There are not many things in life that can top spending a few nights under the moon and stars with people that you love. Going camping is a great way to spend the time. While it may be fun, there is a lot to keep in mind when camping. Read on to learn some tips that will help you prepare properly for a camping trip.
Find your best place for camping shelter long before nightfall. If you wait until after dark to set up you will find it to be nearly impossible, even if you have decent light. Some people cannot see very well at night, and this makes setting up camp at night next to impossible. Don’t let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.
Let everyone help choose the perfect campsite for your family. One of the things you will want to discuss is which state you would like to visit. There are various options throughout the United States that it may make it hard to pick only one. If it makes things simpler, list your personal preferences and then have the family choose from them.
When you’re getting a brand new tent for your camping trip, take it out and set it up at home before you go camping. That will help you make sure your tent has all the pieces and you know how to properly set it up. It’s a great way to avoid the frustration of having to set up a tent on site.
If you are going camping with children, eat a “jungle breakfast”. Tie up small boxes of juice, cereal and food to a tree. Then, when the kids wake up, have them go and “hunt” for their breakfast. The kids will love it.
Consider camping in an area that also provides you with a place to swim. While you are camping in the great outdoors, it can be very easy to miss taking your daily shower. The coolness of water while swimming is refreshing on hot days, and it helps you to clean yourself. You might not miss the shower after all!
Pack oranges on your camping trip for nutritious and convenient snacking as well as organic mosquito repellant. Don’t throw away the peels when you are finished with them and rub them on yourself. Apply to any skin that’s exposed to keep insects away with no chemicals. It’s a lot cheaper than spending your money on bug spray!
For your first trip camping, avoid straying too far from home. You may encounter problems with your equipment, or you may decide to come home early. Maybe you’ll run low on food or not have enough clothing with you. Many problems may occur for novice campers, so be sure to camp near home.
Food is one of the most important items to bring while camping. Take a decent amount of food that won’t spoil when you go camping. Just a little food poisoning can turn a camping trip upside down. Prepare all of the food you will take with your properly and find out what sort of precautions you should take.
Take a leash with you if you plan to bring your dog camping. Some people get frightened by dogs. You should be respectful of other campers while at the site. Additionally, dogs can wreak a lot of havoc on a campsite if they are not supervised properly.
Take along items to use while you are camping in the wild. Card games, fishing poles, and a list for a scavenger hunt are all great activities. This is especially important if you are bringing children, as they tend to bore easily.
When you find your site, seek out the softest, most level ground to put your tent on. This will ensure that your sleeping area is comfortable. A tarp should be laid on the ground before the tent is set up to keep moisture out.
Take along a sleeping bag that matches the climate where you’re going. For example, there are lightweight sleeping bag for warm weather and heavy sleeping bags for colder weather. If you are staying in a tent, use a sleeping bag that fits to the contours of your body in order to maintain your body temperature.
Use an orange to help prevent bug bites. This is an especially useful tip to remember if you forgot your bug spray. Rub the white, pithy insides of the orange skin over your skin. This can help for many hours.
Make sure to seal the seams in your tent when you are setting it up. Extra sealer tubes can be purchased at most sporting supply stores. This will prevent rainwater or critters from getting into your tent.
Even if it seems silly, bring toilet paper. If your campsite lacks toilet facilities, you will need to use the woods. It is best not to use something from nature to clean yourself, so toilet paper will come in handy.
Whenever you are camping, be sure to adhere to proper safety protocol. This means you’re going to have to stay away from various forms of wildlife that may be in the area you’re camping in. Small animals such as squirrels and possums can prove more menacing than their diminutive sizes suggest. It shouldn’t need to be said, but do not give bears food if you encounter them.
As you can see, there are many things you can do ensure you have a great camping experience. Utilize all that you have learned to have a great family oriented time and stay safe.