How heavy should your backpacking tent be?
Something as seemingly simple as camping might seem as though little planning is necessary. This is not the case. The better planning you do, the more fun you can have. The tips below will help you in finding the best plan for your next camping trip so you are prepared for anything.
If you are camping at a public campground, make sure you pack shower shoes for everyone in your party. Not only will they protect your feet from the bacteria on the shower floor, but they are great for those nighttime runs to the bushes when you need to use the restroom. They can be old flip flops, Crocs, or even slip-ons.
If you have a toddler, pack a blanket. You can lay it out on the ground and use it as a makeshift play area. Bring cars, dolls, or whatever items your child is into. They can play without getting too dirty and you can instruct them that they need to keep their toys on the blanket for safekeeping. This will help to keep things from getting too spread out.
Collect more wood than you think you are going ot need. Unless you go camping every day, you probably don't have an accurate idea of what "enough wood" actually looks like. You can always leave the extra wood in a pile as a gift for anyone that uses the campsite after you.
Bring supplies for 'Smores. 'Smores are an integral part of any camping trip. Simply pack graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Toast the marshmallows, then make it the filling to a graham cracker/chocolate sandwich. When you have a 'Smore, you will want 'some more'--bring enough for everyone to have at least two of them!
Pour out any water that has accumulated in your freezer each day. You want to do this to prevent the ice inside from melting into the water. It is also a good idea because any contaminants that have entered the water from foods you have in, can be poured off.
Choose your campsite carefully. The location in which you're camping can make all the difference. Do plenty of research before you make any plans. What is the weather like? Does the campsite have specific rules? How crowded will the campsite be? Poor planning can make for a miserable camping experience.
No matter if you are going camping alone, or with a huge group, you need to always bring along an emergency kit. This kit must include the basics for the event of an emergency. Take into consideration all the possibilities that nature has to offer, and take precautions for them.
Try combining a swimming experience with your camping experience. Showering is one of the comforts of home you will have to do without while camping. When swimming, you will feel refreshed and cleaner. If you use large canvas tents some biodegradable soap, you can get just as clean as you would at home.
When you are heading out for that long awaited camping trip, don't forget to take along your cell phone. You may be tempted to leave all the texting and calls behind, but your cell phone can be one of your most important safety lifelines in the event of an emergency. Make sure it is fully charged and keep it protected from the elements in a plastic bag or waterproof case.
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.
Charge all of your electronic equipment such as your cell phones and gaming equipment for the children to the max before you go to a camping trip. You want to get the most out of their charge when you do decide to use them, so make sure they are charged.
When you are going camping, do your best to get as early of a start as possible. It will be your job to pitch your tent so you have somewhere to rest comfortably, and that will be much harder for you to do once it starts to get dark outside.
People who are going camping would be wise to stay away from axes to do their chopping. Sure an Ax might make you feel manly, but in many conditions, particularly when it is wet outside, or you are tired, an ax is a one-way ticket to the hospital.
When you are purchasing your camping supplies, spend a little extra on the better supplies. If you buy the better quality products, you will only have to buy these things once. After you have them bought, camping can be a very affordable way to get away from home for a weekend.
Make it a habit to leave no sign of you having camped at a location. As a camper, you're aware of how beautiful nature really is. It's your job to help keep it that way. Take any trash with you to dispose of properly. Before you go, circle your camping ground a second time to look for any litter you may have missed.
It's is important to have first aid essentials or a kit with you. Make sure the kit contains everything you may need for any type of mishap. The first aid kit should include bandages, allergy and pain medicine and other essentials. Safety is an important consideration when you are camping, but it is important to be prepared for accidents.
If you are camping with young children, make sure you plan activities for them and bring them toys to play with. You may be fine with a book on the picnic blanket, but children need more to keep them occupied. Don't forget to keep travel games in mind, also.
You can make camping a fun and relaxing way to spend some time out in nature and enjoy all that it has to offer. Use the helpful tips shared in this article and you will have the time of your life next time you go on a camping adventure.