No matter where you camp, you will have a better time when you are prepared. Keep this advice in mind after reading about camping! You will most likely appreciate this information.
Survival Kit
Make sure you have a survival kit with you during your entire camping trip. Your survival kit needs to have water-purifying tablets, a type of survival knife, a first-aid kit, a flare gun, and waterproof matches. If you were to get lost or were put in an emergency situation, the survival kit will be of great help. Always keep it nearby and never leave it behind at the campsite.
Check the weather updates for the camping site that you choose to go to. There are several websites that will give you the weather forecast for the week. This way you will know what type of clothing to pack and the equipment you need.
If you are taking kids camping, have them eat a “jungle breakfast.” Tie up small boxes of juice, cereal and food to a tree. Then, have the kids go on a hunt for their breakfast when they awaken. This is a fun way to bring excitement to the morning.
Don’t miss the opportunity to add swimming activities to your next camping trip. When you go camping, you can miss out on things like showers. Cool water can give you a feeling of exhilaration that may help you to miss your shower at home much less.
A surprising tip you may not know about is that the lint from your dryer also doubles as great kindling for your camp fire. Before you go camping, start saving lint from the dryer’s filter. Keep a used grocery bag on your laundry room door to collect the lint. The morning of your departure, all you need to do is grab the bag and depart, kindling sorted!
Research the area you are planning to camp in and familiarize yourself with its particular dangers. You should know if there are deadly spiders found there, or if sheer cliffs or flash floods occur there. There are natural hazards associated with every camping area.
Your children will love to join you on your camping trip, but be sure to plan some fun activities for them. Do not let the absence of TV and video games lead them to complain that they are bored. They have probably never fished or set up tents. If they have not spent much time outdoors, show them the basics before you leave.
You need to take things to entertain yourself during your camping trip. For instance, card games, fishing poles and footballs will help to ensure that you have a fun time in the woods. This is especially important if you are bringing children, as they tend to bore easily.
If the area you are camping in is known for dangerous wildlife, you will need to be doubly careful with food storage. Keep all food items wrapped tightly and securely away from your tent. Some kinds of foods should be avoided altogether. Making sure to do this, will lessen any chance of a wild animal attack.
As you set up your campsite, choose an area that is as smooth and as level as possible for the location of your tent. A sloped and/or rocky area will make any time spent inside the tent very uncomfortable. Always put a tarp down on the ground first so that water can’t get in and ruin the tent.
Beef jerky and trail mix are great foods to bring on your camping trip. By nightfall, you may be too exhausted to prepare a campfire and cook, and having the quick, nutritious foods will really come in handy. Also, these foods keep well so if you don’t eat them, you can enjoy them later.
Figure out how to use a compass and read a map in advance. You can get lost in the woods even if you have been to the area before. To avoid a potential tragedy, carry a map and compass with you.
When erecting your tent, ensure that all of the tent’s seams are sealed. If sealant was not included in your tent, visit your local sporting goods store to purchase some. The seals keep water and pests from entering your tent.
It’s important to clean the campsite you used when it’s time to leave. Be sure to bring plenty of garbage bags to put your trash in when you cleanup. Take any leftover food with you. The only things you should really be leaving behind at your campsite are your footprints.
Try not to set up your tent near the bathroom for obvious reasons. While it may be convenient, it can also be annoying. While you can use the bathroom area for lighting, it also is an attraction point for a lot of people. Consequently, campers that pitch their tents near communal campsite bathrooms have neither the convenience nor the comfort that they may have expected.
Food safety should be maintained while you are on your trip. Keep food in containers that can’t get water in them, and bags that are airtight. Keep your food in coolers that are insulated. Cooked foods should always be kept away from raw foods so they don’t become contaminated. Always wash any food surfaces, as well as your hands. Use antibacterial soap to wash and follow with sanitizer. Also, be sure that all food is fully cooked and that any leftovers are chilled as soon as possible.
Camping is a great activity for everyone. By applying the tips here, you can prepare a camping trip that is fun even for those who claim they would not enjoy it. Get to know what there is to offer from camping and plan out your next trip soon.