Camping can be one of the most affordable ways to get out of the home and have a good time with the family. If you are looking for a way to enjoy some time away from home with your family, camping may be just what you are looking for. Use the tips below to begin planning.

Leave no trace of your outing at your campsite, for environmental reasons and as a courtesy to park officials who clean up and the next camping crew. Make sure all trash is picked up, you refill holes you may have dug and of course, that your campfire is completely out!

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 start out on that relaxing camping trip, it is essential for your safety to make sure to let someone know you are going. Give a friend or neighbor the name of the campsite if you are using one. If you are headed out on a less structured trip, give your contact a general idea of where you are headed and a timeline for your return. If something goes wrong, there will be someone to know where to look for you.

A Frisbee makes for excellent support under paper plates, and can avoid the usual camping spillage and drops! Grab as many of them as you have around your home or yard, or pick up a few at your local dollar-type store. They conveniently stack for easy, space-saving packing and are tremendously helpful with little one’s meals.

Dryer lint makes wonderful kindling to start your campfires with. Start collecting lint from the filter in your tumble dryer several weeks before your camping adventure. Hang a plastic bag beside your dryer and toss the lint into it. By doing this, you’ll be able to collect the kindling on the day you’re taking the trip.

Always have an emergency kit on hand when camping with family, or even staying alone. You may need different supplies, depending on where you will be, but there are certain things that you should always have. You may want to pack bear repellent or antivenom.

Before you plan to camp in an new area, it is important to be aware of any dangers commonly found there. This would include stuff like what spiders dwell there, how steep the terrain is, and if the area is prone to flooding. Each camp is individual, so scope out the one you are planning to enter before every trip.

While kids often have fun when camping, make sure to make plans to keep them entertained. Many of today’s children are not used to downtime away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and the quiet outdoors can cause boredom for them. They may never have had a chance to set up a tent or catch a fish. If you don’t normally spend time outside, show them before you go camping.

Remember, when you are camping you will not have access to many kitchen luxuries. At most, you will have a can opener as well as a basic burner. This means canned foods make a great meal, but even better are things that need very little preparation, like peanut butter sandwiches.

Take along plenty of drinking water. You need to stay hydrated, and you will need the water to prepare your food. Depending on the nature of your camping trip, this water may also be needed for clean-up and washing of the hands. It is better to bring along more than you need than not enough.

When it comes to camping, expect the unexpected. While it’s crucial to plan ahead for things, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Injuries, illnesses and the weather can change suddenly. Do what you can to prevent any accidents or illnesses and bring what you need to treat it if it does happen.

Make a list and check it twice before packing for your camping excursion. If the campgrounds are located at fair distance from your home, then this step will be crucial. Get prepared well ahead of schedule; at least one day, maybe two, is required to gather all the “forgotten” items you would regret not having in the wild.

Pack extra flashlights and plenty of batteries for your camping trip. Even after the sun is gone, you may need to see. Having the ability to light up an area well can prevent injuries and potentially dangerous encounters with wildlife. When you go camping and your kids come along, it is smart to let them each have their own flashlight.

Make sure that your tent is ready before dark if you don’t plan to sleep under the stars. Some camping locations get very dark and this can make setting up your campsite nearly impossible. You also never know when something could go wrong during set-up, such as a broken pole or a sudden tear in your tent.

It is a great idea to put your tent together at home before you go out camping. Some tents can seem very complicated, and you do not want to get stuck in the dark without your tent being assembled. If you practice when you are at home, you will already have the experience of setting it up, and it will go smoothly.

Watch out for irritants like poison ivy. It usually has recognizable triple-leaf clusters. However, poison sumac and poison oak tend to have more leaves and also need to be avoided. Keeping your skin completely covered when near these irritants can help prevent rashes. You should also carry some calamine lotion and allergy medication or antihistamines as a precaution.

Now that you are aware of some of the best tips you can get about camping, you are on your way to enjoying the outdoors with your family. Make use of the tips so you do not find yourself in a miserable trip that you wish you could get out of.