Nearly everyone loves to go camping! It is a wonderful time with nature that makes a great vacation for families, couples or one seeking solitude. Camping allows everyone on the trip to bond with each other through living in nature, but it helps to know a bit first. Make the most of your tip by planning ahead with the help of these great tips.

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.

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.

Particularly, if you have children, you need to consider what to do if you have inclement weather one day. Gather together a few supplies to have on hand in case you need to stay in your tent. Bring a board game, play doh and art supplies. Don’t let your family members touch these items until it rains so that they don’t lose their appeal.

A major mistake that campers make is they will get lost on occasion. Do not let this happen to you. If you are unfamiliar with the area you are camping in or if you are in a wilderness area, do not stray too far from your campsite. A portable GPS is an excellent investment if you are planning any kind of wilderness camping adventure.

Know what is available in the area around your campsite. You may get lucky and have beautiful weather the entire time. However, you may also face inclement weather, too. Have a backup plan in case you need a diversion. This is particularly crucial if you have kids, but adults need a little entertainment as well!

If you are interested in camping, and you are new to the activity, then you should never start out alone. It can be quite dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing, so it is important to bring along an experienced friend to help you learn the ropes.

When you are heading out for that long awaited camping trip, don’t forget to take along your cell phone. You may be tempted to leave all the texting and calls behind, but your cell phone can be one of your most important safety lifelines in the event of an emergency. Make sure it is fully charged and keep it protected from the elements in a plastic bag or waterproof case.

Before camping, check out your medical insurance to affirm that it is intact. Sometimes when you go to a different place, you’ll have to get an additional policy to cover you. If you are camping outside of your own country, it can be even more critical. It is essential to be prepared in case of emergency.

A cute way to add fun to meals is to make what is known as a “jungle meal”. Take smaller boxes of cereal, small cups of fruit and juice boxes away from your site and tie them up to treas. When the kids awake, you can tell them to “hunt” for breakfast. It is a fun way to start the day and something for the kids to look forward to each morning.

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.

Are you just starting out in the world of camping? If you are not sure how to put your tent up, practice before going on your camping trip. This will enable you to learn how to pitch the tent properly and make sure all of the equipment is fully functional. This lets you get it done before night falls.

If you’re going camping with a pet, take them for a vet visit beforehand. Inform your veterinarian of where you plan to go camping. Get your pet updated on all their vaccinations and be sure they have protection against ticks, mites, and fleas. You can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of a pet.

Make sure that your tent is ready before dark if you don’t plan to sleep under the stars. Some camping locations get very dark and this can make setting up your campsite nearly impossible. You also never know when something could go wrong during set-up, such as a broken pole or a sudden tear in your tent.

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.

A Frisbee is a great toy to take for entertainment when camping. It is easy to pack and fun. But in addition to its use as a game, it is also a great way to strengthen a paper plate. Just place the plate into the middle of the Frisbee at meal times and the plate will not collapse no matter how big your hamburger.

If you do not plan ahead, your camping trip could turn into a disaster, rather than an amazing adventure. With the right preparation though, your trip will be fun and exiciting. Plan well and prepare in advance to make the most of your next outdoor vacation!