Are you looking to spend some time under the stars? Go through some of the details outlined below to make sure you don’t overlook anything so you can concentrate on having fun. Once you’re done reading, you’ll be glad you found this information.
Make sure your sleeping bag is right for the weather. Don’t take a heavy sleeping bag out in the summer, it could make you sweat and be uncomfortable all night long. The opposite is true as well, as you need a good, heavy sleeping bag when you are going to be enduring very cold conditions. Without protection, you are running the risk of developing hypothermia.
Do not assume you can collect firewood from the area. It’s a great idea to carry your own wood with you and to keep it secure in a dry area.
Keep in mind that you, your family, and everything you take with you is probably going to be dirty. If you’re prepared beforehand, it won’t stress you out when it occurs. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. When you’re home, you can be normal again.
If you have a new tent, practice setting it up at home before your trip. That way, you will know that the tent is complete and will understand the assembly process. This will also allow you to feel more comfortable about setting up the tent later.
Include the family in the selection of the campsite. Talk about which state you would like to go to. There are many different places, so it can be hard to choose. To make your decision easier, pick a few favorites and then vote on the final choice.
Camping has the potential to be thrilling or hazardous, depending on your level of preparation. Be certain that your camping trips always involve proper planning. When heading to a new spot, be sure to research the area thoroughly so you know what to expect with regard to weather and wildlife.
Bring a survival kit that you can carry on your person at all times. 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. If you were to get lost or were put in an emergency situation, the survival kit will be of great help. Remember to carry it with you and do not leave it in your camp.
Even camping purists may find that having a small luxury item is a good thing. Take along some candy, some coffee you enjoy or anything that is lightweight but reminds you of home. Small luxuries can make things more enjoyable!
Try to add an activity having to do with swimming to your camping trip if at all possible. While camping, you might really miss the luxury of showering. Swimming is a great way to rinse off and can take the place of your daily shower.
Your camp should always be set up before the sun sets. If you driving an RV, you should locate a safe parking spot. If you have a tent, find dry, flat ground. You will be able to see the area better before nightfall and become familiar with it. You can save time by knowing what you are doing.
Old dryer lint makes a great fire-starter. Start collecting it in advance of your trip. Simply use a plastic grocery sack to collect each new crop of lint. Your kindling will be easily accessible when you are leaving for your destination.
Make sure you have activities to do while camping. Card games, fishing poles, and a list for a scavenger hunt are all great activities. If your camping group includes children, consider bringing extra entertainment options.
It’s important to take duct tape on every camping trip so that you can use it to solve problems. It’s easy to use, can hold out moisture and will even fix a leak or a broken shoe!
When you are camping, choose flat, soft ground to pitch your tent on. If you select a bumpy or slanted area, you will have an uncomfortable experience in your tent. Always lay down some tarp first to prevent any water damage to the tent.
It’s important to talk with you kids about the dangers of camping. You can all get together and check out pictures of various plants that are hazardous so they can learn what they can’t touch when they’re looking around.
Make sure to have a picture of your children when camping with them. If the unthinkable happens and your kids get lost, possessing a picture of them could be a lifesaver. Be sure to have a photo for an emergency, even more so if you’re camping far away from your home.
Always take along plenty of food, and be sure it’s the proper kind. Depending upon how long your trip will last, you should have plenty of food that won’t spoil over the course of your trip. Food poisoning can put a miserable end to an otherwise lovely trip. Make sure your food is prepared the right way to avoid the risk of spoilage.
Every camper should possess a basic utility knife. These types of knives are the key to success when you need tools at a campsite. Carry an extra one in your bags in the event that your main one gets lost.
When you bring a canine along on a camping trip, don’t forget his leash and to keep a close eye on him always. A lot of people have a fear of dogs. Respect for other campers is an important aspect of public camping. Your dog might even damage someone else’s property if not properly supervised.
It is imperative that a first-aid kit and other survival items never be forgotten for a camping trip. These kits can help to reduce the impact of injuries on your trip. Also, you can prevent dire situations and help you to get a sick person some help.
Bringing everything you need for your trip is important. Your trip will not be as fun if you forget imperative items. Lists help people know what they need before they go. You will want to include everything you need, no matter how big or small, to ensure that you have what you need while you are away from home.
One easy tip to keep in mind is that you have to build your shelter before nighttime. It’s very hard to set up your tent when it’s dark outside. You will need to build a fire or have a sufficient number of flashlights. Making the effort to do the work before the sun goes down will make for a more enjoyable trip.
When it comes to camping, expect the unexpected. 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. Never take unnecessary risks or be careless, and always think before you act.
Sleeping Bag
A pre-made list will help you remember exactly what you need for your camping excursion. If you have to travel a long way to reach the campsite, this is particularly vital. To ensure that everything gets packed, mark each item off the list as you pack it.
Choose a sleeping bag that is made for the time of year you will be camping. In the summer you want to have a light, cool bag. During the winter, however, a thick sleeping bag will trap your body heat and ensure that you don’t freeze.
Make sure that you choose the right sleeping bag for the conditions on the campsite. If the weather is warm, you want a lightweight bag. If frigid temperatures will be present, choose a sub-zero rated bag. You must have a bag that surrounds the body closely so that body heat can be retained.
What will you do about cooking food while camping? You need to decide before you leave what method of cooking you are going to use so you can bring the right supplies. Without the right items, preparing food over the open flame can be difficult.
When setting up a tent, ensure that the seams are all sealed. You can get a tube of sealant at a sporting goods store if you didn’t get any with your tent. By sealing the seams on your tent, you will keep out rainwater and any small critter that might want to join your tenting party.
Dressing in layers helps when you are camping. Even if you check the weather ahead of time, weather can change with very little notice. A chilly morning can turn into a hot and humid afternoon. Just as quickly, evening can become cold again. Layering helps you to adjust how you’re dressed and stay comfortable.
Use the appropriate sleeping bag for the current season. For instance, if it is summer, you are going to want a lighter bag so that you stay as cool as possible. Though, winter will require a heavy bag that traps body warmth during the night.
Make sure that your tent is well ventilated and dry. If you choose to sleep in a completely closed tent, by morning the condensation from humidity, sweating and breathing will really accumulate on everything inside. You may find yourself quite wet by morning. Tents are make with vents or windows that can be opened for cross-ventilation.
Follow proper safety procedures when camping. This includes avoiding interaction with any wildlife. Don’t be fooled into thinking that smaller animals are safe to be around. Even a small animal can be deadly, especially if they are carrying a disease. And, unless you’re in Jellystone Park, don’t feed any bears!
If you have wondered if you will like camping or not, you can do a test at home to see if it’s for you. Pitch your tent in your yard and sleep in it for the night. During your night in the tent, do not access any of the facilities in your house. If you find this to be an enjoyable experience, chances are good you will like camping out for real.
Use a shower curtain as a tarp to put underneath your tent. You can use it for a variety of other purposes as well. Instead of throwing away your old shower curtain, wash it and use it when you go camping.
Camping can be an activity that many people will enjoy. By using what you have gone over in this article, you’ll be able to go on a camping trip that would make even someone who hates the outdoors have a good time. Mother Nature has a lot to offer, so get out there and enjoy it!
If you have set up camp near a river, do not use the bathroom upstream from your site. This ensures that water flowing through your camp remains uncontaminated by your additions. The location should be well away from both the water and your campsite.