Many people think camping only involves sitting around bored while rationing food and getting bitten by bugs. This is not the case! If done right, you can do what you want and eat what you want, all while avoiding the bugs. Read on to find out tips for planning your ideal camping trip.
When you go camping, you wand to find shelter before the sun goes down. Once the woods are dark, it is very difficult to find firewood, pitch your tent and prepare some food. This is especially true if you are an urbanite whose sight is not used to the pitch dark. To ensure you get your campsite operational arrive several hours before sunset.
Remember that you, your possessions and your family members are inevitably going to get dirty. If you are mentally prepared for this experience ahead of time, you can relieve the cause for a lot of stress when it does happen. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. You can get cleaned up when you return home.
Try combining a swimming experience with your camping experience. Camping can make you miss your shower. By taking a dip in a pool, lake or river, you will have fun and feel clean and refreshed at the same time!
Pack a bandanna or handkerchief. You can use it as a potholder, bag holder or a towel. There are countless other uses for such items, so try your best to remember to bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you.
The lint from your dryer’s lint filter will help you start a campfire. Start storing your lint in a bag a couple weeks before your trip. An easy way to remember to save up your lint is to keep a plastic bag near your dryer as a reminder. By doing this, you’ll have all the kindling you need.
Before going to a new place to go camping, you need to know what dangers may be lurking. This would include stuff like what spiders dwell there, how steep the terrain is, and if the area is prone to flooding. Each area can pose different dangers, so familiarize yourself whenever you venture somewhere new.
Have you just bought your first tent as a rookie camper? So, practice setting up your tent and taking it down before you leave home. You should know what you need and how to do it before you actually have to do it. This can help you finish it quickly if you get to the campsite prior to it getting dark.
If you are pitching a tent, look for soft, level 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.
Make a list and check it twice before packing for your camping excursion. If you have to travel a long way to reach the campsite, this is particularly vital. Start packing a couple of days in advance of camping, making sure to follow a checklist.
Be sure that you have a good amount of lighting devices with you, as well as means of keeping them running. Flashlights will come in very handy when it is dark. If you have the proper lighting, you can prevent experiencing bad falls or wildlife encounters. If you have little ones with you, make sure to pack a flashlight for them, too.
Sleeping Bags
Pick an appropriate sleeping bag for the camping climate. When the weather is warm, light sleeping bags work best; heavier sleeping bags are also available for colder weather. Make sure your sleeping bag fits you well, hugs your body and helps you to retain heat.
Keep one eye on your children at all times. Kids can get lost easily, even in the campsite and they have to be aware of others driving on the camp roads. Something could happen very quickly, so if you keep an eye on your kids, your supervision will help keep them safe.
Try to arrange all of your clothing in advance before you go on a camping trip. Make sure you pack enough appropriate clothing for the duration and activity planned for your outing. Pack clothing appropriate for your campsite’s climate and weather. Shoes need to be closed and durable, especially for hiking.
If you are taking your kids camping with you, make sure you bring a photo of them along. If you lose them at some point, a picture will be very helpful to local authorities. Be certain you take a picture in case of an emergency, particularly if you are far away from your home.
Though camping can be the best relaxation you can have, things can go south easily. The type of experience you’ll have depends on the type of preparation you do. As long as you are adequately prepared for the possible difficulties you could encounter, your camping trip should be most enjoyable.
Learn how to read a map or use a compass ahead of time. Even if you are familiar with your intended campsite, you could still get lost because many areas look the same. You can avoid potential tragedy by learning how to use these lifesaving items.
Bring waterproof matches as part of your survival kit. Always store your matches in a container or packaging that is airtight. You can waterproof regular matches by dunking them in nail polish or paraffin, a type of wax. Provide your own caddy for the matches by storing them in a plastic medicine bottle or 35mm film container.
By now you should understand that camping can be very fun. Use this advice for help in preparing for your next camping trip. Doing this means you can prevent the pitfalls possible and get the best out of camping.