Very few things will beat getting out and under the bright stars with the people you love. There are many reasons why camping can be a great pastime. For the most pleasant and safest trip possible, however, it is best to keep some basics in mind. The following paragraphs have useful ideas you can use to get ready for your camping trip.
Make sure that all of your friends and family are involved in choosing the camping site. Discuss what state you want to visit. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. It may be easier to choose a few front runners and have family members vote.
Don’t worry about over-packing for the kids. Camping can be a sloppy time. Almost every child will want to play in the dirt or mud, constantly. This means that as the day goes on, the dirtier your kids will get. Take extra clothing with you for your children. Prepare ahead of time!
Make sure that you both carry a survival kit and then get in the habit of always having it with you. Must haves include, but aren’t limited to, a knife, matches, a flare gun, and a first aid pack. This survival kit may be what keeps you alive if you get lost and the items in it are indispensable in a survival situation. Remember to carry it with you and do not leave it in your camp.
Make sure that you get a tent that is big enough for you and whoever else is going to be inside the tent. You want to make sure that you have enough room in the tent for sleeping quarters and so that each person in the room has enough room.
Review the medical coverage that you have. If you are going camping out of state, you may have to add an additional policy for full coverage. This can be especially important if you leave the country on your trip, such as camping across the border in Canada. It always pays to be prepared for anything!
First aid classes are important to take when you are planning a camping trip with friends or family. If something bad happens, you’ll be able to take care of it because you’ll know exactly what to do while waiting for a health professional to show up. Be sure to research beforehand. Figure out what wild animals are hanging out there and what kinds of poisonous snakes or bugs are sneaking around.
If you are taking kids camping, have them eat a “jungle breakfast.” Bring small cereal boxes, juice drinks and fruit, and keep them tied up high in the trees. The kids can go on a treasure hunt for their breakfast when they wake up. This makes an interesting diversion for them during the trip.
Check weather reports in the area you plan to camp in. There are lots of websites that can give you an idea of what the typical weather is like in the area during the time of your travel. By knowing the weather, you can ensure you pack the proper equipment and clothing for your camping trip.
Pack a bandanna or handkerchief. They can serve many purposes, like potholder, blotter, hand towel or carrying bag. It is very versatile, so be sure you take one with you every time you go camping.
Check the terms of your health insurance before leaving. Some policies will not cover you outside your own state. This is especially true if you are traveling out of the country. Be ready for any eventuality.
A surprising tip you may not know about is that the lint from your dryer also doubles as great kindling for your camp fire. Collect your dryer lint about a month before you go camping. Keep a used grocery bag on your laundry room door to collect the lint. Just grab your bag of dryer lint and go on camping day.
A “jungle breakfast” is something that could be enjoyed when camping with children. Take mini-boxes of cereal, juice boxes and fruit out into the woods, and tie them to the trees. Then, when the kids wake up, have them go and “hunt” for their breakfast. This can add some magic to their camping trip.
Even when you’re trying to get away from the luxuries of life, it can help to bring something nice on your camping trip. Bring a lightweight, easy-to-carry item like good chocolate, cream for coffee or another reminder of home with you. A small luxury that reminds you of home can be uplifting.
See if you can integrate swimming into your camping trip. When you’re out camping, it’s really easy to miss your shower at home. By taking a dip in a pool, lake or river, you will have fun and feel clean and refreshed at the same time!
Before you go camping in a new place, it is essential to have an understanding of what dangers are located there. There may be spiders or bears near you that could pose a threat. Any place you go has its own unique challenges.
Oranges are good things to bring for your camping trip, and not only as a healthy snack option. Use the peels to rub your body down. It is a low-cost, chemical-free way to keep bugs away.
Duct tape is a handy tool that will prove useful on any camping trip. It has a myriad of uses for campers, just as it does for homeowners. Tape can be used to seal holes in your sleeping mattress. It be used to seal tears in tarps, tents, and even sleeping bags. Tape also does wonders for blisters by offering an additional layer of protection. In a pinch, it can even substitute as a bandage.
If you are a camping amateur, keep your camping adventure near your home. You don’t want to be far away if you decide you’ve had enough of camping, or if you have problems with your equipment. You might realize you haven’t packed enough clothes or food. There are many unexpected problems you may encounter the first time you go camping, so stay close to home.
If you are pitching a tent, look for soft, level ground. Choosing a sloped or rocky area to camp at can make you uncomfortable when in your tent. Also, use a tarp under your tent to keep water out and prevent damage.
Are you new to camping and now have a brand new tent in your possession? If you are, practice setting up your tent before you go camping. You should know what you need and how to do it before you actually have to do it. This will help you set up camp in a hurry if you get to the site just before dark.
Bring along a sleeping bag made for the current weather. If you are camping in a colder climate, purchase a heavyweight sleeping bag; people who camp in warm weather should use a lightweight sleeping bag. You must have a bag that surrounds the body closely so that body heat can be retained.
You need to make sure you have everything you need when you go camping. Even just a handful of things missing can really affect your camping experience. Keeping a checklist is very helpful for this. Some things you should bring include your tent, sleeping bag, tarp, lots of water, a utility knife, already-made food, soap or hand sanitizer and items to start a fire.
Orange peels may protect you from mosquitoes. This is especially helpful if you forget bug spray, but have oranges on hand, or can borrow them from someone at your camping trip. Rubbing your exposed skin with the inside of the orange peel is something recommended by many camping experts. This should stop any frustrating, itchy mosquito bites.
Trail mix and jerky are great snacks for a camping trip. You may not be in the mood to cook, so having these with you can be helpful. As an added benefit these snacks have a long shelf life, so if you do not eat them while camping you can enjoy them for months to come.
Be aware of the location of your campsite. You want to avoid things like wasp’s nest, ant hills and things of that nature. When staying near plants, use long sleeved shirts as well as pants; this avoids insect issues. You should also have insect repellent.
As you have now read, there are several important considerations to plan for when heading for the great outdoors. Apply what you’ve learned here, and have a great, safe trip with your family and friends.
Depending on your ability to plan, you can either have a great time camping, or you can have a miserable time. Preparation is the difference between the two. If you prepare for different scenarios, you’re more likely to have an enjoyable trip.
