If you love the great outdoors, mother nature, and the smell of fresh air, nothing will please you more than a nice camping trip. But, there are some things you need to know about camping before going on your trip. This article will give you the best camping tips around.
When it comes to food, bring only what you need on a camping trip. Extra food out in the wilderness is a calling card for wild animals to come visiting your campground. If you do find that you have additional food, tie it up in cloth and handg it as high as you can in a tree away from your immediate campground. This will help keep you from unwanted animal introductions.
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.
Look up activities to engage in prior to getting to your destination. This will allow you to check for any deals that may be offered. Also, it will help you be more prepared when you actually get to your destination. You can find trails that may be appropriate for everyone in your family or restaurants that you would enjoy.
You might think nature naturally provides all the wood you need, but the wood where you are could have already been picked clean, or it could be wet. To prevent this problem, bring along a few pieces of your own wood. Make sure to keep that wood dry in your car or another secure location.
Camping often sounds like a great deal of fun, and it is; however it does require some special preparation. Before going camping for the first time, make sure you have done some research on tents, food and wildlife survival. It can make the difference between a great trip and a dangerous one.
Make sure you buy a tent that is big enough for your needs. Many people find themselves crowded in a tent for no reason. Tents are lightweight and very compact, so there is no reason not to have enough space when you buy a tent. Make sure you're buying for comfort.
Giving yourself enough time to enjoy your camping trip is key. Plan out your trip far in advance and get a couple of days off from work if possible. You want to enjoy yourself camping for at least a few days, that way you feel like you got the full experience out of it.
When you go camping, be sure to have a few activities in mind other than just... "camping". The camping experience is enriched by hiking, swimming, exploring and things like that. Be sure to engage in some of these other activities so that you have the fullest camping experience you've ever had.
Make sure that you are aware of the perils around the camping site that you choose. There may be spiders or bears near you that could pose a threat. Each area can pose different dangers, so familiarize yourself whenever you venture somewhere new.
Bugs life intents 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.
Do not underestimate the power of Duct tape It is an essential tool when you camp, so make sure it is in your box of "essentials." Duct tape can be used to repair tent poles, patch shoes, fix holes in mosquito netting, as well as many other things. Duct tape is a life saver.
The idea of camping is to live with just the essentials, but you should make sure to be well prepared. While a sleeping bag is a necessity, you should bring extra blankets. They can be used as padding or for warmth.
As you set up your campsite, choose an area that is as smooth and as level as possible for the location of your tent. You will be uncomfortable if you pick a spot that is rocky an uneven. Make sure to put a tarp down so that water cannot penetrate your tent.
If you are taking your kids camping with you, make sure you bring a photo of them along. In case you get separated, having the pictures on your person will help you find them quickly. Bring at least one photo of each child for any emergencies.
Make sure that you only pack the food that is absolutely necessary during your camping trip. Excess food that is packed will likely end up being spoiled. If your trip only has 2 people, you should not bring along numerous servings of food, especially meat, that can feed 4 or 5 people.
Even if it seems silly, bring toilet paper. If your campgrounds or location doesn't have a properly installed restroom, you will need to go outdoors in the woods. Using leaves to wipe could open yourself to mistakenly wiping with poison ivy, so be sure you remember the toilet paper.
The camping stove that you select can make a huge difference in the ease of meal preparation in the woods. If you are camping with a large group of people, you are likely going to need a few camping stoves to feed everyone. Be sure to take along enough fuel to keep them lit as you cook.
Be aware of food safety precautions on your trip. Foods should be packed in airtight and waterproof containers. Store food that requires refrigeration in an insulated cooler. Don't keep raw and cooked food together, so there is no contamination. Keep surfaces and hands clean when you're dealing with your food. Use hand sanitizer or soap. Make sure cooked foods reach the correct temperature and make sure perishable foods are kept chilled.
This article hopefully helped you become better prepared. You might have noticed that several preparations for a trip that lasts a week should also be implemented for trips that last a single night. Start planning now, and soon you'll be on your way to your own memorable camping trip.
