Many people have the misconception that camping is a miserable experience that involves nothing but bug bites, bad food and boredom. Your camping trip doesn’t have to be a letdown. If you plan well, it is possible to have fun, eat well and keep bugs away. You can learn more about how to have a good camping trip by reading this article.
Be sure to know the recent conditions of where you will be staying. For example, you will want to know if the area will be dry enough to find suitable firewood. It’s always recommended that you bring extra wood and keep it where it won’t get wet.
Prior to heading out, be sure you are aware of the forecast for your destination. You may even be able to find a website that gives you a general idea of the normal weather patterns in that area. Armed with the forecast, you can prepare yourself with appropriate clothing and camping gear.
Make sure that you understand the dangers and risks of the camping site that you choose. For example, there might be poisonous spiders or dangerous trails. Make sure you take these dangers into consideration before you leave.
Talk to your children about the dangers of camping before heading out on your trip. You can all get together and check out pictures of various plants that are hazardous so they can learn what they can’t touch when they’re looking around.
Try to find a campsite that is closer to your house for your convenience when on your first trip. There may be unforeseen issues that you never considered they may force you to cut the trip short. Novice campers sometimes don’t pack enough food or clothing, which is a problem if they are far away. A lot of issues can happen to those camping the first time, so camp not too far away on your initial adventure.
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 campers who do not like dogs. Respecting others at the campsite is vital. Also, because it is a new territory, dogs can get into trouble and cause damage to the site if not supervised.
Living off the land is part of camping, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go prepared. A sleeping bag is a must, and extra blankets should also be considered. If the temperature drops at night, you can use the blankets for warmth, or as padding, too.
Don’t take your eyes of children while camping. It is easy for children to get lost, and cars often come and go. An accident can occur quickly, so it is important to be vigilant.
If you’re taking along the kids, pack current pictures of them. In the unfortunate event of an accident, this will help you have some form of identification for seeking assistance. A picture should be carried anytime you are away from home, but even more importantly when camping in the woods.
Bring a good utility knife when you camp. These pieces of equipment are quite versitile and can get you out of a lot of bad situations.
Charge your cellular phone to maximum capacity before you leave on your trip. Even better, tote an extra battery in case your first one dies. In the event of an emergency, you will need your cell to call out for help, so this item is very important.
Bring toilet paper along when you travel. Many camping trips involve trees as toilets. You do not want to use leaves to wipe yourself, as they may contain poison ivy, so take your toilet paper with you.
Do not set your camp near a bathroom. Although this seems like a logical choice for them, soon they discover otherwise. Bathrooms are a source of light, and they are also high traffic areas. Therefore they can be more of a nuisance than anything else.
Make sure that all food brought along on a camping trip is preserved and prepared properly. Put your food in waterproof containers. Store your food in an insulated cooler. Keep food contamination low by separating raw and cooked foods. Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer before you prepare your food. Cook all food to safe temperatures, and chill foods as soon as they cool down.
Dressing in layers helps when you are camping. Outdoor weather is subject to rapid and extreme change. Your day may start out with a chill and then warm up to a hot humid afternoon. The evenings can then turn cold again. You’ll need to have layers of clothes so that you can adjust to the weather as it changes throughout the day.
Plan what you will do from the time you arrive until you leave to make your trip fun. Camping trips shouldn’t only be about roasting marshmallows and building a campfire. Try to be creative and do some activities that every family member can have fun with. Take everyone into consideration when you’re making your camping trip plans.
Now that you have read the above article, you know there are ways to have a blast while camping. Apply what you’ve learned here to your next camping trip. The information can help you enjoy your time instead of fighting with nature during your stay.