If you are thinking of taking the trip of a lifetime, you should consider camping as one of your vacation ideas. It does not matter if you are thinking of hiking the Appalachian Trail or going to the local campground, the memories of your camping trip will last a life time. Use these tips to help ensure you have a safe and exciting adventure.
If you are camping at a public campground, make sure you pack shower shoes for everyone in your party. Not only will they protect your feet from the bacteria on the shower floor, but they are great for those nighttime runs to the bushes when you need to use the restroom. They can be old flip flops, Crocs, or even slip-ons.
If you are going backcountry camping, you should probably carry a snake bite kit in your gear. The best snake bite kits are the ones that use suction. Some kits have scalpels and blood flow constrictors in them. Scalpels can actually cut the poison into the blood stream faster, and constrictors can be deadly if not used properly.
Get everyone involved in choosing a campsite. This will make everyone feel invested. The options are plenty, so do your research! Narrow down your top choices and let your entire family decide.
Read up on your medical insurance. Out-of-state traveling will sometimes require additional coverage. This is even more of a factor if you travel to another country to go camping, like Canada. It is essential to be prepared in case of emergency.
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.
You don’t have to entirely rough it. Bring a little piece of luxury from home. Take something like creamer for your coffee or a chocolate candy bar. A small luxury that reminds you of home can be uplifting.
Be sure to bring a supply of oranges with you on your trip; they are both healthy and keep mosquitoes away. When you get through eating an orange, rub the peel on exposed skin to keep pesky bugs away.
Collect more wood than you think you are going ot need. Unless you go camping every day, you probably don’t have an accurate idea of what “enough wood” actually looks like. You can always leave the extra wood in a pile as a gift for anyone that uses the campsite after you.
Find all of your equipment and start packing well in advance of your trip. You never want to forget something important, like a tent or your sleeping bag. Make sure you check for the items you need, and create a list before leaving to be certain you have everything you want.
Giving yourself enough time to enjoy your camping trip is key. Plan out your trip far in advance and get a couple of days off from work if possible. You want to enjoy yourself camping for at least a few days, that way you feel like you got the full experience out of it.
If you bring a dog with you to go camping, keep it leashed up and keep an eye on it. Your neighboring campers may be afraid of dogs. You should respect your fellow campers in the area. Also, dogs have the potential to wreck your campsite, or that of someone else, if they are allowed to run loose.
If you are camping outdoors instead of in a travel trailer or RV, it is important to dress in (or carry with you) layers of clothing. While on a camping trip, temperatures can fluctuate widely. The easiest and most effective method to control your body temperature is through adding and removing layers of clothing. Having layers of clothing also protects you from bug bites.
When you find your camping spot, put the tent up on top of the patch of ground that is flattest and softest. If you select a bumpy or slanted area, you will have an uncomfortable experience in your tent. A tarp should be laid on the ground before the tent is set up to keep moisture out.
Create a list of items you need for your camping trip. If the campgrounds are located at fair distance from your home, then this step will be crucial. Start getting things together a couple of days before you plan to leave, and check things off the list as you pack them.
It is perfectly normal to set a budget for your overall camping trip. Sit down and make a plan of what you must spend on your entire trip. Make sure you factor in the campground costs, gasoline prices as well as food and any other materials you will need to purchase. This will ensure that you don’t spend more than you have on your trip.
A Frisbee is a great toy to take for entertainment when camping. It is easy to pack and fun. But in addition to its use as a game, it is also a great way to strengthen a paper plate. Just place the plate into the middle of the Frisbee at meal times and the plate will not collapse no matter how big your hamburger.
If you have other people sleeping nearby your campsite, do not bother them by leave your awning lights on during the entire night. Instead, use a timer that you can set to turn the lights off after a certain time period. By doing this, you won’t bother others with your lights.
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.
Camping is a great experience that anyone can get involved in. As you can see, camping is a great adventure that can be fun and exciting for the entire family. If you utilize these tips, you will be able to ensure a successful adventure that your whole family enjoys.
