With the large number of reality shows about outdoor life on TV, it is no wonder that camping is becoming more and more popular these days. Continue reading if you want to have a camping trip that is enjoyable and memorable.
When camping, get your shelter squared away before nightfall. Once the woods are dark, it is very difficult to find firewood, pitch your tent and prepare some food. That is particularly true if you aren’t used to the blackness of the wilderness. Avoid being in that position; find good shelter before the sun goes down.
Make sure to find your shelter before it gets dark. Once it grows black in the woods, you can have a hard time setting up your tent, preparing food, and getting adequate firewood. This is particularly important if you are not used to doing things in the dark. Don’t let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.
Select your sleeping bag with the weather, season and location of your trip in mind. By bringing a winter sleeping bag in the summer you may end up sweating instead of sleeping. On the other hand, light-weight sleeping supplies will never keep you warm enough in the dead of winter. In the worst case, you could be putting yourself at risk of getting frostbite or even worse.
You will get dirty. As long as you are prepared for getting dirty, you will not feel so stressed out when it happens. Enjoy your time and don’t afraid to be messy. After all, you can be normal at home.
Remember that your loved ones and possessions will get filthy. If you’re prepared beforehand, it won’t stress you out when it occurs. Use your time in nature to enjoy the chance to be a little messy. You can get clean when you get home.
Make sure your tent is of ample size. This will allow everyone in your tent to be comfortable at night and to easily get up if they need to use the bathroom.
Ask family or friends who are camping with you for their input on your camping location. Have a conversation about where you want to go. With the many parks and preserves in the world, deciding where to go can be a task into itself. If necessary, select a few locations yourself, then let the family decide among your choices.
Make sure that you bring all of your camping equipment with you before you head out on your trip. You would be pretty irritated if it turned out that you left your sleeping bag or tent back at home. Look over the items you plan to bring and create a checklist before leaving to ensure that all of your essential gear comes with you.
If you are going camping with children, eat a “jungle breakfast”. Bring several, small boxes of easy-to-fix foods, such as cereals, fruits, snacks, and other quick, yet healthy, meals. This hunting experience adds a sense of excitement to the trip. The kids will love it.
Camping is great fun for kids if you plan things that they can do. If you are just sitting in the woods, they will end up bored. They may never have had a chance to set up a tent or catch a fish. If they have not spent much time outdoors, show them the basics before you leave.
Dryer lint can be used as kindling for starting your campfire. Start collecting it in advance of your trip. Keep a simple plastic or ziplock bag near your dryer to make collecting easier. By doing this, you’ll have all the kindling you need.
When first getting involved with camping, start out close to home. You may encounter problems with your equipment, or you may decide to come home early. Maybe you will find out that there isn’t enough food or clean clothes to continue. First-time camping is a learning experience and anything can happen, so find a campground near your home.
It’s imperative that you locate a safe place to camp and pitch your tent before the sun goes down. If you driving an RV, you should locate a safe parking spot. If you have a tent, carefully select the plot of land you are going to use. Getting your camp set up before dark will give you time to get to know your campsite and surrounding area. Since you will know what you are doing, you’ll prevent frustration.
If your dog goes with you, always keep up with him. Not all people are dog lovers, and some are extremely terrified of dogs. You should respect your fellow campers in the area. Additionally, dogs can wreak a lot of havoc on a campsite if they are not supervised properly.
If you’re going to camp somewhere where dangerous animals reside, you need to make sure you’re very careful about your food. This means wrapping things up tightly, keeping them far from your tent, and avoiding some types of food completely. This can reduce the chances of wildlife coming near you on your trip.
If your intended camping destination is known for its prowling wildlife, take more than enough precautions to secure food. You must wrap everything up tight, store it away from your tent and do not take certain types of food with you. Taking these precautions can significantly lower you chances of being attacked.
You should always have some duct tape along on any camping adventure. Just as it has myriad uses around the house, you can use it for a variety of needs in the woods, too. It can repair an air mattress should it get a hole. Duct tape can also seal other rips, such as ripped tents or sleeping bags. If you plan to take a long hike, be sure to place some on feet to avoid developing blisters. It can also be used in lieu of bandages.
Make a list and check it twice before packing for your camping excursion. This can be of particular importance if you are traveling a long distance and will be in more remote locations. Prepare for your trip a couple days prior to leaving and use a check list to ensure you have everything as you pack.
Though camping may be about roughing it in the wilderness, being prepared is a necessity. Blankets are essential, in addition to a sleeping bag, to maximize comfort. That way, you will be prepared for an unexpected chill, or you can have a softer place to sleep.
Don’t let your children out of your sight. There are always cars arriving and leaving from campsites, and it is easy for little kids to get lost easily in wooded areas. It takes just a second and something can happen; therefore be certain you always give kids the proper supervision.
Make a list of your required camping gear and double check it while packing. Even letting one particular item slip your mind can devastate your trip. Write a list in advance of what you are going to need, and then you can check each item off when it is packed. Your list should include a sleeping bag, tent, tarp, water, food, knife, soap, fire-starting items and more.
Orange peels can help manage mosquitoes. If you neglected to pack mosquito spray, fear not. Seasoned campers suggest that you can rub your skin with the inside of an ripe orange peel. The mosquitoes should stay away from you for hours.
Pay close attention to where your kids are when camping. Cars often travel through campsites, and little kids are prone to getting lost. It only takes a second for something to happen, so make sure that your children always have the supervision that they need.
Before you go camping, make sure to think about the clothes you will need for the trip. Make sure that you pack enough clothes to last you for the whole trip. You should also make sure that you pack suitable clothes for the weather forecast and activities planned. Don’t forget to pack durable, comfortable shoes for walking.
Set up camp before the sun goes down. It’s hard to start pitching a tent when it’s dark outside. 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. Doing it during sunlight hours makes it easier and more prepared for the dark.
Bring along a photo of any children that will be camping with you. In case you get separated, having the pictures on your person will help you find them quickly. A picture should be carried anytime you are away from home, but even more importantly when camping in the woods.
Safety comes first when camping. Keep away from animals, both large and small. You may be surprised at just how dangerous little critters can be. Avoid feeding bears if you happen to see them.
It’s a good choice to take off from your automobile or base when your phone has a full battery. Or, bring an extra battery just in case your battery dies. A cell phone is a great emergency device; make certain it will keep working.
Wearing your clothing in layers is always best when camping outdoors. It is not uncommon for it to be hot and then cold within an hour in some areas. The morning may have a chill, but the afternoon may be balmy or sweltering hot. It may get cold late at night, so make sure you are prepared. By dressing in layers, you can adjust your clothes to the changes in the weather easily.
There are lots of things you need to take into consideration when you are planning on camping. A little advanced planning will make you much better prepared for any potential problems you might run into. So go out and have fun on your camping adventure!
Keep your tent free from moisture and well ventilated. When you sleep in a tent that is completely sealed, condensation can build up on the roof, floor, walls, and sleeping bags from perspiration and breathing. You might wake up wet if this happens. Tents are usually equipped with ventilation slots and zippered windows and doors that can easily be opened to avoid a build up of excess moisture and that provide a nice cross-breeze.
