Camping is a pastime that can be fun and educational for the entire family. In order to get the most out of your time communing with nature, you must take the time to learn as much about camping as possible. Read the tips that follow and you will be able to plan an adventure you will never forget.
You don’t have to be a boy scout to be prepared, if you plan to go camping. One of the first rules is to be sure to tell somebody where you will be. If there isn’t an exact location to give, then give a general idea of major roads nearby or even GPS coordinates if you know them and give a timeframe of when you plan to return.
Camping is definitely a fun time, but there might also be uninvited guests at your campsite. Who are these guests? Bugs! This is their environment and they like camping, too. Make sure you have bugged repellent with you to tell them to stay at their own campsite or to go visit other campers who weren’t quite as prepared as you were.
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.
Avoid any wildlife you may come into contact with. Bears have become a fairly large problem with campers. In some parks they have been known to rip open the trunk of a car to gain access to food. Raccoons are also a big problem in many campgrounds. Not only are they smart and can gain access to your food supplies easily, but they can carry disease as well.
A major mistake that campers make is they will get lost on occasion. Do not let this happen to you. If you are unfamiliar with the area you are camping in or if you are in a wilderness area, do not stray too far from your campsite. A portable GPS is an excellent investment if you are planning any kind of wilderness camping adventure.
You can make tasty meals even when you are camping. You do not necessarily need to eat just franks and beans or hamburgers. Pack a box with herbs and spices, olive oil, brown sugar or whatever else you like. You can fix meals that have flavor even when you are “roughing” it.
Bring everything that you will need before starting out on your camping trip. Forgetting your sleeping bag or food is not what you want to happen. Check to make sure you have everything you need with a check list prior to going on your trip.
When traveling to your camping destination, plan on stopping and having a meal when you’re near the campground, but before you actually arrive. Being well fed before arriving will ease frustrations if the campground is full, or if it takes longer to get your gear set up. Use this break to discuss your plans and to remind everyone of how to remain safe!
Bring bug spray. If you forget your bug spray on a camping trip, you will deeply regret it. Try a few different bug sprays ahead of time. Find something that works and doesn’t irritate your skin. You also want to make sure that it isn’t so greasy you’ll be unwilling to sleep in it.
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!
Do not approach any wild animals while you are camping. Something that may appear harmless and adorable could be incredibly territorial. Furthermore, be sure not to feed any animals, as doing so may lead to injuries. Avoid keeping any food inside of your tent to prevent animals from destroying your campsite. Keep it stored away safely or in a nearby tree.
Think about your clothing before your camping adventure. Be sure you have a lot of clean clothes that will last you your whole trip. Also, make sure you’re taking along clothes that work with whatever the weather will be where you are camping. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are considered essential footwear for any camping trip.
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.
You should carry a survival knife on your camping trips. This portable knife can be used for hunting, for protection, and for a signal if you need help. You need to carry one that is durable, so try to invest in a quality knife from an outdoor goods or camping store.
It’s a good idea to maintain hygiene when camping. Items like washcloths, sponges, bowls, biodegradable soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, baking soda, floss, and clean water can help you stay clean during your trip. You can also use hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, and cotton balls on non-sensitive areas. Don’t use anything with fragrances since they can attract bugs.
Always carry a first-aid kit with you while camping. It should include bandages, antibiotic ointment, wrap bandages for sprains and strains, and peroxide or alcohol for cleaning wounds. Scissors, tweezers and other small tools can be used to remove splinters or ticks. Antacids, over-the-counter pain medicines, and allergy medicines should also be included.
Nothing has the potential for creating lifetime memories quite like camping. Including your friends and family on your next outing can be a tremendous experience as long as you have a good grasp of camping fundamentals. By taking the concepts in the above article to heart, you will be prepared to experience the outdoors like an expert.
