Camping can be very relaxing and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It can separate you from the stress that you experience at work and home, giving you time to recharge. The article that follows has some tips that can help you prepare for a trip that you’ll never forget.
Pack a few shovels if there are children with you on your trip. Kids love nothing better than digging in the dirt, and having the right accessories is crucial. If you have room, bring a bucket too. The children will happily entertain themselves in the dirt while you unpack, set up camp and do everything that you need to do.
Keep the needs of your family in mind before selecting a destination. For example, if you have a baby or toddler, it may be best to stick close to home in case things don’t go as planned. If you have teenagers, however, you may enjoy traveling to a different state. Choose what is best for you!
Research any potential campground well. They all have different amenities. Some may have showers and bathrooms, while others may not. There are even a few campgrounds that are quite fancy, with onsite miniature golf games or water parks. You may not need or want all that, so figure it out ahead of time so that you are not disappointed when you get there.
Make sure to see what the weather forecast is for the town you are camping in. There are lots of excellent websites that you can use for a weather forecast and they can give you an idea of what to expect. If you have the correct information, you can pack properly.
Always remember to bring a roll of duct tape with you when you go camping as it can be used for all manner of things. It works quickly in a pinch for tent holes, inflatables with leaks, shoes with worn soles, securing the tent to its pole, sealing up your mosquito netting and many, many more things.
Understand how your food will be cooked. You need to consider how you are going to prepare all meals. Will you need charcoal? Perhaps you need a small propane tank. It can be difficult to cook every meal over an open fire; no matter, how much fun it might seem.
Avoid severe weather when going camping, and pay attention to forecasts. It is horrible trying to pitch a tent in the rain, and not much fun sitting in a tent during a rainstorm. It is equally as disturbing approaching a muddy campsite and trying to make a weekend out of it.
When you are packing your clothing for a camping trip, remember that it is best to dress in layers. This way, you can add or remove clothing to make you more comfortable. Take along a rain coat that you can put on top of every other layer to keep you dry if it rains.
Before you even leave your camping trip, try practicing pitching a tent in your backyard or some other open space. People do not know how difficult pitching a tent can be; you do not want to get to camp and realize you have no idea what you are doing. Practice makes perfect!
Always keep an eye on your children, no matter where they are. There is quite a bit of traffic at campsites, and young kids can wander around in the woods, often getting lost. It can happen in an instant, so make sure they are always supervised.
A great idea when planning your camping trip is to make a list of everything you need before you go. As you pack each item, you can cross it off your list. This is really essential because you do not want to be stuck blowing up your air mattresses because you forgot to pack an air pump.
Keep bears away by properly storing your food and disposing of your waste. When you leave food out or in your tent or shelter, nearby bears may destroy your site to find it. Keep it safe and way from your camp. Try placing it in a high place like on a tall tree branch or on a rope.
It’s essential to take duct tape on every camping trip. Although tent fabric technology has come a long way, tearing is still a possibility. A piece of duct tape is sure to fix any damage on your tent and can ensure a safe, dry night in the woods.
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.
Whenever you set up your tent, make sure you first check for wasp nests. The last thing you want to do is have your tent set up and be attacked by wasps. If you are stuck out in the wilderness, then being attacked by numerous wasps can even be life-threatening. So, be smart and thoroughly inspect the area for any wasp nests.
If you are camping in the mountains or higher elevation, be prepared for cold temperatures. Even in the summer, people just assume that mountains are as warm as it is on flat land; this is simply not true. Have ample blankets with you and be sure to bring proper clothing.
Always carry along a GPS device, map, and a compass so that you do not get lost during your camping trip. Getting yourself lost in the wild can be one of the scariest feelings you ever experience. Not only do you need to have these things with you, but you should also know how to use them. Study up and learn the proper methods of using these tools to prevent from getting lost.
Camping is one of the most rewarding ways to relax. It offers a fun escape and a chance to enjoy nature. The advice in this article offers some sound tips that can turn your next exploration of the outdoors into a memorable experience.
