For a lot of people, the thought of camping outdoors is attractive. A great way to maximize the positive experiences you can have a camping adventure is to become privy to some knowledgeable advice and tips. When you invest the time in learning tips and tricks like the ones presented in the following paragraphs, you can make the most out of your next camping trip.
You are going camping outdoors, so expect that you will all be getting dirty. Setting the proper regulations in advance can help to combat this. Have fun and go with the moment rather than stressing and worrying about it. There’s plenty of time for showers and being super clean once you’re home again.
Family Members
Let your family members all have a decision when it comes to choosing a campsite. Discuss what state you want to visit. There are so many options around the U.S. that it can actually be difficult to pick one! It may be easier to choose a few front runners and have family members vote.
Learn to set up your tent prior to leaving on your trip. This will prevent you from having a tent with missing pieces and then you can set it up properly. It’s a great way to avoid the frustration of having to set up a tent on site.
You may wish to take a class that has to do with first aid, especially if you’re traveling with kids. In the unfortunate case of an accident, you will be prepared to handle the situation. Also, do your research. Know if there are any poisonous snakes in the area, what type of wild animals call those woods their home, etc.
If you’ve brought the kids along, feed them a “jungle” breakfast. Take little juice boxes, mini cereal boxes, and fruit into the woods and be sure to tie them to a nearby tree. The kids can go on a treasure hunt for their breakfast when they wake up. This is a wonderful way to spice up the whole camping trip.
Did you know that dryer lint can make great kindling to get a campfire started? Start collecting lint from the filter in your tumble dryer several weeks before your camping adventure. Simply hang a plastic bag near the dryer and stash the lint in the bag as it collects. The morning of your departure, all you need to do is grab the bag and depart, kindling sorted!
Purchase pillows that are made specifically for camping. If you bring a standard pillow for the bedroom, they become sticky and hot when the weather is humid. These pillows will also retain water from the air during humid conditions, so they can mildew. Pillows specifically designed for camping have a barrier to stop this behavior.
Are you just starting with camping and want to know what to do to make it enjoyable? Practice setting up and taking down your tent before your trip. This will assure you can effectively pitch your tent and have everything you need to do so. Doing this will help you pitch your tent quickly, just in case you get to your campsite when it starts to get dark.
Make sure to watch your children very closely. Kids love to explore in the woods and they can very easily get lost. In no time, your children could be harmed, so always keep a watchful eye on them.
Think about your clothing before your camping adventure. Be sure you have enough clean clothes to last the entire trip. Pack ample clothing items appropriate to the climate you will be visiting. Include closed toe shoes or hiking boots if you want to do some hiking.
Utility Knife
You should always bring a spare utility knife when camping. The versatility of a utility knife makes it priceless when you are out camping. Bring one to slip into your pocket and throw a backup knife into your bag. You never know when your utility knife will come in handy!
You must always pack a survival kit and first aid kit. These kits can help to reduce the impact of injuries on your trip. You can keep a potentially serious injury from getting worse until you can get help for the injured person.
At the end of your trip, be sure to leave your campsite as clean as you found it. Consider taking along a few garbage bags so you have a place for all your trash. Also, it’s important to take all food with you when you leave too. The best practice for cleaning up a campsite is to leave nothing but your footprints behind.
Camping novices often erroneously decide to camp close to the restrooms. Although this seems like a logical choice for them, soon they discover otherwise. Many people travel to the bathrooms, and they also have lights. They may end up ruining the entire experience.
Food safety should be maintained while you are on your trip. Store all food in airtight and waterproof containers. Use a cooler that is insulated properly and filled with ice if need be. Prevent cross-contamination of raw and cooked foods by storing them separately. Handle food with clean hands, whether you bring sanitizer with you or soap. Also, be sure that all food is fully cooked and that any leftovers are chilled as soon as possible.
Make sure to plan fun things to do from your trip’s start to its finish. Campfire songs and roasting marshmallows aren’t the only fun things to do while camping. Use your imagination to come up with ideas that each family member will enjoy. Take older and younger kids into consideration when thinking of something to do.
Camping can be a life-changing adventure when properly understood. Camping, however, does take a good deal of planning and knowledge to ensure that you have a good time. Keep this advice nearby, and you will be ready for your trip soon!