If you have been wondering about what to expect for an upcoming camping trip, you have come to the right place. This article will share basic tips and advice that will make your camping trip go off without a hitch. Continue reading to learn just where you need to start.

If you are camping at a public campground, make sure you pack shower shoes for everyone in your party. Not only will they protect your feet from the bacteria on the shower floor, but they are great for those nighttime runs to the bushes when you need to use the restroom. They can be old flip flops, Crocs, or even slip-ons.

Before you head out on your long-awaited camping trip, make sure the area where you plan to camp doesn’t require a camping permit. If you happen to camp in a place that does require one and you didn’t get one, then you could be facing quite a hefty ticket or fine from a local forest ranger.

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.

When you go camping, be sure to have a few activities in mind other than just… “camping”. The camping experience is enriched by hiking, swimming, exploring and things like that. Be sure to engage in some of these other activities so that you have the fullest camping experience you’ve ever had.

Bring enough food and snack items to last you throughout the whole trip. You don’t want to spend your time going to get food every meal, enjoy yourself while you are camping. Bring cereal, hot dogs, and all of your other favorite food items that will fuel you throughout your trip.

Bring some plastic totes or canisters with you when you go camping so you can store any food products you have opened. This will keep any critters from swarming around your campsite and it will also keep various wildlife from being attracted to whatever it is you have in there.

Even if you’re not going a long distance away on your camping trip, or even if you’re going into familiar territory, always stay in touch with friends, family or neighbors. Tell someone where your trip will be, and how long you’ll be gone. And if you can, check in regularly using a mobile phone.

Unless you are going to be spending a significant amount of time camping, buying expensive sleeping bags is really unnecessary. Even if your old and musty sleeping bag is rated for below freezing temperatures, it is excellent padding for the ground even when it is hot outside and you will feel comfortable sleeping on it.

When traveling to your camping destination, plan on stopping and having a meal when you’re near the campground, but before you actually arrive. Being well fed before arriving will ease frustrations if the campground is full, or if it takes longer to get your gear set up. Use this break to discuss your plans and to remind everyone of how to remain safe!

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.

If you are a novice at camping, don’t stray far from home. That way, if problems arise, you won’t be too far from help. Maybe you will find you have not brought enough food, clothing or other necessities. Lots of calamities can befall new campers, so sticking close to home at first is wise.

One of the most important things to remember when camping is to keep yourself relaxed. The entire point of a camping trip is to get away, so if you are finding yourself stressed by something, leave it alone and go enjoy nature until you are able to calm down. This will keep you happy and safe.

Cross contamination is not an issue that only affects people that cook at home. When you are cooking outdoors, you still have to worry about not using the same cutting board to cut meat that you do to cut any other foods. If you only have one board, use both sides.

The supplies for your next camping excursion should include a couple rolls of duct tape. Duct tape has numerous uses at a campsite. This can be used to close up any issues with your air mattress, which can save you money. Use it to enclose a rip in a tent, sleeping bag or weather-proofing tarp you have laid down. It can be used on feet to help fight off blisters during long hikes. In a pinch, it can even serve as a bandage for injuries.

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.

Be certain you are prepared for any event when you’re camping. Remember, though, that you can’t plan for every eventuality. The weather can suddenly change, surrounding circumstances can change, injuries and illness can happen, etc. You mustn’t take any reckless risks, be careless, and you need to think before acting.

Camping is a pretty simple outdoor excursion for just about anyone to handle. But this article shared some information that should help you field any mishaps that come your way before they ever have a chance to become a problem for you. Keep this information in mind on your fun camping trip!