No matter where you camp, you will have a better time when you are prepared. If you’re looking for some helpful camping advice, all you need to do is read on. There is nothing worse than going camping unprepared.
Introduce yourselves to other families camping in your immediate area, as a means of being social and more apt to help each other out. If another crew arrives after you’ve set up, offer to help with their tent or equipment. If something goes awry during the trip for anyone, it’s much easier to ask for help from somebody who was courteous enough to introduce themselves.
When going camping, try to buy non-perishable items to eat. There are no refrigerators in the wild, so everything you bring has to be kept in good order. You can certainly bring a cooler to put food in, but the cooler will be added bulk on your trip. Therefore, make an effort to bring more non-perishable foods than perishable.
Preparation could mean the difference between a good camping experience and a dreaded one. Always be well prepared prior to leaving on your camping trip. When heading to a new spot, be sure to research the area thoroughly so you know what to expect with regard to weather and wildlife.
Practice makes perfect when pitching a tent. Take the time to put the tent up before leaving for your trip. This allows you to build your proficiency at erecting the tent, and will also help locate any issues with the tent in case you need to exchange it for a better option.
When it is time for you to go to sleep, it is a good idea to put the coolers that you brought along into your vehicle. Bears have become quite savvy these days and have figured out that these coolers usually carry food items and this will attract them to your campsite.
Be sure to bring a supply of oranges with you on your trip; they are both healthy and keep mosquitoes away. When you finish eating them, save all of your peels and rub them around your body to use as a natural insect repellent.
Bring bug spray. If you forget your bug spray on a camping trip, you will deeply regret it. Try a few different bug sprays ahead of time. Find something that works and doesn’t irritate your skin. You also want to make sure that it isn’t so greasy you’ll be unwilling to sleep in it.
Many people are deterred from camping because they have to sleep on the ground, but you do not have to be uncomfortable when you go camping. Stop by the local drug store and purchase some inexpensive pool floats. These are far more comfortable than the ground to sleep on, and will keep you high and dry as well.
Plan your first camping trip close to home. If you want to end your trip, you will be close to home. You might find that you do not have enough clothes or food. Many things can arise for the first-time camper, so camp close to home the first time.
Make sure you have cover in case of rain. When you’re out in the woods, a rainstorm can be wet, cold and uncomfortable. Make sure you have some kind of protection against the rain, whether it be a tent, cabin or lean-to. In a pinch, you can use a garbage bag as a poncho!
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.
Pack plenty of jerky and trail mix when planning for a camping trip. These grab-and-go snacks are great for taking on a hike or as a snack after a long day when you don’t feel like preparing a meal. They are also convenient because they keep well and don’t need to be refrigerated.
Watch out for irritants like poison ivy. It usually has recognizable triple-leaf clusters. However, poison sumac and poison oak tend to have more leaves and also need to be avoided. Keeping your skin completely covered when near these irritants can help prevent rashes. You should also carry some calamine lotion and allergy medication or antihistamines as a precaution.
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.
Protect yourself from disease carrying ticks while on your camping trip. Always dress in light-colored clothing while in wooded areas so that ticks can be easily seen. Check your body frequently for ticks during the day. Use a tick repellant to discourage ticks and other biting insects. Tuck your pants into your socks for added protection.
Make sure that all food brought along on a camping trip is preserved and prepared properly. Make sure to pack your foods in airtight containers. Any perishable food should be stored in insulated coolers. Always keep raw and cooked foods separate. Keep surfaces and hands clean when you’re dealing with your food. Use hand sanitizer or soap. Cook foods to the right internal temperature and get foods that need to be cold chilled quickly.
If you are sleeping in a tent bring a rug or welcome mat. It is easy to track dirt and debris into your tent. This can be very unpleasant and uncomfortable to sleep on at night. To combat this, put a rug outside the entrance and wipe your feet before you enter.
It is possible to make a camping trip that will blow your friends and family away. The tips and advice shared here should help to make camping lovers out of everyone in your group. Head out into the wild and enjoy what nature has provided.
