Very few things will beat getting out and under the bright stars with the people you love. Camping is one of the most enjoyable pastimes. To ensure that you enjoy your experience, you should do a bit of planning and preparation beforehand. This article will prepare you for a wonderful camping experience with some tried and true advice!
Acquire a map that details the trails surrounding your campsite, and carry it with you at all times. You don’t know when you will need it because you take one wrong turn. Having a map to guide you will ensure you find your way before darkness falls.
Make plans in advance so you can have the most fun. Campfires and making smores aren’t all there is to do when you’re going camping. Use your imagination to come up with ideas that each family member will enjoy. Keep all ages in mind when you are creating a plan.
While the concept of camping involves getting away from it all, you still need to be prepared with some basic items. While it’s important to have a sleeping bag, it’s also recommended to have extra blankets. That way, you will be prepared for an unexpected chill, or you can have a softer place to sleep.
Have you just bought your first tent as a rookie camper? Learn how to pitch your tent before you leave for the campsite. When you do this, you’ll know exactly what it takes to get your tent set up in a timely manner. Doing this will help you pitch your tent quickly, just in case you get to your campsite when it starts to get dark.
Consult some cookbooks before you head out on a camping trip. You will get tired of eating hot dogs or hamburgers the whole time if you have nothing else to cook. You can try some different things. Seek out simple recipes you can prepare while outdoors with minimal ingredients. Take your favorite seasonings and spices with you too!
When camping on public grounds, you will need to follow the campsite’s rules of etiquette. These could be unwritten rules or some campgrounds have them posted at the entrance. Usually all music must stop before 11pm at night and try to be as courteous as possible to all of your campground neighbors.
Talk to your children about the dangers of camping before heading out on your trip. Make sure they understand what poison ivy looks like, to stay away from wild animals and to carry a light if they are walking around at night.
When camping with children, bring along a picture of each child. If you lose them during your trip, that picture can help you immensely. Be certain you take a picture in case of an emergency, particularly if you are far away from your home.
Try to prevent your tent from getting wet and be sure it is properly ventilated. If your tent is completed sealed, you will find that condensation will accumulate on the sides of the tent from breathing and perspiration. This can cause you to wake up wet. Tents are make with vents or windows that can be opened for cross-ventilation.
If you’ve never gone camping before and think you might want to try it, you can quickly test whether this will be an enjoyable hobby for you. Set up your tent in your back yard and sleep there overnight. Stay out of the house. If you enjoy your experience, you might have fun camping!
One handy piece of equipment to take with you when you head out on your next camping trip is a roll of duct tape. There are multiple uses to put it to when camping, just like at home. It can repair an air mattress should it get a hole. Also, it can help to seal any tears, which can make your item usable for the duration of your trip. Putting some on your feet before hiking can prevent blisters. In a pinch, it can even serve as a bandage for injuries.
Whenever you are camping, be sure to adhere to proper safety protocol. Stay away from wild animals. That cute little squirrel may not be the friendly cute companion that it seems to be. One thing you should never do is feed a bear if you see one, even though you probably would be too scared to approach one!
Don’t leave your campsite a mess! You should have trash bags on hand for this purpose. Make sure to take any food that is left over as well. The best practice for cleaning up a campsite is to leave nothing but your footprints behind.
Spending time outdoors is a wonderful experience, but you must ensure that you take advantage of what you have learned from this article. Remember to use some of the suggestions offered in order to have a safe and enjoyable time camping with your family and friends.