Sleeping under the night sky with family is magical. Camping has long been one of the most cherished pastimes. While it can be fun, you must take the time to prepare and plan for it to be as much fun as possible. This article has some helpful advice that will assist you in planning out your next trip.
Select your sleeping bag with the weather, season and location of your trip in mind. Make sure that your sleeping bags in the summer are not too heavy. If you use a lightweight sleeping bag during the winter, you can spend your night shivering if it’s cold outside. Hypothermia can be experienced, as well.
If you have little ones camping with you, pack a few art supplies. When you get to your site, show them how to do leaf rubbings. There are always a variety of leaves in all shapes and sizes, so trying them all out will take a while. The kids will be happy and you will have some peace and quiet while you relax and watch them.
When packing for your camping adventure, make sure you pack only what you need for mealtimes. If you are at the campground, your food will have to stay cold so it does not spoil. If you are on the trail, any additional or excess food can be a burden. If you pack just enough food for the time you are on the trail, you will not be weighed down by excess weight.
If you are traveling with children, consider staying at a campground that is specifically designated for families. Campers in these areas know what to expect and will not have an issue if you have a cranky toddler or your children want to run around, scream and play. You will probably be more relaxed as a result and have a better time.
Before you leave on your trip, use your backyard to help you work out the kinks in your camping equipment. Put up your tent to make sure you know (or remember!) how to put it up. This will also allow you to see if anything needs to be patched up. It will make it that much easier for you when you get to the campsite.
Be well-versed in emergency first aid if you plan on camping out, especially if there will be kids with you. If you have an accident, you are going to know how to fix the situation before you can get professional medical help. In addition, make sure you do enough research on the area. Be aware of poisonous flora and fauna, as well as of what sounds animals make.
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.
Dryer lint can make great kindling for creating campfires. Start collecting lint from the filter in your tumble dryer several weeks before your camping adventure. To make it easy to collect dryer lint, simply hang a bag next to the dryer and fill with your lint. Your kindling will be easily accessible when you are leaving for your destination.
To avoid blistered and chapped feet on your camping trip, bring a bar of soap along! Prior to any lengthy walk, rub the soap into the heals of your socks and this will minimize friction, thus reducing soreness. Keep the soap in your pocket for a quick dose when your feet start feeling beat-up or blistered.
Bring your cellphone with you when you go camping. Even if you are serious about roughing it, cell phones are still very useful in emergencies and should not be left at home. A cell phone is no longer a hobby, and when you go camping it can help you reach police and emergency personnel–bring it.
Bring along some interesting activities when planning a camping trip with kids. Being in the woods can be boring for them as time goes on. Children may not be familiar with activities like pitching a tent or fishing. This a great way for them to experience the great outdoors.
Giving yourself enough time to enjoy your camping trip is key. Plan out your trip far in advance and get a couple of days off from work if possible. You want to enjoy yourself camping for at least a few days, that way you feel like you got the full experience out of it.
If you are a novice camper, choose a destination close to home for your first trip. You may find that your gear isn’t up to par, or your trip isn’t what you thought it would be. Also, you can easily get home if you don’t have enough food or clothing. There are a lot of different things that can come about and being closer to home will make it a lot easier.
Be sure to choose the right site for your camping experience. The camping site can make or break your trip. Try to choose a site that is not too far away from help should you need it. Choose a site that is flat and somewhat apart from trees. You want a location that is far from critters and close to aid.
Bringing a dog on your camping trip is fine as long as you bring a leash and keep a close eye on them. There are those who fear dogs. This will maximize the respect that you have for others while camping. Additionally, dogs are capable of damaging the camping area if you don’t keep a good eye on them.
Again, you need to consider a lot of things when planning a camping trip or other outdoor adventure. Make sure to implement the tips mentioned so that you can safely enjoy your time in the wilderness with friends and family.
