Camping is a great way to get away from it all and get close to nature. It lets you appreciate nature and forget your troubles for some time. Keep the tips from this article in mind for your next planned exploration of the great outdoors.
When you go camping, you wand to find shelter before the sun goes down. After the night falls, pitching a tent, locating firewood and making food can be difficult. This is particularly true for anyone accustomed to city living and unfamiliar with pitch dark woods. Don’t let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.
Plan accordingly when it comes to food. It is a hassle to make room in your car for all the food you need. However, proper nourishment is crucial when you are in the woods. Also, items that are fairly inexpensive in your local store often carry a higher price tag near camping sites. Bringing enough food means that you will save money and keep everyone in your family in a good mood.
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.
Did you know that a simple mirror can save your life? If you are camping and end up in a survival situation, a simple hand held mirror can be used to signal for help many miles away. Do not buy the standard glass mirror, many camping supply stores sell mirrors made of Lexan that will float and are practically unbreakable.
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!
Practice makes perfect when pitching a tent. Take the time to put the tent up before leaving for your trip. This allows you to build your proficiency at erecting the tent, and will also help locate any issues with the tent in case you need to exchange it for a better option.
Collect more wood than you think you are going ot need. Unless you go camping every day, you probably don’t have an accurate idea of what “enough wood” actually looks like. You can always leave the extra wood in a pile as a gift for anyone that uses the campsite after you.
It is important to have a flashlight when you camp, but make sure the batteries are fully charged. One way to be sure the batteries don’t accidentally drain on the journey is to put them into the flashlight backwards. That way if the switch is accidentally engaged, they stay charged. Plus, you know where the batteries are.
If you bring your dog with you on your trip, make sure they are on a leash and that you watch them carefully. Some people are afraid of dogs. Respecting your fellow campers is essential when camping. Additionally, dogs are capable of damaging the camping area if you don’t keep a good eye on them.
Avoid severe weather when going camping, and pay attention to forecasts. It is horrible trying to pitch a tent in the rain, and not much fun sitting in a tent during a rainstorm. It is equally as disturbing approaching a muddy campsite and trying to make a weekend out of it.
Camping and spending time outdoors is a terrific way to pass your free time. It lets you escape from the developed world and lets you enjoy the offerings of nature. These tips will turn your next trip into a magical one!