Camping allows many people to experience the great outdoors while relaxing and forgetting about everything else. Camping can be a lot of fun, but it’s vital that you have some basic information to help make the trip go as planned. This article is full of valuable camping tips. Read ahead to find out more.
Purchase a quality tent. It can be tempting to score a good deal on a tent, but you want to find something that can hold both you, your family members and your belongings. Try visiting a store that specializes in outdoor gear. They tend to have well-made products that will last for a while.
When going camping, make sure that you bring the right sleeping bag with you. Some sleeping bags will not keep you warm when the temperature dips below 40 degrees, while others will have you sweating all night long because they are too hot. The label on the bag usually will tell you what kinds of temperatures are appropriate for each sleeping bag.
If you have a toddler, pack a blanket. You can lay it out on the ground and use it as a makeshift play area. Bring cars, dolls, or whatever items your child is into. They can play without getting too dirty and you can instruct them that they need to keep their toys on the blanket for safekeeping. This will help to keep things from getting too spread out.
When you decide to go camping you want to make sure that you bring a flashlight with some batteries. You want to be able to see in the middle of the night just in case you have to get up and go to the bathroom, or just to move around.
You need to maintain your cleanliness while camping. Good hygiene is difficult when you are camping sometimes, but you can keep yourself clean. A bottle of hand sanitizer is excellent to have so you can clean hands before eating. You can also use rubbing alcohol on areas of your body that are not sensitive. A mild biodegradable soap and a sponge can be used to take mini-baths when water resources are low.
Review your health insurance policy. You might need a new policy if you go to another state. This becomes even more important if your camping trip takes you to another country. Always be prepared.
Get everything you need ready for your meals before you get to your campsite. If you are only camping for a few days, this initial trip to the store should be all that you need to do. Stock up on nonperishable items, too. You don’t want you or your family members to be hungry on your trip.
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.
If you will be camping somewhere that is very far away from civilization, then make sure you have told several people where you will be as well as how long you are intending to stay. Ask them to call you on the day you are supposed to return to ensure your safety.
If your intended camping destination is known for its prowling wildlife, take more than enough precautions to secure food. This means wrapping things up tightly, keeping them far from your tent, and avoiding some types of food completely. Doing so will lessen your chances for an attack.
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.
You need to make sure you have everything you need when you go camping. Just neglecting to include a thing or two can completely ruin the outing. Creating a checklist of all the things you need can help you. The most basic requirements are a tent, water, sleeping bag, an all-purpose knife, food, matches and soap.
Duct tape can be a camper’s very best friend. When disaster strikes on a camping trip, a roll of heavy-duty duct tape will usually save the day. If the tent fabric needs patching in the rain, duct tape will hold back the water. When tent poles need reinforcing, the duct tape will provide support. Do you have holes in your tennis shoes? Duct tape right over it. Whatever the mishap, a roll of duct tape is sure to help!
Take pictures of your children with you when you camp. This is the perfect tool in case you can’t find them during the trip. Make sure you bring one for emergencies, especially if you are camping far from home.
Think carefully when you pack. Have a checklist on hand and cross your items off the list as you add them to your pack. That is essential if you are going far away to a remote site and unable to get first aid items and other necessary things.
If children will be coming along on a camping trip, be sure to pack several items to keep them entertained during down-times and after dark. Playing cards, board games, paper and crayons and story books will keep them from being bored long after the campfire has been put out.
Pack an emergency repair kit for your tent. You can get them at any camping supply shop. These kits will make it easy for you to repair rips, broken poles and failing zippers. The last thing you want while camping is to have your tent fail and not have the tools and supplies to fix it.
Your trip can be a great one if you want it to be. Camping can help you rediscover yourself and learn more about you. Use the tips you have just read to plan a fun and exciting camping trip for your family and friends.