There is nothing more fun than camping. One of the most important things to consider when camping is where to set up camp. Not all camping spots are created equal, and the choice you make about your camping spot could make your experience either good or bad. Here is a bit of advice that can help you choose a good camping spot.
Those big, colorful plastic storage bins make excellent places to store and organize all of your camping gear. While at home, keep it in a closet or the garage and right before you leave for your camping trip, pop it in the trunk. It should keep everything air-tight, dry and easily accessible.
Prior to leaving, take a few minutes to make a checklist of everything that you need. There is nothing worse than getting to a campsite and then finding out that you don't have what you need to be comfortable. A checklist is a great aid as you are packing. Try to start getting thing's together several days before you leave so you have plenty of time.
Always take a fully stocked first-aid kit when you venture out on a camping trip. You can put together your own kit with bandages, gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, anti bacteria cream and antiseptic wipes in a sturdy container. You can also buy one of the many excellent ready-made kits to save time.
Before you start out on that relaxing camping trip, it is essential for your safety to make sure to let someone know you are going. Give a friend or neighbor the name of the campsite if you are using one. If you are headed out on a less structured trip, give your contact a general idea of where you are headed and a timeline for your return. If something goes wrong, there will be someone to know where to look for you.
Not only are oranges a great snack for camping, but they also serve as a natural mosquito repellant. Save the orange peels and rub them into your exposed skin. Insects will stay away from you for an affordable price.
When you reach your campsite, the first thing, you should do is to start collecting wood for your fire. You won't feel like it later on, and if you wait until dark you will have a harder time finding the kind of wood you need to keep a fire going. Do it right away.
When you go camping, be sure to have a few activities in mind other than just... "camping". The camping experience is enriched by hiking, swimming, exploring and things like that. Be sure to engage in some of these other activities so that you have the fullest camping experience you've ever had.
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 going camping, do your best to get as early of a start as possible. It will be your job to pitch your tent so you have somewhere to rest comfortably, and that will be much harder for you to do once it starts to get dark outside.
Write down a list of all the materials you need before you go camping. This is imperative when there is travel involved during your camping trip. A couple of days before your trip, make a list of everything you need, checking things off as you pack them
If you are camping outdoors instead of in a travel trailer or RV, it is important to dress in (or carry with you) layers of clothing. While on a camping trip, temperatures can fluctuate widely. The easiest and most effective method to control your body temperature is through adding and removing layers of clothing. Having layers of clothing also protects you from bug bites.
If you are camping in an area that has loose or very sandy soil, you should make sure that you place large, heavy rocks on top of all the stakes of your tent. This will keep the stakes planted firmly in the ground and your tent from collapsing on its own.
Learn how to mark the trails that you are exploring. It can be quite easy to get lost in the woods. Marking the trails that you are walking will make it easy to find your way back to camp. It can also help others find you if you get lost.
Since the tent is one of the most important parts of your camping trip, be sure the one you get is appropriate. Figure out how many people are coming on the trip so you can get a big enough tent. Also, make sure the tent you get prevents moisture from getting inside.
If you're outside in cold weather, keep warm by wearing layered clothing. Not only, can adding more layers make you warmer, but you can easily remove layers if the temperature rises later. Multiple layer's trap heat in between each piece, which will prevent you from losing heat. Try bringing thermal underwear, turtlenecks, sweaters, gloves, coats, and boots on your trip.
If cooking is not your strong suit, and you want to keep things simple camping, find a local military surplus store and look for MRE's. Meals Ready to Eat are freeze dried foods that usually just require tent made of canvas water for preparation. If you wanting an easy meal and not looking for great taste, these can even be consumed without cooking.
Instead of buying an expensive tarp, you can use a shower curtain you planned to discard. It also doubles as a ground base for cooking, washing, etc; basically anything you need safe above the dirt. Torn and battered shower curtains are great to use for camping out in the wilderness.
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.
As you can see there are many great ways to make your time in the great outdoors the best camping trip ever. Using the tips in the article above will make sure that your experience is one to remember for years to come. You will return to your daily routine refreshed and ready to go.
