One of the greatest pastimes in the world is camping. Camping lets you experience all that the great outdoors has to offer and allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature. Are you interested in going camping? If so, then try some of the camping tips in the article below.
Use separate coolers for perishables, ice and drinks. While it does not matter if the perishables and drinks go into the same one, make sure to pack your ice separately. This will keep the temperature down so that you will have ice for much longer than you would have otherwise.
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.
Look up grocery stores near your campsite. Make sure you know how to get to them. Particularly, if your trip is spanning more than three or four days, the food you bring with you probably isn’t going to last the length of your trip. Not only, that, but your family is going to get tired of eating the same things day after day. Variety is the key.
If you’re camping with your family, try finding campsites that are pet-friendly. This is a great way for you to get your animals out in the fresh air. Your kids will be happy to have your animals there with you, so it can be a great experience for all of you.
Save space in your bag by leaving mixing spoons and containers behind, and instead just bring plastic zip-lock bags. Place the foods or liquids that you want to mix in the bag, and ensure that the zipper is well closed before mixing. Not only do the bags take up considerably less space than bowls and spoons, but they’re much more lightweight as well!
Always become familiar with the potential dangers of a campsite before you enter it. You should be aware of any venomous insects or snakes, dangerous weather or cliffs in the area. Many camping areas pose some dangers.
Make sure you have cover in case of rain. When you’re out in the woods, a rainstorm can be wet, cold and uncomfortable. Make sure you have some kind of protection against the rain, whether it be a tent, cabin or lean-to. In a pinch, you can use a garbage bag as a poncho!
Make sure you have charged flashlights for the trip. You may accidentally turn on a flashlight while you’re looking through what you have packed for your trip. An easy way to prevent this is to switch your batteries around when the flashlight isn’t being used. This way, you’ll still have fresh batteries for your trip.
Focus on safety during your trip. Educate yourself and the other members of your party about what you should do if you come across a wild animal. Learn as much as you can about bears and what to do in the event of an attack. Refresh your memory on snakebites. Hopefully, you won’t have to use this knowledge, but it is important that it is available to you.
Keep an eye on your children when you go camping. There are always cars arriving and leaving from campsites, and it is easy for little kids to get lost easily in wooded areas. Something could happen very quickly, so if you keep an eye on your kids, your supervision will help keep them safe.
A great tip for anyone that is going camping is to take plenty of water. In this case, there is absolutely no such thing as too much water. Plan out how much water you will need and then try and at least double the amount just to be on the safe side.
One tip that is very useful to anyone who is planning to go camping is to practice finding as well as purifying water prior to your camping trip. You don’t want to start this process when you are already thirsty as it could lead to a very dangerous situation.
Never hike alone. It may sound juvenile, but always use the buddy system. It can be easy to get lost or turned around in nature. You could slip and hurt yourself. In instances like these, it is best to have someone along. Even if you have your cellphone handy, you may find it doesn’t get reception in the woods.
Pack wisely! Keep a checklist of the things you need and check them off as you collect and pack them. A checklist is especially crucial if your campsite is located remotely, making it less likely that you will have access to first-aid items or other emergency supplies.
If you are camping with young children, make sure you plan activities for them and bring them toys to play with. You may be fine with a book on the picnic blanket, but children need more to keep them occupied. Don’t forget to keep travel games in mind, also.
Follow proper food safety guidelines when you go camping. Make sure to pack your foods in airtight containers. Store your food in an insulated cooler. Make sure that raw or cooked meat is not stored in the same containers as other foods. Before you handle your food, clean your hands properly with soap or other sanitizers, and clean the food prep surfaces. Chill foods in a prompt manner and cook your foods to proper temperatures.
Always bring along your first aid kit. If an accident happens, you will have what you need. The first aid kit should include bandages, allergy and pain medicine and other essentials. Accidents can and do happen on many camping trips, so always travel prepared.
As stated before, camping is a great experience that lets you see all of the beauty of nature. For any future campers, the tips above will certainly come in handy. They will help you enjoy your next outing into the wild and focus on the wonders of nature and its inhabitants.
