The current economic climate is making it hard for the majority of families to justify spending a large amount of money on a family vacation. As a result, more and more families are now opting to go camping for their holidays. In this article, we are going to present to you a few tips that will help you to plan the ultimate camping adventure.
Leave no trace of your outing at your campsite, for environmental reasons and as a courtesy to park officials who clean up and the next camping crew. Make sure all trash is picked up, you refill holes you may have dug and of course, that your campfire is completely out!
When you bring your dog on a camping trip, make certain he has adequate tick protection. Bugs thrive in forests, and many flea treatments do not extend protection to include ticks, so ask your vet before departing if your dog has everything he needs and what you should do for proper tick prevention and removal.
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.
Pour out any water that has accumulated in your freezer each day. You want to do this to prevent the ice inside from melting into the water. It is also a good idea because any contaminants that have entered the water from foods you have in, can be poured off.
If you will be camping somewhere that is very far away from civilization, then make sure you have told several people where you will be as well as how long you are intending to stay. Ask them to call you on the day you are supposed to return to ensure your safety.
Be prepared for colder weather than expected when choosing a sleeping bag to bring on your camping trip. Always choose a sleeping bag rated for a temperature range just below what you’re expecting, even in the summertime. Also, sleeping bags made with synthetic fibers will dry out faster if it rains unexpectedly, but natural fiber sleeping bags will be lighter to carry.
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.
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.
Take along a battery operated radio when camping. A radio will keep you up-to-date on any late-breaking news and weather reports. A radio will also give you entertainment during those quiet evenings sitting around the campfire. Or if you prefer, pack a guitar for you and your campers’ enjoyment.
Do not leave your sleeping bag rolled up until right before it is time for you to get some sleep. Lay it out right away so that it can loft up and give you the highest level of insulation. Do the same for any sleeping pads you have brought along.
Bring along a survival kit and a first-aid kit. These kits can assure you have everything you need in any unexpected situation. This allows you to help someone should they become injured.
Consider leaving a handwritten note to the following campers. In this note, you can inform them of some things that interested you during your camping experience. You could even wish them well during their stay. This is a nice gesture they are certain to appreciate, and it only takes a few short minutes of your time.
When you’re setting up a tent it’s important to seal every seam. If your tent doesn’t have it, you may purchase a tube at a sporting goods store. Sealing your tent will keep out rainwater and unwelcome critters.
Remember food safety when you go camping. Store all food in airtight and waterproof containers. Insulated coolers are a great place to place food. Keep cooked food separate from raw food to prevent contamination. Use a cleaner or sanitizer to keep hands and surfaces clean, just as you would at home. Chill foods in a prompt manner and cook your foods to proper temperatures.
Shower curtains make a great replacement for a tent tarp; keeping you dry and for a fairly cheap price. You could also use it as a floor for your washing or cooking area, allowing you to control the run-off. Don’t throw away a shower curtain; use it for your next camping trip.
Do not forget to bring a lot of sunscreen. Protecting yourself from the sun’s rays is very important when camping. Look for an optimum sunscreen for the conditions and make sure the SPF is sufficient. If possible, you may wish to purchase a sunscreen which provides additional protection against biting bugs. This will keep your pack light and save you time.
Make sure you pack some kind of water purification tablets. Even if you are planning on bringing your own water or boiling it on site, you never know when an emergency might arise. Before you leave on the trip, try drinking water made with the water purification tablets so you will be acquainted with how it will taste. You don’t want to become dehydrated while you camp because you don’t like the taste of your water.
As previously mentioned, more and more families are now having to forego traditional family vacations due to monetary constraints and instead opt for basic camping trips to the great outdoors. Hopefully, after reading this article, you feel ready to plan the ultimate camping adventure that you and your family will be able to remember for a lifetime.
