Camping offers us a great way to spend a vacation, or just getting a weekend away from it all. Relaxing in the tranquility of nature and learning to get on without modern conveniences is an experience everyone should try at least once! Keep reading for some wonderful advice on how you can make the most of your camping trip.
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.
Avoid any wildlife you may come into contact with. Bears have become a fairly large problem with campers. In some parks they have been known to rip open the trunk of a car to gain access to food. Raccoons are also a big problem in many campgrounds. Not only are they smart and can gain access to your food supplies easily, but they can carry disease as well.
Reserve your spot at a campground as soon as possible. Particularly in the summer, many people are interested in camping with their families. If you make your reservation in the winter, you are much more likely to get the best rate possible. Those savings can translate into additional family fun while on your vacation.
You might think you can find enough wood for your fire in the woods, but the wood you find might be wet and not want to burn. Bringing your own wood never hurts, especially when things are a little wet and you know a fire will be needed.
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.
If you are interested in camping, and you are new to the activity, then you should never start out alone. It can be quite dangerous if you don't know what you are doing, so it is important to bring along an experienced friend to help you learn the ropes.
Make sure you plan out your route in advance of your trip. Look to see if there are any special places that you can stop at along the way. It will make the drive much more enjoyable and you may have a lot of fun in the process. Granted, you may need to get to your destination quickly, but if you have time, taking the scenic route is worth it.
When planning a camping trip, be sure to plan on getting to your campsite before dark. This way you will have daylight in order to set up camp, check out your site for dangers, such as broken glass, dangerous tree branches and other potential dangers or problems that can be fixed before bedtime.
There are safety procedures that should be followed when camping. This means staying clear of dangerous wildlife and some of the small creatures of the forest. Even squirrels and tiny animals may pose a threat to you and your family. Keep your food out of reach of bears at all time, and do not try to interact with them.
Dryer lint can make great kindling for creating campfires. Around four weeks prior to camping, start keeping the lint that you clean from your dryer filter. You can hang a bag next to the dryer and just stuff your lint into it. Using this for your kindling will save you time looking for it, and it will work even better than any kindling that you do find.
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.
Bring some duct tape on your camping trip. It has as many uses on the campsite as it does at home. Tape can be used to seal holes in your sleeping mattress. You can also use it to patch up a tent, tarp or sleeping bag. Before embarking on an arduous hike, put it on each foot to stave off blisters. It even works as a bandage.
Consider the erection spot for your tent carefully. Beware of wasp nests, or breeding territory of other animals. If you are by plants or flowers, bring pants to block insects. You should bring insect repellant along.
Be prepared if you get lost on a camping trip. You should know how to use a map, compass, and GPS device before leaving for your trip. You should also keep these on your person during your trip. If you stray too far from your campsite, these items can help you get back quickly and safely.
It's important to clean the campsite you used when it's time to leave. Make sure you have garbage bags to clean up trash. Make sure to take any food that is left over as well. The major rule for leaving a campsite is to just leave behind footprints.
When camping in the fall, try to dress in layers for your protection. Weather can change on a dime. You may find the early mornings or late evenings to be very cool or cold, while the middle of the day can be warm or very hot. Nighttime can often be much colder than mornings and afternoons. You'll teepee covers need to be sure your clothes are layered so it's easy to adjust what you're wearing throughout your day.
Wrap up your fishing gear, like line and lures, in plain old aluminum foil! This will keep everything from tangling up and if you do it properly, water proofed as well. Foil will also prevent rust from ruining your valuable fishing gear, so make it part of your camping trip every time.
People who don't pack food correctly risk food poisoning. Bring preserved foods and foods that don't spoil easily. Bring lots of ice to prevent food from spoiling, and remove the drain plug on the cooler so your food stays dry.
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.
