Camping is a fun experience no matter what age you are. If you have information to aid you and the drive, you can still have a good time. These tips will make your next camping trip a memorable one.
Choose a tent large enough for everyone that will be expected to use it. That makes it easier for everyone to have a comfy time while they’re asleep and moving around when they have to get up in the dead of night.
If you are taking kids camping, have them eat a “jungle breakfast.” Take mini-boxes of cereal, juice boxes and fruit out into the woods, and tie them to the trees. When they wake up, they’ll have to search the “jungle” for breakfast. This makes an interesting diversion for them during the trip.
If you are going camping, be sure to have a first aid kit. This kit must include the basics for the event of an emergency. Take things for specific creatures as well, like antivenom.
Your camp should always be set up before the sun sets. If you’re driving an RV, find a safe parking spot. If you have a tent, find dry, flat ground. Making sure this is all done before dark gives you time to become familiar with the area. This will save you from feeling stressed and frustrated, as you can see exactly what you’re doing.
Learn about any dangers that may exist at your campsite before heading out on the highway. This refers to things like dangerous fauna, geography and climate. There are natural hazards associated with every camping area.
While kids love camping, they need to have activities planned for them. Your kids may start to get bored when you are out in the woods. Children may not be familiar with activities like pitching a tent or fishing. Take the time to demonstrate the activities prior to leaving, especially if they’ve never really lived outdoors.
If Fido is coming with your on your camping trip, don’t forget his leash. A lot of people have a fear of dogs. Respecting others at the campsite is vital. Dogs can also damage campsites, or get into the belongings of your neighboring camps, without proper supervision.
If the area you are camping in is known for dangerous wildlife, you will need to be doubly careful with food storage. This means to wrap things up as tight as possible, keeping things away from your shelter and avoiding certain foods altogether. Making sure to do this, will lessen any chance of a wild animal attack.
Find the most level, rock-free ground possible to set up your tent on. A sloped and/or rocky area will make any time spent inside the tent very uncomfortable. Always lay down some tarp first to prevent any water damage to the tent.
Prior to your camping trip, create a list of all the equipment and personal items you need to take. This is doubly important for campgrounds that are far away. Make sure you have everything you need and pack a couple days before leaving.
Keep one eye on your children at all times. Cars constantly come and go at campsites, and kids can quickly lose their way in the woods. Things happen very quickly and your kids should be supervised.
One simple tip that many people overlook is creating your shelter before dark. The tent pitching process can be extremely hard if there is no light. You should pack a flashlight or make a fire while it is still light. It is much simpler to set up your campsite before sunset.
Getting Lost
Before going camping, make sure you know how to read your map or how to use your compass. Even if you know the area well, getting lost is always a possibility. This can help you to avoid getting lost or falling into a dangerous situation.
Remember to pack foods that don’t spoil to avoid food poisoning. If you decide to bring fresh meats you must be sure that you keep it in the right temperature to ensure that it does not spoil. Bring a lot of ice, and don’t forget to drain your cooler.
It may sound silly to be reminded of this, but always make sure you take toilet paper on a camping trip. You may have to use nature’s toilet. If you forget the toilet paper, you may be forced to use leaves, some of which could be poison ivy.
New campers frequently set up their camps near the restrooms. Such campers think that situating their tent in such an area will be convenient, but they soon realize the error of their ways. While you can use the bathroom area for lighting, it also is an attraction point for a lot of people. Thus, campers will find that they are greatly inconvenienced by their proximity to the restrooms.
Remember food safety when you go camping. Put your food in waterproof containers. Store food that requires refrigeration in an insulated cooler. Keep cooked food separate from raw food to prevent contamination. Wash your hands and any surfaces when preparing food. Make sure that you cook all foods to appropriate temperatures, and then chill them as soon as you can.
If you think you might enjoy a camping trip but have never actually tried it before, give yourself a quick test-run to make sure you like it. Just set your tent up right in your backyard and spend a night outside. Forbid yourself from entering the house. If this becomes a fun night for you, then you will love camping.
When taking an extended camping trip, be sure to bring along some form of entertainment. Books, board games, a guitar or some music are all great options to bring along.
If you want to experience camping again, just like what you did as a child, all you need is good information and the desire to do it. The information and suggestions from above can be just the advice you need to get started today to plan the camping trip you can enjoy once again.