Camping ranks among the most enjoyable pastimes around. It is an activity that everyone should try at least once in their lives. You can only truly enjoy what camping has to offer if you are properly prepared and knowledgeable. Look to the post below for some excellent pointers to make your camping trip exceptional.
Ask family or friends who are camping with you for their input on your camping location. Discuss things like the state you would like to see, particular parks that interest you and what type of camping experience you are looking for. Since the are so many great options to choose from across the U.S., it might be hard to select only one! To make it easy, pick a few that you really like and then have a family vote.
Make sure that you find out what sort of weather is forecast for the place that you are going to be camping at. There are countless websites that contain information about what sort of weather you should expect at the area you are going camping at. When you know what the weather will be like beforehand, you can plan more appropriately.
Check the terms of your health insurance before leaving. Sometimes going into a different state means that you will need to have an additional policy. This is more crucial if you go camping in another country. Be prepared in case there is an injury or illness.
Camping and swimming are a great combination. When camping, you may find you miss your home shower. A swim may help you to not miss the luxury of your shower quite so much.
Old dryer lint makes a great fire-starter. Start collecting it in advance of your trip. Place the lint you normally throw in the trash in a plastic bag to take with you. By doing this, you’ll have all the kindling you need.
Bring activities for you to have fun with while camping. Playing cards, board games and fishing poles can make for lots of fun. If you are taking children camping, you might want to bring more activities than you think you are going to need.
When you get to the campsite, set your tent up on the flattest, softest ground you can find. If you choose an uneven area, being in your tent will be uncomfortable and unenjoyable. Make sure you place a tarp underneath your tent to keep water out, also.
Make a list and check it twice before packing for your camping excursion. This is critical if you are going to be covering some ground before getting to the spot where you pitch your tent. Pack a day or two before going camping, and check off things on your list as you go along.
Choose a proper sleeping bag for your camping conditions. Lighter bags might be good ideas for warmer climates and seasons to avoid unnecessary weight and space usage, but make sure that you have a heavy enough bag to stay warm in cold conditions. You might even consider a body hugging one as it helps you retain your body heat.
Pay attention to where you’re setting up camp. Always avoid camping near a bee’s nest or insect breeding grounds. If you’re near lots of vegetation, you should wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from insects. It may be wise to take along bug spray too.
Beef jerky and trail mix are two camping staples you should always bring with you. At the end of the day, you might feel too tired to cook so having these nutrient-filled snacks on hand can be very useful. These items keep for a long time so it won’t be like your wasting food if you don’t use them.
You must have a first aid box as well as a distinct survival kit. Without such kits, you may have to end your camping trip early if an unfortunate incident occurs. This precaution can prevent loss of life and give you the time you need to get needed medical assistance in case of injury.
Camping can provide you with the ultimate relaxation, or it can turn your weekend into the worst. Being prepared creates the division between the two possibilities. If you are able to think ahead about what you might come across, and protect yourself against it, you will have a great time camping.
As was stated earlier, you can have a ton of fun camping, but you do need to be educated, informed and prepared. Take what you have learned here and apply it the next time you go camping. By utilizing the information above, your trip is certain to be a greater success than you thought possible.