Camping is a fun activity that allows you to spend time with family and friends. Surprisingly, many people never give it a try because they are intimidated by the prospect. It doesn’t have to be if you have the right tips. Continue reading to get some great camping guidance that can transform you into an enthusiastic camper in short order.
Always seek shelter before it is too dark to assess your surroundings. Once it grows black in the woods, you can have a hard time setting up your tent, preparing food, and getting adequate firewood. This is particularly true for those city-dwellers that are not used to pitch-black darkness. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.
Your sleeping bag should be seasonally appropriate. A winter bag for the summer will cause you to sweat all night. If you are going to bring a light bag in the winter, you may end up freezing and having a miserable time. You may even develop hypothermia.
While you may think that nature will offer up enough wood to keep your fire embers burning, it could quite possibly be wet wood that doesn’t really want to burn. Bringing some extra wood in a watertight wrapping is a smart idea for camping success.
Remember that your loved ones and possessions will get filthy. If you’re ready for this, it will bother you less when it happens. Enjoy the outdoors and get down and dirty. You can get clean when you get home.
Be sure your tent is big enough. Being stuffed into a tent can make it almost impossible to get any sleep, and you certainly do not want to be stepping on people if you have to get out during the night.
Check weather reports in the area you plan to camp in. You can visit http://www.weather.com to check the weather just about anywhere. Be sure to look at the 10 day forecast along with extended weather patterns. If you have the correct weather information, you will be better prepared with proper equipment and clothing.
Dryer lint makes surprisingly good kindling for starting campfires. Collect some lint from your clothes dryer to bring with you. Hang up a grocery bag beside your dryer and collect the lint in it. By doing this, you’ll be able to collect the kindling on the day you’re taking the trip.
Oranges can be used as a food source and a way to repel mosquitoes while you camp. After enjoying the sweet juicy fruit, use the inside of the peel to rub on skin for a chemical free insect repellant.
Your camp should be set up before the sun goes down. If you are in an RV, a safe parking spot should be found. If you have a tent, find dry, flat ground. Doing this before night comes around will let you become accustomed to your surroundings. You will be able to see a lot better, and this will make everything easier.
Bring along some interesting activities when planning a camping trip with kids. If you’re out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do, boredom will set in. They probably aren’t used to camping activities such as pitching a tent or fishing. Consider introducing your kids to these things in advance of your trip so they know how to do them and view them as fun.
Bringing a dog on your camping trip is fine as long as you bring a leash and keep a close eye on them. There are those who fear dogs. Respecting your fellow campers is essential when camping. Additionally, dogs are capable of damaging the camping area if you don’t keep a good eye on them.
It is extremely important to be properly equipped when you go camping. Omitting just an item or two can be calamitous. It is best to create a list a few weeks before your trip and to use it while packing. Be sure your list includes the tent and sleeping bags, as well as food items and personal hygiene items.
Don’t let your flashlight batteries get drained inadvertently. Your flashlight’s power switch can be easily turned on by mistake while you search through your bag. If you want to avoid draining your batteries, keep flashlights stored with backwards batteries in them. It will keep the power from draining from the batteries and have them easily installed when you need it.
Cell Phone
It is wise to leave a cell phone fully charged somewhere where you can reach it. Even better, try bring along some spare batteries in case your phone’s battery runs out. Your cell phone can help should an emergency arise.
As you can see, camping isn’t so difficult. Anyone can learn the tricks of the trade. Use the information above to make your next trip a wonderful one. Soon, you’ll find that you’re a camping expert, and you will be giving out advice to other novices you meet along the way!