While you may think that getting deep into the woods or mountains is easy, it’s important to have some making information in mind before you go for the sake of your safety. Use the advice here to help your next trip go off without a hitch.
Find where you will camp before sunset. Once it gets dark outside, figuring out how to set up a tent, finding wood and making food may become impossible. Those that live in urban areas find this to be the case even more than those that are used to pitch black darkness. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.
Keep in mind that you, your family, and everything you take with you is probably going to be dirty. Being prepared for the inevitable is the best way to avoid unneeded stress. Allow yourself to be improper, messy and just “let go” while outside. You can get clean when you return home.
Be sure your insurance policy is up-to-date before leaving for your camping trip. You may need additional coverage in case you have an accident in a different state. This is especially important if your camping destination is in Canada or another country. It is essential to be prepared in case of emergency.
Try to go swimming when you are camping. Any time you go camping, you are likely to miss taking a shower. The coolness of water while swimming is refreshing on hot days, and it helps you to clean yourself. You might not miss the shower after all!
You can easily start a campfire with lint from the dryer. Start collecting the lint from your dryer’s filter about a month before you go on your trip. Keep a used grocery bag on your laundry room door to collect the lint. This is a good way to have kindling ready when it is time to go.
You should bring a small, luxurious item along with you to help keep your mood up. Regardless of how authentic you want your experience to be, this can help. It can be something as simple as your favorite pillow or coffee creamer. These small treats for yourself can really boost morale.
Kids like camping, but they need structured activities. When you are in the woods with nothing around but trees, they may become bored. They may not be used to thing like fishing and pitching a tent. Spend a day teaching them what they need to know before you leave for your trip.
If you bring a dog with you to go camping, keep it leashed up and keep an eye on it. Some people are afraid of dogs. Respecting your fellow campers is essential when camping. Furthermore, dogs could cause a lot of damage to your campsite, or someone else’s, if they are not properly supervised.
Take some things to entertain yourself while in the wild. Bring card and board games, proper attire for hiking or swimming, books (if you want quiet time) and any fishing or birding gear that you may need. Children often complain that they’re bored wherever they go, so bring along as many items as you can think of to keep them entertained.
If you are camping deep in the woods, take extra care with your food. Wrap your food up tight and keep it far away from seeing areas. Making sure to do this, will lessen any chance of a wild animal attack.
Living off the land is part of camping, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go prepared. Bring extra blankets along with your sleeping bag. They can be very handy when the evening temperatures drop. If not needed for warmth, they can be extra padding from the solid ground beneath.
When you reach your campsite, pitch your tent on the softest, most level ground you can locate. If you pick a spot that is rocky or has a slope to it, you will be uncomfortable when you are inside your tent. A tarp underneath your tent is handy as it can help keep water from entering.
Avoid Draining
Be sure to avoid draining your flashlight’s batteries on your camping trip. You can easily turn on the flashlight while searching through bags and equipment. If you want to avoid draining your batteries, keep flashlights stored with backwards batteries in them. This will ensure they do not drain if the flashlight is accidentally turned on.
Pack extra flashlights and plenty of batteries for your camping trip. You will surely find it necessary to illuminate things once night falls. Having that extra light source might help to prevent a fall or accident, or even getting lost in the woods. If you’re taking kids along with you, give each one of them a flashlight.
A camping trip is much less intimidating when you are properly prepared. These tips will help you to enjoy your next trip in safety.