Camping can be great fun, but it really isn't something you just want to do on a whim. It will work out much better if you plan a camping trip and plan it well. The following article outlines important things you should consider before heading out for that weekend getting in touch with nature.
Pre-cool your ice chest by filling it with loads of ice, at least six hours prior to departure. When you are about to leave, pack up your refrigerated cooled drinks and block ice, not cubed. Popping room temp beverages will take up valuable ice-life, and the cubes will melt much quicker than a block!
Do plenty of research on your camping site and ensure that it offers everything that your group will need. Consider the individual needs of each camper to ensure that everyone is taken care of. This alleviates the need to make supply runs, or worst case, have to end the trip too soon.
Select the right sleeping bag for the season. Make sure that your sleeping bags in the summer are not too heavy. If you use a lightweight sleeping bag during the winter, you can spend your night shivering if it's cold outside. Without protection, you are running the risk of developing hypothermia.
Get a big enough tent to fit everyone and gear properly. This will ensure comfort while inside the tent.
Know what is available in the area around your campsite. You may get lucky and have beautiful weather the entire time. However, you may also face inclement weather, too. Have a backup plan in case you need a diversion. This is particularly crucial if you have kids, but adults need a little entertainment as well!
If you are using a tent for camping, put a great deal of thought into buying your tent. Consider the climate. Consider your price range. How often will you be using this tent? You don't want to buy a tent that won't be able to stand up to the elements. At the same time, you don't need to pay a fortune for a tent you plan to only use once.
When camping, most people enjoy relaxing around a campfire. To prevent your fire from becoming out of control, you should incorporate a few safety practices. First of all, build your fire away from bushes and trees so that sparks from your fire will not start a forest fire. You will also want to use a circle of rocks to contain your campfire. Do not ever leave your fire unattended. Before leaving your campsite, make sure your campfire has been totally extinguished and that there are no remaining hot embers.
Bring some plastic totes or canisters with you when you go camping so you can store any food products you have opened. This will keep any critters from swarming around large canvas tent with stove your campsite and it will also keep various wildlife from being attracted to whatever it is you have in there.
Take along a battery operated radio when camping. A radio will keep you up-to-date on any late-breaking news and weather reports. A radio will also give you entertainment during those quiet evenings sitting around the campfire. Or if you prefer, pack a guitar for you and your campers' enjoyment.
Write down a list of all the materials you need before you go camping. This can be of particular importance if you are traveling a long distance and will be in more remote locations. Prepare for your trip a couple days prior to leaving and use a check list to ensure you have everything as you pack.
Zip-lock bags can be very handy in a camper's tool chest. Don't worry about hauling mixing bowls in your gear. A gallon size zip-lock bag is great for mixing foods together and is much easier to carry in your pack. Just secure the top of the bag very carefully, then squeeze, knead or shake the ingredients together. Then discard for super-easy cleanup too!
When you go camping, be sure to have a few activities in mind other than just... "camping". The camping experience is enriched by hiking, swimming, exploring and things like that. Be sure to engage in some of these other activities so that you have the fullest camping experience you've ever had.
If you are going camping with a tent you have never used before, put it up in your backyard before you leave. When you get to your campsite, it might be dark and raining, and you might have to go on feel and memory pitching the thing. So, it helps to have done it at least once before.
When you're finished camping and ready to go home, you should pick up after yourself. Keeping nature clean and preserved can allow future campers to enjoy it too. Before you leave, clean up any messes, you've made at your site and try your best to leave nature as you originally found it.
Make sure you pack a utility knife when going camping. A utility knife is a very versatile piece of equipment and one that every camper should have. In fact, you should also bring an extra utility knife with you in case you misplace your main utility knife.
Watch out for irritants like poison ivy. It usually has recognizable triple-leaf clusters. However, poison sumac and poison oak tend to have more leaves and also need to be avoided. Keeping your skin completely covered when near these irritants can help prevent rashes. You should also carry some calamine lotion and allergy medication or antihistamines as a precaution.
It is important that you practice food safety while you are out camping. If you bring food, pack them in waterproof containers and airtight re-sealable plastic bags. Store food that requires refrigeration in an insulated cooler. Prevent cross-contamination of raw and cooked foods by storing them separately. Use hand sanitizer and soap to keep hands, as well as preparation surfaces, clean while you are handling food. Chill foods in a prompt manner and cook your foods to proper temperatures.
Plan plenty of activities to keep yourself busy while camping. Marshmallows and campfires aren't the only things you can do when you're camping. Be sure to include activities that every member of the party can participate in. Make sure that all age groups of your family are considered in your planning.
Camping is not as hard as it seems now that you have read this article. Anyone can do it! Use what you've read here when you next go camping. You will soon be starting an exciting adventure that will get you closer to nature.
