You may be tempted to rush right out and go camping, but there are things you need to know and do first. The tips and hints in this article provide useful advice that you can use to make your next camping trip a success.
Camping provides the inevitable experience that you, your family and most of your possessions will probably get dirty. If you’re prepared beforehand then you won’t be so stressed out when things start to get dirtier. Enjoy being in the woods and allow yourself to let loose and be messy. After all, you can be normal at home.
Try out your tent before going camping by testing it out at home. This will prevent you from having a tent with missing pieces and then you can set it up properly. A little practice can eliminate the frustration of setting up a new piece of camping equipment.
Be sure that you have a big enough tent for everyone that’s going to need it for shelter at night. A bigger tent means easier movement, which can be useful when you have to urinate at night.
Double-check any medical insurance. Out-of-state traveling will sometimes require additional coverage. This is even more of a factor if you travel to another country to go camping, like Canada. This preparation tactic can help you save a lot of money in the event of an accident.
Take along a bandanna or a small towel. A bandana is very versatile and can be used as a blotter, potholder, mini-bag and more. As you can see, a handkerchief can serve many different purposes on a camping trip.
You can use dryer lint as a kindling to start a campfire with. Several weeks prior to your trip, start gathering up everything that collects in your lint trap. Collecting lint in a bag will allow you to have a fire building tool for your trip. That technique lets you simply grab the kindling you’ll use right before you go on your trip.
Try to ensure your camp is set up before night falls. If you’re driving an RV, find a safe parking spot. If you are camping in a tent, look for a dry and flat area of ground. Doing so before nightfall will allow you to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. It is also easier for you to see what is happening, so you won’t feel so frustrated.
It’s important to talk with you kids about the dangers of camping. Ensure you children know what poison ivy and poison oak looks like, what to do if they get lost or stumble upon wildlife.
Always pack enough food and the right kind. Depending on the length of your stay, you will want food that is not very perishable. Remember, food poisoning could quickly put an end to your camping adventure. Take all precautions to make sure your food is packed and prepared properly.
The whole point behind camping is to be one with nature, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for it. You should take sleeping bags and extra blankets. Blankets make good padding and can help you stay warm if it’s colder than you expect at night.
Remember the old scout motto – be prepared! While it’s crucial to plan ahead for things, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Someone could get hurt, the weather could change drastically or people could get sick. Do not be careless, because this can get in the way of you having fun.
If you put some thought in ahead of time, you will not have to worry about drained batteries in your flashlight while you are at a camp out. It is easy to inadvertently turn the flashlight on when digging through your camping equipment. You can prevent your batteries from losing power by storing them backwards in your flashlight. It will keep the power from draining from the batteries and have them easily installed when you need it.
Be sure that you have a good amount of lighting devices with you, as well as means of keeping them running. This will ensure everyone remains safe. A flashlight can prevent a fall and scare away unwanted wildlife. When camping with children, give each child a flashlight.
The more organized you are, the better your camping trip will be. These tips will help you to enjoy your next trip in safety.