People often think of escaping from the stress and worries of regular life by planning a fun camping trip. Your trip can be an unmitigated disaster, however, if proper plans are not made. In the following article, you will be provided with tips to ensure your next camping trip goes smoothly.

Water is critical for your survival when hiking in the backcountry. Carry water purification tablets with you or some sort of water filter that is capable of filtering out bacteria. There are many different kinds available at your local sporting goods store. Whenever you are looking for a water source, make sure the water is flowing; stagnant water can kill you if not treated properly.

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.

Bring a plastic garbage bag and put all of you family’s dirty laundry in it. This keeps the items from mixing in with your clean clothing. It also makes things convenient for you when you return home. You can simply dump out the bag in your washing machine and begin working on it all immediately.

Figure out your new gear before you go camping. The practice does really help. No one wants to get to the campground, only to find out that they don’t know how to use something or set up their own tent. Practice with your new gear before you ever set foot on the campground.

Check the weather before leaving for your camping trip. You may even be able to find a website that gives you a general idea of the normal weather patterns in that area. If you have the correct information, you can pack properly.

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.

Combine your camping trip with some swimming. While camping, you might really miss the luxury of showering. The coolness of water while swimming is refreshing on hot days, and it helps you to clean yourself. You might not miss the shower after all!

Take either a bandanna or handkerchief with you when you go camping. You can use these as hand towels, cleanup towels, pot holders or anything you need cloth for. Make this multi-use item a standard addition to your camping supplies.

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.

Be sure to choose the right site for your camping experience. The camping site can make or break your trip. Try to choose a site that is not too far away from help should you need it. Choose a site that is flat and somewhat apart from trees. You want a location that is far from critters and close to aid.

Before you head out for your camping trip, be sure that you take the time to practice setting up your tent. You do not want to get yourself frustrated at the site. Setting the tent up the second time will be much easier than it was the first time around.

Come prepared for everything when you’re preparing to camp. Things can sometimes go awry, even when carefully planned. Anything can change without warning, such as the weather, your environment, or your physical condition. It’s vital to everyone’s well being that no severe risks are taken and that all safety precautions are heeded.

Orange peels can help manage mosquitoes. If you forgot to bring your favorite brand of mosquito repellant, this remedy might save you from some discomfort. Just rub the inside of the peel over any exposed body parts. You should be mosquito free for hours.

Keep pictures of your children handy if they are camping with you. If you lose them at some point, a picture will be very helpful to local authorities. Be certain you take a picture in case of an emergency, particularly if you are far away from your home.

For easier food preparation on a camping trip, prepare ingredients at home, and pack them in plastic zipper bags. You might want to chop, and other ingredients can be cooked quickly and easily when the prep work is done ahead of time. Throw a few bags of vegetables and meat into a pot over a fire, and you have soup or stew!

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.

Bring toilet paper along when you travel. When camping at a facility without public bathrooms, you will need to do your business outside. Leaves can be dangerous alternatives to toilet paper, so don’t forget it.

Camping can be an amazing outdoor experience for you and your family. However, proper preparation is key. Make proper use of the suggestions you have seen here and give your camping adventure the right start for success. And don’t forget to have fun!