Many people think camping only involves sitting around bored while rationing food and getting bitten by bugs. It’s not always a negative experience, though. With the right amount of planning, you will have a very enjoyable camping trip. Continue reading to learn more about ensuring the trip is a fun success.
Never assume that you will find enough wood to burn, because rain can change that in an instant. Bringing your own small supply of wood and keeping it dry is a wise decision.
It is important to remember that getting dirty is inevitable. 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. Enjoy your time in the woods by letting yourself relax and get dirty. You can always clean up, and be “normal” when you return home.
Let all of your family members have a chance to contribute to picking a campsite. Talk about where you want to camp. There are various options throughout the United States that it may make it hard to pick only one. If it is easier, select a few of your personal favorites and then let the entire family vote.
Make sure your survival kit is available on a constant basis. A survival kit should consist of matches, first aid necessities a flare gun and a knife. This survival kit may be what keeps you alive if you get lost and the items in it are indispensable in a survival situation. Always carry it on your person when you venture away from your campsite, or it won’t do you much good.
Don’t worry about over-packing for the kids. Camping can be dirty! Dirt and dust are like magnets for children. As a result, they are going to be seriously messy by the end of each day. You can’t avoid the dirt, but some extra clothes will help out. Stay ahead of the game!
Consider having a “jungle breakfast” if you are on a camping trip with children. Tie to the trees small boxes of cereal, fruit, and juice boxes. Once the children are awake, tell them they need to forage for their meal. It’s a great way to add a little magic to the camping experience.
You can go swimming at the same time that you camp! While camping, you might really miss the luxury of showering. Swimming can help you feel a little cleaner.
When you reach your campsite, pitch your tent on the softest, most level ground you can locate. A sloped and/or rocky area will make any time spent inside the tent very uncomfortable. Always put down a tarp in order to stop water from getting into your tent.
Make sure not to drain the batteries in your flashlight by accident. It is very common for flashlights to be turned on inadvertently when going through camping supplies or while being stored. To prevent draining the batteries, place them in your flashlight backwards. This prevents the flashlight from coming on and will ensure it is ready for use when needed.
Pesky mosquito bites can be avoided with an orange peel. This can be used if you have forgotten your insect repellant. Seasoned campers suggest that you can rub your skin with the inside of an ripe orange peel. This should keep you free from mosquitoes and other pesky insects of the woods for hours.
Bring along a photo of any children that will be camping with you. While it is a worst case scenario, a child can easily be separated from the rest of the party, and a picture will make it easier to locate them. Your should always have current pictures of your children with you, but this is especially true when camping.
Be aware of where your campsite is. Beware of wasp nests, or breeding territory of other animals. If you’re close to a lot of plants and things, long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn to protect you from bugs. It is also a good idea to carry insect repellent.
Always keep some duct tape with you when you’re out camping. While tents are generally well-made, it is not unusual for them to tear. If you have duct tape, you can fix tears and sleep safely and dryly even if your tent suffers damage during an unexpectedly exciting day.
Seal all the seams when pitching your tent. Extra sealer tubes can be purchased at most sporting supply stores. That can keep rain and critters outside your tent.
Ensure that your food is safe while camping. Keep food in waterproof containers of airtight bags. Store food that requires refrigeration in an insulated cooler. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping cooked and raw foods far apart. Use a cleaner or sanitizer to keep hands and surfaces clean, just as you would at home. Cook all your foods completely, and make sure to chill perishables as soon as possible.
When you are camping, clothing layers are ideal. It is not uncommon for it to be hot and then cold within an hour in some areas. For example, it may be very chilly in the morning and very hot and humid in the afternoon. This type of cycle can continue with a cold night. The layers will allow you to adapt your attire to the changing weather throughout the day.
Now that you have read the above article, you know there are ways to have a blast while camping. Use this information as a great guide to planning the next outdoor adventure you wish to go on. Using these tips will make your camping trip a great experience while allowing you to avoid common pitfalls.