Camping has become extremely popular, thanks in part to it being featured on reality television. If you are one of these people and you want some tips and strategies on how to have a fun and safe camping adventure, continue reading for some great advice.

It’s imperative that you pitch your tent before the sun goes down. Once the sky becomes dark, finding a good spot for your tent, necessary firewood and food preparation become near impossible. This is very true if you’re used to being in a city where there isn’t any darkness ever. Avoid this circumstance entirely by securing your accommodations ahead of time.

Pre-cool your ice chest by filling it with loads of ice, at least six hours prior to departure. When you are about to leave, pack up your refrigerated cooled drinks and block ice, not cubed. Popping room temp beverages will take up valuable ice-life, and the cubes will melt much quicker than a block!

A big concern with many people who go camping is the bugs. Do not get stuck in the middle of nowhere without having some sort of bug repellant. Check your surroundings before setting up camp for any wasp nests or ant hills that could cause you problems. Wear long pants and long-sleeved whenever possible and inspect yourself for ticks occasionally.

With camping, comes the campfire. Make sure your campfire is in an open space and far enough away from brush or trees so you don’t run the risk of a stray spark catching them on fire. Surround the fire with stones to help keep it contained. Most importantly, never leave any campfire unattended. If you need to leave for any reason, make sure the campfire is extinguished completely.

Make sure you plan out your route in advance of your trip. Look to see if there are any special places that you can stop at along the way. It will make the drive much more enjoyable and you may have a lot of fun in the process. Granted, you may need to get to your destination quickly, but if you have time, taking the scenic route is worth it.

Make a list of things you need to take with you before you go camping. You may think you are great at packing, but little else is worse than being out in the middle of the woods and realizing you forgot your allergy medication. Sit down and create a comprehensive list of everything you might need during the week before your camping trip.

Carry a handkerchief or bandanna while camping. In emergencies, such cloth can turn into a towel, a potholder or a piece of luggage. This is an essential item that does not cost a lot of money and can provide a lot of benefits.

Remember to pack a camera. There are some memories you’re going to want to capture on your camping trip. Bring along a small camera that can fit in your pocket. Try to pack something durable that could stand getting dropped or becoming a bit wet. Consider using a disposable camera.

Your camp should be set up before the sun goes down. Quickly locate a good parking place if you’ve brought along an RV. When using a tent, choose a dry flat location. Doing so before nightfall will allow you to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. It will also make it easier to see what you’re doing, saving you a lot of frustration.

Save space in your bag by leaving mixing spoons and containers behind, and instead just bring plastic zip-lock bags. Place the foods or liquids that you want to mix in the bag, and ensure that the zipper is well closed before mixing. Not only do the bags take up considerably less space than bowls and spoons, but they’re much more lightweight as well!

If a pet accompanies you to the campground, do not just let him or her run free. There are those who fear dogs. Respecting others at the campsite is vital. Also, your pet could be destructive to other people’s belongings.

Before you head out for your camping trip, be sure that you take the time to practice setting up your tent. You do not want to get yourself frustrated at the site. Setting the tent up the second time will be much easier than it was the first time around.

Be mindful of the environment when you go camping. Whatever you carry into a campsite, make sure that you remove it when you leave. This will eliminate litter and protect the natural environment. Before leaving, the area you have inhabited should be as clean as you would want it if you were just arriving to camp there that day.

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.

One great piece of equipment to carry while camping is a spare utility knife. Utility knives are a fantastic to bring along when camping because they have so many uses. Be sure you have one with you and another for backup in your gear in case one gets lost.

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.

Always check the weather forecast before you go camping so that you know what kind of clothing you will need. You could be very cold if a front blow through, and you did not pack jackets and blankets. In addition, consider packing some rain ponchos in case any storm’s blow through.

Having fun when camping involves knowledge and skill. As of now, you should be prepared for anything that may happen. This knowledge can help to relieve many of your fears so you can get the utmost enjoyment out of your camping trip.