If you have never camped, you don’t know how great it can be. The beauty of a natural setting to wake to each morning and the peace and quiet to lull you to sleep every night is beyond compare. If you haven’t the slightest idea of how to start camping, read the following article.
It’s imperative that you pitch your tent before the sun goes down. Finding the right spot for your tent, gathering firewood and making dinner are all a lot tougher after darkness settles in. This is particularly true for those city-dwellers that are not used to pitch-black darkness. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.
Keep in mind that everything and everyone that goes camping is going to get quite dirty. If you’re ready for this, it will bother you less when it happens. Use your time in nature to enjoy the chance to be a little messy. You can get cleaned up when you return home.
Let everyone of your family members have a say on where to go camping. Engage in conversation about what state and location they would like to visit. There are many different places, so it can be hard to choose. Make a list of your favorites and allow the family to vote.
Build yourself a survival kit; keep it with you anywhere you go while camping. In your survival kit, be sure you have waterproof matches, a flare gun, a first aid kit, water-purifying tablets and a knife. You need this if you become lost or stranded; the items in your kit may save your life. Always keep it nearby and never leave it behind at the campsite.
If you’re bringing kids on your camping trip, over-pack for them. Camping can be messy. The dirt is like a magnet that draws your children into the mess. That all means that you will have very dirty children as the day progresses. The solution is not to stop them from getting dirty, but to have clean clothes ready for them after they are done. Be ready for anything.
Prior to heading out, be sure you are aware of the forecast for your destination. There are many great websites that can also give you a good idea of what weather is typical for the area during the time you plan to visit. When you know what to expect, you will have the right clothes packed.
Double check your medical insurance. You may need to purchase additional coverage if you will be camping in another state. This becomes even more important if your camping trip takes you to another country. Be sure to be properly prepared!
Dryer Lint
Dryer lint makes surprisingly good kindling for starting campfires. Collect your dryer lint about a month before you go camping. To make it easy to collect dryer lint, simply hang a bag next to the dryer and fill with your lint. Doing this means you can just snag your kindling on the way out the door the morning your trip starts.
Take along pillows that are especially for camping. If you bring a standard pillow for the bedroom, they become sticky and hot when the weather is humid. They can mildew quickly after absorbing moisture. Pillows made especially for camping have a protective outer layer that prohibits moisture absorption.
If you are new to camping, you should camp near your home. If you have any equipment issues, it is better and easier to cut your trip short when you do not have so far to travel. Others may find that they have a shortage of food or their clothing isn’t appropriate. Many things can arise for the first-time camper, so camp close to home the first time.
Protect your canine companion on the trip by keeping him leashed and under careful supervision. A lot of people have a fear of dogs. Respect for other campers is an important aspect of public camping. Your dog might even damage someone else’s property if not properly supervised.
If you’re camping where there is dangerous wildlife, double your food reserves. You can wrap up leftovers well, keep them away from the tent and use other precautions to protect yourself. That will reduce the chance of a critter attack.
Write down a list of all the materials you need before you go camping. This is crucial when traveling to a campground. To ensure that everything gets packed, mark each item off the list as you pack it.
Don’t forget to watch your children. Kids love to explore in the woods and they can very easily get lost. An accident can occur quickly, so it is important to be vigilant.
Pack ready to eat foods in your camping gear, like trail mix and jerky. After a long and tiresome day, you may want to eat these nutritious snacks instead of cooking. These items keep for a long time so it won’t be like your wasting food if you don’t use them.
Cell Phone
Always make sure your mobile phone battery is fully charged. You should also seriously consider bringing a spare battery for your cell phone in case the main battery dies. Your cell phone makes for excellent emergency equipment, so you must ensure it does not die.
You can now start to plan your camping adventure since you have read this excellent advice. Use what you learned and you can become an expert in camping. No matter if you camp in a distant region or in your own backyard, do whatever is necessary to have a terrific time.