As far as summer recreation goes, camping can be a truly fun activity for the whole family. Kids will learn to love nature and adults can get a breath of fresh air away from the city life. This article will focus on some wonderful tips that can make your next camping trip a success!
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.
If you are going on a camping adventure, make sure you have enough time to set up camp before dark. It can be extremely difficult to set up camp in the dark and possibly unsafe. You need to be able to scout the terrain, prepare bedding, and possibly build some temporary shelter prior to the sun going down.
Make sure your tent is of ample size. This will ensure you are able to comfortably move around without disturbing people you are sharing your tent with.
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.
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.
No matter if you are going camping alone, or with a huge group, you need to always bring along an emergency kit. This kit must include the basics for the event of an emergency. Be sure to do your research and bring along any location-specific items you will need.
Choose your campsite carefully. The location in which you’re camping can make all the difference. Do plenty of research before you make any plans. What is the weather like? Does the campsite have specific rules? How crowded will the campsite be? Poor planning can make for a miserable camping experience.
Are you the proud owner of your first tent and a beginner at the art of camping? So, practice setting up your tent and taking it down before you leave home. This will allow you take an inventory of all the necessary equipment needed to set up the tent. This is ideal, as even if you end up at your campsite while the sunlight is fading you will be able to quickly set up your camp.
In this modern age, there is no excuse for being in the woods without some form of communication ability. Of course, no one likes to receive phone calls when they are relaxing, so leave your phone off but fully charged, just in case there is an emergency, and you need to contact someone.
Come prepared before you go camping. It is important to be prepared for certain situations. However, your plans never unfold exactly how you want them. There are many things that can go wrong, including illness, injury or extreme weather conditions. You need to pay attention to what you’re doing, avoid unnecessarily risky behavior, and think before you act whether you are in a crisis or a normal camping situation.
Pack lanterns, flashlights and extra batteries when you go camping. Even after the sun is gone, you may need to see. Light can also help to illuminate the wildlife that is around you. It is a great idea to bring one flashlight for each person, especially when camping with children.
Whenever you’re choosing a sleeping bag, pick one out that’s for the climate you’re in. For example, if you are going camping during the summer months, you will probably want a lightweight sleeping bag, so that your body does not overheat during the night. However, if it is winter, a thicker sleeping bag will be needed so you won’t freeze during the night.
Plan enough activities to keep everyone busy the entire time. There is more to camping than fires and smores. Get creative with your trip and plan activities that appeal to all members of your family. Make sure to plan some fun for even the youngest members of your group.
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.
Use an old shower curtain as a camping tarp. The next time you switch out your shower curtain, save the old one and you can use it when you go camping. Tarps, or old shower curtains can be used for many things. You can put it under your tent or use it to keep you dry should it rain.
Make a list of what to bring on your camping trip ahead of time. Planning ahead will save you the hassles of last-minute shopping. It will also ensure that you don’t forget any essentials. You don’t want to arrive at your campsite to discover you’ve forgotten your cookware, knives or soap.
If you feel as though you are an advanced camper and what to add a challenge back into the activity, you can look into wilderness survival. This is quite difficult; however, and should just be undertaken by the most advanced camper. This type of trip means only eating food that you catch or find yourself!
As you have read, there is plenty of advice that can help you improve the quality of your camping trip. Millions of people go camping each year, may it be in their own back yards or in an exotic location. Use what you have learned from this article in order to ensure a safe and fun camping trip!
