Heading off the beaten path for a camping expedition can be fun and exciting, but it requires some basic knowledge and preparation to keep you safe and comfortable. All of the tips given can be used anytime you plan to go camping.
You might think you can find enough wood for your fire in the woods, but the wood you find might be wet and not want to burn. Bringing your own wood never hurts, especially when things are a little wet and you know a fire will be needed.
Remember that everything you bring will get dirty on your trip. Setting the proper regulations in advance can help to combat this. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. Things will be normal again once you are home.
Go to a class to learn about first aid. Accidents happen, and taking the right precautions will ensure you know how to better a poor situation. Also be sure to do all the research you can about the area. Know about any poisonous snakes and spiders in the area, and learn what animals live there.
Prior to heading out, be sure you are aware of the forecast for your destination. You can visit http://www.weather.com to check the weather just about anywhere. Be sure to look at the 10 day forecast along with extended weather patterns. When you know what the weather will be like beforehand, you can plan more appropriately.
Try to combine a camping experience with a swimming experience of some kind. When camping, home showers can seem like a luxury. The coolness of the water will help you feel cleaner and more refreshed, so you won’t miss your shower as much as you thought you might!
Kids love to camp, but make sure you plan activities for them. Being in the woods can be boring for them as time goes on. Are they used to pitching tents and fishing? If this is their first time, it is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn new skills.
If a pet accompanies you to the campground, do not just let him or her run free. Your neighboring campers may be afraid of dogs. You must respect other campers. In addition, dogs are capable of causing a great deal of damage to a campsite if not well supervised.
Duct Tape
Duct tape is a handy item to pack with you on any camping trip. It has as many uses on the campsite as it does at home. It can be used as a quick patch in the case of a punctured air mattress. Duct tape can also seal other rips, such as ripped tents or sleeping bags. If you are hiking long distances, a strip applied to your feet can keep blisters from forming. It can also work as a bandage.
Look for the softest and flattest ground you can possibly find for your tent. If you select a bumpy or slanted area, you will have an uncomfortable experience in your tent. Make sure you put down a tarp before you set up your tent. This will keep water from entering your tent at night.
Flashlights, lanterns and a good supply of extra batteries are necessary supplies during any camping trip. There are times when you’ll need light to help you see after sundown. You can use light to make sure you’re not going to fall over due to the terrain, or run into a wild animal. If you have children with you on your camping trip, a smart thing to do is to give each of them a flashlight.
Orange Peel
An orange peel can help to avoid insect bites. Don’t worry if you forgot mosquito repellant. You can simply rub the inside of the orange peel on any exposed skin. This can help for many hours.
Always pack a first aid kit and a survival kit. If you do this, you can easily take care of problems that may occur without having to cut your trip short. This can help keep issues from escalating, and let you secure help for an injured camper.
Camping can make for a very relaxing weekend in your life or it can be a hellish trip. Whether it goes well or not is usually determined by how prepared you are. By preparing for any eventuality, your trip stands a good chance of being a huge success.
Duct Tape
Don’t forget the duct tape! While tents are generally well-made, it is not unusual for them to tear. Well-placed duct tape can save a trip, especially when a hole rips on the top of your tent.
Master a map and a compass before heading out for your trip. Although the camp site may be a familiar one, there may have been changes since your last visit and you could still get lost. You can prevent disaster by knowing how to use these lifesaving items.
Seal all your tent’s seams. A handy tube is available at many sporting good stores to help you do this. By doing this, you will prevent wayward animals or rain from making it inside.
Though it might seem like a no-brainer, do not forget your toilet paper. When camping at a facility without public bathrooms, you will need to do your business outside. It is not advisable to use leaves, as some plants are poisonous; stay on the safe side and take some toilet paper.
Many new campers make the mistake of setting up camp near the bathrooms. They have convenience in mind, but might find out the situation is different than they thought. Bathrooms provide constant light and also have a lot of traffic running through them at all hours. Therefore, they end up not having the convenience and comfort that they expected.
When you are properly prepared you can truly enjoy the great outdoors without stress. Put the tips you’ve learned here to use the next time you are planning a camping trip and you will ensure that you have a fun, safe, and relaxing time.
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