Many people around the world will tell you that they live for camping trips. Camping is something that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. But camping can be a bummer if you show up to your camping destination without at least a little knowledge, though. Read on to get yourself prepared!
Figure out your new gear before you go camping. The practice does really help. No one wants to get to the campground, only to find out that they don’t know how to use something or set up their own tent. Practice with your new gear before you ever set foot on the campground.
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.
Always bring along a well-stocked emergency kit when you head out on a camping trip. The content of this kit should be personalized to the type of camping you will be doing. You should bring things like a flare and antivenom as well, you never know what might happen.
Be sure to bring a supply of oranges with you on your trip; they are both healthy and keep mosquitoes away. After you have eaten the orange, rub the peel onto exposed body parts and this will repel any blood-sucking bugs.
While camping seems synonymous with a campfire, that campfire doesn’t necessarily have to be made from wood. In fact, it might be safer and easier to use a portable campfire unit powered by propane. For the most part, these units are permitted unless there is a fire ban in place. Marshmallows taste just as good from these units as they do over an open, wood-burning fire, too.
When you are camping, you should never eat anything unless you are absolutely certain of what it is. There is nothing worse than a strong case of stomach problems when you are far away from both medical attention and a toilet. It is recommended to only eat food that you bring.
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.
For your first camping trips, try to choose a place that you can drive to. If your car is nearby you can use it as a “fortress” of sorts when you are in the middle of nowhere. Not only can you enter it in case of wildlife attack; it can also protect you from the elements.
If you are camping for the first time, try to practice pitching a tent before your trip. This is a valuable camping skill to possess, especially when it can be done quickly. You don’t want to be out on your trip and not know how to put up a tent right away when the weather takes an unexpected turn.
If you are on a camping trip and forgot the bowls for stew, make your own from large plastic soda bottles that have been emptied. Just rinse the bottle and cut down the plastic to the depth you need. Lightly sand the edges to smooth out any rough spots and prepare to scoop up dinner!
Learn how to pitch your tent ahead of time. First-time tent pitching can take time, and you may get frustrated if your first time is at the actual campsite. If you practice doing this ahead of time, it will be a breeze to do once you get to your destination.
The best tip in camping is to decide where you are going to camp and who is going to camp with you before you go. You need to pack for everyone and make sure there are facilities available. If you add any additional people at the last minute, you need to add additional food and supplies for them.
You should bring food on your camping trips. You should plan out what and how many meals you plan on eating before going on your trip. As far as how much food you should bring, a good rule of thumb is to only carry the amount of food that you need to prepare your meals.
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.
Keep safety in mind on your camping trip. Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit along with the traditional bandaging supplies and antibiotic ointment. But throw into the mix some antihistamine for bug bites and bee stings, pain reliever, hand sanitizer and any other items that could come in handy in the outdoors.
It is important that you dress appropriately for the outdoors when you go on a camping trip. Dressing in layers is the key! This proves perfect when temperatures increase in the summertime, or cool down in the wintertime. Don’t forget to pack some rain gear in case the conditions turn wet.
Always ensure you have enough clean water. Water is the single most important thing our bodies need. Always carry enough bottled water with you, especially if you don’t have access to a spring. You could also try bringing along iodine packets to sanitize the water that you collect from the backcountry.
As mentioned previously, it’s important to have a little knowledge about camping. But you can now use the advice shared here with you to ensure that you are ready for any curve balls during your trip. Print out this information if you need to, and refer to it often. Have a great trip!
