Camping is an activity like no other. Nature and fresh air are two of the best things in the world. If you would like to camp, look at this advice first.
One of the most important parts of your camping gear is your tent. The tent you buy should suit your needs and the size of your camping party. If you have young children, you probably want to purchase a large tent so they can sleep in the same tent with you. If your children are old, buy them their own tent so they don't have to bunk with the adults.
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.
Camping can be extremely fun or extremely dangerous depending upon how prepared you are. Be sure you're always prepared before you go camping. If you go someplace new, research wildlife and research the weather and geography.
Don't worry about over-packing for the kids. Being out in the wild can result in all sorts of messes. Kids love to play in dirt. As the day moves along, your children are going to get really messy. You can't avoid the dirt, but some extra clothes will help out. It is important to be prepared.
Before you bring your dog along for a camping trip, get him used to the idea with a little practice run in the back yard. Pitch the tent in an already familiar area, and let him sleep or play in it for a while. Bringing a dog can really add to the fun of camping, so long as the animal has been adequately prepared for the event.
Get everything you need ready for your meals before you get to your campsite. If you are only camping for a few days, this initial trip to the store should be all that you need to do. Stock up on nonperishable items, too. You don't want you or your family members to be hungry on your trip.
Do not dump any type of food waste on the ground. This is a great way to attract unwanted bugs and animals. The best way to get rid of excess food waste is to dump all of it into the fire pit. It is also not a good idea to bury them.
When kids are in your camping party, it is important to let them know what the rules are as soon as you get there. They must have strict guidelines to follow, or they could get hurt or annoy others. For example, talk to them about screaming and how their voices could disturb others. It is much harder to enforce rules after you have been there for a few days, so get going early.
Any time you go camping, do not forget to bring a first-aid kit along with you. Since accidents can happen at any time, a first-aid kit is a very valuable asset to possess. Be sure to include topical creams for bug bites, sun burns and poison ivy when putting your kit together.
Learn how to pitch your tent ahead of time. First-time tent pitching can take time, and you may get frustrated if your first time is at the actual campsite. If you practice doing this ahead of time, it will be a breeze to do once you get to your destination.
Though camping is meant to emphasize minimalism, some carefully chosen supplies can make all the difference. Bring extra blankets along with your sleeping bag. That helps you if the night gets really cold, and you are able to use them as padding, as well.
It is a great idea to put your tent together at home before you go out camping. Some tents can seem very complicated, and you do not want to get stuck in the dark without your tent being assembled. If you practice when you are at home, you will already have the experience of setting it up, and it will go smoothly.
Don't let your children out of your sight. You have to be sure they don't wander off into the woods. An accident can occur quickly, so it is important to be vigilant.
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.
Never force anyone to go camping with you, including family or girlfriends. Some people just don't enjoy being in nature, and they will be miserable and in turn, make you miserable as well. If your children are simply not interested, find a babysitter for the weekend and relax alone!
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 buy canvas wall tent of food, especially meat, that can feed 4 or 5 people.
Food poisoning is important to avoid when going on a camping trip. If your food is not preserved, canned or vacuum sealed, you run the risk of getting food poisoning from spoiled food. Pack an adequate supply of ice for keeping perishable foods nice and cold and be sure to drain your cooler's plug so the food doesn't get soaked.
Now you know that nothing is as great as camping. Through camping, you can see and feel every aspect of nature. Using the tips from this article, you can be on your way to a nice, relaxing camping trip at the destination of your choice.
