Is camping in a camper really camping?
One of the best ways to spend your vacation time is by camping out in the woods with mother nature! Make sure you are properly prepared with the helpful tips in the following article and that you learn all you can about spending time in a forest before you set out!
When camping, be sure to locate a shelter before dark. You do not want to be stuck trying to put your tent together or finding a safe location for the tent when it's pitch black outside. This is especially true if you are an urbanite whose sight is not used to the pitch dark. Don't let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.
Select your sleeping bag with the weather, season and location of your trip in mind. Bringing a sub-zero type of sleeping bag to use on a trip in the summer will make you sweat the entire night. On the other hand, light-weight sleeping supplies will never keep you warm enough in the dead of winter. Without protection, you are running the risk of developing hypothermia.
You need to maintain your cleanliness while camping. Good hygiene is difficult when you are camping sometimes, but you can keep yourself clean. A bottle of hand sanitizer is excellent to have so you can clean hands before eating. You can also use rubbing alcohol on areas of your body that are not sensitive. A mild biodegradable soap and a sponge can be used to take mini-baths when water resources are low.
When you bring your dog on a camping trip, make certain he has adequate tick protection. Bugs thrive in forests, and many flea treatments do not extend protection to include ticks, so ask your vet before departing if your dog has everything he needs and what you should do for proper tick prevention and removal.
When camping, periodically do a tick check. Look for any brown or black spots that have just appeared on your skin. Ticks attach themselves to the skin without causing too much of a disturbance, so be sure to check yourself and your companions for ticks after spending time camping outdoors.
Many people are deterred from camping because they have to sleep on the ground, but you do not have to be uncomfortable when you go camping. Stop by the local drug store and purchase some inexpensive pool floats. These are far more comfortable than the ground to sleep on, and will keep you high and dry as well.
Be certain your camp fire is completely out before you leave a campsite. To your eye it may seem like the fire is gone, but stir the ashes with a stick and you may find burning embers. Pour enough water and keep stirring until you see no more embers in the fire pit.
If you are camping with others, ensure that there is something available to keep everyone entertained. There is nothing worse than a bored campmate, as they will constantly pester you for activities. Talk to your family and friends before hand and make sure they know how to entertain themselves for the trip.
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 wall tent camping in your pocket for a quick dose when your feet start feeling beat-up or blistered.
Pack plenty of jerky and trail mix when planning for a camping trip. These snacks are nutritious enough to eat in the event you don't feel like cooking. They are also convenient because they keep well and don't need to be refrigerated.
Especially if you live in a hotter climate, you need to make sure you know how to get ice. Ice melts rather fast, and you're going to need more. Sometimes you can buy ice at the campsite, or sometimes at a store, but there are times when ice isn't so close to where you're camping.
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.
A Swiss Army Knife is a tool that no camper should be without when camping. A Swiss Army Knife contains many useful tools including a screwdriver, a pair of tweezers, a screwdriver as well as a knife. This ingenious tool will come in handy many times during your camping trip.
Flashlights, lanterns and a good supply of extra batteries are necessary supplies during any camping trip. This will ensure everyone remains safe. Having that extra light source might help to prevent a fall or accident, or even getting lost in the woods. If you have kids with you on your camping trip, hand each of them a flashlight.
Always check the weather forecast before you go camping so that you know what kind of clothing you will need. You could be very cold if a front blow through, and you did not pack jackets and blankets. In addition, consider packing some rain ponchos in case any storm's blow through.
Pack wisely and carefully. Have a checklist of everything you need on your next camping trip, and then use that list in full to pack. This will save you the inconvenience of forgetting something and having to stop for it and it is very important, especially if your are going to a remote location.
Novice campers often set up their tent near bathrooms, but this is an error. They have convenience in mind, but might find out the situation is different than they thought. Light and high traffic are usually found around the bathroom area. After a while, it becomes less of a convenience and more of a hindrance.
Camping is an enjoyable way to spend time. You can take a break from reality and enjoy the wonders of nature. The advice in this piece will help you transform any camping experience into the trip of a lifetime.