When done well, camping is among life's true pleasures. Before embarking on an outdoor adventure alone or with friends and family, it is important to familiarize yourself with tried and true camping tips and advice. The article that follows offers just the start any burgeoning outdoors enthusiast might need to plan their next outing.
Find your shelter before it gets dark. Once it gets dark, it is much harder to find wood for your fire, prepare food, and get your tent ready. It can be even more difficult for those who are not accustomed to trying to see in complete darkness. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.
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.
When you are heading out for that long awaited camping trip, don't forget to take along your cell phone. You may be tempted to leave all the texting and calls behind, but your cell phone can be one of your most important safety lifelines in the event of an emergency. Make sure it is fully charged and keep it protected from the elements in a plastic bag or waterproof case.
Keep the needs of your family in mind before selecting a destination. For example, if you have a baby or toddler, it may be best to stick close to home in case things don't go as planned. If you have teenagers, however, you may enjoy traveling to a different state. Choose what is best for you!
Bring a first aid kit. Camping is fun. It can also be a bit dangerous. Always be prepared. Small scrapes and rashes can be especially common out in nature. Bring along an emergency first aid kit full of anything you might need. You'll be happy you did if something goes wrong.
Be sure your insurance policy is up-to-date before leaving for your camping trip. Leaving your state may affect your policy. This is even more of a factor if you travel to another country to go camping, like Canada. Be sure that you prepare yourself in case anything happens!
When you go camping, be sure to have a few activities in mind other than just... "camping". The camping experience is enriched by hiking, swimming, exploring and things like that. Be sure to engage in some of these other activities so that you have the fullest camping experience you've ever had.
It is important to have a flashlight when you camp, but make sure the batteries are fully charged. One way to be sure the batteries don't accidentally drain on the journey is to put them into the flashlight backwards. That way if the switch is accidentally engaged, they stay charged. Plus, you know where the batteries are.
Camping is fun for children, but make sure to plan out some extra activities they will like. They could get bored if there isn't anything to do. Children may not be familiar with activities like pitching a tent or fishing. If this is their first time, it is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn new skills.
Find the most level, rock-free ground possible to set up your tent on. This will ensure that your sleeping area is comfortable. A tarp underneath your tent is handy as it can help keep water from entering.
Unless you are a wildlife expert, you should never drink water that you haven't brought to the campsite with you. Water may look crystal clear but actually be home to a host of diseases or bacteria. If you are in an emergency, always choose running water over stagnant water.
Keep an eye out on your camping area. You want to avoid erecting your tent near a wasp's nest or other insect habitats. When staying near plants, use long sleeved shirts as well as pants; this avoids insect issues. Having insect repellent is a really sound idea.
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.
It makes sense to keep a totally charged cell giant tent phone on hand. If that's not an option, bring an extra battery. A mobile phone is an important part of camping safety these days, and you want it to be ready to go when you need it.
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.
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.
If you are thinking about going camping for the first time, you may want to try it out the easy way first. Pitch your tent in your yard and sleep in it for the night. Pretend that your house is not there and do not use it for anything. If your night goes well, and you don't find yourself too tempted by the comforts of home, you will probably love camping.
The potential for camping trips to become memorable vacations that will be remembered long into the future is great. However, in order to be prepared for anything that may arise along the way, some advance research can make all the difference. The preceding article should hopefully provide the right start for any aspiring camper.
