Camping is booming in popularity right now, and this might be due in large part to the plethora of reality television shows feature the great outdoors. Read on to learn the right way to create a fun, safe and memorable camping trip.
When camping, get your shelter squared away before nightfall. After night falls, it becomes harder to prepare your camp ground and set up the tent. That can be especially true for someone who live in the suburbs and is not used to total darkness. Do not wind up in this position. Seek shelter and make camp for the night well before darkness sets in.
Choose a sleeping bag that is seasonally appropriate. Don’t take a heavy sleeping bag out in the summer, it could make you sweat and be uncomfortable all night long. On the other hand, bringing a light-weight bag in the middle of winter could cause you to wake up freezing. You may even develop hypothermia.
Let your family members all have a decision when it comes to choosing a campsite. Discuss things like the state you would like to see, particular parks that interest you and what type of camping experience you are looking for. There are a lot of choices in the USA; it is hard to choose just one. To aid in this decision, you may want to offer a few of those that you personally like the best and than let each family member vote.
Let everyone of your family members have a say on where to go camping. Talk about where you want to camp. There are a lot of choices in the USA; it is hard to choose just one. To make your decision easier, pick a few favorites and then vote on the final choice.
Be sure your tent is big enough. You should have no problem sleeping and getting through the nights when camping.
Camping Trip
Carry a bandana or handkerchief with you. These things can help you out of a bind and assist you in doing a variety of things. Make this multi-use item a standard addition to your camping supplies.
If you have a new tent to take on your camping trip, you should set it up at home before you go on your camping trip. This will not only familiarize you with the process, it will allow you to ensure there are no missing pieces or defects. This also makes setting up your tent at the campsite a much smoother process.
Dryer lint can make great kindling for creating campfires. Start saving this lint a short time period prior to going camping and you’ll have enough lint in time. Simply use a plastic grocery sack to collect each new crop of lint. Your kindling will be ready for you to grab on the way out the door for your trip.
If you’re bringing kids on your camping trip, over-pack for them. Camping is messy. Your kids may love playing around in the grass and dirt. This means that as the day goes on, the dirtier your kids will get. You may not be able to keep them clean, but you can bring a change of clothes. Be prepared for dirty clothes and dirty children by packing extra clothes.
Purchase some pillows that are made for camping prior to going on your trip. Regular bed pillows will feel hot and sticky during humid weather. Because they absorb moisture from the air, they can quickly mildew. Pillows designed for camping offer a coating that prevents moisture absorption.
Choose a tent large enough for everyone that is going to sleep in it. 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.
Make sure you have a good chat with your children about basic camping dangers before you head away. Ensure you children know what poison ivy and poison oak looks like, what to do if they get lost or stumble upon wildlife.
Camping and swimming are a great combination. While camping, you might really miss the luxury of showering. Cool water can give you a feeling of exhilaration that may help you to miss your shower at home much less.
One smart thing to bring along camping is duct tape. Just like around the home, it has many uses while camping. You could seal an air leak in your mattress. It can also fix up a tarp, sleeping bag, or even the tent. It can be used on feet to help fight off blisters during long hikes. You can even use it to bandage up injuries.
Your camp should be set up before nightfall. If you’re driving an RV, find a safe parking spot. Search for flat, dry ground when camping in a tent. Making sure this is all done before dark gives you time to become familiar with the area. It will also make it easier to see what you’re doing, saving you a lot of frustration.
Camping’s main idea is to generally live off of the land, however, you still need to be well-prepared. In addition to your sleeping bag, bring a couple of blankets. This will allow you to stay warm, no matter how cold it gets, and it also serves as extra padding.
Camping is fun for children, but make sure to plan out some extra activities they will like. Boredom is something that you will want to avoid at all costs while camping. They may not have any experience with things such as fishing or setting up a tent. Get them used to it prior to leaving on the trip.
Remember the old scout motto – be prepared! Sometimes camping trips don’t follow your plan. Someone could get hurt, the weather could change drastically or people could get sick. You need to pay attention to what you’re doing, avoid unnecessarily risky behavior, and think before you act whether you are in a crisis or a normal camping situation.
When taking children camping, you must make sure they understand camping hazards. 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.
Plan ahead and make sure your flashlight batteries have full power before you leave for a camping trip. Your flashlight’s power switch can be easily turned on by mistake while you search through your bag. You can avoid dead batteries by installing them in the flashlight backwards until you need the light. This prevents the flashlight from coming on and will ensure it is ready for use when needed.
If you bring along a canine companion on your trip, keep your pet leashed and watch him or her closely. Other campers might be fearful of your dog, no matter how friendly he might be. You must show respect for others when you camp. Additionally, dogs are capable of damaging the camping area if you don’t keep a good eye on them.
Flashlights, lanterns and a few extra batteries must be taken for every camping trip. You may need to be able to see in front of you after sunset at some points during your trip. Light can also help to illuminate the wildlife that is around you. If you have kids with you, be sure they each have their own flashlight.
Come prepared before you go camping. Even with a perfect plan, things can still go awry. There can be changes in the weather or circumstances, and illness and injury can also occur. Try not to take unnecessary risks that can yield injury or illness.
Take some time to think about the appropriate camping clothing ahead of time. Make sure you pack enough appropriate clothing for the duration and activity planned for your outing. Pack ample clothing items appropriate to the climate you will be visiting. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are considered essential footwear for any camping trip.
Create a list of items you need for your camping trip. This is imperative when there is travel involved during your camping trip. To ensure that everything gets packed, mark each item off the list as you pack it.
It’s a great idea to bring along beef jerky or trail mix when you go camping. By nightfall, you may be too exhausted to prepare a campfire and cook, and having the quick, nutritious foods will really come in handy. These items keep for a long time so it won’t be like your wasting food if you don’t use them.
When camping with children, bring along a picture of each child. This can come in handy if they are separated from you while on your trip. When camping far away from your house, remember to bring one in case of an emergency.
It is important that you have first aid and survival kits on hand when you go camping. These are things that can make a big difference when things go wrong so you don’t have to abort your trip early. This allows you to help someone should they become injured.
One easy tip to keep in mind is that you have to build your shelter before nighttime. The tent pitching process can be extremely hard if there is no light. A flashlight or a fire will be essential. It is best to do this before dark so you can put it up correctly.
Pack your things with care. Prepare a list of supplies, and use this to check off items as they are packed. This is very helpful if you’ll be far from civilization.
As you are now aware, any number of unexpected events can occur when you are camping. As of now, you should be prepared for anything that may happen. Now that you have some idea of what to expect, you will be able to focus on having a blast during your trip!
Make sure that you never go camping without duct tape. While tents are generally well-made, it is not unusual for them to tear. Having some duct tape to repair your tent can be the difference between sleeping soaking wet or sleeping dry on a rainy night.
