringing along kids, it doesn’t hurt to go overboard when thinking of what to bring for fun.
You should always have some duct tape along on any camping adventure. It has a myriad of uses for campers, just as it does for homeowners. You could seal an air leak in your mattress. You can also seal holes in sleeping bags or tents. You can even put some under your feet before long hikes so that you don’t get blisters. In a pinch, it can even serve as a bandage for injuries.
Are you new to camping and now have a brand new tent in your possession? Before you head into the wilderness, take some time to learn about your tent and pitch it. If you have successfully done it at home, pitching it at your campsite will be easier. This also allows you to get this done fast when you show up where you’re camping, prior to night falling.
Living off the land is part of camping, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go prepared. Though a sleeping bag is great, extra blankets can also be useful. This will help you to stay warm, comfortable and safe during a cold or wet night.
As you set up your campsite, choose an area that is as smooth and as level as possible for the location of your tent. Choosing a slanted or rocky site will make your stay quite uncomfortable. Also, put a tarp down on your site to repel water in the best fashion.
Create a list of items you need for your camping trip. This is especially crucial if the campgrounds are in a remote location. Get all your things together a few days before your trip and mark them off on your list.
Take steps to prevent dead flashlight batteries while camping. You don’t want to waste your flashlight battery and not be able to see. To ensure that this does not happen to you, you can put the batteries in facing the wrong direction until you reach your destination. This will ensure they do not drain if the flashlight is accidentally turned on.
Make sure to bring several flashlights or lanterns and extra batteries on your camping trip. Even after the sun is gone, you may need to see. Having an adequate amount of light can help avoid injuries from falls and running into animals living in the wild. If your children are along on your camping trip, give them each their own flashlight.
Pack extra flashlights and batteries when you are packing for your trip. There will be times when you will need to see clearly after the sun goes down. After all, you don’t want to stumble in the dark, or accidentally step on a wild critter. If your children are along on your camping trip, give them each their own flashlight.
A tasty orange provides a peel that can help repel nasty mosquitoes. If everything was packed but you didn’t remember the bug spray, don’t worry! Use the insides of an orange peel, rubbed gently on any exposed skin. This should effectively repel mosquitoes for hours.
One great suggestion for any camping trip is to pack a second utility knife. Utility knives are among the most versatile pieces of equipment in a camper’s arsenal so make sure you Pack an extra one in your bag just in case you lose the one you carry around.
Pack wisely and carefully. 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.
Before setting out on your camping adventure, make sure you can read a map and a compass. If you are lost, this skill can help you to navigate back to your destination. Your skill using a compass and a map can be a lifesaver one day.
When going camping, bring some duct tape with you. Tents are usually more durable than they used to be, but they can still get torn. Well-placed duct tape can save a trip, especially when a hole rips on the top of your tent.
Remember to pack foods that don’t spoil to avoid food poisoning. If the food that you pack for camping is not canned, vacuum sealed or preserved, you exposing yourself to the possibility of experiencing food poisoning from eating spoiled food. Ice is important as it will help to keep your food chilled and fresh.
Food poisoning is a common ailment while camping. When food is not properly preserved, it can increase the risk of becoming spoiled and make you sick. Pack perishable foods in ice and drain your cooler often to prevent water from damaging the food.
Make sure the sleeping bag you choose is the correct one. For example, in the summertime, a lighter bag will keep you cool. However, during the winter, you’re going to need a heavier bag if you don’t want to freeze at night.
Make sure that your tent is well ventilated and dry. If your tent is thoroughly sealed, perspiration and breathing can build condensation throughout your whole tent. You may end up waking to unpleasant dampness. Crack one of your tent’s vents, doors or windows so that moisture does not build up.
If you think a campsite right next to the bathrooms is ideal, think again. It may be convenient in some ways, but there are a lot of issues with that. Campground bathrooms attract high foot traffic and create bright light during the night. Therefore they can be more of a nuisance than anything else.
Use a shower curtain as a tarp to put underneath your tent. You can also put it underneath a washing or cooking area to control any run-off or spillage. Instead of getting rid of an old shower curtain, use it for your next camping trip.
Armed with the proper information, you can now begin to plan your next adventure. Keep your new information close at hand, and your camping experiences will take shape in short order. No matter what your destination, you are going to have the time of your life.
When you are planning a long trip, bring games to increase the amount of fun that you have. Electronics can spoil the mood of camping, but bring a book, a radio, a baseball glove, and maybe even your bike to keep you active and entertained for the duration of the trip.
