Camping is a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. However, some folks can get stressed out by the idea of being in the woods at night, or even the thought of sleeping in something other than a building. To calm the fears of your fellow campers and have a prepared trip that is a blast for all, keep reading.
When packing for your camping trip, make sure to pack either a pair of flip flops or water shoes. These will come in handy in and around the campground. For instance, if you are staying in a campground that has bathroom facilities and you plan on taking a shower, you need to wear shoes in the shower to protect your feet from foot fungus.
Check the weather before leaving for your camping trip. You may even be able to find a website that gives you a general idea of the normal weather patterns in that area. With the right weather information, you can be prepared with the proper clothing and equipment.
When camping alone or in the company of friends, always bring an emergency kit. There are certain things you’ll need to include at certain locations (i.e. a snake bite kit.) However, there some basics you should always have with you. For example, if you are camping in an area that may have poison ivy, make sure you pack hydro-cortisone.
Make sure you arrive at the campground before it gets dark. This means a safe parking place for RV campers. Search for flat, dry ground when camping in a tent. Doing this when you still have daylight lets you get familiar with the area. It will also make it easier to see what you’re doing, saving you a lot of frustration.
Don’t forget to pack up some duct tape when you’re camping because it’s very versatile. You can patch holes in tents, shoes and inflatables as well as using it to secure your tent or seal your mosquito netting.
Bugs do not like fire at all, so it is a good idea to keep your fire burning all night while you are sleeping. If you find that there is a huge bug problem during the day, it would help to keep a fire burning at that time as well.
Make sure you have cover in case of rain. When you’re out in the woods, a rainstorm can be wet, cold and uncomfortable. Make sure you have some kind of protection against the rain, whether it be a tent, cabin or lean-to. In a pinch, you can use a garbage bag as a poncho!
When you select the location for your tent, be sure that it is the right place. The ground should be level and do what you can to avoid setting it up at the bottom of a hill. This will help you keep it dry if the weather should turn bad.
A large number of camping related injuries are due directly to carelessness with fire, so be sure to use fire with caution. First, make sure that fires are permissible in the area of your camp site. Set a ring of stones around the fire to keep it contained. Never leave children unsupervised near an open fire.
The main idea when you’re camping out in the wilderness is to live with what you can, but it’s important to be prepared for anything. A sleeping bag is a must, and extra blankets should also be considered. If the temperature drops at night, you can use the blankets for warmth, or as padding, too.
Some members of your camping party might not be thrilled about being in the great outdoors. Others might not feel like you have packed all that you need, and everyone needs entertainment. This article has provided you with a number of ideas you can use to make sure that your camping trip is an all-around success.