Friends and family make camping a really fun experience. Everyone should experience it at least once if they have the chance. You can only truly enjoy what camping has to offer if you are properly prepared and knowledgeable. Continue reading to learn some important advice to keep in mind for camping.

Make sure that your sleeping bag is right for the season and climate where you are camping. You are going to be really hot and uncomfortable camping in the summertime if your sleeping bag is rated for sub-zero temperatures. Alternatively, taking a light bag in the winter can lead to great discomfort. You would in fact be risking your health and safety.

Did you know that a simple mirror can save your life? If you are camping and end up in a survival situation, a simple hand held mirror can be used to signal for help many miles away. Do not buy the standard glass mirror, many camping supply stores sell mirrors made of Lexan that will float and are practically unbreakable.

If you are traveling with children, give them the opportunity to assist you when you get to the campground. They can carry gear, support you as you set up the tent and look for firewood. Not only will it keep them busy and out of trouble, it will be fun for them as well.

Bring a survival kit with you and be sure to always have it on you. You need to pack a flare gun, utility knife, matches and a first aid kit. Your kit may be all that stands between you and certain death if you become lost, as the items within it are essential to survival. Be sure to bring it with you whenever you leave your campsite.

Check the terms of your health insurance before leaving. Traveling to a different area may necessitate that you purchase another policy. It is even more critical if you are camping outside of your country. Semper paratus doesn’t just apply to the military! Be prepared!

A “jungle breakfast” is something that could be enjoyed when camping with children. Tie to the trees small boxes of cereal, fruit, and juice boxes. Then when your kids get up, let them search for their food. It adds some fun to camping.

Bring a first aid kit. Camping is fun. It can also be a bit dangerous. Always be prepared. Small scrapes and rashes can be especially common out in nature. Bring along an emergency first aid kit full of anything you might need. You’ll be happy you did if something goes wrong.

When camping, periodically do a tick check. Look for any brown or black spots that have just appeared on your skin. Ticks attach themselves to the skin without causing too much of a disturbance, so be sure to check yourself and your companions for ticks after spending time camping outdoors.

Kids love camping, especially when you plan activities that they can do. Far from civilization, kids tend to get bored. While fishing, pitching a tent and starting a fire might sound fun, they are not the activities kids are used to. If this is their first time, it is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn new skills.

Choose your campsite carefully. The location in which you’re camping can make all the difference. Do plenty of research before you make any plans. What is the weather like? Does the campsite have specific rules? How crowded will the campsite be? Poor planning can make for a miserable camping experience.

Do not forget your cooking supplies. You will need pots, pans, utensils and dishes to cook on and eat with. Make sure that you double-check to be sure that you have packed these supplies before you leave the house. You do not want to get all set up and ready to cook your first meal and find that you have left your pot at home.

Prior to leaving for a camping journey, be sure to draft a list of necessary supplies. This is an important step if you are traveling a distance to get to your camp site. A couple of days before your trip, make a list of everything you need, checking things off as you pack them

You need to carry water that is clean if you will not have access to a safe spring or to clean tap water when you’re camping. You can either carry your own water in bottles or bring some iodine with you to sanitize nearby water. You can also use a water filter or boil water for around 10 minutes.

If you are going camping with a tent you have never used before, put it up in your backyard before you leave. When you get to your campsite, it might be dark and raining, and you might have to go on feel and memory pitching the thing. So, it helps to have done it at least once before.

Be prepared if you get lost on a camping trip. You should know how to use a map, compass, and GPS device before leaving for your trip. You should also keep these on your person during your trip. If you stray too far from your campsite, these items can help you get back quickly and safely.

Make a list of the things you need for your camping trip and check each item off once you pack it. Then, make sure you bring each bag to the car. The last thing any camper wants is to reach the sight and find out they forgot something important, like matches or the food.

A great tip for anyone who is planning a camping trip is to bring along some hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is great for keeping your hands germ free, but it can also act as a disinfectant if you get a cut somewhere on your body and don’t have access to first aid.

As this article said before, it’s a lot of fun to go camping if you arm yourself with the right knowledge first. Use the information you learned here prior to taking your trip. The tips above, and many more, can only increase your safety, fun, and knowledge gained during a relaxing camping trip.