It's always important to do a little research about camping before setting off on your trip. There are so many different things that can happen while you are out there. It doesn't hurt to be prepared, and can save you a lot of trouble. Here is some advice to help you have the best camping trip possible.
If you are camping at a public campground, make sure you pack shower shoes for everyone in your party. Not only will they protect your feet from the bacteria on the shower floor, but they are great for those nighttime runs to the bushes when you need to use the restroom. They can be old flip flops, Crocs, or even slip-ons.
Those big, colorful plastic storage bins make excellent places to store and organize all of your camping gear. While at home, keep it in a closet or the garage and right before you leave for your camping trip, pop it in the trunk. It should keep everything air-tight, dry and easily accessible.
If you are going on a camping adventure, make sure you have enough time to set up camp before dark. It can be extremely difficult to set up camp in the dark and possibly unsafe. You need to be able to scout the terrain, prepare bedding, and possibly build some temporary shelter prior to the sun going down.
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.
Let people know where your group is headed. Just in case anything happens to any of you, you want to know that there are people who know where you are at. This is a good precautionary measure to take if something were to happen to your camping group, because help will be on the way soon.
Look up grocery stores near your campsite. Make sure you know how to get to them. Particularly, if your trip is spanning more than three or four days, the food you bring with you probably isn't going to last the length of your trip. Not only, that, but your family is going to get tired of eating the same things day after day. Variety is the key.
Bring bug spray. If you forget your bug spray on a camping trip, you will deeply regret it. Try a few different bug sprays ahead of time. Find something that works and doesn't irritate your skin. You also want to make sure that it isn't so greasy you'll be unwilling to sleep in it.
Bugs and mosquitoes are a common camping annoyance. You could buy a commercial repellent with chemicals, but a good natural way to keep bugs away from your body is by using an orange peel. Rub the inside of the peel on your arms and legs. This is a inexpensive, responsible way to repel annoying pests.
Make sure that the cooler you are taking with you is air tight. You do not want your food to spoil because the cooler was allowing the cool air to get out. Store your cooler in a shaded area where the sun will not work against it. This could save your food and your stomach.
Many people who are not very experienced with camping start out by doing day trips. This can be a great way to adjust to nature without the dangers associated with staying in the woods all night. The best way to do is to find a simple hotel near the campground, but only large heavy duty camping tents for sleeping purposes.
If you're going camping with a pet, take them for a vet visit beforehand. Inform your veterinarian of where you plan to go camping. Get your pet updated on all their vaccinations and be sure they have protection against ticks, mites, and fleas. You can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of a pet.
Some of the best food options to bring camping with you are things that come in cans. While this may not be the tastiest, it is great for two reasons. It is very convenient and easy to prepare, but more importantly; wildlife will be unable to smell the food inside of the cans.
Especially if you live in a hotter climate, you need to make sure you know how to get ice. Ice melts rather fast, and you're going to need more. Sometimes you can buy ice at the campsite, or sometimes at a store, but there are times when ice isn't so close to where you're camping.
You should always bring a spare utility knife when camping. Utility knives are among the most versatile pieces of equipment in a camper's arsenal so make sure you Pack an extra one in your bag just in case you lose the one you carry around.
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.
First aid and survival kits are essential to bring while camping. Without such kits, you may have to end your camping trip early if an unfortunate incident occurs. Also, you can prevent dire situations and help you to get a sick person some help.
Make sure the sleeping bag you choose is the correct one. If it's summer time, look for the lightest weight bag you can find, to keep extra cool. When it's cold, you need to have a sleeping bag that will handle sub zero temperatures.
If you are interested in camping but are not sure if it is the right choice for you, you may want to start out with something a bit easier, like staying in a cabin or renting an RV for a weekend. If you enjoy nature with this convenience, then it may be time to up the game to a tent.
Why not take a relaxing camping trip and put some of these tips to use? Camping is a great way to spend some time out in nature and get away from the busy hustle and bustle of the real world. Have a great time on your next camping adventure.
