Camping Trips Can Be A Breeze With This Advice
Spending time in the great outdoors can be made more enjoyable wherever you camp, if you prepare ahead of time. Keep this advice in mind after reading about camping! There is nothing worse than going camping unprepared.
Always locate your shelter before dark when you are camping. It can be hard to set up camp when it's dark outside. This is especially true if you are an urbanite whose sight is not used to the pitch dark. Avoid this hazard completely, by finding adequate shelter long before the sun goes down.
Leave no trace of your outing at your campsite, for environmental reasons and as a courtesy to park officials who clean up and the next camping crew. Make sure all trash is picked up, you refill holes you may have dug and of course, that your campfire is completely out!
When you are planning a camping adventure, make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for your trip. Check the weather forecast and bring the clothing that will be needed on your trip. If it is going to be cold, make sure you have the appropriate coats, gloves, and shoes. Remember to also pack a rain poncho no matter what the weather forecast predicts.
As a courtesy to other campers, don't leave your lighting on overnight, if you are close to others. Pack a timer that you can attach to your lights that will automatically shut them off after a certain time. Leaving lights on overnight is a popular complaint among most American campers!
Try to fit swimming into your schedule in some way. When camping, you may find you miss your home shower. The coolness of the water will help you feel cleaner and more refreshed, so you won't miss your shower as much as you thought you might!
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.
When collecting wood for a campfire, focus on three different sizes: the finger-size wood, that will catch fire right away, the arm-size wood that will keep it going, and the leg-size wood that will allow you to keep the fire going for a long time. Getting different sizes of wood helps you to start the fire and keep it going.
Make sure you observe the campground rules and regulations. One of the biggest concerns is trash and also noisiness within a campsite. People often think that people can't hear them, but noise travels far in a campsite. It is extremely difficult to have any privacy, especially when people are supposed to be observing quiet hours.
When you are camping, you should never eat anything unless you are absolutely certain of what it is. There is nothing worse than a strong case of stomach problems when you are far away year round tents from both medical attention and a toilet. It is recommended to only eat food that you bring.
When camping out, you're going to have bugs. Some of them are fine, and some of them; you don't want them around you. To limit the amount of bugs you must deal with, keep your campsite clean. Bees and ants are attracted to sugary soda cans and messes, so dispose of your trash immediately.
Take along plenty of drinking water. You need to stay hydrated, and you will need the water to prepare your food. Depending on the nature of your camping trip, this water may also be needed for clean-up and washing of the hands. It is better to bring along more than you need than not enough.
Never force anyone to go camping with you, including family or girlfriends. Some people just don't enjoy being in nature, and they will be miserable and in turn, make you miserable as well. If your children are simply not interested, find a babysitter for the weekend and relax alone!
If you're going camping with a pet, take them for a vet visit beforehand. Inform your veterinarian of where you plan to go camping. Get your pet updated on all their vaccinations and be sure they have protection against ticks, mites, and fleas. You can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of a pet.
If you're having trouble keeping warm at night, wear a hat. It can get cold out in nature. As cold as it gets, however, it can be quite stifling to keep your head tucked inside your sleeping bag at all times. Pack a warm woolen hat to wear while you sleep.
Be sure that you include matches, that will not be ruined when wet, in you survival kit. Keep them stored in an air and water tight container. You can add paraffin to regular matches, or even nail polish for a homemade waterproof match. A film container makes a great storage place for matches.
It's a good choice to take off from your automobile or base when your phone has a full battery. Also, bring additional batteries in the event of an emergency. 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.
A fun meal to try on your next camping trip is baked potatoes. Prepare toppings at home, and pack in zip-lock bags. Try crumbled bacon, shredded cheese and sour cream. Double-wrap them in aluminum foil, and place them in the coals of your campfire. Check after an hour or so, and when soft, have a baked potato buffet!
If you will be camping for an extended amount of time, you may want to take the time to pack some entertainment. Don't bring a ton of electronics, but a book or music is great.
Camping is a special time for anyone, regardless of how many times they have done it. You can really do some soul-searching and reflection at the same time you are having fun! So make sure you use the tips laid out here to give yourself a special experience and a pleasant time.