Sleeping under the night sky with family is magical. Going camping is a great way to spend the time. There are a lot of things that need to be planned for and prepared for when thinking about going on a camping adventure. This article will prepare you for a wonderful camping experience with some tried and true advice!
Do not assume you can collect firewood from the area. Bringing your own small supply of wood and keeping it dry is a wise decision.
After buying a tent, make sure to pitch it in your yard before you leave for a trip. That way, you can make sure you have everything you need to set up the tent, including knowledge of how to do it properly. This also makes setting up your tent at the campsite a much smoother process.
Survival Kit
Carry a survival kit on your person. Your survival kit should contain a survival knife, water-purifying tablets, waterproof matches, first aid kit, and a flare gun. You need this if you become lost or stranded; the items in your kit may save your life. Your kit should not be left behind at the camp site, but should be carried with you wherever you go.
Don’t worry about over-packing for the kids. Camping can be messy. Dirt and dust are like magnets for children. Because of this, your children will likely be filthy by the end of the day. You may not be able to keep them clean, but you can bring a change of clothes. Keep yourself ready at all times.
Consider taking a CPR and first aid class. This is especially important if young children are traveling with you. If something bad happens, you’ll be able to take care of it because you’ll know exactly what to do while waiting for a health professional to show up. Also, do your research. You should be aware of the poisonous snakes, wild animals, etc., that inhabit the area.
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. If you have the correct information, you can pack properly.
Review your health insurance policy. If you are going camping out of state, you may have to add an additional policy for full coverage. If you plan to travel to a different country, such as Canada, then its is especially important. Make sure that you that you are prepared, just in case!
Always have an emergency kit on hand when camping with family, or even staying alone. Always keep the bare basics with you in the kit, and make sure that you have water purification tablets in it as well. For example, if you will be camping in a Southern state you should certainly carry anti-venom for the local wildlife that you may encounter.
Be certain you have everything you will need before embarking on your adventure. Forgetting something important, such as a sleeping bag, is a terrible feeling. Check and double check your list to ensure that you pack everything you need.
Educate yourself about the area that you are camping in, and know what hazards you could encounter. Knowing what poisonous creatures to watch out for, where terrain gets rugged, and when to expect dangerous weather are key to ensuring your safety. Every camping spot has a few dangers to be aware of.
Camping is a very kid-friendly activity, but you should keep kids busy by planning activities. If you’re out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do, boredom will set in. Kids are often not used to outdoor activities such as pitching a tent or fishing. Teach them how to perform these acts before you set out to camp.
Is this the first time you are camping? Before going on the trip, set up the tent at home. This will assure you can effectively pitch your tent and have everything you need to do so. This also allows you to get this done fast when you show up where you’re camping, prior to night falling.
Don’t let your flashlight batteries get drained inadvertently. It’s possible to accidentally hit the “on” button on your flashlight. If you put the batteries in your flashlight backwards, you can avoid this. If the power switch is touched, the flashlight won’t turn on and you’ll still have full battery power.
A tasty orange provides a peel that can help repel nasty mosquitoes. This is especially helpful if you forget bug spray, but have oranges on hand, or can borrow them from someone at your camping trip. Rub the white, pithy insides of the orange skin over your skin. This can help for many hours.
Pick out all of your clothing before you go camping. Make sure you pack enough appropriate clothing for the duration and activity planned for your outing. Make sure that you have the correct types of clothes for your camping trip. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are considered essential footwear for any camping trip.
Pack plenty of jerky and trail mix when planning for a camping trip. Nutrient filled snacks can replace the need to cook if you don’t have the means or the energy. These foods are non-perishable; if you do not use them, you can simply bring them home.
Charge your cellular phone to maximum capacity before you leave on your trip. Even better, bring extra batteries so you are prepared if there is an emergency. A cellphone can save your skin in bad situations, but only if it has a battery.
There are several things to keep in mind when considering camping. Apply what you’ve learned here, and have a great, safe trip with your family and friends.