Camping is booming in popularity right now, and this might be due in large part to the plethora of reality television shows feature the great outdoors. If you’re ready for an outdoor excursion that is fun and memorable, continue reading to learn how to go about it the right way.

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.

Expect that camping is not typically a time you can stay clean easily. If you are prepared for this situation, you will find that when it occurs, you will be less stressed. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. When you’re home, you can be normal again.

If your canteen is beginning to smell musty, you can give it a good cleaning with baking soda. Place a little bit of water in your canteen, and then add three tablespoons of baking soda. Shake gently, let it sit for sixty minutes, and then rinse with water. Your canteen will be refreshingly clean!

Not only are oranges a great snack for camping, but they also serve as a natural mosquito repellant. Save the orange peels and rub them into your exposed skin. Insects will stay away from you for an affordable price.

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.

Pack extra flashlights and batteries. It can get quite dark at night, away from all the city lights. A light source is very important. Bring a few spare flashlights just in case. Make sure that you pack extra batteries as well. A light source is something you do not want to find yourself without.

An indispensable item to pack for your camping trip is Ziploc bags. You can separate items in your gear like sunscreen and bug spray so if they puncture they do not get all over your gear. You can also use them to keep items like matches and cellphones dry if it rains.

When you select the location for your tent, be sure that it is the right place. The ground should be level and do what you can to avoid setting it up at the bottom of a hill. This will help you keep it dry if the weather should turn bad.

Before you even leave your camping trip, try practicing pitching a tent in your backyard or some other open space. People do not know how difficult pitching a tent can be; you do not want to get to camp and realize you have no idea what you are doing. Practice makes perfect!

Are you a beginning camper and have just purchased your first tent? Learn how to pitch your tent before you leave for the campsite. You should know what you need and how to do it before you actually have to do it. That way, you can get things done rapidly once you get to the campsite.

The best tip in camping is to decide where you are going to camp and who is going to camp with you before you go. You need to pack for everyone and make sure there are facilities available. If you add any additional people at the last minute, you need to add additional food and supplies for them.

It is recommended you bring lots of beef jerky and/or trail mix when you go camping. Both items are fairly healthy and will come in handy when you don’t feel like cooking. They are also convenient because they keep well and don’t need to be refrigerated.

Always make sure that you have a sharp knife with you when you go camping. Utility knives are among the most versatile pieces of equipment in a camper’s arsenal so make sure you Pack an extra one in your bag just in case you lose the one you carry around.

When it comes to tents, you should understand that bigger is not always better. Keep in mind that you are going to have to drag your tent to the campsite. To make sure that your tent is not too large for you to haul and set up, test it out at your home first.

Make it a habit to leave no sign of you having camped at a location. As a camper, you’re aware of how beautiful nature really is. It’s your job to help keep it that way. Take any trash with you to dispose of properly. Before you go, circle your camping ground a second time to look for any litter you may have missed.

Start your camping trip off the easy way with a precooked meal that can be kept in a cooler. There are many things that must be done on the first day and knowing that you have a delicious meal already prepared can make the end of the day relaxing and more enjoyable.

As you must now realize, there are many variables to consider when planning a camping trip. However, after reading this, you should be able to handle the basic stuff. It is time to go out, relax and have a great time!