Is nature calling to you? You can get the most enjoyment out of it if you plan ahead and learn the best approaches. The next time you go camping, make sure you utilize all of these tips to your benefit.
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.
Always set up a new tent once at home before taking it camping. This will ensure that your tent is not missing pieces and that you understand how to set up your tent correctly. It can reduce the frustration that you could experience setting up the tent as well.
A bandanna or handkerchief should be brought along with you. You can use that piece of material for many purposes, such as holding a hot pot, cleaning surfaces, etc. It is very versatile, so be sure you take one with you every time you go camping.
When collecting wood for a campfire, focus on three different sizes: the finger-size wood, that will catch fire right away, the arm-size wood that will keep it going, and the leg-size wood that will allow you to keep the fire going for a long time. Getting different sizes of wood helps you to start the fire and keep it going.
Consider purchasing inexpensive walkie-talkies to take with you on your next camping trip to provide a way to keep in touch with everyone in your party in areas where cell phone reception may not be available. This can be especially important if you are camping with children and need to keep track of their whereabouts.
Make sure you have a suitable water source. Even if you bring water with you, plan to need more water and know where you will be able to get more. It is a good idea to know where your water source will be before you go camping at all, but surely right after you arrive.
When taking children camping, you must make sure they understand camping hazards. Get online with them and show them what poison ivy, poisonous snakes, and other dangers look like. This will help your kids know what to avoid when exploring.
Camping is fun, and camping with kids can be even more fun, but certain precautions need to be made for these little campers. Take plenty of extra clothes for them, because they will get dirty and wet. It’s important they don’t stay in wet clothes, because it’s possible, it could result in hypothermia. This goes for adults, too.
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.
Before setting out on your next camping trip, check out your first aid kit. If there are any items that are missing, replace them. If any of the ointments or medications are low in quantity, remove them and replace them will a new package. Check the expiration date on topical ointments and medications and replaced any that are outdated.
You need to carry water that is clean if you will not have access to a safe spring or to clean tap water when you’re camping. You can either carry your own water in bottles or bring some iodine with you to sanitize nearby water. You can also use a water filter or boil water for around 10 minutes.
A polite thing you can do for the campers who follow you is leaving wood for them. Think about how difficult it can be to find some wood if there is none on the campsite, especially when it is dark. So, be courteous to others and leave as much wood as you can.
Recreational camping is not just for warm weather. If you are feeling especially adventurous, you can go camping in early spring and late fall at most camping grounds. You can even camp in the snow if you have the right gear. Make sure your sleeping bags are suitable for whatever weather you are camping in.
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.
When setting up a tent, be sure its seams are all sealed. If your tent doesn’t have it, you may purchase a tube at a sporting goods store. This will prevent rain or little critters from getting inside.
On your next camping trip, take along some empty prescription bottles. These can be used to store a lot of small items for a low price. One good use of them is to help keep your matches safe and dry. The matches will fit in perfectly, and they are fairly leak-proof, so you won’t have to worry about the contents when it rains.
Instead of buying an expensive tarp, you can use a shower curtain you planned to discard. You could also use the curtain as a cooking base or any place you need to control run-off. Don’t throw away a shower curtain; use it for your next camping trip.
For those who know what they are doing, camping is a truly great experience. You must research before you can plan for the perfect camping trip. If you keep the advice featured in this article in the forefront of your mind, you are only a few steps away from erecting your own tent and enjoying the camping adventure of a lifetime.
