It doesn’t get much better than lounging around a campfire under the stars surrounded by your friends and family. Camping is one of the best activities out there, and for a good reason. On the other hand, while camping can prove quite entertaining, there are important considerations to take into account. The following paragraphs have useful ideas you can use to get ready for your camping trip.
Camping can be very dangerous or fun depending on whether you’re prepared or not. Prepare in advance to avoid the downfalls of camping. If you go someplace new, research wildlife and research the weather and geography.
Allow everyone who is going on the trip to have a say about the campsite. Talk about which state to go to. Since the are so many great options to choose from across the U.S., it might be hard to select only one! To make it easy, pick a few that you really like and then have a family vote.
Try to add an activity having to do with swimming to your camping trip if at all possible. You may miss the shower at your home when you are 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.
When you are camping, pack enough of the right kinds of food. Food that is resistant to spoiling, or that can be kept cold in your cooler, are the best options to choose. Food poisoning can quickly put an ugly end to any outdoor vacation. Always prepare food the right way and take extra precautions.
Take either a bandanna or handkerchief with you when you go camping. You can use it as a potholder, bag holder or a towel. They are quite versatile, so be sure to bring one every time you go on a trip.
You need to take things to entertain yourself during your camping trip. Playing cards, board games and fishing poles can make for lots of fun. If you are taking children camping, you might want to bring more activities than you think you are going to need.
Be prepared to handle any emergency that may arise and have a plan in place. This emergency kit changes depending on the place you go camping, but you have to be certain it has the basic tools. Species specific antivenom should be packed to protect against animal bites.
When it comes to camping, always be prepared for whatever comes your way. While it’s crucial to plan ahead for things, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Weather problems, injuries and other unexpected things may occur. Never take unnecessary risks or be careless, and always think before you act.
Purchase pillows that are made specifically for camping. Standard pillows can get hot and sticky in humid weather. These pillows will also retain water from the air during humid conditions, so they can mildew. Pillows designed for camping offer a coating that prevents moisture absorption.
Don’t let your flashlight batteries get drained inadvertently. It’s easy for the flashlight to accidentally get turned on. You can prevent your batteries from losing power by storing them backwards in your flashlight. This will allow you to keep them stored without accidentally turning them on and wasting the batteries.
While kids often have fun when camping, make sure to make plans to keep them entertained. If you are deep in the woods, away from everything, they may get bored. Children may not have an idea of how to fish or set up a tent. If this is their first time, it is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn new skills.
Create a list of items you need for your camping trip. This is especially important if you must travel a while to get to the campgrounds. 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.
Try to find a campsite that is closer to your house for your convenience when on your first trip. You could run into problems with your gear, or decide to cut the trip short. It could be that you didn’t pack enough food or your clothing is not warm enough. Many things can arise for the first-time camper, so camp close to home the first time.
Camping Trip
Pack plenty of food of the proper variety. Make sure to bring food that won’t go bad while you are on your trip. If you get sick on your outing because of the food, that will put a damper on things. Use proper food preparation techniques and make sure you are well-read regarding the precautions you should take.
Flashlights, lanterns and a good supply of extra batteries are necessary supplies during any camping trip. You will surely find it necessary to illuminate things once night falls. Having enough light can prevent nasty falls or unwanted encounters with wildlife. If you have kids with you on your camping trip, hand each of them a flashlight.
It is important to be prepared while camping. You should take sleeping bags and extra blankets. They can be very handy when the evening temperatures drop. If not needed for warmth, they can be extra padding from the solid ground beneath.
A wonderful tip for camping is to take extra utility knives. Utility knives serve many functions so bring along at least one.
It’s very important that you bring the proper items on your camping trip. If you forget a key item, it can destroy the vacation. Make an all-inclusive list, and check each item off as you pack. A few things that you probably should pack include a sleeping bag, tent, knife, food, soap, and plenty of water.
Study the map of the area you plan to enter in advance and learn how to use a compass. 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 prevent disaster by knowing how to use these lifesaving items.
Bring along a sleeping bag made for the current weather. Use a lightweight sleeping bag for hot weather and a heavy sleeping bag for cold weather. The main goal with your sleeping bag is to conserve body heat, which means having a snug bag that hugs the body.
When erecting your tent, ensure that all of the tent’s seams are sealed. You can purchase a tube of tent seam sealer at all good sporting goods stores. This helps to prevent bugs, as well as rainwater, from coming in your tent.
Plan out your clothing prior to a camping trip. Make sure that you pack enough clothes to last you for the whole trip. Make sure that you have the correct types of clothes for your camping trip. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are considered essential footwear for any camping trip.
At the end of your trip, be sure to leave your campsite as clean as you found it. You should have trash bags on hand for this purpose. Do not leave food there, either. The rule of thumb when breaking down a campsite is to only leave footprints behind.
It is recommended you bring lots of beef jerky and/or trail mix when you go camping. When the day ends, you may feel so tired you aren’t in the mood for cooking. Nutrient-rich treats like beef jerky and trail mix will help satisfy your hunger. These foods are non-perishable; if you do not use them, you can simply bring them home.
Many people get food poisoning when camping because of improper packing every year. 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. Make use of an abundance of ice so that your foods stay fresh and make sure to remove the cooler’s drain plug to prevent soaking of your items.
Camping can either be an extremely relaxing or an extremely torturous experience. How you prepare for your camping trip will make or break your weekend. If you plan and prepare for various situations, you will probably have a good time.
As previously mentioned, you have to think about many different things before going camping. Use the advice from this article so your camping trip will be safe and enjoyable.
When choosing a sleeping bag, make sure that you pick one that is meant for the season and climate in which you plan to camp. For example, if you are going camping during the summer months, you will probably want a lightweight sleeping bag, so that your body does not overheat during the night. When it’s wintertime, it’s a good idea to get a thicker bag so you’re not too cold.
