Camping Tips To Help You Along Your Way
Camping is truly one of the most amazing and unique types of vacations there are, and you will find yours so much more enjoyable if you make sure you are well prepared for it! Check out the following article for some very valuable advice on making your camping trip a total success!
Plan accordingly when it comes to food. It is a hassle to make room in your car for all the food you need. However, proper nourishment is crucial when you are in the woods. Also, items that are fairly inexpensive in your local store often carry a higher price tag near camping sites. Bringing enough food means that you will save money and keep everyone in your family in a good mood.
Keep an eye on the weather. Rain or other conditions may impact your travel time and your experience at the campsite. Make sure that you have gear that is appropriate for the weather conditions that you may face. Adjust your departure time as necessary to try and avoid the bulk of the bad weather, if possible.
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.
Make sure that you avoid any venomous plants. A good way to do this is to stop at the ranger station and ask what kinds of poisonous plants are in the area so you can identify them if you come into contact with them on the trail. Never eat anything while hiking on the trail if you do not know it is edible.
Use specialty camping pillows when camping. Since standard pillows can pick up a lot of humidity, debris or even creepy-crawlers, leave them safely at home. These types of pillows are prone to taking in the moisture in the air and can even mold if left in wet conditions for too long. Pillows designed for camping offer a coating that prevents moisture absorption.
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.
Bring some plastic totes or canisters with you when you go camping so you can store any food products you have opened. This will keep any critters from swarming around your campsite and it will also keep various wildlife from being attracted to whatever it is you have in there.
Know the climate of your camping area. You will want to have the proper clothing packed for the trip. Knowing how cold the nights get or how hot the days are will help you dress best. You will not want to get caught in the great outdoors with inadequate protection.
You need to carry water that is clean if you will not have access to a safe spring or to clean tap water when you're camping. You can either carry your own water in bottles or bring some iodine with you to sanitize nearby water. You can also use a water filter or boil water for around 10 minutes.
Just because your tent is labeled waterproof, do not count on it to keep you dry when it rains. Pack a couple extra-large tarps to take along with you. Use one to set on the ground under your tent and keep one dry to use to cover your tent if it looks like it is going to rain hard.
If your children are with you, establish a daily routine early on. This will help them adjust to their new surroundings and have a good time. Try to stick to a certain bedtime and eat your meals at about the same time each day. Your kids will be happier, and you will be as well.
Make sure you secure all sources of food at night when you go to sleep. There are many animals that can frequent campgrounds at night and scavenge your food, especially when left open and unattended for hours. You don't want to wake up to your food scattered everywhere, and you left with a shortage.
Part of the fun of camping is cooking over an open fire or on a camp stove. To make sure you don't forget to pack any key ingredients, make a list of the meals you plan on preparing. Don't forget to take a small cutting board along with you so you have a clean surface for food preparation. Also remember to pack a couple of potholder or oven mitts to handle hot utensils, such as marshmallow forks.
Choose an appropriate sleeping bag for the conditions in which you will be camping. For example, there are lightweight sleeping bag for warm weather and heavy sleeping bags for colder weather. Make sure that your sleeping bag hugs your body. You want to be able to retain body heat.
If you are tenting, it is important that you seal any of the seams in your tent. You can get a tube of sealant at a sporting goods store if you didn't get any with your tent. That can keep rain and critters outside your tent.
Bring a compass so you know what tent platform plans direction to go in at all times. If you fail to bring a compass, you might find yourself lost. Give yourself a sense of peace, bring a compass so that you are always headed in the right direction and feel the security of knowing where to go.
When you are putting up your tent, make sure that you find a way to seal all of the seams. You may find a tube at many sporting good stores if the tent didn't include any. Sealant keeps both insects and rain out of your tent.
Make sure to plan fun things to do from your trip's start to its finish. Campfire songs and roasting marshmallows aren't the only fun things to do while camping. Use your imagination to come up with ideas that each family member will enjoy. Think of both your younger and older kids when choosing activities.
You can make camping a fun and relaxing way to spend some time out in nature and enjoy all that it has to offer. Use the helpful tips shared in this article and you will have the time of your life next time you go on a camping adventure.