Camping is something that is fun for the entire family. Whether you are new to camping, or are a seasoned veteran, there are always things you must consider before venturing out on your next camping trip. The following article will help prepare you for your next trip so that you have a good and safe time.
Pre-cool your ice chest by filling it with loads of ice, at least six hours prior to departure. When you are about to leave, pack up your refrigerated cooled drinks and block ice, not cubed. Popping room temp beverages will take up valuable ice-life, and the cubes will melt much quicker than a block!
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!
When planning for your camping trip, don’t forget to pack the sunscreen. Just because you are not on the beach doesn’t mean that you don’t need protection from the sun’s burning rays. A sport sunscreen can be a smart choice if you will be doing strenuous physical activities during your trip.
It can be fun to camp, but you have to be prepared. Be sure you don’t go camping until you are fully prepared with all the supplies you need. Find out about the weather, the wildlife and the terrain of any location that you have not been to before.
Try to combine a camping experience with a swimming experience of some kind. Camping can make you miss your shower. The coolness of the water when you swim will help you feel clean and refreshed, so you may not miss your home shower as much.
Dryer lint can make great kindling for creating campfires. Several weeks prior to your trip, start gathering up everything that collects in your lint trap. Just hang a grocery bag next to your dryer and stuff the lint into the bag. You can just go about your business after that.
One thing that many people forget to pack on a camping trip, and which quickly turns the trip into a nightmare is bug spray. This simple repellent will save you both annoyance and can protect your health as many types of bugs can do a great deal of damage to you quickly.
As you plan your camping adventure, take children aside and go over common dangers and issues they may encounter. It is easy to go online together and look at pictures of poison ivy and other hazardous plants so they will know what not to touch as they explore the great outdoors.
While camping seems synonymous with a campfire, that campfire doesn’t necessarily have to be made from wood. In fact, it might be safer and easier to use a portable campfire unit powered by propane. For the most part, these units are permitted unless there is a fire ban in place. Marshmallows taste just as good from these units as they do over an open, wood-burning fire, too.
Pack extra flashlights and batteries. It can get quite dark at night, away from all the city lights. A light source is very important. Bring a few spare flashlights just in case. Make sure that you pack extra batteries as well. A light source is something you do not want to find yourself without.
As was stated in the beginning of this article, a great deal of preparation must be done before heading out on a camping trip. The tips provided in this article is a great way to make sure that you’ve taken care of all the essentials so that your camping trip will be as safe and enjoyable as possible.