Camping is a wonderful and magical time when you and your friends can enjoy the great outdoors. The advantages include time away from the hustle and bustle of cities for a slower pace of life for a weekend, and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. To make the most of your next camping trip, read on into the following paragraphs.
Before you head out on your long-awaited camping trip, make sure the area where you plan to camp doesn’t require a camping permit. If you happen to camp in a place that does require one and you didn’t get one, then you could be facing quite a hefty ticket or fine from a local forest ranger.
Include the family in the selection of the campsite. Talk over what your destination state should be. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, and it can be hard to pick one. Try to select a shortlist and then put it to a family vote.
Prior to heading out, be sure you are aware of the forecast for your destination. There are dozens of websites that can tell you about local climates. If you have the correct weather information, you will be better prepared with proper equipment and clothing.
Make a list of things you need to take with you before you go camping. You may think you are great at packing, but little else is worse than being out in the middle of the woods and realizing you forgot your allergy medication. Sit down and create a comprehensive list of everything you might need during the week before your camping trip.
At night, create “bear bags.” Tie a rope around the bags with your food and your trash. Then, find a tree and toss bags over a branch, raising them until they are at least seven or eight feet off the ground. Tie the rope around the tree so it is secure. This way, bears and other animals will not be able to get into your food and trash during the night.
Camping can be incredibly fun or incredibly dangerous depending on just one factor: preparation. You must make sure you are completely prepared before you go camping. If camping at a new location, make sure you investigate the geography, climate, and local wildlife so you are prepared for any dangers.
A ‘jungle breakfast’ can be a great activity for the kids. Tie juice boxes, and tiny boxes of cereal and fruit to trees in the woods. Then when your kids get up, let them search for their food. This is a fun game for the kids and makes their camping experience more interesting.
To avoid blistered and chapped feet on your camping trip, bring a bar of soap along! Prior to any lengthy walk, rub the soap into the heals of your socks and this will minimize friction, thus reducing soreness. Keep the soap in your pocket for a quick dose when your feet start feeling beat up or blistered.
Camping in the wilderness alone is one of the most dangerous things that you can do. It is essential that you always bring at least one friend with you unless you are incredibly knowledgeable about the wilderness. Additionally, bringing several friends with multiple tents is the ideal situation, but this is not always possible.
Avoid severe weather when going camping, and pay attention to forecasts. It is horrible trying to pitch a tent in the rain, and not much fun sitting in a tent during a rainstorm. It is equally as disturbing approaching a muddy campsite and trying to make a weekend out of it.
If you have never been camping before, then be sure to bring extra of everything. This is most important for things like food and drinks. Since you are inexperienced you may underestimate how much food you actually need. Remember, you will probably be very active, and therefore need more food than normal.
If your children are with you, establish a daily routine early on. This will help them adjust to their new surroundings and have a good time. Try to stick to a certain bedtime and eat your meals at about the same time each day. Your kids will be happier, and you will be as well.
If you are camping in an area that has loose or very sandy soil, you should make sure that you place large, heavy rocks on top of all the stakes of your tent. This will keep the stakes planted firmly in the ground and your tent from collapsing on its own.
Camping means you and your family and friends can get some time both outdoors and away from the modern world, with all its stress, hectic pace and technology. When you keep in mind all the tips from this article, you can sleep in your tent in peace, knowing all your bases are covered.