Think about the last camping trip you went on. A well planned camping trip offers relaxation and a way to reflect on the beauties of our natural world. No phone, no TV, no work related problems… just relaxation and fun. Read this article thoroughly to learn how to maximize your enjoyment on your next trip.
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.
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.
Look up grocery stores near your campsite. Make sure you know how to get to them. Particularly, if your trip is spanning more than three or four days, the food you bring with you probably isn’t going to last the length of your trip. Not only, that, but your family is going to get tired of eating the same things day after day. Variety is the key.
Carry a bandana or handkerchief with you. Such an item can be used as a carrying bag, a potholder, a hand towel, a blotter or a paper towel. There are many uses for these, so you want to be sure you have one or both of them on your next camping trip.
The lint from the dryer actually is great to help start campfires. Around four weeks prior to camping, start keeping the lint that you clean from your dryer filter. Collecting lint in a bag will allow you to have a fire building tool for your trip. Using this method, you can acquire kindling and camp in the same day.
Be prepared for colder weather than expected when choosing a sleeping bag to bring on your camping trip. Always choose a sleeping bag rated for a temperature range just below what you’re expecting, even in the summertime. Also, sleeping bags made with synthetic fibers will dry out faster if it rains unexpectedly, but natural fiber sleeping bags will be lighter to carry.
Talk to your children about the dangers of camping before heading out on your trip. Show them pictures of plants that are poisonous so they know not to touch them.
Be sure to check your first-aid kit before you leave for your trip. You need to be sure it has all the basic necessities. Make sure it includes items like bandages, tweezers, disinfectant, ointment, etc. You never know when something may injure you or another person on your trip, so it’s best to be prepared.
Do not take anything that belongs in nature with you when you leave. Have fun and take pictures, but when you are loading up the car, make sure rocks, pinecones and other objects remain where they are. This is one of the unspoken rules of camping. Everyone should have the same opportunity to enjoy these things.
A wonderful camping trip is just around the corner, all you have to do is follow what you have just learned. The information here is just the beginning of what can be done to make your camping trips more enjoyable. As you go camping more often, you will learn other things.