If you enjoyed camping as a child, then you can still enjoy it as an adult. Camping can still be enjoyable as an adult when you are armed with the proper information. These suggestions will help.
It is important that you practice food safety while you are out camping. Foods should be packed in airtight and waterproof containers. Also, use insulated coolers. Raw food should be kept separate from cooked food as a way to prevent contamination. Use hand sanitizer and soap to keep hands, as well as preparation surfaces, clean while you are handling food. Cook all food to safe temperatures, and chill foods as soon as they cool down.
Always prepare an emergency kit when camping, whether you are going by yourself or with others. This kit must include the basics for the event of an emergency. Be sure to do your research and bring along any location-specific items you will need.
Pack wisely and carefully. Make a list of what you need, and check off items as you pack. This will save you the inconvenience of forgetting something and having to stop for it and it is very important, especially if your are going to a remote location.
Dress in layers when camping. Outdoors, the weather can change frequently and quickly. You might find that the morning is cold, but the afternoon is hot and humid. It can turn chilly again in the evenings. By dressing in layers of clothing, you can easily shed layers when the temperature rises and then add layers when the temperature drops.
Pack some indoor entertainment items. Inclement weather can put a damper on your fun even temporarily, so be prepared ahead of time. When it rains, you will be inside and will need something else to do. Your whole trip does not have to be ruined. Just bring plenty of things to do inside the tent or cabin.
Understand your medical coverage. Sometimes going into a different state means that you will need to have an additional policy. This is very important if you will be camping in a foreign country. It is essential to be prepared in case of emergency.
Protect the battery-life of your flashlight. Make sure that your flashlights do not get turned on accidentally while moving. Remove the batteries and then place them back in backwards. Doing this means that your batteries will have all their energy for when you need them, instead of finding out that your flashlight is dead right after the first dusk.
Keep pictures of your children on you if they are comping with you. While it is a worst case scenario, a child can easily be separated from the rest of the party, and a picture will make it easier to locate them. Your should always have current pictures of your children with you, but this is especially true when camping.
Music and books are good activities when you are out in nature, but make sure you take in the breathtaking scenery also. Lose yourself looking at the stars, and if you are familiar with the area, go walking on trails. All your stress will disappear.
Pack the duct tape. Duct tape is good for so many things. It’s easy to use, can hold out moisture and will even fix a leak or a broken shoe!
Write down a list of all the materials you need before you go camping. This will really be handy if you have a long hike to get to your campground. Pack a day or two before going camping, and check off things on your list as you go along.
Before it is dark, set up your camp site. If its sundown, it might be too late for you to finish your shelter before dark. If you have no tent, creating a shelter is easier in daylight.
Make sure you recognize poisonous plants before you plan your camping trip. Poisonous plants are easy to overlook because they blend in with other plants in the forest, so be sure to know what to look for. Get a book about poisonous plants or do your research online. You can then be sure that you will not touch or eat any poisonous plants during your camping trip.
Make sure you pack plenty of camping-friendly food. You don’t want to bring a lot of food that will easily spoil. Food poisoning can put a miserable end to an otherwise lovely trip. Properly prepare food and take any necessary precautions.
Try to keep your cell phone completely charged. You might want to bring an extra battery as well just in case your original runs low. Your cell phone can help should an emergency arise.
If you enjoyed camping as a child, that love for adventure can be re-ignited with good information and tips useful to camping today. The information and suggestions from above can be just the advice you need to get started today to plan the camping trip you can enjoy once again.