Camping 101: What You Need To Know

Camping is starting to become more popular because there are a lot of reality-based television shows centered in the outdoors. If you feel the need to get out there into the wild and go camping then keep reading and you’ll learn all you need to know.

Never forget to see what the weather will be like in the area you will be camping at, prior to leaving. Some websites will tell you what the weather is usually like during the time you’ll be going. When you know what the weather will be like, you can bring the proper gear and clothes.

Camping and swimming are a great combination. Camping can make you miss your shower. Cool water can give you a feeling of exhilaration that may help you to miss your shower at home much less.

Not only are oranges a great snack for camping, but they also serve as a natural mosquito repellant. When you get through eating an orange, rub the peel on exposed skin to keep pesky bugs away.

Pack a roll of duct tape with the rest of your supplies; this sticky wonder can help in a variety of circumstances. You can patch holes in your tent, your mattress or your shoes, or secure your tent poles, seal mosquito netting and much, much more.

When you’re new to camping, make sure you camp close to home. You may find that your gear isn’t up to par, or your trip isn’t what you thought it would be. You may run short of food or need more clothing than you packed. People that are camping for the first time may have a lot of problems, so being close to home is recommended.

Generally when you camp, you want to live with as little as possible but still be prepared for anything. While it’s important to have a sleeping bag, it’s also recommended to have extra blankets. This helps to make sure that you are comfortable at night when it is chilly.

Do you know how to pitch a tent? Before you head off on that initial camping trip, practice pitching your tent. This will help ensure that your trip goes smoothly, for a more enjoyable trip when you understand your tent. This will help you quickly pitch a tent before darkness falls at your campsite.

Have the clothing you will pack planned out before your trip. Consider how many outfits you will need for the number of days you plan to be on your trip and add in a few extra in case of bad weather. Also, remember to bring clothing that is weather appropriate for the climate of your campsite. Closed toe shoes and hiking boots are generally needed for camping.

Be mindful of your camp location choice. You don’t want to camp very close to bee hives or ant hills. Keep an eye out for animals and insects around your camp, and make sure there aren’t any large populations of them close to you. Having insect repellent is a really sound idea.

Create shelter before it gets dark out, as it can be very difficult to function when night falls. It is extremely difficult to pitch a tent whenever it is dark. You will need to make a fire or have flashlight to do this. It is so much easier to erect your tent and organize your camping area before sunset.

Duct tape is handy to bring along on your camping trip. Tents are usually more durable than they used to be, but they can still get torn. A piece of durable duct tape can keep you dry at night, even if your tent was damaged by accident.

When setting up a tent, ensure that the seams are all sealed. You may find a tube at many sporting good stores if the tent didn’t include any. That can keep rain and critters outside your tent.

At the end of your camping trip, make sure your camping site is clean. Make sure you have garbage bags to clean up trash. Take any leftover food with you. The best practice to follow when camping is to clean the campsite well, and leave only your footprints behind.

Whenever you’re choosing a sleeping bag, pick one out that’s for the climate you’re in. During the summer, you will want to choose a light sleeping bag. In the winter, thicker bags are necessary to keep you warm.

Lots of camping novices set up their camp beside the rest area. Although the location is convenient, there are many downfalls to this location. For example, there is a lot of foot traffic in these areas, as well as bright lights. Therefore they can be more of a nuisance than anything else.

What is your plan for cooking during your camping trip? Prior to leaving, decide which cooking method you will be using so that you can pack the supplies you will need. Everyone likes the idea of cooking over an open flame, but without the proper cooking supplies, it can be very difficult.

Make sure to practice food safety whenever you go camping. Use bags that are airtight and your containers should be waterproofed. Insulated coolers are best for keeping food. Keep cooked food separate from raw food to prevent contamination. And always wash your hands before touching food. Cook foods to proper temperatures and chill foods quickly.

As indicated by this article, a camping trip requires some forethought and preparation. A little advanced planning will make you much better prepared for any potential problems you might run into. This knowledge can help to relieve many of your fears so you can get the utmost enjoyment out of your camping trip.