Foregoing a five-star hotel for the rustic enjoyment of camping can make for an amazing vacation for the whole family, you and your SO or all by yourself! Check out the tips and tricks in the following article that will enable you to make the absolute most of your camping vacation!
One of the most important parts of your camping gear is your tent. The tent you buy should suit your needs and the size of your camping party. If you have young children, you probably want to purchase a large tent so they can sleep in the same tent with you. If your children are old, buy them their own tent so they don’t have to bunk with the adults.
Did you know that a simple mirror can save your life? If you are camping and end up in a survival situation, a simple hand held mirror can be used to signal for help many miles away. Do not buy the standard glass mirror, many camping supply stores sell mirrors made of Lexan that will float and are practically unbreakable.
When you get to your campsite, take your family out on a walk. Particularly, if you have children, everyone will need a chance to stretch their legs after getting out of the car. The hike will be a good chance to get everyone excited about the trip and involved with nature.
Take a first aid class, particularly if you are traveling with children. With the training you receive, you will be better prepared to handle an accident or other emergency situation while you wait for medical assistance. You should also research the area you plan on camping in. Be sure you are aware whether there are any snakes or spiders that are poisonous and what kind of critters are out there in the area.
Practice makes perfect when pitching a tent. Take the time to put the tent up before leaving for your trip. This allows you to build your proficiency at erecting the tent, and will also help locate any issues with the tent in case you need to exchange it for a better option.
Combine your camping trip with some swimming. The thing people tend to miss most while camping is the convenience of their home shower. Swimming can help you feel a little cleaner.
Duct tape is a must-have when you go camping as it can be used for a variety of things. You can patch holes in your tent, your mattress or your shoes, or secure your tent poles, seal mosquito netting and much, much more.
Take along plenty of drinking water. You need to stay hydrated, and you will need the water to prepare your food. Depending on the nature of your camping trip, this water may also be needed for clean-up and washing of the hands. It is better to bring along more than you need than not enough.
Take the time to get a map and to get to know the land. This will help prevent you from getting lost, and to help you figure out how to navigate around your camping grounds throughout your entire trip. This is a good idea to help save time and worry for you.
Camping is about being one with nature and living off the basics, but it is important to go prepared. You need a sleeping bag, but you need to take extra blankets too. They will provide you with extra warmth, should the temperatures plummet, as well as give you additional cushioning.
For your first camping trips, try to choose a place that you can drive to. If your car is nearby you can use it as a “fortress” of sorts when you are in the middle of nowhere. Not only can you enter it in case of wildlife attack; it can also protect you from the elements.
It is a good idea to pitch your tent on a piece of land that is level. This will ensure you sleep better, which means you will have more energy for the next day. If you have to sleep on an incline, make sure that your head is tilted uphill.
Think carefully on your next trip to prevent the drainage of your flashlight batteries. It is all too easy to accidentally switch your flashlight on when digging through your bags. If you put the batteries in your flashlight backwards, you can avoid this. That way, the flashlight cannot possibly drain the batteries if the ON button is bumped.
Never park your vehicle under a single tree when you are at a campsite. If there is a storm, it will attract lightning. This also means that you should avoid sleeping under any trees that are in a particular area by themselves. Try to be in an area that is free of trees or one that has many.
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.
When you are purchasing your camping supplies, spend a little extra on the better supplies. If you buy the better quality products, you will only have to buy these things once. After you have them bought, camping can be a very affordable way to get away from home for a weekend.
If your children are with you, establish a daily routine early on. This will help them adjust to their new surroundings and have a good time. Try to stick to a certain bedtime and eat your meals at about the same time each day. Your kids will be happier, and you will be as well.
Nature has so much more to offer us on a vacation than the usual theme park or sandy beach; make the most of your camping trip by following the useful advice in this article. There are many things to consider in order to make your camping venture a success, so make sure you’ve covered all the bases and are prepared for anything!
