Are you planning a camping trip? Do you think that you are prepared for a few of the problems that you may encounter during such a trip? Although most aspects of camping are basic, being prepared can make the difference between a great trip and a disastrous one. Here are some tips to ensure you have a fantastic time.

While you may count on Mother Nature to have plenty of wood to stoke your campfire, you may encounter only wet wood that won’t burn. It’s always prudent to bring wood that you have gathered beforehand, and to store it in a location where it will stay dry.

Let everyone of your family members have a say on where to go camping. Discuss which state you would most like to visit. There are many sites in the country to visit that are nearby and are very beneficial. It may be easier to choose a few front runners and have family members vote.

Do not hesitate to pack too much for your kids. Camping can be messy. Kids love to play in dirt. This means that your kids will get dirty during the day. To prepare, bring additional clothing for your children. Don’t be caught without something you need!

Be sure that you have a big enough tent for everyone that’s going to need it for shelter at night. That makes it easier for everyone to have a comfy time while they’re asleep and moving around when they have to get up in the dead of night.

Try to go swimming when you are camping. The thing people tend to miss most while camping is the convenience of their home shower. The cool water at a beach or pool will help you feel clean and refreshed.

Keep a kerchief or bandanna close at hand. In a pinch, that single piece of fabric can serve as a potholder, carrying bag, blotter, hand towel and paper towel. As you can see, a handkerchief can serve many different purposes on a camping trip.

It’s not totally necessary to rough it during your entire trip. You can bring along something comforting from home for your trip. Make it something easy to transport like your favorite coffee sweetener or candy. Such little luxuries will really pick up your spirits!

Before you go camping in a new place, it is essential to have an understanding of what dangers are located there. This would include stuff like what spiders dwell there, how steep the terrain is, and if the area is prone to flooding. Each spot can contain dangers which can really affect your trip.

Take along things to do while you are in the wild. Card games, fishing poles or games like a scavenger hunt can be very entertaining in the wild. If you’re bringing along kids, it doesn’t hurt to go overboard when thinking of what to bring for fun.

Is this your first tent? Before you go out and start on your trip, practice setting up your tent. This will allow you take an inventory of all the necessary equipment needed to set up the tent. That way, you can get things done rapidly once you get to the campsite.

Make a list of your required camping gear and double check it while packing. Overlooking even a small thing can ruin an entire trip. You might want to create a checklist of things you need to bring. Some must have items include a tent, sleeping bags, a couple of tarps, food and water, a knife and fire starting supplies.

Prevent the hassle of accidentally draining your flashlight’s batteries when camping. Your flashlight’s power switch can be easily turned on by mistake while you search through your bag. To avoid drained batteries, store your flashlights with the batteries backwards. They will stay handy but a thoughtless push of the button will not turn the flashlight on.

To avoid those nasty mosquito bites the next time you go camping, try the peel from an ordinary orange. If you forgot to bring your favorite brand of mosquito repellant, this remedy might save you from some discomfort. Rub the inner peel of an orange over your body as mosquitoes will refrain from biting you. This can last a few hours and make your trip a more comfortable one.

Pick out all of your clothing before you go camping. Make sure you’ll have clean clothes to wear every day. Also, be sure that you carry articles of clothing that are appropriate for the weather and climate of your camping location. Shoes that will hold up and have closed toes are what you should wear for the most part.

Trail mix is a classic snack and for a good reason. Throw a little beef jerky, a few fruits, and you’ve got yourself a full camper’s meal. By nightfall, you may be too exhausted to prepare a campfire and cook, and having the quick, nutritious foods will really come in handy. Also, these types of snacks have a long shelf life, so you can always reuse them on the next camping trip if they don’t get eaten this time.

A camping trip could be fun and relaxing, or it could easily become a hellish nightmare. Preparation can be the factor that determines how your trip turns out. By being prepared for various situations, you’ll most likely have fun on your trip.

Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, you are ready to do some planning. While camping isn’t a fancy activity, it still requires preparation. Have a most amazing time and ensure that you put this information to good use while away.