Whether you sleep in a tent, an RV or under the stars, taking a camping trip is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. Getting away from it all can be rejuvenating and fun with just a little know-how. Here are a number of tips for enhancing and improving your next camping trip.
Look for where you're going to set up your shelter before darkness falls. Once things go dark, you will find it very hard to erect a tent, locate wood and cook a meal. This is especially true if you are an urbanite whose sight is not used to the pitch dark. Do not wind up in this position. Seek shelter and make camp for the night well before darkness sets in.
Bring supplies for 'Smores. 'Smores are an integral part of any camping trip. Simply pack graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Toast the marshmallows, then make it the filling to a graham cracker/chocolate sandwich. When you have a 'Smore, you will want 'some more'--bring enough for everyone to have at least two of them!
If you will be camping somewhere that is very far away from civilization, then make sure you have told several people where you will be as well as how long you are intending to stay. Ask them to call you on the day you are supposed to return to ensure your safety.
Pack a few shovels if there are children with you on your trip. Kids love nothing better than digging in the dirt, and having the right accessories is crucial. If you have room, bring a bucket too. The children will happily entertain themselves in the dirt while you unpack, set up camp and do everything that you need to do.
Know what is available in the area around your campsite. You may get lucky and have beautiful weather the entire time. However, you may also face inclement weather, too. Have a backup plan in case you need a diversion. This is particularly crucial if you have kids, but adults need a little entertainment as well!
Camp needs to be set up before night begins. Choose a parking spot that you feel comfortable with if you are camping in an RV. Locate a flat area of dry ground if you plan to pitch a tent. Doing this before night comes around will let you become accustomed to your surroundings. By setting up camp during the daylight, you can avoid the frustration associated with setting up camp.
It's not totally necessary to rough it during your entire trip. You can bring along something comforting from home for your trip. It can be something as simple as your favorite pillow or coffee creamer. These little things can make your day!
Prepare some of the food ahead of time so you will not have to mess around with it at the camp site. Make up some sandwiches, precook the pasta and take along foods that can be eaten as is to make each meal less tedious. Other meals can be enjoyable to prepare in the woods, but some should be ready to go on the days the weather is not perfect.
Camping is hard work, but it's also very much fun. Once you figure out what you're doing, the rewards are numerous. You get to experience nature and the outdoors; picnics are always fun, and you get a chance to sleep under the stars. Nothing beats some of the experiences you can have camping.
If you're bringing your dog along for the camping trip, make sure it's wearing its tags. Losing track of a pet can be heartbreaking. Make sure your dog is wearing its dog license and an ID with contact information before you leave on your trip. Neglecting to do so can have tragic consequences.
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.
When building a fire at your campground, do not have one so close to your tent. Many fires at campgrounds could have been prevented has campers thought about this simple tip. It is typically recommended that you build your fire at least 15 feet away from your tent and other equipment.
Consider the erection spot for your tent carefully. Beware of wasp nests, or breeding territory of other animals. If you are by plants or flowers, bring pants to block insects. You should bring insect repellant along.
It is perfectly normal to set a budget for your overall camping trip. Sit down and make a plan of what you must spend on your entire trip. Make sure you factor in the campground costs, gasoline prices as well as food and any other materials you will need to purchase. This will ensure that you don't spend more than you have on your trip.
Consider leaving a handwritten note to the following campers. In this note, you can inform them of some things that interested you during your camping experience. You could even wish them well during their stay. This is a nice gesture they are certain to appreciate, and it only takes a few short minutes of your time.
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.
If you have wondered if you large hot tents will like camping or not, you can do a test at home to see if it's for you. Pitch a tent in your garden or backyard and spend one or two nights in it. Stay out of the house. If you like it, you will probably enjoy camping.
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.
Camping can be a magical experience for both you and your entire family. Use the tips in this article to make sure you do a good job of staying safe and having a great time camping at the same time. Go on your next camping trip better prepared and even more ready for fun.
