Camping is an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Whether you're taking a family trip, or heading out to the wilderness with some close friends, camping can bond you to your loved ones like nothing else. However, there are many things to consider before venturing out on your next camping trip.
Bring a large trash bag for dirtied laundry, and keep it in a central location, suitable for everyone in your party. Let them pack their clothing individually, as this makes it much easier to find than if you pile it all in a community storage box or bag. Toss in a dryer sheet to any bag you want smelling fresh.
Make sure that the sleeping bag you bring camping is right for the weather. You are going to roast all night long in a sleeping bag designed for cold weather that you camp with during summer. On the other hand, bringing a lightweight sleeping bap for a winter trip can make you really uncomfortable the entire trip. You might even contract hypothermia.
While a campfire gives off enough light in the general area around it, you want to be sure you take along a flashlight on your camping trip if you plan to venture outside of the campfire's glow. This is a definite safety precaution you don't want to ignore. It can be quite dark out there in the woods at nighttime.
You need to maintain your cleanliness while camping. Good hygiene is difficult when you are camping sometimes, but you can keep yourself clean. A bottle of hand sanitizer is excellent to have so you can clean hands before eating. You can also use rubbing alcohol on areas of your body that are not sensitive. A mild biodegradable soap and a sponge can be used to take mini-baths when water resources are low.
Ask a park ranger or a tour guide to let you know about all the places to check out while you are camping. This is a good idea so that you know you are getting the most out of your camping experience, you don't want to take a camping trip and miss out on a fun experience.
Make sure you have a first aid kit with you. As an alternative, you could pack some supplies in a plastic bag. While hopefully your trip will be free of injuries, you never know. It is best to be prepared so that you can handle anything that happens in the best way possible.
When traveling to your camping destination, plan on stopping and having a meal when you're near the campground, but before you actually arrive. Being well fed before arriving will ease frustrations if the campground is full, or if it takes longer to get your gear set up. Use this break to discuss your plans and to remind everyone of how to remain safe!
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.
When preparing for a camping trip, people often fail to bring enough clothes. Remember that there will be no washing facilities, and you also need to think about how hunting tents for winter the weather can call for certain specific attire as well at times. You always want to be prepared, so pack accordingly.
If you are a novice camper, choose a destination close to home for your first trip. You don't want to be far away if you decide you've had enough of camping, or if you have problems with your equipment. Other problems can be food shortage or inadequate clothing. First-time camping is a learning experience and anything can happen, so find a campground near your home.
Always keep an eye on your children, no matter where they are. Kids can get lost easily, even in the campsite and they have to be aware of others driving on the camp roads. Make sure your children are always supervised because mishaps can happen quickly.
When you select the location for your tent, be sure that it is the right place. The ground should be level and do what you can to avoid setting it up at the bottom of a hill. This will help you keep it dry if the weather should turn bad.
Recreational camping is not just for warm weather. If you are feeling especially adventurous, you can go camping in early spring and late fall at most camping grounds. You can even camp in the snow if you have the right gear. Make sure your sleeping bags are suitable for whatever weather you are camping in.
Select a sleeping bag that works with the temperature and season. You need a lightweight sleeping bag for the summertime. Conversely, during the winter you need to choose a heavy bag.
If you are camping for the first time, try to practice pitching a tent before your trip. This is a valuable camping skill to possess, especially when it can be done quickly. You don't want to be out on your trip and not know how to put up a tent right away when the weather takes an unexpected turn.
People that are new at camping sometimes mistakenly set up their camps near restrooms. They have convenience in mind, but might find out the situation is different than they thought. Bathrooms have constant light and lots of foot traffic. After a while, it becomes less of a convenience and more of a hindrance.
Duct tape is a handy item to pack with you on any camping trip. Just like around the home, it has many uses while camping. Duct tape can be used to repair anything. You can close up rips and tears, and bundle things together. You can even put some under your feet before long hikes so that you don't get blisters. You can also use it to bandage injuries.
As you can see there are many great ways to make your time in the great outdoors the best camping trip ever. Using the tips in the article above will make sure that your experience is one to remember for years to come. You will return to your daily routine refreshed and ready to go.
