The allure of the great outdoors is something that many people enjoy. Knowledge is the most important tool for any camping trip. By taking the time to familiarize yourself with the tips that follow, your next trip can be the best one yet.
A good multi-purpose tool needs to be part of your camping gear. There are two kinds to bring. First is the saw/hammer/axe 3-in-1 tool to use for firewood and other chores. The other is the standard multi-purpose tool with a variety of tools on it like a can opener, tweezers, scissors, and a knife.
When packing for your camping trip, make sure to pack either a pair of flip flops or water shoes. These will come in handy in and around the campground. For instance, if you are staying in a campground that has bathroom facilities and you plan on taking a shower, you need to wear shoes in the shower to protect your feet from foot fungus.
Those big, colorful plastic storage bins make excellent places to store and organize all of your camping gear. While at home, keep it in a closet or the garage and right before you leave for your camping trip, pop it in the trunk. It should keep everything air-tight, dry and easily accessible.
If you are going on a camping adventure, make sure you have enough time to set up camp before dark. It can be extremely difficult to set up camp in the dark and possibly unsafe. You need to be able to scout the terrain, prepare bedding, and possibly build some temporary shelter prior to the sun going down.
Make sure that all of your friends and family are involved in choosing the camping site. Talk about the state you wish to see. With all of the options available, it is wise to let people decide for themselves. If it is easier, select a few of your personal favorites and then let the entire family vote.
After buying a tent, make sure to pitch it in your yard before you leave for a trip. This will not only familiarize you with the process, it will allow you to ensure there are no missing pieces or defects. A little practice can eliminate the frustration of setting up a new piece of camping equipment.
With camping, comes the campfire. Make sure your campfire is in an open space and far enough away from brush or trees so you don’t run the risk of a stray spark catching them on fire. Surround the fire with stones to help keep it contained. Most importantly, never leave any campfire unattended. If you need to leave for any reason, make sure the campfire is extinguished completely.
Make sure you have a first aid kit with you. As an alternative, you could pack some supplies in a plastic bag. While hopefully your trip will be free of injuries, you never know. It is best to be prepared so that you can handle anything that happens in the best way possible.
If you are using a tent for camping, put a great deal of thought into buying your tent. Consider the climate. Consider your price range. How often will you be using this tent? You don’t want to buy a tent that won’t be able to stand up to the elements. At the same time, you don’t need to pay a fortune for a tent you plan to only use once.
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.
A Swiss Army Knife is a tool that no camper should be without when camping. A Swiss Army Knife contains many useful tools including a screwdriver, a pair of tweezers, a screwdriver as well as a knife. This ingenious tool will come in handy many times during your camping trip.
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.
Make a list of your required camping gear and double check it while packing. Omitting just an item or two can be calamitous. Write a list of all the items you need and make sure to cross them off of the list once you pack them. Don’t forget to include your sleeping bag, water, knives, prepared food, hand gel, soap, and your tent.
Do not take anything that belongs in nature with you when you leave. Have fun and take pictures, but when you are loading up the car, make sure rocks, pinecones and other objects remain where they are. This is one of the unspoken rules of camping. Everyone should have the same opportunity to enjoy these things.
Plan ahead and make sure your flashlight batteries have full power before you leave for a camping trip. It is not uncommon to accidentally bump the switch and turn your flashlight on when you are digging around in your bag. To avoid this, store the batteries backwards in your flashlights. That way you make sure you don’t accidentally turn them on.
Before setting out on your next camping trip, check out your first aid kit. If there are any items that are missing, replace them. If any of the ointments or medications are low in quantity, remove them and replace them will a new package. Check the expiration date on topical ointments and medications and replaced any that are outdated.
Camping is a simple pleasure in life for those that understand the proper way to do it. In order to make sure your trip is as enjoyable as possible, it is important to know what you are getting yourself into. Use the guide above and prepare yourself for the best time of your life.
