There is nothing better than camping out at night with those close to you. There are many reasons why camping is one of the favorite pastimes of many people. However, while camping may be a blast, you need to plan for many things when taking a trip. This article contains excellent advice to prepare properly for a camping excursion.
When you’re camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. It can be hard to set up camp when it’s dark outside. This is particularly the case for city slickers who are unaccustomed to darkness. Don’t let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.
While you think nature will provide enough wood for your fire to continue burning, it may be wet, which will not burn. Therefore, take some wood with you on your camping trip and store it in a location where it can remain dry.
Don’t worry about over-packing for the kids. Camping can be a sloppy time. Children seem to be dirt magnets. Expect them to be all shades of dirty as the day moves on. The solution is not to stop them from getting dirty, but to have clean clothes ready for them after they are done. There is nothing like being prepared!
Be sure that you have a big enough tent for everyone that’s going to need it for shelter at night. With enough room, getting up during the night will not disturb others in the tent, and you can all be comfortable while sleeping.
First aid classes are important to take when you are planning a camping trip with friends or family. In an emergency, your first aid training could be the difference between life and death. Additional research can also provide valuable information. Be aware of the potential for poisonous snakes, wild animals and other possible wildlife dangers.
Find all of your equipment and start packing well in advance of your trip. It is very inconvenient to forget to bring essential items like your sleeping bag or tent. Verify all the things that you need or should take and write out a list of all of them. Then, check your final packing according to the list to be sure.
Before you plan to camp in an new area, it is important to be aware of any dangers commonly found there. You need to know about the local insect population, wild animals, natural dangers like water or steep locations and weather conditions. Every camping spot has its own potential dangers for the untrained.
Try to find a campsite that is closer to your house for your convenience when on your first trip. 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. Maybe you’ll run low on food or not have enough clothing with you. So many things can go awry for the newbie camper; it’s definitely best to find a campground near to home.
Take care to pack sufficient, non-perishable foods. Depending on the amount of time you will be out, it is important to have food that will not spoil while you are out. Getting food poisoning can bring an abrupt end to a camping trip. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain the highest level of preparation with your food.
Keep a close eye on your dog while you are camping and always keep him on a leash. Some people are afraid of dogs. It is essential to respect the feelings of your fellow campers. Also, dogs can damage things around your campsite, or another person’s if they aren’t being watched.
Duct tape is a handy tool that will prove useful on any camping trip. It has as many uses on the campsite as it does at home. Tape can be used to seal holes in your sleeping mattress. It can also be used on your tarp or tent. Prior to heading off on a long nature hike, place some tape on your heels to avoid blistering. You can even use it to bandage up injuries.
It is advisable to bring beef jerky or trail mix with you on a camping trip. You may not be in the mood to cook, so having these with you can be helpful. These foods are non-perishable; if you do not use them, you can simply bring them home.
Make sure your shelter is ready before dark. Pitching a tent can be difficult enough in the daylight, let alone in the dark of night. It is possible to see what you are doing by the light of the campfire or with the aid of a flashlight. It will obviously be much easier to pitch your tent if the sun hasn’t gone down yet.
Remember to choose a sleeping bag that is suitable for the season you are camping in. For example, in the summertime, a lighter bag will keep you cool. Conversely, during the winter you need to choose a heavy bag.
Plan a variety of activities for your camping trip to keep it exciting the entire time. Only planning for campfires and smores might leave you bored for the rest of the day. Instead, plan activities that each member of the family will enjoy. Take younger and older children into consideration when you are planning.
If you are thinking of taking a camping trip, first make sure that you will like it. Pitch your tent right up in the sanctuary of your very own backyard, and sleep there for the entire night. Forbid yourself from entering the house. If you find the exercise enjoyable, you might like real camping, too.
Always bring along your first aid kit. This kit needs proper emergency gear in case there’s an accident. Your kit for first aid should contain painkillers, a kit for snake bites, bandages, and whatever else you think you’ll need. Although you will try to be as safe as possible, it is better to be prepared in case an accident does occur.
You can see that there is a lot to keep in mind when you are thinking about going camping. Use the advice you have just read so that your next camping trip will be safe and enjoyable.