Have you been thinking about going on a camping adventure for awhile now? Do you think that camping is something that seems out of the realm of possibility for you? Well it doesn’t have to be, you can figure out how to enjoy an exciting camping adventure with the following tips.

Reserve your spot at a campground as soon as possible. Particularly in the summer, many people are interested in camping with their families. If you make your reservation in the winter, you are much more likely to get the best rate possible. Those savings can translate into additional family fun while on your vacation.

If you are going backcountry camping, you should probably carry a snake bite kit in your gear. The best snake bite kits are the ones that use suction. Some kits have scalpels and blood flow constrictors in them. Scalpels can actually cut the poison into the blood stream faster, and constrictors can be deadly if not used properly.

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.

While you think nature will provide enough wood for your fire to continue burning, it may be wet, which will not burn. It’s always prudent to bring wood that you have gathered beforehand, and to store it in a location where it will stay dry.

Camping is definitely a fun time, but there might also be uninvited guests at your campsite. Who are these guests? Bugs! This is their environment and they like camping, too. Make sure you have bugged repellent with you to tell them to stay at their own campsite or to go visit other campers who weren’t quite as prepared as you were.

Avoid any wildlife you may come into contact with. Bears have become a fairly large problem with campers. In some parks they have been known to rip open the trunk of a car to gain access to food. Raccoons are also a big problem in many campgrounds. Not only are they smart and can gain access to your food supplies easily, but they can carry disease as well.

Always pack enough for your kids. Camping can be messy. Kids simply love to get dirty. This means that as the day goes on, the dirtier your kids will get. Be sure to pack some extra clothes for your kids in case this happens. Always prepare!

While camping, cook easy dinners like “hobo stew”. Simply bring potatoes, ground meat, and veggies. Cut the veggies and potatoes at your campsite. Using tinfoil like a bowl, put the ingredients inside and fold the foil over until the food is covered. Place foil on hot rocks or the coals of the campfire, and eventually you will have a tasty “stew”.

Oranges can be used as a food source and a way to repel mosquitoes while you camp. Save the orange peels and rub them into your exposed skin. Insects will stay away from you for an affordable price.

It’s imperative that you take along the things you need when you’re going camping. Your trip will not be as fun if you forget imperative items. Make a master checklist of everything that you will be needing on your trip and be sure to check off items as they are packed or loaded into the car. A few things that you probably should pack include a sleeping bag, tent, knife, food, soap, and plenty of water.

When selecting an area for your tent, look for the area of the campsite with the flattest and softest ground. If you choose an uneven area, being in your tent will be uncomfortable and unenjoyable. Always put down a tarp in order to stop water from getting into your tent.

Focus on safety during your trip. Educate yourself and the other members of your party about what you should do if you come across a wild animal. Learn as much as you can about bears and what to do in the event of an attack. Refresh your memory on snakebites. Hopefully, you won’t have to use this knowledge, but it is important that it is available to you.

A great tip for anyone that is going camping is to take plenty of water. In this case, there is absolutely no such thing as too much water. Plan out how much water you will need and then try and at least double the amount just to be on the safe side.

Take pictures of your children with you when you camp. If you lose a child at any point, having a picture to show rescuers or search parties could be very useful. Be certain you take a picture in case of an emergency, particularly if you are far away from your home.

Always bring a roll or two of duct tape along when you camp. Although tent fabric technology has come a long way, tearing is still a possibility. Well-placed duct tape can save a trip, especially when a hole rips on the top of your tent.

Take a lot of sunscreen. This is important to use for protection from the sun while camping. Find sunscreen that will protect your skin adequately. This can also help to block your skin from bug bites too. After all, you do not want to have to put too many different lotions and potions on your skin while you are trying to enjoy your camping trip.

Now that you know what it takes to have a good camping trip get ready for many exciting adventures to come. Use everything that you learned today about camping to enjoy yourself with a good time away from your normal routine of life, and to get an experience you’ll never forget.