How do you care for a canvas tent?
Camping is something that is fun for the entire family. Whether you are new to camping, or are a seasoned veteran, there are always things you must consider before venturing out on your next camping trip. The following article will help prepare you for your next trip so that you have a good and safe time.
When camping, there is a good chance that your items will get dirty. Don't stress out when it inevitably happens. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. Things will go to back to normal soon enough.
Include the family in the selection of the campsite. Engage in conversation about what state and location they would like to visit. Since the are so many great options to choose from across the U.S., it might be hard to select only one! If it makes things simpler, list your personal preferences and then have the family choose from them.
Research any potential campground well. They all have different amenities. Some may have showers and bathrooms, while others may not. There are even a few campgrounds that are quite fancy, with onsite miniature golf games or water parks. You may not need or want all that, so figure it out ahead of time so that you are not disappointed when you get there.
Ensure the tent is an adequate size for anyone that might be with you. You should have no problem sleeping and getting through the nights when camping.
Make sure you have a first aid kit with you. As an alternative, you could pack some supplies in a plastic bag. While hopefully your trip will be free of injuries, you never know. It is best to be prepared so that you can handle anything that happens in the best way possible.
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.
Let people know where your group is headed. Just in case anything happens to any of you, you want to know that there are people who know where you are at. This is a good precautionary measure to take if something were to happen to your camping group, because help will be on the way soon.
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.
Bugs and mosquitoes are a common camping annoyance. You could buy a commercial repellent with chemicals, but a good natural way to keep bugs away from your body is by using an orange peel. Rub the inside of the peel on your arms and legs. This is a inexpensive, responsible way to repel annoying pests.
Flashlights, lanterns and a few extra batteries must be taken for every camping trip. There will be times when you will need to see clearly after the sun goes down. A flashlight can prevent a fall and scare away unwanted wildlife. If you have children with you on your camping trip, a smart thing to do is to give each of them a flashlight.
Recreational camping is not just for warm weather. If you are feeling especially adventurous, you can go camping in early spring and late fall at most camping grounds. You can even camp in the snow if you have the right gear. Make sure your sleeping bags are suitable for whatever weather you are camping in.
You should always bring a spare utility knife when camping. This knife is a must-have for campers, and you should have a spare in case something happens to the first one.
When you go camping for the first few times, be sure that your camp is close to where you live. Things may go wrong and you may have to abort your trip early if things don't go your way. It could be that you glamping platform didn't pack enough food or your clothing is not warm enough. People that are camping for the first time may have a lot of problems, so being close to home is recommended.
Pack glow sticks. It gets dark out in nature. If you're just waking up in the middle of the middle of the night, the light from a flashlight or lantern can be too harsh. Bring glow sticks and keep them in an easily accessible location. These will provide a softer light.
If cooking is not your strong suit, and you want to keep things simple camping, find a local military surplus store and look for MRE's. Meals Ready to Eat are freeze dried foods that usually just require water for preparation. If you wanting an easy meal and not looking for great taste, these can even be consumed without cooking.
You should carry a survival knife on your camping trips. This portable knife can be used for hunting, for protection, and for a signal if you need help. You need to carry one that is durable, so try to invest in a quality knife from an outdoor goods or camping store.
Use proper food safety techniques when you go camping. Make sure to pack your foods in airtight containers. Any perishable food should be stored in insulated coolers. Keep food contamination low by separating raw and cooked foods. Always wash your hands, cutting boards and preparation surfaces to optimize safety and keep yourself from getting food poisoning. Cook foods to the right internal temperature and get foods that need to be cold chilled quickly.
This guide can help a camper of any level find new ways to prepare for their camping trip. Use it as you plan your next excursion and you are sure to have the time of your life! Plan, prepare and enjoy your very next camping trip this coming camping season.