Camping ranks among the most enjoyable pastimes around. Each and every person should give it a try at least once. Camping does, however, require a great deal of knowledge and preparation. You can get some great camping tips from the following article to help you prepare.
Be sure to know the recent conditions of where you will be staying. For example, you will want to know if the area will be dry enough to find suitable firewood. As an added precaution, bring along wood from around your yard or logs from a home store, and keep them where they will stay dry.
Put together a survival pack and have it on you all the time. This kit should feature a survival knife, waterproof matches, tablets for purifying water, a flare gun, and a first-aid kit. This kit can save your life if you get into a dangerous situation. Remember to take it everywhere you go when you’re away from your campsite.
Don’t be afraid of bringing too much if you have kids. Camping can be quite dirty. Kids love to play in dirt. This means that as the day goes on, the dirtier your kids will get. You don’t want to interrupt their fun, it’s a joy of camping after all; but, keep some extra clothing with you for them. The key is being prepared.
Bring a hankerchief or a bandanna with you. You can use it as a potholder, bag holder or a towel. You will find that you can use these in a lot of versatile ways, so bring one along when you’re camping.
Always have all your gear prepared before the trip. For example, your trip can be ruined if you forget your sleeping bag or tent. Check to make sure you have everything you need with a check list prior to going on your trip.
Orange peels may protect you from mosquitoes. If everything was packed but you didn’t remember the bug spray, don’t worry! Just rub the inner peel of an orange on your skin for a natural insect repellent. This will keep the mosquitoes away for long periods of time.
Plan your camping attire in advance of your trip. Be sure you have a lot of clean clothes that will last you your whole trip. You should also make sure to include clothing that is appropriate for the climate and possible weather changes in your camping area. Shoes that will hold up and have closed toes are what you should wear for the most part.
Bringing along a cell phone with a full charge isn’t a bad idea while camping. The best idea is to bring a couple of extra batteries to maintain your phone. This is an important thing to have and you need to make sure you can use it if you need.
A camping trip could be fun and relaxing, or it could easily become a hellish nightmare. The difference between each experience all comes down to how prepared you are. If you prepare yourself for the wide variety of situations you may encounter, you are more likely to have fun and enjoy yourself in the woods.
Set up camp before the sun goes down. It is very hard to put up a tent when it is dark. You need to make a fire or use a flashlight. Doing it during sunlight hours makes it easier and more prepared for the dark.
Master a map and a compass before heading out for your trip. Even if you are returning to a campsite you know well, the area could have changed and you could become lost. Your skill using a compass and a map can be a lifesaver one day.
A lot of people contract food poisoning because they don’t properly pack their food. When food is not properly preserved, it can increase the risk of becoming spoiled and make you sick. Pack plenty of ice to keep any perishable foods cold and remember to pull the drain plug in the cooler so the food does not get soaked.
Do not set your camp near a bathroom. They do this in the belief that it will be very convenient, but quickly learn the truth. Bathrooms are a light source but are also high-traffic areas. So, they may not have the comfort and convenience that they hoped for.
Keep safety at the front of your mind. Stay away from wild animals. Even squirrels and tiny animals may pose a threat to you and your family. Everyone should know, but some are unaware, that you should never feed any bears or other wildlife when camping.
Be safe with food when you go camping. Use the correct containers to pack and store food in. Food should also be stored in an insulated cooler. Keep food contamination low by separating raw and cooked foods. Also keep you hands clean with soap or water-free cleaner before you handle food. Always cook and store foods at the proper temperatures.
Your tent should be kept ventilated and free of moisture. If your tent does not have adequate ventilation, condensation can occur. This can cause you to wake up wet. Most tents have some sort of venting system. Use it to help prevent uncomfortable moisture build up.
If camping has always appealed to you, but you remain a novice, you can rapidly determine whether the pastime does indeed suit you. Just set your tent up right in your backyard and spend a night outside. No matter what happens, stay out of the house. If this becomes a fun night for you, then you will love camping.
When the camping trip will be longer, pack activities to entertain during downtime. Don’t bring a ton of electronics, but a book or music is great.
Again, camping has the potential to make for a wonderful trip, but a certain amount of know-how is essential. You should take heed of the tips featured in this article when planning your next camping adventure. The tips above, and many more, can only increase your safety, fun, and knowledge gained during a relaxing camping trip.