Camping is fun! You might discover something new about yourself, get a little closer to nature or just feel free from the everyday stress you have to deal with. Hiking, campfires and bird watching are all things to enjoy on a camping trip. Camping offers and endless array of options, but the following piece includes a few ideas for maximizing your vacation.
Camping can be very dangerous or fun depending on whether you’re prepared or not. It is a bad idea to go camping unprepared. Especially if you are camping in a new location, take the time to research the wildlife, plants, geography, and climate of the area.
Consider camping in an area that also provides you with a place to swim. When camping, you may find you miss your home 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!
Dryer lint can make great kindling for creating campfires. Start saving this lint a short time period prior to going camping and you’ll have enough lint in time. Hang a plastic bag beside your dryer and toss the lint into it. By doing this, you’ll be able to collect the kindling on the day you’re taking the trip.
Purchase a few camping pillows to take with you. Standard bed pillows can become hot and sticky in humid weather. As they absorb moisture from the air, they can become covered in mildew rather quickly. A good pillow intended for camping, however, will keep the moisture out, which will prevent any of the above problems.
Make sure your children have something to do while camping. They could get bored if there isn’t anything to do. Make sure that they get acquainted with different camping activities such as fishing and pitching the tent. If they have not spent much time outdoors, show them the basics before you leave.
Always pack enough food and the right kind. Take a decent amount of food that won’t spoil when you go camping. Food poisoning can quickly put an ugly end to any outdoor vacation. Prepare your food properly and research any precautions you need to take.
Keep a close eye on your dog while you are camping and always keep him on a leash. Other campers might be fearful of your dog, no matter how friendly he might be. It is important that you respect others while you are camping. Additionally, your dog could really destroy anyone’s campsite if left on his own, including yours.
When you reach your campsite, pitch your tent on the softest, most level ground you can locate. Choosing a rocky or sloped spot will result in you feeling discomfort when you have to spend time in the tent. A tarp should be laid on the ground before the tent is set up to keep moisture out.
Keep an eye on your children when you go camping. People may be driving around the campsites, and it’s also very easy for kids to get up and get lost when they’re not familiar with an area. Accidents and mishaps occur in a split second; make certain your children are safely supervised at all times.
If you are taking children with on your camping trip be sure to bring pictures of them as well. This can come in handy if they are separated from you while on your trip. Be certain you take a picture in case of an emergency, particularly if you are far away from your home.
Trail mix and jerky are great snacks for a camping trip. Nutrient filled snacks can replace the need to cook if you don’t have the means or the energy. They are also convenient because they keep well and don’t need to be refrigerated.
Make sure you pack a utility knife when going camping. These types of knives are the key to success when you need tools at a campsite. Carry an extra one in your bags in the event that your main one gets lost.
You should never leave your car or basecamp without a fully-charged cell phone. Or, bring an extra battery just in case your battery dies. A cellphone can save your skin in bad situations, but only if it has a battery.
Pack your things with care. Have a checklist of everything you need on your next camping trip, and then use that list in full to pack. If you are going deep into the bush or backcountry where emergency supplies and services are inaccessible, then you really need to make sure you have first aid material and related equipment.
People that are new at camping sometimes mistakenly set up their camps near restrooms. It may be convenient in some ways, but there are a lot of issues with that. Campground bathrooms attract high foot traffic and create bright light during the night. So, they may not have the comfort and convenience that they hoped for.
If you’ve never gone camping before and think you might want to try it, you can quickly test whether this will be an enjoyable hobby for you. Pick up your tent, set it in your own back yard, and spend the night there. Make yourself stay there all night; don’t go inside for any reason. If you enjoyed your night out in the tent, camping could be for you!
After reading this article, your mind should be full of great camping trip ideas. Take your time and get familiar with this advice for the next time you go camping. They can help you remember what you need and make it the most wonderful camping trip you have ever gone on.