What's the point of camping?
Many people wish they knew how to have the best time when they go camping. Yet there isn't a lot of knowledge on the internet about how to enjoy yourself while you camp. Lucky for you this is one of the few places where you can figure out how to get the most out of your camping experience.
A great item to put in your camping backpack when going in the back country is a Ziploc bag filled with dryer lint. There is no better fire starting material than dryer lint. It will hold a spark and get your fire going quickly and efficiently. Dryer lint takes up almost no space in your pack and is very light weight.
Before you head out on your long-awaited camping trip, make sure the area where you plan to camp doesn't require a camping permit. If you happen to camp in a place that does require one and you didn't get one, then you could be facing quite a hefty ticket or fine from a local forest ranger.
When you get to your campsite, take your family out on a walk. Particularly, if you have children, everyone will need a chance to stretch their legs after getting out of the car. The hike will be a good chance to get everyone excited about the trip and involved with nature.
Figure out your new gear before you go camping. The practice does really help. No one wants to get to the campground, only to find out that they don't know how to use something or set up their own tent. Practice with your new gear before you ever set foot on the campground.
Make sure you have a first aid kit with you. As an alternative, you could pack some supplies in a plastic bag. While hopefully your trip will be free of injuries, you never know. It is best to be prepared so that you can handle anything that happens in the best way possible.
Preparation can make your camping trip easy and relaxing. Prepare fully before going on a camping trip. If you are camping in a new location, research the local wildlife, geography and the climate before leaving home.
Make sure that you bring things to occupy yourself when camping. You can entertain yourself and your family by fishing, playing card games or setting up a scavenger hunt. If kids are coming along for the trip, take even more entertainment with you to keep them from getting bored without their electronics.
When traveling to your camping destination, plan on stopping and having a meal when you're near the campground, but before you actually arrive. Being well fed before arriving will ease frustrations if the campground is full, or if it takes longer to get your gear set up. Use this break to discuss your plans and to remind everyone of how to remain safe!
Do not approach any wild animals while you are camping. Something that may appear harmless and adorable could be incredibly territorial. Furthermore, be sure not to feed any animals, as doing so may lead to injuries. Avoid keeping any food inside of your tent to prevent animals from destroying your campsite. Keep it stored away safely or in a nearby rent a glamping tent tree.
Be sure and give children a thorough explanation of what camping is all about and entails, before hauling them off on a potentially dangerous adventure. Ensure you children know what poison ivy and poison oak looks like, what to do if they get lost or stumble upon wildlife.
For easier food preparation on a camping trip, prepare ingredients at home, and pack them in plastic zipper bags. You might want to chop, and other ingredients can be cooked quickly and easily when the prep work is done ahead of time. Throw a few bags of vegetables and meat into a pot over a fire, and you have soup or stew!
Be sure to check your first-aid kit before you leave for your trip. You need to be sure it has all the basic necessities. Make sure it includes items like bandages, tweezers, disinfectant, ointment, etc. You never know when something may injure you or another person on your trip, so it's best to be prepared.
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.
One simple tip that many people overlook is creating your shelter before dark. Pitching a tent can be difficult enough in the daylight, let alone in the dark of night. A flashlight or fire will help you out. Making the effort to do the work before the sun goes down will make for a more enjoyable trip.
When going camping, always remember to take waterproof matches with you when you're creating a survival kit. Keep them stored in an air and water tight container. You could also make your own by coating them with nail polish before you leave for your trip. Your container can be an empty film holder or even a plastic medicine bottle.
Focus on safety during your trip. Educate yourself and the other members of your party about what you should do if you come across a wild animal. Learn as much as you can about bears and what to do in the event of an attack. Refresh your memory on snakebites. Hopefully, you won't have to use this knowledge, but it is important that it is available to you.
Set up your sleeping arrangements before darkness strikes. When the sun is setting, you may not have enough time to finish your shelter before dark. If you have no tent, creating a shelter is easier in daylight.
When you arrive at an campsite where you have never camped before, explore your surroundings before the sun sets. Located the nearest restrooms and potable water. You also need to find the location of the nearest garbage receptacles. Also look for obstacles, such as raised tree roots that may trip you as you make a night time visit to the nearest restroom.
Use what you have learned from this article to ensure you don't miss some key factors in camping. You probably know some things about camping, but it can never hurt to learn more! The advice you have read today can help you make some wise decisions next time you go camping.