Trying new areas for camping can lead to new experiences, but you will need to be prepared in order to stay safe. These tips can help you have a successful camping trip.
Bring a large trash bag for dirtied laundry, and keep it in a central location, suitable for everyone in your party. Let them pack their clothing individually, as this makes it much easier to find than if you pile it all in a community storage box or bag. Toss in a dryer sheet to any bag you want smelling fresh.
Always take more water than you think you will use when you go on a camping trip. Many times, people forget how much water is needed. It is used for drinking, washing dishes and hands, cooking and even brushing your teeth. Water is not something you want to be without.
Navigation is the key when it comes to camping. It is important to know where you are, and how to get back to civilization if you become lost. Always bring a map of the area, and a compass to help you. You can also use an outdoor GPS that will give you navigation information, as well as additional information such as altitude.
A major mistake that campers make is they will get lost on occasion. Do not let this happen to you. If you are unfamiliar with the area you are camping in or if you are in a wilderness area, do not stray too far from your campsite. A portable GPS is an excellent investment if you are planning any kind of wilderness camping adventure.
A Frisbee makes for excellent support under paper plates, and can avoid the usual camping spillage and drops! Grab as many of them as you have around your home or yard, or pick up a few at your local dollar-type store. They conveniently stack for easy, space-saving packing and are tremendously helpful with little one's meals.
Incorporate swimming into your camping trip. Showering is one of the comforts of home you will have to do without while camping. The coolness of water while swimming is refreshing on hot days, and it helps you to clean yourself. You might not miss the shower after all!
Generally when you camp, you want to live with as little as possible but still be prepared for anything. Not only should you carry a sleeping bag, a few blankets are a good idea also. This will keep you warm if it gets really cool at night and/or you can use them for additional padding.
Take either a bandanna or handkerchief with you when you go camping. This single fabric piece can be used as a carrying bag, hand towel, paper towel, potholder, and blotter. There are many uses for these, so you want to be sure you have one or both of them on your next camping trip.
Take along a battery operated radio when camping. A radio will keep you up-to-date on any late-breaking news and weather reports. A radio will also give you entertainment during those quiet evenings sitting around the campfire. Or if you prefer, pack a guitar for you and your campers' enjoyment.
Prior to going camping, be sure to create a list of what you'll need. This is critical if you are going to be covering some ground before getting to the spot where you pitch your tent. Pack in advance to avoid the stresses of packing before your trip.
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.
Do not approach any wild animals while you are camping. Something that may appear harmless and adorable could be incredibly territorial. Furthermore, be sure not to feed any animals, as doing so may lead to injuries. Avoid keeping any food inside of your tent to prevent animals from destroying your campsite. Keep it stored away safely or in a nearby tree.
Pack some duct tape next time you embark on a camping trip. It is versatile at camp, just like at home. You can use it to repair a hole in an air mattress. It can also seal rips in tarps, a sleeping bag, or the tent. If you plan to take a long hike, be sure to place some on feet to avoid developing blisters. In a pinch, it can even serve as a bandage for injuries.
For easier food preparation on a camping trip, prepare ingredients at home, and pack them in plastic zipper bags. You might want to chop, and other ingredients can be cooked quickly and easily when the prep work is done ahead of time. Throw a few bags of vegetables and meat into a pot over a fire, and you have soup or stew!
A Frisbee is a great toy to take for entertainment when camping. It is easy to pack and fun. But in addition to its use as a game, it is also a great way to strengthen a paper plate. Just place the plate into the middle of the Frisbee at meal times and the plate will not collapse no matter how big your hamburger.
Always ensure you have enough clean water. Water kanvas tent is the single most important thing our bodies need. Always carry enough bottled water with you, especially if you don't have access to a spring. You could also try bringing along iodine packets to sanitize the water that you collect from the backcountry.
There are so many different types of tents available it can be confusing when you are trying to select one. It is a good idea to choose one that has a vestibule. This is where you can keep any of your wet items to avoid placing them directly inside the tent.
Do not forget to buy a good hat for your camping trip. This is essential because it will keep the sun off of your head and face when it is warm. Hats are good when you are camping in the cold as well, since they keep all of the heat from escaping your body from the top of your head.
As you can see, preparing for a great trip to the outdoors can take careful planning and consideration. Utilize all that you have learned to have a great family oriented time and stay safe.
