Many people do not realize how much fun camping can be for everyone. Sleeping all night under the stars is more relaxing than you may have ever imagined. If you are not sure what to do to have a great camping experience, try some of the helpful tips below.
Take a first-aid class, especially if children are camping with you. If you have an accident, you are going to know how to fix the situation before you can get professional medical help. Never forget to research. Be aware of poisonous flora and fauna, as well as of what sounds animals make.
Search out shelter before the sun sets when you are camping. Once darkness falls, it is very difficult to set up camp. This is even more true for city folks whose eyes are not used to the pitch black. Avoid this by setting up your shelter ahead of time.
A cute way to add fun to meals is to make what is known as a “jungle meal”. Tie juice boxes, tiny boxes of cereal and fruit to trees in the woods. Your children can then hunt these foods when they wake up. It’s a fun way to make camping a little more exciting for the children.
Build yourself a survival kit; keep it with you anywhere you go while camping. You should have a bandanna (to use as a sling or tourniquet), wound coverings, something to use for sprains, matches, a knife, tablets to purify water and a compass in your kit. This kit can save your life if you get into a dangerous situation. Be sure to bring it with you whenever you leave your campsite.
Carry a bandana or handkerchief with you. That small piece of cloth could become a potholder, a bag, a blotter or a towel. As you can see, a handkerchief can serve many different purposes on a camping trip.
If you’re camping with kids, try a “jungle breakfast”. Bring small cereal boxes, juice drinks and fruit, and keep them tied up high in the trees. Make your children “hunt” them in the wild; like a great outdoorsman. It’s a fun way to make camping a little more exciting for the children.
The lint from the dryer actually is great to help start campfires. Start collecting the lint about a month prior to your trip from the filter in your dryer. Place a bag near your tumble dryer and just stuff lint from the dryer’s filter into the bag every time it is full. Using this for your kindling will save you time looking for it, and it will work even better than any kindling that you do find.
Kids love to camp, but make sure you plan activities for them. When you are in the woods with nothing around but trees, they may become bored. Children may not have an idea of how to fish or set up a tent. Take the time to teach them these skills before the trip, especially if they don’t spend a great deal of time outdoors.
When planning for a camping adventure with kids, be sure to speak to them about camping dangers. Use the Internet to teach them about things like poison ivy and the like, and ensure that they will approach nature with respect and caution.
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 has as many uses on the campsite as it does at home. You could seal an air leak in your mattress. You can close up rips and tears, and bundle things together. If you plan to take a long hike, be sure to place some on feet to avoid developing blisters. You can also use it to bandage injuries.
Look for the softest and flattest ground you can possibly find for your tent. If you pick a spot that is rocky or has a slope to it, you will be uncomfortable when you are inside your tent. Just lay a tarp at the bottom of the tent to stop water from going into your tent or damaging your tent.
Are you the proud owner of your first tent and a beginner at the art of camping? Before you head off on that initial camping trip, practice pitching your tent. By doing this, you will know all the equipment that you will need to take with you to effectively pitch the tent. This will help you set up camp in a hurry if you get to the site just before dark.
Take along a sleeping bag that matches the climate where you’re going. Sleeping bags made of lightweight material are optimal for warmer climates. By contrast, you should invest in a heavy sleeping bag if you plan to camp in a cold area. The main goal with your sleeping bag is to conserve body heat, which means having a snug bag that hugs the body.
When it comes to camping, it is important to be prepared. It is important to be prepared for certain situations. However, your plans never unfold exactly how you want them. There can be changes in the weather or circumstances, and illness and injury can also occur. Always avoid unnecessary risks and try not to be careless.
Don’t forget to watch your children. Cars abound at campgrounds, and it is easy for a little one to walk into the woods and have trouble getting out. An accident can occur quickly, so it is important to be vigilant.
Make it a point to properly prepare your flashlight when you pack for your 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. If the power switch is touched, the flashlight won’t turn on and you’ll still have full battery power.
Make a plan as to what you’ll wear. Consider how many outfits you will need for the number of days you plan to be on your trip and add in a few extra in case of bad weather. Also, check the weather so that you can dress accordingly. It is also a good idea to bring a few pairs of shoes so that you have extras in case of mud or water getting into them.
When going on a camping trip, it is vital that you bring several lanterns and/or flashlights, as well as extra batteries with you. Many camping spots are remote, so there will not be a glow from city lights guiding you in the dark. Adequate light can help you avoid falling in the dark, or encountering wildlife. When you camp with kids, having a flashlight for every child is a good idea.
Trail mix and jerky are great snacks for a camping trip. Nutrient filled snacks can replace the need to cook if you don’t have the means or the energy. They will stay fresh for long periods of time, so they won’t go to waste.
When you are camping, be sure you choose the right sleeping bag for the site conditions. Lighter bags might be good ideas for warmer climates and seasons to avoid unnecessary weight and space usage, but make sure that you have a heavy enough bag to stay warm in cold conditions. Be sure the bags you bring hug your body so your body heat is contained.
You must have a first aid box as well as a distinct survival kit. Without them, you may need to finish your camping trip earlier than you would like. Being prepared can prevent a serious situation from worsening and can buy you time when helping a sick or injured person to safety.
Pesky mosquito bites can be avoided with an orange peel. Don’t worry if you forgot your bug spray. Experts have disclosed that simply rubbing the inner peel of a ripened orange on exposed skin can act as a repellant. Mosquitoes hate the smell and will fly away for a few good hours; and you will be free of the nuisance.
You next camping trip can turn out to be a weekend full of relaxation or it can be a nightmare. The distinction often boils down to your level of preparation. If you are properly prepared for many different situations, then you will be more likely to enjoy your trip.
Think carefully when you pack. Make a list of the things you need on your trip. Check each item off when you pack it. This is very helpful if you’ll be far from civilization.
Pack your things with care. Create a checklist of what you’re going to be bringing along and check things off while you’re packing them. This is crucial if you are camping in an area that is remote and has limited access to emergency assistance.
People will often forget to build their shelter before sunset. It is extremely difficult to pitch a tent whenever it is dark. 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. This should be done when the sun is present so that you can use natural light.
When going camping, always remember to take waterproof matches with you when you’re creating a survival kit. These should be stored in an airtight container. You can make your own matches waterproof by putting them in nail polish or paraffin. You can also make a caddy for them out of a 35mm film container or a medicine bottle made out of plastic.
Camping Trip
When camping, wear layers. You may find that the weather conditions can change rapidly. You could awake in the morning to cold weather, for it to just turn hot within a short amount of time. Evenings a lot of times get a little chilly It is best to bring all types of clothing so that no matter what the weather is, you will be prepared.
With the advice shared here, you are ready for an enjoyable camping trip. As long as you keep this information on hand you will do just fine as a camper, even if it is your first time. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or an extensive camping trip, you will be sure to have a great time.
Make sure that your camping trip schedule is full of fun activities. Campfires and marshmallows provide hours of fun, but there is so much more to a camping trip. Have some creativity and plan ahead for things that every member of your family finds entertaining. Take younger and older children into consideration when you are planning.
