It is hard to dispute the immense enjoyment people from so many walks of life derive from camping. To truly maximize your next camping adventure, you will need to possess a good number of valuable tricks and tips. The article that follows is chock full of useful information sure to help make your time in the great outdoors a huge success.
Research any potential campground well. They all have different amenities. Some may have showers and bathrooms, while others may not. There are even a few campgrounds that are quite fancy, with onsite miniature golf games or water parks. You may not need or want all that, so figure it out ahead of time so that you are not disappointed when you get there.
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.
When you go camping, be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Walking in wooded areas, you can come across almost anything; not to mention things can fall on your feet. You may also want to take a hike. So the next time you go out camping, make sure to wear shoes that can go everywhere you want to go.
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.
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.
Unless you are going to be spending a significant amount of time camping, buying expensive sleeping bags is really unnecessary. Even if your old and musty sleeping bag is rated for below freezing temperatures, it is excellent padding for the ground even when it is hot outside and you will feel comfortable sleeping on it.
If you are new to camping and you are going without a more practiced friend, you should consider staying in a campground rather than camping in the wilderness. This will help you to learn the basics of camping while still having basic infrastructure and friendly people around you in case of emergency.
Before you even leave your camping trip, try practicing pitching a tent in your backyard or some other open space. People do not know how difficult pitching a tent can be; you do not want to get to camp and realize you have no idea what you are doing. Practice makes perfect!
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.
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.
When looking into a campground, inquire about the different fees they may charge. You may find that you are charged for water, electric, fire wood and additional campers. Learning the fees ahead of time will allow you to properly budget for your camping trip. It will help you avoid becoming stressed at the gates and ruining your trip.
Wear layered clothing to manage your body temperature. When camping, it is a hassle to have to change clothing when temperatures suddenly rise or drop. However, if you layer your clothing, you will be able to quickly and easily peel off or put on layers of clothing as the need arises.
Especially if you live in a hotter climate, you need to make sure you know how to get ice. Ice melts rather fast, and you’re going to need more. Sometimes you can buy ice at the campsite, or sometimes at a store, but there are times when ice isn’t so close to where you’re camping.
Be thankful for your opportunity of camping on your campsite by cleaning up more trash than you brought in. This is an excellent method of showing appreciation and being polite to other campers who will be using the site. Pick up all your mess, and pick up a few pieces of other litters that is not yours. If everyone were to follow your example, the great outdoors would be a cleaner place for all.
Make sure that duct tape is part of your supply arsenal while camping. Tents are pretty durable, but they still have the tendency to get weathered and torn. Having some duct tape can help you repair many things that unexpectedly tear or break.
Pack glow sticks. It gets dark out in nature. If you’re just waking up in the middle of the middle of the night, the light from a flashlight or lantern can be too harsh. Bring glow sticks and keep them in an easily accessible location. These will provide a softer light.
The array of individuals who enjoy camping is surprisingly diverse. The common link that connects all experienced, skilled campers is their advanced level of knowledge on the topic. Heed the recommendations contained in the piece above, and you can join the ranks of seasoned campers who find the experience to be among the very best on earth.
