Are you heading off for a camping adventure? Are you prepared for some camping basics? Although most aspects of camping are basic, being prepared can make the difference between a great trip and a disastrous one. Read the tips below to help you make the most of your trip.
You can have the relaxing camping trip of your dreams, or you can have the disastrous camping trip of your nightmares. Preparation is the difference between the two. If you are well prepared for any possible situation, you are likely to have a great camping experience.
Always set up a new tent once at home before taking it camping. This will allow you to get the experience needed for erecting your tent. This will also allow you to feel more comfortable about setting up the tent later.
Don’t waste flashlight batteries. When flashlights bounce around during your travel, they might come on. Take the batteries out and put them in backwards. This will ensure that you won’t accidentally waste your flashlight’s batteries.
Make sure to finish setting up camp during daylight hours. If you are in an RV, park it safely. Pitch your tent on land that is flat and dry. It is much easier to do these things during the day, and you can become familiar with the area. It will also allow prevent the frustration of not being able to see while setting up your equipment.
If you are not prepared for your camping trip, your fun excursion can turn dangerous fast. Make sure you always go camping only after preparing yourself fully. If you are camping somewhere new, research the area to familiarize yourself with the climate, wildlife and other factors.
Pack a bandanna or handkerchief. A bandana is very versatile and can be used as a blotter, potholder, mini-bag and more. It does not take much space in your bag and can save the day in many different situations.
Flashlights, lanterns and a few extra batteries must be taken for every camping trip. Once the sun has set it is nice to have a source of light. Sufficient light can help you avoid falling or bumping into to animals. You may want to get each child a flashlight of his or her own if you’re taking kids on your camping trip.
Duct tape is the cure-all for many mishaps in camping. From mending tent holes to fixing shoes, duct tape can be used for a lot of repair work in a pinch.
Be sure your tent is big enough. This ensures the most comfortable sleeping arrangement and allows you to move about without disturbing others.
Take oranges with you as a way to snack in a healthy, convenient way–and as a mosquito repellent that is organic. Save all the orange peels. Before mosquitoes attack, rub them on exposed skin.
Charge your cellular phone to maximum capacity before you leave on your trip. You should also seriously consider bringing a spare battery for your cell phone in case the main battery dies. A cell phone is a great emergency device; make certain it will keep working.
When you go camping, take along a lot of of lint from your dryer. It seems like a silly suggestion, but lint is free, abundant, and flammable, making it great for starting campfires. Lint makes better kindling than bits of wood. For the perfect fire to keep you warm, give your lint a spark to get it going.
Snake-proof your campsite. Stay away from piles of rocks, brush, thickets and piles of wood. Look through your gear and equipment to make sure nothing is hiding anywhere. Pack the area around your tent with sand so a snake can’t get in while you are sleeping.
Search out shelter before the sun sets when you are camping. Once the woods are dark, it is very difficult to find firewood, pitch your tent and prepare some food. This is very true if you’re used to being in a city where there isn’t any darkness ever. Avoid this hazard completely, by finding adequate shelter long before the sun goes down.
You must always maintain a high level of fire safety as you camp. Know how to create and maintain a secure fire ring. A few pails of water should be on hand, in case these types of emergencies arise. Act quickly and get your fire under control. Also make sure it is out completely before you walk away from the site.
If you are a camping novice, you should initially stay near home. You could run into problems with your gear, or decide to cut the trip short. Also, you can easily get home if you don’t have enough food or clothing. There are a lot of different things that can come about and being closer to home will make it a lot easier.
After having read this article, it is easy to see that there are many things that can be overlooked in planning. Camping can be fun and safe with the correct preparation. Take what you have found here and go forth into the woods!