When you head out away from civilization for camping, the time you have can be entertaining and adventurous. Still, you need to know a few basics and be prepared to ensure both your comfort and your safety. Keep reading to find insights and advice for planning a successful camping trip.
Choose a sleeping bag that is seasonally appropriate. If you bring a sub-zero sleeping bag to go camping in mid-summer, you might find that you are sweating all night long. If you are going to bring a light bag in the winter, you may end up freezing and having a miserable time. Using a lighter sleeping bag in the winter could actually lead to you developing hypothermia.
Before leaving for a trip away, attend a comprehensive first aid tutorial. Undertaking such a task is particularly important if you are going to be camping with children. You will have all of the medical knowledge you will need in case of an accident. Also remember to research other dangers near your camping location. Find out if the area has poisonous snakes, what type of wildlife lives in the woods, etc.
Consider having a "jungle breakfast" if you are on a camping trip with children. Tie juice boxes, tiny boxes of cereal and fruit to trees in the woods. Then your kids can go out searching for their own breakfast. This is a fun game for the kids and makes their camping experience more interesting.
Try to fit swimming into your schedule in some way. Camping can make you miss your shower. The cool water at a beach or pool will help you feel clean and refreshed.
Make sure that your camp site is complete before night breaks. Look for a safe parking place if you are camping in an RV. When you find a camping area, make sure that your tent is pitched on a flat area that isn't near any unsafe ledges. Making sure this is all done before dark gives you time to become familiar with the area. By setting up camp during the daylight, you can avoid the frustration associated with setting up camp.
Camping is great fun for kids if you plan things that they can do. If you are just sitting in the woods, they will end up bored. They probably aren't used to fishing or campfires. Teach them the basics of these activities before leaving for your trip, especially if they don't have lots of outdoor experience.
If camping is something that you are new to, have your first trip close to where you live. You might have gear problems, or you might figure that you want to cut your camping trip short. Other problems can be food shortage or inadequate clothing. The first time, you should camp at close to home in the event of an emergency.
If the area in which you'll be camping is well known for wildlife that poses a danger, special precautions must be taken regarding your food. These precautions include tightly wrapping your foods and storing them away from your tent. You also have to just forgo certain foods entirely. Doing so will lessen your chances for an attack.
While the concept of camping involves getting away from it all, you still need to be prepared with some basic items. You need a sleeping bag, but you need to take extra blankets too. This helps to warm you up in case it gets too cold at night. They are also good to use for extra padding.
Always be prepared when on a camping trip. Remember that things don't always go the way you expect them to. There are many things that can go wrong, including illness, injury or extreme weather conditions. Is is essential that you pay attention at all times, not take anything for granted, avoid risks and plan everything carefully.
A checklist is essential before embarking on any camping journey. This is an important step if you are traveling a distance to get to your camp site. A couple of days before your trip, make a list of everything you need, checking things off as you pack them
Flashlights, spare batteries and an oil lantern are always handy items to have with you on your trip. After the sun sets, the night can be very dark and sources of light are a necessity. Adequate light can help you avoid falling in the dark, or encountering wildlife. If you're taking kids along with you, give each one of them a flashlight.
It is generally a smart idea to leave your basecamp or car with a fully charged cell phone. Better yet, bring along an extra battery or two in case your phone runs out of juice. A cellphone is a great way to get in touch with someone in case of an emergency so be sure yours isn't going to die.
Being prepared can make your camping trip much more enjoyable and memorable. When you use the information laid out here, you will have a more relaxing trip because it is safer, and you will know you possess the skills to handle anything.