Camping is an activity like no other. The fresh air and outdoor environment will help you have loads of fun. Whether you have camped before or have never set up a tent, the tips in this article will arm you with the right advice.
Check the weather before leaving for your camping trip. You may even be able to find a website that gives you a general idea of the normal weather patterns in that area. When you know what to expect, you will have the right clothes packed.
Ensure the tent is an adequate size for anyone that might be with you. This will give you the room necessary for a comfortable camping trip.
Preparation could mean the difference between a good camping experience and a dreaded one. Without proper preparation, a camping trip can turn into a disaster. Find out about the weather, the wildlife and the terrain of any location that you have not been to before.
Camping has the potential to be thrilling or hazardous, depending on your level of preparation. Always be well prepared prior to leaving on your camping trip. Research the area you are planning on camping at.
Double check your medical insurance. When you travel to camp, you may need to have this updated or add an additional policy. This is even more of a factor if you travel to another country to go camping, like Canada. Be sure that you prepare yourself in case anything happens!
Review your health insurance policy. If you go to another state, you may have to have another policy. This is especially important if your camping destination is in Canada or another country. Be prepared in case there is an injury or illness.
Kids might enjoy a camping activity called the “jungle breakfast.” Bring several, small boxes of easy-to-fix foods, such as cereals, fruits, snacks, and other quick, yet healthy, meals. When the children awake, tell them that they have to “hunt” to get breakfast. This is a fun way to bring excitement to the morning.
If you think you’ll miss the luxuries of home, bring along a liitle something. Make it something easy to transport like your favorite coffee sweetener or candy. These small luxuries can really brighten your spirits!
Pack a bandana. They can serve many purposes, like potholder, blotter, hand towel or carrying bag. There are many uses for these, so you want to be sure you have one or both of them on your next camping trip.
A roll of duct tape is a very important piece of camping equipment. You can patch holes in tents, shoes and inflatables as well as using it to secure your tent or seal your mosquito netting.
Don’t wait until nightfall to set up camp. When adventuring in an RV, be safely parked before dark. Seek out flat, dry ground if you are roughing it with a tent. If you do it before nighttime, it is easier to get familiar with the area. It also makes it much easier to actually see what you are doing, thus saving a great deal of frustration.
Buy special camping pillows instead of using your standard ones. Standard bed pillows can become hot and sticky in humid weather. These types of pillows are prone to taking in the moisture in the air and can even mold if left in wet conditions for too long. Specialized pillows for campers feature protective fabric that resists moisture absorption.
Always bring ample food, and make sure you bring the right types. Make sure to bring food that won’t go bad while you are on your trip. Food poisoning could put an end to your nice vacation. Know what you’re doing when it comes to food safety and take the proper precautions.
Before you go camping in a new place, it is essential to have an understanding of what dangers are located there. For example, there might be poisonous spiders or dangerous trails. Each camp is individual, so scope out the one you are planning to enter before every trip.
Make sure that you bring things to occupy yourself when camping. Card games, fishing poles or games like a scavenger hunt can be very entertaining in the wild. If you bring your kids, these games will help to fill the void when there is free time.
When you’re new to camping, make sure you camp close to home. This is so you can easily get home if you don’t enjoy your camping experience. You may come to realize that you should have packed different clothing, or need more food. There could be a lot of reasons why you need to end your trip early, so keeping your first trip close to home can save a lot of headaches.
Is this your first tent? Long before you set off in the woods for the real thing, get some practice in on setting up the tent. This will assure you can effectively pitch your tent and have everything you need to do so. Practicing how to pitch a tent will also ensure you can quickly set up your tent when you arrive at your campsite.
Take extra precautions if you are camping in any area that has very dangerous wildlife. This means to wrap things up as tight as possible, keeping things away from your shelter and avoiding certain foods altogether. This will help prevent wild animals from being tempted to visit your campsite.
When it comes to camping, expect the unexpected. While it’s crucial to plan ahead for things, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. The weather may change all of a sudden, illness and injuries can occur, your circumstance can change, etc. You mustn’t take any reckless risks, be careless, and you need to think before acting.
When you get to the campsite, set your tent up on the flattest, softest ground you can find. Choosing a slanted or rocky site will make your stay quite uncomfortable. A tarp underneath your tent is handy as it can help keep water from entering.
When selecting an area for your tent, look for the area of the campsite with the flattest and softest ground. You will be uncomfortable if you pick a spot that is rocky an uneven. Make sure to put a tarp down so that water cannot penetrate your tent.
Sleeping Bags
Bring the right sleeping bag for the weather you choose to sleep in. If the weather is warm, you want a lightweight bag. If frigid temperatures will be present, choose a sub-zero rated bag. You need a sleeping bag that fits snugly and keeps your body heat in if you’re going to sleep outside in a tent.
Make sure your sleeping bag is appropriate for the location. Heavy weight sleeping bags are best for cold weather, while lightweight bags works best for hot weather. You will need sleeping bags that hug your body and help you retain body heat if you’re sleeping in a tent.
Think about where to set up camp before you do. You should avoid pitching your tent near breeding areas for insects or nests of wasps, bees and hornets. Whenever you are close to a great deal of vegetation, protective clothing layers are key to stave off insect bites. Insect repellent is a life saver.
Make sure you always know where your children are. People may be driving around the campsites, and it’s also very easy for kids to get up and get lost when they’re not familiar with an area. It takes just a second and something can happen; therefore be certain you always give kids the proper supervision.
Bringing along a cell phone with a full charge isn’t a bad idea while camping. Even better, bring extra batteries so you are prepared if there is an emergency. A cell phone is a great emergency device; make certain it will keep working.
Orange peels may protect you from mosquitoes. Don’t worry if you forget the bug spray. Use the insides of an orange peel, rubbed gently on any exposed skin. This should keep you free from mosquitoes and other pesky insects of the woods for hours.
Make sure waterproof matches are in your survival kit. These need to be kept in a container that’s airtight. You don’t even have to spend a lot of money. Regular matches can be made waterproof when you dip matches in nail polish or paraffin. You can stash them in a 35mm film canister or a plastic medicine bottle.
Make a plan as to what you’ll wear. Be sure you have a lot of clean clothes that will last you your whole trip. You should also make sure that you pack suitable clothes for the weather forecast and activities planned. Durable shoes like hiking boots or other closed-toe shoes are also recommended for many situations.
When erecting your tent, ensure that you are able to seal all seams. You can buy a tube at most sporting goods stores if your tent did not come with any. This will stop critters and rainwater from entering your tent.
A utility knife is the perfect camping accessory. These pieces of equipment are quite versitile and can get you out of a lot of bad situations.
Bring toilet paper along when you travel. If your campsite lacks toilet facilities, you will need to use the woods. Rather than using leaves as a substitute, just bring your own toilet paper.
Before going camping, make sure you know how to read your map or how to use your compass. If you have visited the campsite before, you can still get lost once you arrive. You will be able to avoid possible tragedy when you learn how to use both of these life saving items.
When choosing a sleeping bag, be sure you select one that fits the season in which you are going to be camping. For instance, if it is summer, you are going to want a lighter bag so that you stay as cool as possible. For wintertime, you will need to ensure that you have a heavyweight bag that will keep you warm in cold temperatures.
Don’t forget waterproof matches in a camping survival kit. The container should be airtight. You can add paraffin to regular matches, or even nail polish for a homemade waterproof match. Make a match holder out of a plastic medicine bottle or a 35mm film container.
Plan plenty of activities to keep yourself busy while camping. There is so much more that you can do than the traditional camping activities like roasting marshmallows. Get creative and plan for things that everyone will enjoy. This is especially true if you are bringing children or older family members along for the trip.
Not many activities match the thrill of camping. The flora and fauna, the fresh air and the beautiful surroundings help give camping its tremendous appeal. This article has perfect tips to enjoy a relaxing time in the forest.
Don’t forget the toilet paper and wet wipes. Sure, you may be able to use leaves or something natural, but there’s no reason to torment yourself when you can find toilet paper or baby wipes at most stores.
