Camping can be very enjoyable. Being able to become one with nature can be a very liberating experience for many people. Everyone was a little hesitant of their first camping experience, but this article should help calm some of those fears.
Always set up a new tent once at home before taking it camping. That way, you can make sure you have everything you need to set up the tent, including knowledge of how to do it properly. This will also eliminate some of the frustration associated with setting up a tent.
Try out your tent before going camping by testing it out at home. By doing this you will be able to make sure that your tent does not have any missing parts. Furthermore, such a task will help to reassure you that you know how to errect your camping tent properly. You will find your frustration level diminishes greatly as well.
Be sure that your tent will comfortably fit everyone that you will be sharing it with to have a good trip. This will make it easy for you all to have a comfortable time sleeping, and moving around in the middle of the night when nature calls for people.
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 along some candy, some coffee you enjoy or anything that is lightweight but reminds you of home. Such little luxuries will really pick up your spirits!
Make sure to finish setting up camp during daylight hours. If you are in a vehicle, this means find a secure spot to park the vehicle. Pitch your tent on land that is flat and dry. Doing this when you still have daylight lets you get familiar with the area. You will be able to see due to the sunlight and you will have an easier time.
Be sure you set up camp before nighttime comes around. If you have an RV, find a secure place to park. When pitching a tent, locate dry and flat ground. Making sure this is all done before dark gives you time to become familiar with the area. This will also let you avoid the frustration of doing it when it’s not at easy to see what you are doing.
Ensure that you pack everything that you will need before leaving for a camping trip. The last thing you need is to forget something essential like your tent or sleeping bag. Make sure you check for the items you need, and create a list before leaving to be certain you have everything you want.
Duct tape is a handy tool to carry when you are camping. You can use it to repair holes in tents, inflatables, shoes and just about anything else you can think of.
When planning for a camping adventure with kids, be sure to speak to them about camping dangers. Ensure you children know what poison ivy and poison oak looks like, what to do if they get lost or stumble upon wildlife.
It’s important to have all your equipment with you when camping. You can not afford to forget an important item like your sleeping bag or your tent. Create a checklist if you feel like you are going to forget something.
Always pack enough food and the right kind. It is very important to make sure the food you bring will not spoil during your trip. Food poisoning is a great way to make a good trip go bad. Make sure your food is prepared the right way to avoid the risk of spoilage.
Kids generally love camping, but plan some activities for them ahead of time. Do not let the absence of TV and video games lead them to complain that they are bored. They probably aren’t used to fishing or campfires. Expose them to these activities prior to embarking on your trip.
Take pictures of your children with you when you camp. This is the perfect tool in case you can’t find them during the trip. When camping far away from your house, remember to bring one in case of an emergency.
Novice Campers
It is advisable to bring beef jerky or trail mix with you on a camping trip. After a long day of outdoor activities, you will often feel too drained of energy to prepare a hot meal, so the availability of nutrient-filled snacks, such as trail mix an beef jerky, can be a real lifesaver. They are also convenient because they keep well and don’t need to be refrigerated.
If camping is new for you, start somewhere nearby. You may run into problems that will require you to shorten your trip, like problems with equipment. Novice campers sometimes don’t pack enough food or clothing, which is a problem if they are far away. Many problems may occur for novice campers, so be sure to camp near home.
Try to keep your cell phone completely charged. The best thing to do is bring some backup batteries. In the event of an emergency, you will need your cell to call out for help, so this item is very important.
Find the most level, rock-free ground possible to set up your tent on. If you select a bumpy or slanted area, you will have an uncomfortable experience in your tent. Just lay a tarp at the bottom of the tent to stop water from going into your tent or damaging your tent.
While it may seem silly, make sure that you pack some toilet paper before you go camping. If your campsite lacks toilet facilities, you will need to use the woods. It is best not to use something from nature to clean yourself, so toilet paper will come in handy.
Be sure to avoid draining your flashlight’s batteries on your camping trip. While searching your backpack or bag, it is not too hard to accidentally hit the power button on your flashlight. To avoid drained batteries, store your flashlights with the batteries backwards. This prevents accidental switch nudges so that they will remain fresh when you need them.
Do not set your camp near a bathroom. While this may appear a wise idea, it does not take long to discover otherwise. Bathrooms are a source of light, and they are also high traffic areas. So, they may not have the comfort and convenience that they hoped for.
Sleeping Bag
Dress in layers on your camping trip. Even if you check the weather ahead of time, weather can change with very little notice. It may be chilly one moment and sweltering the next. The night can get cold. You’ll need to have layers of clothes so that you can adjust to the weather as it changes throughout the day.
Choose a proper sleeping bag for your camping conditions. Bags that are light are good for warmer places and a sleeping bag that’s heavier works best when things are colder. You will need sleeping bags that hug your body and help you retain body heat if you’re sleeping in a tent.
Make sure you have fun activities planned beforehand. You can do much more when camping than just toast marshmallows. Get creative and plan for things that everyone will enjoy. Don’t forget activities for children of different ages.
Two essential piece of camping gear are your first aid kit and your survival kit. These two items can be the deciding factor in whether you have to end a trip early or care for situations as they arise. Being prepared can prevent a serious situation from worsening and can buy you time when helping a sick or injured person to safety.
Try to keep your tent well ventilated and dry. Condensation can form when you perspire and breathe in a completely sealed tent. You may even wake up wet. Tents are make with vents or windows that can be opened for cross-ventilation.
Camping can be a great get away, or a living nightmare. How your camping experience turns out is down to one key factor: preparation. If you are properly prepared for many different situations, then you will be more likely to enjoy your trip.
When camping, ensure you have entertainment. Books, board games, a guitar or some music are all great options to bring along.
Pack mindfully and appropriately. Write down everything you will need, and cross them off as they are packed. This is especially important if you will be camping in a remote location without access to first-aid supplies or other items you might need in an emergency.
If you are setting up camp near a stream or river, relieve yourself downstream. By doing this, the water that flows past the campsite will be clean. Answer the call of nature more than 100 yards from the campsite.
People will often forget to build their shelter before sunset. Pitching a tent can be difficult enough in the daylight, let alone in the dark of night. A flashlight or fire will help you out. It is basically easier to get your campsite set up before it gets dark and you are not fumbling around in the dark.
Make a snake-proof campsite if there are snakes where you are camping. Refrain from camping near thick bushes and woodpiles, where snakes may reside. Also, check your equipment and tent for snakes before you go to sleep. Keep all areas of your tent sealed so that snakes cannot get in there when you’re sleeping at night.
Figure out how to use a compass and read a map in advance. You can get lost in the woods even if you have been to the area before. You will be able to avoid possible tragedy when you learn how to use both of these life saving items.
You have to be sure that your shelter is established before it starts to get dark. You want to set things up when the sun is shining. It is easier to put up any kind of shelter when it’s light outside, so be prepared.
Now it’s possible to plan your greatest camping trip yet thanks to this advice. Use the information you learned to become a master camper. If you camp close to home or travel far, your camping adventure will be fun and exciting.
When bringing your pet along on a camping trip, make sure that you have everything they will need. For example, you will want to bring a chain to tie them up, as chasing wild animals can be very tempting. You may also need a leash. Make sure all vaccinations and licenses are current too. Be sure to pack up water and food specifically for your pet, as well as bowls to serve it all in. It’s an absolute necessity that you clean up behind them and throw their waste away in the proper manner.
