If camping is something that you have never done, you have no idea what you are missing out on. Mother Nature has a way of relaxing even the most stressed soul. If you want to camp, then now is the time, more than ever, to get to it.
When camping, get your shelter squared away before nightfall. You do not want to be stuck trying to put your tent together or finding a safe location for the tent when it’s pitch black outside. This is particularly true for those city-dwellers that are not used to pitch-black darkness. Try to avoid setting up after the sun sets.
Sleeping Bag
Buy a sleeping bag which will suit the weather you will be in. If you bring a sub-zero sleeping bag to go camping in mid-summer, you might find that you are sweating all night long. On the other hand, you don’t want a lightweight summer sleeping bag if you’re going to be out in the frigid temperatures of wintertime. You might even contract hypothermia.
You will get dirty. While baby wipes can be used to help for some level of cleanliness, expect that people will get dirty. Be ready for it and accept it. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. You can clean up when you get back home.
Learn proper first aid. In case of an accident, you will know what to do until medical help arrives. You should also do some research. Be aware of the potential for poisonous snakes, wild animals and other possible wildlife dangers.
Make sure to see what the weather forecast is for the town you are camping in. You may even be able to find a website that gives you a general idea of the normal weather patterns in that area. When you know what the weather is going to be like ahead of time, you can pack the appropriate clothing and equipment.
Incorporate swimming into your camping trip. When camping, home showers can seem like a luxury. Swimming is a great way to rinse off and can take the place of your daily shower.
Dryer lint makes surprisingly good kindling for starting campfires. In order to have enough lint to start a fire, begin collecting it a month prior to your trip. Simply use a plastic grocery sack to collect each new crop of lint. That way, it will be convenient to just grab it at put it in your car at the last minute.
Oranges are not only a healthy snack to take on a camping trip, but they are also versatile when used as a mosquito repellent. Rubbing orange peels on your body will function as a perfect insect repellent.
Duct tape is important to pack because it can be used for a good bit of things. It works quickly in a pinch for tent holes, inflatables with leaks, shoes with worn soles, securing the tent to its pole, sealing up your mosquito netting and many, many more things.
Kids generally love camping, but plan some activities for them ahead of time. They could get bored out in the woods and away from the things they use to entertain themselves regularly. They probably aren’t used to camping activities such as pitching a tent or fishing. Take the time to teach them these skills before the trip, especially if they don’t spend a great deal of time outdoors.
It’s important to talk with you kids about the dangers of camping. 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.
Armed with the proper information, you can now begin to plan your next adventure. You will be one of the best campers around with the information you’ve learned. This is the best way to ensure your experience is a fun adventure that you want to repeat over and over again.