Camping can be a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. It can also be an experience that you would give anything to forget. If you properly plan for your trip, it will turn out great. Use the following tips to prepare for your next camping trip to make it one you want to remember.
Water is critical for your survival when hiking in the backcountry. Carry water purification tablets with you or some sort of water filter that is capable of filtering out bacteria. There are many different kinds available at your local sporting goods store. Whenever you are looking for a water source, make sure the water is flowing; stagnant water can kill you if not treated properly.
Make sure your sleeping bag is right for the weather. If you bring a sub-zero sleeping bag to go camping in mid-summer, you might find that you are sweating all night long. On the other hand, light-weight sleeping supplies will never keep you warm enough in the dead of winter. You may even develop hypothermia.
If you have bought a brand new tent in preparation for your camping trip, set it up at home first before you use it for camping. This will allow you to get the experience needed for erecting your tent. It’s a great way to avoid the frustration of having to set up a tent on site.
Make sure that you get a tent that is big enough for you and whoever else is going to be inside the tent. You should have no problem sleeping and getting through the nights when camping.
Ask a park ranger or a tour guide to let you know about all the places to check out while you are camping. This is a good idea so that you know you are getting the most out of your camping experience, you don’t want to take a camping trip and miss out on a fun experience.
While camping, cook easy dinners like “hobo stew”. Simply bring potatoes, ground meat, and veggies. Cut the veggies and potatoes at your campsite. Using tinfoil like a bowl, put the ingredients inside and fold the foil over until the food is covered. Place foil on hot rocks or the coals of the campfire, and eventually you will have a tasty “stew”.
If you’re new to camping, you’re going to want to arrive early to the campground. The reason for this is you will be new to the campground site and rules, and this will slow you down. You don’t want to be stuck setting up camp after dark, so just arrive a little earlier than you usually would.
Make sure you have a suitable water source. Even if you bring water with you, plan to need more water and know where you will be able to get more. It is a good idea to know where your water source will be before you go camping at all, but surely right after you arrive.
Just because your tent is labeled waterproof, do not count on it to keep you dry when it rains. Pack a couple extra-large tarps to take along with you. Use one to set on the ground under your tent and keep one dry to use to cover your tent if it looks like it is going to rain hard.
Now that you have a good idea about how to plan for your camping trip, you can start planning and packing. Explore the wonders that nature has provided you to enjoy. Keep your camera ready! You are going to want to capture as many memories as possible on your next camping excursion.