Regardless of if you go in your backyard to camp, or are taking a mountain trip, preparing beforehand makes the time go better for everyone. Check out the tips in this article to be sure that you are prepared for your adventure. There is nothing worse than going camping unprepared.
Make sure to find your shelter before it gets dark. You do not want to be stuck trying to put your tent together or finding a safe location for the tent when it’s pitch black outside. This is particularly true for anyone accustomed to city living and unfamiliar with pitch dark woods. Do not get yourself into this situation, and find your shelter during daylight hours.
Reserve your spot at a campground as soon as possible. Particularly in the summer, many people are interested in camping with their families. If you make your reservation in the winter, you are much more likely to get the best rate possible. Those savings can translate into additional family fun while on your vacation.
If you are going backcountry camping, you should probably carry a snake bite kit in your gear. The best snake bite kits are the ones that use suction. Some kits have scalpels and blood flow constrictors in them. Scalpels can actually cut the poison into the blood stream faster, and constrictors can be deadly if not used properly.
When packing for your camping adventure, make sure you pack only what you need for mealtimes. If you are at the campground, your food will have to stay cold so it does not spoil. If you are on the trail, any additional or excess food can be a burden. If you pack just enough food for the time you are on the trail, you will not be weighed down by excess weight.
With camping, comes the campfire. Make sure your campfire is in an open space and far enough away from brush or trees so you don’t run the risk of a stray spark catching them on fire. Surround the fire with stones to help keep it contained. Most importantly, never leave any campfire unattended. If you need to leave for any reason, make sure the campfire is extinguished completely.
Put together a survival pack and have it on you all the time. Your survival kit should contain a survival knife, water-purifying tablets, waterproof matches, first aid kit, and a flare gun. These are essential items for your survival if you ever get lost. Your kit should not be left behind at the camp site, but should be carried with you wherever you go.
You need to maintain your cleanliness while camping. Good hygiene is difficult when you are camping sometimes, but you can keep yourself clean. A bottle of hand sanitizer is excellent to have so you can clean hands before eating. You can also use rubbing alcohol on areas of your body that are not sensitive. A mild biodegradable soap and a sponge can be used to take mini-baths when water resources are low.
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!
Camping is something that anyone can appreciate and enjoy. By using the information that you have learned here, you can plan for a trip that even those who do not like the outdoors can enjoy. So, get into nature and marvel and soak in the many miracles that are out there.