Camping has long been known as a cherished pastime for the young and old alike. It does not matter whether you plan to just kick back by a warm fire and relax, hike or any type of other recreation, you should always be prepared with some basic camping knowledge.
You don’t have to be a boy scout to be prepared, if you plan to go camping. One of the first rules is to be sure to tell somebody where you will be. If there isn’t an exact location to give, then give a general idea of major roads nearby or even GPS coordinates if you know them and give a timeframe of when you plan to return.
Know what is available in the area around your campsite. You may get lucky and have beautiful weather the entire time. However, you may also face inclement weather, too. Have a backup plan in case you need a diversion. This is particularly crucial if you have kids, but adults need a little entertainment as well!
If you’d like to prevent mosquito bites, but want to avoid using harsh chemicals, use an orange peel instead. Rub the orange peel over exposed areas of the skin, such as the neck, arms, face and legs to naturally repel mosquitoes. Not only will the orange peels feel better on your skin than traditional repelling chemicals, but they will smell better, too!
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.
Emergency kits are one of the most important things to bring on a camping trip. Your kit’s contents will change depending upon the season and location of your trip, but you should always bring the basics. Be sure to do your research and bring along any location-specific items you will need.
Take along a box with essential supplies when you go camping. Include things like stick matches, a flashlight, cooking tools and hand cleaner. Prepare in advance. Think about all the things you might need days before you leave on your trip, especially if you will be far from any store.
Be certain you have everything you will need before embarking on your adventure. You do not want to forget essential items. Double check all your supplies to make sure they are accounted for and in working condition. Do this before you leave.
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!
If you pet is accompanying you on your camping trip, then be sure to keep them leashed and under control at all times. Other campers may not like dogs, or could even be afraid of them. Respecting your fellow campers is essential when camping. Additionally, your dog may cause damage to the property of someone else if left untethered and unsupervised.
Bugs and mosquitoes are a common camping annoyance. You could buy a commercial repellent with chemicals, but a good natural way to keep bugs away from your body is by using an orange peel. Rub the inside of the peel on your arms and legs. This is a inexpensive, responsible way to repel annoying pests.
Wrap up your fishing gear, like line and lures, in plain old aluminum foil! This will keep everything from tangling up and if you do it properly, water proofed as well. Foil will also prevent rust from ruining your valuable fishing gear, so make it part of your camping trip every time.
Pack glow sticks. It gets dark out in nature. If you’re just waking up in the middle of the middle of the night, the light from a flashlight or lantern can be too harsh. Bring glow sticks and keep them in an easily accessible location. These will provide a softer light.
Clean your campsite when you finish camping. Make sure you have garbage bags to clean up trash. Be certain to take your leftover food with you too. The best practice to follow when camping is to clean the campsite well, and leave only your footprints behind.
Use an old shower curtain as a camping tarp. The next time you switch out your shower curtain, save the old one and you can use it when you go camping. Tarps, or old shower curtains can be used for many things. You can put it under your tent or use it to keep you dry should it rain.
Don’t forget the sunscreen. You might not burn easily, or ever, but sunscreen is still important to prevent sun damage, especially when you are spending most of the day outdoors. Sun damage can age you rapidly and even cause cancer, so it is very important to protect your skin.
Study what kinds of wild animals can be found in your camping area. Many campers have been attacked in the outdoors because of their lack of knowledge of wild animals. Some of the animals you may encounter are whitetail deer, feral hogs, black bears, mountain lions or snakes. Use the Internet to help you research your climate and area for an accurate list!
Bring a few Frisbees with you next time you go camping. Not only will they give you something to do, but they are helpful, too. Use a Frisbee to help you hold your paper plate. It will give it the structure that it needs, and it will be a lot stronger.
As you can see, it is important to keep some basic tips and advice in mind for your camping trip. Camping is fun and simple, but it is always important to be prepared. The information shared here should prepare you quite well to have a great trip that will be memorable long after the trip has ended!
