So, you're going camping and you are wondering where to start. Camping is a rather simple pleasure, but it's vital that you make yourself aware of some basic things when it comes to camping. This article will help educate you on some of the things you need to know for your trip.
Try to get to the campsite well before nightfall. This allows you to get a feel for the lay of the land and gives you the opportunity to set up camp while you can still see what you are doing. In addition, it lets your children feel a little more comfortable with their surroundings because they will have time to explore.
When camping, bring the sleeping bag that appeals to the season that you are in. If you're camping in the heat of summer, a sub-zero bag just isn't comfortable or appropriate. On the other hand, if you bring along a light-weight bag in the winter, you may feel like you are freezing to death. Extremely cold weather can bring about frostbite.
Take only photos and leave only footprints. That is the rule of thumb when camping. Only use the natural resources that you need and do not leave any traces that you were camping when you leave. Pick up all trash, extinguish and cover any fire pits, bury all human waste, and make the area where you camped look exactly as it did when you found it.
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.
Pack what is necessary for your children. There is a lot of mess that goes along with camping. Kids are always attracted to dirt. As the day goes on, your kids will get messier and messier. While you can't do much about that, you should have extra clothing on hand. It is important to be prepared.
Pack things like oranges when you go camping. They are nutritious, and they also keep mosquitoes away. After you have eaten the orange, rub the peel onto exposed body parts and this will repel any blood-sucking bugs.
Pour out any water that has accumulated in your freezer each day. You want to do this to prevent the ice inside from melting into the water. It is also a good idea because any contaminants that have entered the water from foods you have in, can be poured off.
Take oranges with you as a way to snack in a healthy, convenient way--and as a mosquito repellent that is organic. Save the orange peels and rub them into your exposed skin. Insects will stay away from you for an affordable price.
A Frisbee makes for excellent support under paper plates, and can avoid the usual camping spillage and drops! Grab as many of them as you have around your home or yard, or pick up a few at your local dollar-type store. They conveniently stack for easy, space-saving packing and are tremendously helpful with little one's meals.
Before you head out for your camping trip, be sure that you take the time to practice setting up your tent. You do not want to get yourself frustrated at the site. Setting the tent up the second time will be much easier than it was the first time around.
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.
Keep one eye on your children at all times. 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. It only takes a second for something to happen, so make sure that your children always have the supervision that they need.
Take along a battery operated radio when camping. A radio will keep you up-to-date on any late-breaking news and weather reports. A radio will also give you entertainment during those quiet evenings sitting around the campfire. Or if you prefer, pack a guitar for you and your campers' enjoyment.
Are you a beginning camper massive canvas and have just purchased your first tent? Before going on the trip, set up the tent at home. By doing so, you will know that the equipment is all included, and you will be familiar with the process of pitching it. You can do this best before it gets dark outside.
Always check the weather forecast before you go camping so that you know what kind of clothing you will need. You could be very cold if a front blow through, and you did not pack jackets and blankets. In addition, consider packing some rain ponchos in case any storm's blow through.
It is advisable to bring beef jerky or trail mix with you on a camping trip. After a busy day of hiking or other strenuous outdoor activities, you may be too tired to deal with campsite cooking. These snacks are healthy and nutrient-dense, making them a quick and easy source of nourishment. Trail mix and beef jerky are non-perishable foods, so they will keep for very long periods of time; you can even bring them home with you if you do not eat them at the campsite.
If you are taking children with on your camping trip be sure to bring pictures of them as well. Should you lose track of your children at some point during your camping trip, having a picture handy could make a world of difference. Bring at least one photo of each child for any emergencies.
It is important that you dress appropriately for the outdoors when you go on a camping trip. Dressing in layers is the key! This proves perfect when temperatures increase in the summertime, or cool down in the wintertime. Don't forget to pack some rain gear in case the conditions turn wet.
As you can see, camping can actually be a lot of fun. Apply the ideas presented here as a roadmap to planning your next time in the great outdoors. They are great for helping you steer clear of camping pitfalls so that you can enjoy nothing but the benefits.
