People dream of a relaxing, stress-free camping trip. But, without the proper planning, your trip might not be so enjoyable. You can make your next trip ‘smooth sailing’ by applying the tips from the article below.
When camping, get your shelter squared away before nightfall. It can be hard to set up camp when it’s dark outside. Someone who isn’t very familiar with the outdoors can come to harm by placing their tent in an unsafe area due to being unable to see. Set up camp before dark to keep yourself from getting into this situation.
Preparation is key to enjoying your camping trip. Only go camping when you have prepared yourself for it. Especially if you are camping in a new location, take the time to research the wildlife, plants, geography, and climate of the area.
Absorb Moisture
Don’t forget to include special pillows made just for camping on your adventure. Make sure that you bring camping pillows that do not absorb moisture. They also absorb moisture out of the air and can mildew quickly. Pillows designed for camping have a coating on them that does not all the moisture to be absorbed.
If you are camping in uncharted territory, make sure that you understand potential dangers lurking there. You need to know about the local insect population, wild animals, natural dangers like water or steep locations and weather conditions. Each camp is individual, so scope out the one you are planning to enter before every trip.
It is important to be prepared while camping. Though a sleeping bag is great, extra blankets can also be useful. This will keep you warm if it gets really cool at night and/or you can use them for additional padding.
Pitching a tent can be complicated for anyone, but it is especially difficult for beginner campers. Before you take it on your first trip, practice setting up 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 also allows you to get this done fast when you show up where you’re camping, prior to night falling.
Make sure you have what you might need in case of any event. Sometimes camping trips don’t follow your plan. Weather is truly unpredictable at times, so prepare yourself for the worse. Try not to take unnecessary risks that can yield injury or illness.
Look for the softest and flattest ground you can possibly find for your tent. If you choose an uneven area, being in your tent will be uncomfortable and unenjoyable. Prevent water from getting in by placing a tarp or plastic sheet under the floor of your tent.
Before leaving for your trip, write a list of what you need to bring along. This is crucial when traveling to a campground. Use your list to guide your packing and make sure to start packing a few days before the start of your trip.
Flashlights, lanterns and a good supply of extra batteries are necessary supplies during any camping trip. There will be times when you will need to see clearly after the sun goes down. Having an adequate amount of light can help avoid injuries from falls and running into animals living in the wild. It is a great idea to bring one flashlight for each person, especially when camping with children.
Make sure you always know where your children are. Kids love to explore in the woods and they can very easily get lost. Something bad can occur in a split second, so it is necessary to watch children constantly.
Be mindful of your camp location choice. Beware of wasp nests, or breeding territory of other animals. If you are by plants or flowers, bring pants to block insects. Always bring insect repellent on any camping trip.
Bring trail mix and beef jerky. After a busy day of hiking or other strenuous outdoor activities, you may be too tired to deal with campsite cooking. These snacks are healthy and nutrient-dense, making them a quick and easy source of nourishment. They are also convenient because they keep well and don’t need to be refrigerated.
Camping can be a fun pastime as it offers something for the whole family. A simple trip can turn disastrous without proper planning. You should use some of the tips featured above in order to make sure that your next camping adventure is a success. Remember to enjoy yourself!