It’s no secret that people love spending time in the great outdoors. Going camping prepared is always the best bet though, and having some tips and tricks up your sleeve never hurts. The next time you go camping, make sure you utilize all of these tips to your benefit.
It is important to establish and set up your shelter before the sun goes down. Once it gets dark outside, figuring out how to set up a tent, finding wood, and making food may become impossible. This is even more true if you’re accustomed to city life, and your eyes haven’t adjusted to the darkness of the woods. Don’t let this happen to you. Look for adequate shelter before it gets this dark.
Make sure that all of your friends and family are involved in choosing the camping site. Talk about which state to go to. There are many different places, so it can be hard to choose. If it simplifies things, pick four or five favorites and then give everyone a vote.
Be sure your tent is big enough. You should have no problem sleeping and getting through the nights when camping.
Before you set out on your camping trip take the time to check the weather forecast for the area that you will be visiting. You can find the average weather during a season for almost any location online. When you know what to expect, you will have the right clothes packed.
Preparation is key to enjoying your camping trip. When you are prepared, you avoid many of the common mistakes that are made on camping trips. Do some research on the climate and wildlife if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Read up on your medical insurance. Out-of-state traveling will sometimes require additional coverage. If you plan to travel to a different country, such as Canada, then it is especially important. Be sure that you prepare yourself in case anything happens!
When camping with children, create special themed breakfasts. Pack breakfasts of cereal, juice, and fruit in bags and hide them somewhere on the campsite. When the kids awake, you can tell them to “hunt” for breakfast. This activity adds a bit more fun to camping.
Carry a bandana or handkerchief with you. That small piece of cloth could become a potholder, a bag, a blotter, or a towel. Because there are so many versatile uses for them, bringing one or two on each camping trip is a good idea.
It’s not necessary to rough it during your entire trip. You can bring along something comforting from home for your trip. Bring an interesting book, some luxurious candy, or even a nice fluffy pillow. Don’t bring any heavy items, though. These little things can make your day!
Bring oranges not only to eat but also to deter mosquitoes. Use the peels to rub your body down. It is a low-cost, chemical-free way to keep bugs away.
Don’t wait until nightfall to start your campsite. Figure out where you can park if you are driving an RV. Locate a flat area of dry ground if you plan to pitch a tent. If you don’t do this, you could find yourself in a precarious and unsafe area after dark. This will save you from feeling stressed and frustrated, as you can see exactly what you’re doing.
It’s important to have all your equipment with you when camping. You never want to forget something important, like a tent or your sleeping bag. Double-check the items you want to take and make a checklist before you leave to make sure that you bring everything with you.
Talk to your children and friends about the dangers and risks of camping before embarking on your journey. You can all get together and check out pictures of various plants that are hazardous so they can learn what they can’t touch when they’re looking around.
Make sure to watch your children very closely. Cars always are coming and going from these sites, so young children may simply and quickly get lost inside the woods. It only takes a second for something to happen, so make sure that your children always have the supervision that they need.
Pack mindfully and appropriately. Keep a checklist of the things you need and check them off as you collect and pack them. This tip is always important, but especially so if your camping trip will take you to a remote area that does not provide access to food, shelter, or emergency supplies.
Duct tape is an important piece of camping equipment. Tents are pretty durable, but they still have the tendency to get weathered and torn. If your tent has damage, duct tape can be used to fix it so you do not have to worry about getting wet at night.
Think about how you are going to get food cooked at your campsite. The cooking method is going to determine what food is appropriate for taking so make this decision well in advance. No matter what method of cooking you decide upon, be sure that you will have everything you need to do it.
If you know how to camp correctly, it can be one of life’s greatest joys. Good research is the foundation for a wonderful camping trip. Keep what you have learned above close to you when you’re preparing to camp, and you’ll be prepared to have a fun time.