Whether this is the first time camping or you have been camping since you were a child, camping holds a special place in everyone's heart. It's a chance to get away to a simpler time and enjoy yourself. Here are some helpful camping tips in order to help you do that.
Purchase a quality tent. It can be tempting to score a good deal on a tent, but you want to find something that can hold both you, your family members and your belongings. Try visiting a store that specializes in outdoor gear. They tend to have well-made products that will last for a while.
Reserve your spot at a campground as soon as possible. Particularly in the summer, many people are interested in camping with their families. If you make your reservation in the winter, you are much more likely to get the best rate possible. Those savings can translate into additional family fun while on your vacation.
Pack additional clothes when going camping. There is a lot of mess that goes along with camping. Your kids may love playing around in the grass and dirt. This means that your kids will get dirty during the day. The solution is not to stop them from getting dirty, but to have clean clothes ready for them after they are done. Be sure you're prepared!
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.
If you are taking your children camping with you, don't forget to take walkie talkies along with you. Although each of you may own a cell phone, the area where you are camping may not have adequate coverage. It is best to invest in walkie talkies that have a range of several miles. By having walkie talkies or Family Radio Service (FRS) radio, you can remain in contact with all members of your family.
Kids like camping, but they need structured activities. If you're out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do, boredom will set in. Children may not have an idea of how to fish or set up a tent. Spend a day teaching them what they need to know before you leave for your trip.
Clean up thoroughly when leaving a campsite. Try your best not to leave any trace of you at the campsite you stayed in. This is important, not just in terms of being considerate of other people. There are animals and insects that continue to live in the woods after you have left, so think of them as well.
Duct tape can be used to solve many problems on camping trips. It's easy to use, can hold out moisture and will even fix a leak or a broken shoe!
Take a lot of water for everyone to drink for your trip. This will make sure that everyone is hydrated properly throughout the trip, and that you all have access to clean drinking water on your trip. This is always a good idea because you don't want to dehydrate while you're 20 x 20 ft. piece of heavy-duty canvas out camping.
Did you know that a roll of high-quality duct tape is a great item to take camping with you? Not only is it useful around the home, but it serves many purposes while camping. It can be used to fix a hole in your air mattress. You can also seal holes in sleeping bags or tents. If you're planning on taking a long hike, place it on your feet to prevent blisters. It can also work as a bandage.
Remember the Boy Scout motto - be prepared! It's important to plan for anything, but the unexpected could still happen. Injuries, illnesses and the weather can change suddenly. It's important that you take care of everything, don't take risks that you don't need to, and think things through before doing them.
A great idea when planning your camping trip is to make a list of everything you need before you go. As you pack each item, you can cross it off your list. This is really essential because you do not want to be stuck blowing up your air mattresses because you forgot to pack an air pump.
Be prepared if you get lost on a camping trip. You should know how to use a map, compass, and GPS device before leaving for your trip. You should also keep these on your person during your trip. If you stray too far from your campsite, these items can help you get back quickly and safely.
It's important to clean the campsite you used when it's time to leave. Make sure you have garbage bags to clean up trash. Make sure to take any food that is left over as well. The major rule for leaving a campsite is to just leave behind footprints.
Always carry a first-aid kit with you while camping. It should include bandages, antibiotic ointment, wrap bandages for sprains and strains, and peroxide or alcohol for cleaning wounds. Scissors, tweezers and other small tools can be used to remove splinters or ticks. Antacids, over-the-counter pain medicines, and allergy medicines should also be included.
Camping can be a great get away, or a living nightmare. The type of experience you'll have depends on the type of preparation you do. The more prepared you are for your trip, the more likely that it will be the relaxing trip of your dreams.
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.
Far from the office, nightmarish commutes and the hustle and bustle of modern living, you've got so much to enjoy on a camping trip! Hopefully this article has provided you with some useful tips that will help to make your next camping trip enjoyable and free from any major disasters!
