With popular reality programming focused on the outdoors, it is no wonder that we are seeing a resurgence of interest in camping. If you think it's time to take an adventure of your own, learn a few tricks to make your experience into a great one.
A tent needs to be the proper size for all people staying in it. This will ensure you are able to comfortably move around without disturbing people you are sharing your tent with.
If you are going camping with your pets or children, you need to take a few extra precautions. Try to teach your kids the basics of camping safety. They need to know what to do if they get lost and should each have a small survival kit. Make sure you have leashes for any pets and make sure they are current with all vaccinations.
When going camping, try to buy non-perishable items to eat. There are no refrigerators in the wild, so everything you bring has to be kept in good order. You can certainly bring a cooler to put food in, but the cooler will be added bulk on your trip. Therefore, make an effort to bring more non-perishable foods than perishable.
Leave no trace of your outing at your campsite, for environmental reasons and as a courtesy to park officials who clean up and the next camping crew. Make sure all trash is picked up, you refill holes you may have dug and of course, that your campfire is completely out!
Camping is definitely a fun time, but there might also be uninvited guests at your campsite. Who are these guests? Bugs! This is their environment and they like camping, too. Make sure you have bugged repellent with you to tell them to stay at their own campsite or to go visit other campers who weren't quite as prepared as you were.
Always prepare an emergency kit when camping, whether you are going by yourself or with others. What you include will depend on where you are going and when. Be sure to do your research and bring along any location-specific items you will need.
Many people are deterred from camping because they have to sleep on the ground, but you do not have to be uncomfortable when you go camping. Stop by the local drug store and purchase some inexpensive pool floats. These are far more comfortable than the ground to sleep on, and will keep you high and dry as well.
Make sure you observe the campground rules and regulations. One of the biggest concerns is trash and also noisiness within a campsite. People often think that people can't hear them, but noise travels far in a campsite. It is extremely difficult to have any privacy, especially when people are supposed to be observing quiet hours.
Take a luxury item with you when camping. Take along some candy, some coffee you enjoy or anything that is lightweight but reminds you of home. Small luxuries can make enduring a camping trip easier.
Understand how your food will be cooked. You need to consider how you are going to prepare all meals. Will you need charcoal? Perhaps you need a small propane tank. It can be difficult to cook every meal over an open fire; no matter, how much fun it might seem.
When you plan a camping trip with your family, take along extra clothing and bedding in case the weather turns cold or rainy. Check the weather forecast of the area you intend to travel to before you plan your trip, and make sure you have a weather radio along so you know of any alerts.
If you are camping outdoors instead of in a travel trailer or RV, it is important to dress in (or carry with you) layers of clothing. While on a camping trip, temperatures can fluctuate widely. The easiest and most effective method to control your body temperature is through adding and removing layers of clothing. Having layers of clothing also protects you from bug bites.
Do not take anything that belongs in nature with you when you leave. Have fun and take pictures, but when you are loading up the car, make sure rocks, pinecones and other objects remain where they are. This is one of the unspoken rules of camping. Everyone should have the same opportunity to enjoy these things.
It's a good idea to maintain hygiene when camping. Items like washcloths, sponges, bowls, biodegradable soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, baking soda, floss, and clean water can help you stay clean during your trip. You can also use hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, and cotton balls on non-sensitive areas. Don't use anything with fragrances since they can attract bugs.
One thing that many people forget to pack for their camping trips is the Sun-block. Even if you tan very well, there is no excuse not to protect you from the round tent factory sun. In the short term, you will end up with a horrible burn, but in the long run it can give you serious problems with cancer.
One tip that is very useful to anyone who is planning to go camping is to practice finding as well as purifying water prior to your camping trip. You don't want to start this process when you are already thirsty as it could lead to a very dangerous situation.
A fun meal to try on your next camping trip is baked potatoes. Prepare toppings at home, and pack in zip-lock bags. Try crumbled bacon, shredded cheese and sour cream. Double-wrap them in aluminum foil, and place them in the coals of your campfire. Check after an hour or so, and when soft, have a baked potato buffet!
People who don't pack food correctly risk food poisoning. Bring preserved foods and foods that don't spoil easily. Bring lots of ice to prevent food from spoiling, and remove the drain plug on the cooler so your food stays dry.
Some members of your camping party might not be thrilled about being in the great outdoors. Others might not feel like you have packed all that you need, and everyone needs entertainment. This article has provided you with a number of ideas you can use to make sure that your camping trip is an all-around success.
