There are very few activities that one can engage in that will give one the same great feelings that one will experience during a camping adventure. It provides you with the ability to get back to nature, enjoy some fresh air and see the majestic qualities of the outdoor world. If the idea of going camping thrills you, here are a few helpful ideas to get you started in the right direction.
It’s imperative that you pitch your tent before the sun goes down. Once things go dark, you will find it very hard to erect a tent, locate wood and cook a meal. This is particularly the case for city slickers who are unaccustomed to darkness. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.
Let everyone of your family members have a say on where to go camping. Discuss which state you wish to visit. Choosing one can be really hard in the United States, given how many places there are to go! If it is easier, select a few of your personal favorites and then let the entire family vote.
Don’t be afraid to over-pack for your children. Camping can be dirty. Kids simply love to get dirty. Your kids may become filthy as the day goes on. While there is nothing you can do about that, you can have some extra clothing just in case. Be ready for anything.
If you’ve brought the kids along, feed them a “jungle” breakfast. Bring several, small boxes of easy-to-fix foods, such as cereals, fruits, snacks, and other quick, yet healthy, meals. When the children awake, tell them that they have to “hunt” to get breakfast. This is a wonderful way to add fun to their camping enjoyment.
Dryer lint can be used as kindling for starting your campfire. Start collecting the lint from your dryer’s filter about a month before you go on your trip. Simply use a plastic grocery sack to collect each new crop of lint. Using this for your kindling will save you time looking for it, and it will work even better than any kindling that you do find.
Even in a remote site where you plan on roughing it, you can enhance your camping trip with a small piece of luxury. It can be something as simple as your favorite pillow or coffee creamer. Such little luxuries will really pick up your spirits!
Always become familiar with the potential dangers of a campsite before you enter it. For example, there might be poisonous spiders or dangerous trails. Many camping areas pose some dangers.
Bring along supplies to keep you entertained in the great outdoors. For instance, card games, fishing poles and footballs will help to ensure that you have a fun time in the woods. If you are bringing children on your trip, you should bring a few more entertainment supplies than you think you’ll need.
Camping Trip
Flashlights, lanterns and a few extra batteries must be taken for every camping trip. After the sun sets, the night can be very dark and sources of light are a necessity. Make sure areas are well-lit to avoid falls or animal issues. If you have kids with you on your camping trip, hand each of them a flashlight.
If your kids are going camping with you, have a photo of them on you. In the unfortunate event of an accident, this will help you have some form of identification for seeking assistance. Keep pictures of your children on you when ever you are far from home.
Try to keep your cell phone completely charged. Or, bring an extra battery just in case your battery dies. Your cell phone is the best piece of emergency equipment you have so make sure it doesn’t die on you.
When erecting your tent, ensure that you are able to seal all seams. You can get a tube of sealant at a sporting goods store if you didn’t get any with your tent. This ensures not only rain, but also critters, are kept from your tent.
Food poisoning afflicts many campers annually, since they don’t pack their food right. Foods should be properly vacuum-packed, canned and sealed. Pack a lot of ice with you to keep any food that needs to be cold as cold as it can be, and drain your cooler out frequently to avoid wet food.
Take the measures necessary to have a safe camping trip. It’s always important to understand that while you may be curious about wildlife, do not get too close or encourage them to come near you, no matter their size. Small wildlife, such as squirrels, can be very dangerous despite their tiny size. Obviously, stay away from larger animals like bears and never feed them.
Make sure to plan fun things to do from your trip’s start to its finish. There is much more to camping than fires and smores. Instead, plan activities that each member of the family will enjoy. Take your children’s age into consideration when making plans.
Now you know that nothing is as great as camping. Between the beautiful views, the fresh air and the relation to nature, you will surely enjoy your time in nature. No matter where you camping trip takes you, the helpful advice in the article above will make your trip one to remember.