If you have never camped, you don’t know how great it can be. Experiencing fresh air and being surrounded by nature cannot be beaten. If you are looking for ways to make your camping trips enjoyable, the tips below can help.

As a courtesy to other campers, don’t leave your lighting on overnight, if you are close to others. Pack a timer that you can attach to your lights that will automatically shut them off after a certain time. Leaving lights on overnight is a popular complaint among most American campers!

Make sure you plan out your route in advance of your trip. Look to see if there are any special places that you can stop at along the way. It will make the drive much more enjoyable and you may have a lot of fun in the process. Granted, you may need to get to your destination quickly, but if you have time, taking the scenic route is worth it.

Before you start out on that relaxing camping trip, it is essential for your safety to make sure to let someone know you are going. Give a friend or neighbor the name of the campsite if you are using one. If you are headed out on a less structured trip, give your contact a general idea of where you are headed and a timeline for your return. If something goes wrong, there will be someone to know where to look for you.

If you are camping and the weather is starting to rise significantly, tale the coolers that you have with you and put them somewhere in the shade. It will also help to keep them covered with some type of tarp. This will keep the temperature inside the cooler from rising too much.

Ask a park ranger or a tour guide to let you know about all the places to check out while you are camping. This is a good idea so that you know you are getting the most out of your camping experience, you don’t want to take a camping trip and miss out on a fun experience.

Dryer lint can be used as kindling for starting your campfire. Start collecting the lint about a month prior to your trip from the filter in your dryer. Just hang a grocery bag next to your dryer and stuff the lint into the bag. By doing this, you’ll have all the kindling you need.

Remember to pack a camera. There are some memories you’re going to want to capture on your camping trip. Bring along a small camera that can fit in your pocket. Try to pack something durable that could stand getting dropped or becoming a bit wet. Consider using a disposable camera.

Giving yourself enough time to enjoy your camping trip is key. Plan out your trip far in advance and get a couple of days off from work if possible. You want to enjoy yourself camping for at least a few days, that way you feel like you got the full experience out of it.

On your next fishing trip, go fishing. Fishing is a great way to enjoy yourself while you’re out in nature, but it also helps you pack more lightly because you catch your food on the trip instead of having to bring it with you. Learn to de-bone a fish before leaving home and you’ll have easy fish dinners on your camping trip.

One handy piece of equipment to take with you when you head out on your next camping trip is a roll of duct tape. It is as convenient for repairs while you are camping as it is at home. Duct tape is useful for patching holes in air mattresses. Also, it can help to seal any tears, which can make your item usable for the duration of your trip. If you are going on a long hike, you can put it on the sensitive parts of your feet for blister prevention. It even works as a bandage.

When you are going camping, do your best to get as early of a start as possible. It will be your job to pitch your tent so you have somewhere to rest comfortably, and that will be much harder for you to do once it starts to get dark outside.

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.

Duct tape can be a camper’s very best friend. When disaster strikes on a camping trip, a roll of heavy-duty duct tape will usually save the day. If the tent fabric needs patching in the rain, duct tape will hold back the water. When tent poles need reinforcing, the duct tape will provide support. Do you have holes in your tennis shoes? Duct tape right over it. Whatever the mishap, a roll of duct tape is sure to help!

When you find your site, seek out the softest, most level ground to put your tent on. If you pick out a sloped or a rocky spot it can make sleeping and hanging out in the tent very uncomfortable. Always put a tarp down on the ground first so that water can’t get in and ruin the tent.

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.

After reading this article, you are now prepared to set out on your next camping adventure. Apply all that you have read, and you can camp like a pro. No matter if you camp in a distant region or in your own backyard, do whatever is necessary to have a terrific time.