Whether your camping trip will be brief or long, there are always things you should keep in mind for your trip. Too many people go camping without reading up a little on it first. This article will discuss information and tips that you should need to know before you embark.

Those big, colorful plastic storage bins make excellent places to store and organize all of your camping gear. While at home, keep it in a closet or the garage and right before you leave for your camping trip, pop it in the trunk. It should keep everything air-tight, dry and easily accessible.

If you are interested in camping, and you are new to the activity, then you should never start out alone. It can be quite dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing, so it is important to bring along an experienced friend to help you learn the ropes.

Ask a park ranger or a tour guide to let you know about all the places to check out while you are camping. This is a good idea so that you know you are getting the most out of your camping experience, you don’t want to take a camping trip and miss out on a fun experience.

Get a sleeping bag that is warm enough. This is important. Even if you go camping in the summertime, nights can get very cold out in the wild. There are sleeping bags promising protection from varying cold temperatures; it is a good idea to opt for as low a temperature as you can find.

Be sure you set up camp before nighttime comes around. Quickly locate a good parking place if you’ve brought along an RV. If you are in a tent, you need to find some flat, high ground. Getting your camp set up before dark will give you time to get to know your campsite and surrounding area. This can help to reduce the stress that you have during your trip.

If you are camping in uncharted territory, make sure that you understand potential dangers lurking there. Some examples of dangers are flash floods or poisonous spiders. Each spot can contain dangers which can really affect your trip.

Any time you go camping, do not forget to bring a first-aid kit along with you. Since accidents can happen at any time, a first-aid kit is a very valuable asset to possess. Be sure to include topical creams for bug bites, sun burns and poison ivy when putting your kit together.

When camping, most people enjoy relaxing around a campfire. To prevent your fire from becoming out of control, you should incorporate a few safety practices. First of all, build your fire away from bushes and trees so that sparks from your fire will not start a forest fire. You will also want to use a circle of rocks to contain your campfire. Do not ever leave your fire unattended. Before leaving your campsite, make sure your campfire has been totally extinguished and that there are no remaining hot embers.

When you are camping, you should never eat anything unless you are absolutely certain of what it is. There is nothing worse than a strong case of stomach problems when you are far away from both medical attention and a toilet. It is recommended to only eat food that you bring.

Just because your tent is labeled waterproof, do not count on it to keep you dry when it rains. Pack a couple extra-large tarps to take along with you. Use one to set on the ground under your tent and keep one dry to use to cover your tent if it looks like it is going to rain hard.

If you are camping in a location with dangerous wildlife, take safety precautions with your food. This means wrapping things up tightly, keeping them far from your tent, and avoiding some types of food completely. Taking these precautions can significantly lower you chances of being attacked.

Sleeping bags can be purchased for a variety of camping conditions. Use a lightweight sleeping bag for hot weather and a heavy sleeping bag for cold weather. If you are spending the night in a tent in cold weather, a bag that hugs your body and traps your body heat is essential.

You should leave your car or basecamp with a cell phone that’s fully charged. Or, bring an extra battery just in case your battery dies. Your cell phone can help should an emergency arise.

Be prepared if you get lost on a camping trip. You should know how to use a map, compass, and GPS device before leaving for your trip. You should also keep these on your person during your trip. If you stray too far from your campsite, these items can help you get back quickly and safely.

If you are interested in camping but are not sure if it is the right choice for you, you may want to start out with something a bit easier, like staying in a cabin or renting an RV for a weekend. If you enjoy nature with this convenience, then it may be time to up the game to a tent.

As crazy as it seems, packing a roll or two of toilet paper is a great idea when you are going camping. If your campsite lacks toilet facilities, you will need to use the woods. Avoid using leaves to wipe, as you may not be able to recognize poisonous plants such as poison ivy.

Look into the temperature rating of the sleeping bag you are considering. If you are not going to be camping in cold climates, you do not need one that is rated for the cold temperatures. Finding the sleeping bag that will keep you warm enough without cooking you will make a huge difference in your camping experience.

There’s no need for your trip to be a bummer because you were not prepared for some of the most basic things that come with camping. Thanks to this article you be a camping pro! Have a great time outdoors and surprise everyone with all your new knowledge while on your trip.