Camping is an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Whether you're taking a family trip, or heading out to the wilderness with some close friends, camping can bond you to your loved ones like nothing else. However, there are many things to consider before venturing out on your next camping trip.
Select your sleeping bag with the weather, season and location of your trip in mind. A sleep bag designed for winter camping would make you sweat during the summer. If you are going to bring a light bag in the winter, you may end up freezing and having a miserable time. You might develop hypothermia.
Leave no trace of your outing at your campsite, for environmental reasons and as a courtesy to park officials who clean up and the next camping crew. Make sure all trash is picked up, you refill holes you may have dug and of course, that your campfire is completely out!
If you are traveling with children, consider staying at a campground that is specifically designated for families. Campers in these areas know what to expect and will not have an issue if you have a cranky toddler or your children want to run around, scream and play. You will probably be more relaxed as a result and have a better time.
Look up activities to engage in prior to getting to your destination. This will allow you to check for any deals that may be offered. Also, it will help you be more prepared when you actually get to your destination. You can find trails that may be appropriate for everyone in your family or restaurants that you would enjoy.
If you are going camping, be sure to have a first aid kit. There are certain things you'll need to include at certain locations (i.e. a snake bite kit.) However, there some basics you should always have with you. Having extras like anti-venom is a good defense for certain kinds of wildlife.
Learn to set up your tent prior to leaving on your trip. It will help you make sure that all of the parts are included and learn how to set it up right. In addition, it will eradicate a portion of the frustration often associated with erecting a new tent.
Consider taking a CPR and first aid class. This is especially important if young children are traveling with you. If something bad happens, you'll be able to take care of it because you'll know exactly what to do while waiting for a health professional to show up. Also remember to research other dangers near your camping location. You should be aware of the poisonous snakes, wild animals, etc., that inhabit the area.
Do not dump any type of food waste on the ground. This is a great way to attract unwanted bugs and animals. The best way to get rid of excess food waste is to dump all of it into the fire pit. It is also not a good idea to bury them.
It is important to have a flashlight when you camp, but make sure the batteries are fully charged. One way to be sure the batteries don't accidentally drain on the journey is to put them into the flashlight backwards. That way if the switch is accidentally engaged, they stay charged. Plus, you know where the batteries are.
One thing that many people forget to pack on a camping trip, and which quickly turns the trip into a nightmare is bug spray. This simple repellent will save you both annoyance and can protect your health as many types of bugs can do a great deal of damage to you quickly.
The best tip in camping is to decide where you are going to camp and who is going to camp with you before you go. You need to pack for everyone and make sure there are facilities available. If you add any additional people at the last minute, you need to add additional food and supplies for them.
If you don't like to drink water, you will be in real trouble on a long camping trip. Water is essential to staying hydrated, so if you really hate the taste, purchase some one-use lemonade and add it the wall tent shop to bottles of water. This will keep you hydrated throughout your adventure.
Do not forget your cooking supplies. You will need pots, pans, utensils and dishes to cook on and eat with. Make sure that you double-check to be sure that you have packed these supplies before you leave the house. You do not want to get all set up and ready to cook your first meal and find that you have left your pot at home.
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.
If you have more than three people camping with you, take along more than one tent. You are going to want to have some privacy at one time or another. The additional tent will make it possible to get some "me" time while at the camp site. It also gives you additional storage to keep animals out of your supplies.
If you are tenting, it is important that you seal any of the seams in your tent. If your tent doesn't have a tube, you can find easily find them. This will prevent rain or little critters from getting inside.
Don't ever use any kind of gasoline or fuels you'd use in your car to start a campfire. Making a campfire can be frustrating, especially in unfavorable elements, but you need to avoid making dangerous decisions. This can cause injury or death to you or the other campers. There are many safer ways to make a campfire, so try learning those methods before the trip.
The helpful advice in the article above will give you the confidence you need to feel safe and relaxed on your next camping trip. Knowing what to do makes it even more fun. Fortunately, you should now be prepared.
