Camping offers us a great way to spend a vacation, or just getting a weekend away from it all. Relaxing in the tranquility of nature and learning to get on without modern conveniences is an experience everyone should try at least once! Keep reading for some wonderful advice on how you can make the most of your camping trip.
Find your best place for camping shelter long before nightfall. Finding the right spot for your tent, gathering firewood and making dinner are all a lot tougher after darkness settles in. This is especially true if you are an urbanite whose sight is not used to the pitch dark. Do not get yourself into this situation, and find your shelter during daylight hours.
Check weather reports in the area you plan to camp in. This can give you an idea of what you will be experiencing on your trip. If you have the correct weather information, you will be better prepared with proper equipment and clothing.
Make sure you buy a tent that is big enough for your needs. Many people find themselves crowded in a tent for no reason. Tents are lightweight and very compact, so there is no reason not to have enough space when you buy a tent. Make sure you’re buying for comfort.
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.
Pour out any water that has accumulated in your freezer each day. You want to do this to prevent the ice inside from melting into the water. It is also a good idea because any contaminants that have entered the water from foods you have in, can be poured off.
Make sure you have a suitable water source. Even if you bring water with you, plan to need more water and know where you will be able to get more. It is a good idea to know where your water source will be before you go camping at all, but surely right after you arrive.
One thing that many people forget to pack on a camping trip, and which quickly turns the trip into a nightmare is bug spray. This simple repellent will save you both annoyance and can protect your health as many types of bugs can do a great deal of damage to you quickly.
If camping is something that you are new to, have your first trip close to where you live. You could have gear issues or you might want to shorten your trip. You may come to realize that you should have packed different clothing, or need more food. Many things can arise for the first-time camper, so camp close to home the first time.
Remember, when you are camping you will not have access to many kitchen luxuries. At most, you will have a can opener as well as a basic burner. This means canned foods make a great meal, but even better are things that need very little preparation, like peanut butter sandwiches.
While camping’s purpose is to survive off the fat of the land, it is still important to prepare yourself. Bring creature comforts like a sleeping bag, extra blankets and even an air mattress. They can be used as padding or for warmth.
When looking into a campground, inquire about the different fees they may charge. You may find that you are charged for water, electric, fire wood and additional campers. Learning the fees ahead of time will allow you to properly budget for your camping trip. It will help you avoid becoming stressed at the gates and ruining your trip.
If camping with children, place each set of their clothing in a zippered plastic bag or a tied plastic grocery bag. By sorting and packing their clothes in this manner, each morning your child can grab a package and have an entire outfit of clothing for the day. When it is time to go to bed at night, each child can stuff the soiled clothing back into the plastic bag and place it back into their suitcase and not soil unworn clothing.
Before setting out on your next camping trip, check out your first aid kit. If there are any items that are missing, replace them. If any of the ointments or medications are low in quantity, remove them and replace them will a new package. Check the expiration date on topical ointments and medications and replaced any that are outdated.
Take along a battery operated radio when camping. A radio will keep you up-to-date on any late-breaking news and weather reports. A radio will also give you entertainment during those quiet evenings sitting around the campfire. Or if you prefer, pack a guitar for you and your campers’ enjoyment.
If you are camping in an area that has loose or very sandy soil, you should make sure that you place large, heavy rocks on top of all the stakes of your tent. This will keep the stakes planted firmly in the ground and your tent from collapsing on its own.
Bringing your survival kit and first aid kit is crucial. These can be useful for any situation and can extend your trip. A first aid kit helps to prevent situations from becoming serious, and it allows you to help family or friends until medical help arrives.
When you go camping, try to pitch a tent in an area that is directly in a spot where the morning sun will beam. This is a great idea since it can get very cold in the forest. It will make your tent a little warmer so you can sleep a bit more comfortably.
Far from the office, nightmarish commutes and the hustle and bustle of modern living, you’ve got so much to enjoy on a camping trip! Hopefully this article has provided you with some useful tips that will help to make your next camping trip enjoyable and free from any major disasters!
