Many people think camping only involves sitting around bored while rationing food and getting bitten by bugs. While this may be true for some people, it's not true for everyone. You can have a great time, eat great food and avoid those pesky bugs if you plan properly. The following article contains information you can use to have a great trip.
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.
Did you know that a simple mirror can save your life? If you are camping and end up in a survival situation, a simple hand held mirror can be used to signal for help many miles away. Do not buy the standard glass mirror, many camping supply stores sell mirrors made of Lexan that will float and are practically unbreakable.
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.
Don't forget to pack up some duct tape when you're camping because it's very versatile. It works quickly in a pinch for tent holes, inflatables with leaks, shoes with worn soles, securing the tent to its pole, sealing up your mosquito netting and many, many more things.
Always take a fully stocked first-aid kit when you venture out on a camping trip. You can put together your own kit with bandages, gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, anti bacteria cream and antiseptic wipes in a sturdy container. You can also buy one of the many excellent ready-made kits to save time.
When you pack up your camp site to go home, leave a few logs and some kindling for the next camping group that comes along. If you have ever arrived at your site after dark, you know how tough it can be to find firewood! It's a very nice pay-it-forward gesture that will probably help out more than you can imagine.
Make sure you observe the campground rules and regulations. One of the biggest concerns is trash and also noisiness within a campsite. People often think that people can't hear them, but noise travels far in a campsite. It is extremely difficult to have any privacy, especially when people are supposed to be observing quiet hours.
Make sure that you bring all of your camping equipment with you before you head out on your trip. Forgetting your sleeping bag or food is not what you want to happen. Check to make sure you have everything you need with a check list prior to going on your trip.
Know the climate of your camping area. You will want to have the proper clothing packed for the trip. Knowing how cold the nights get or how hot the days are will help you dress best. You will not want to get caught in the great outdoors with inadequate protection.
Make sure that the cooler you are taking with you is air tight. You do not want your food to spoil because the cooler was allowing the cool air to get out. Store your cooler in a shaded area where the sun will not work against it. This could save your food and your stomach.
Just because your tent is labeled waterproof, do not count on it to keep you dry when it rains. Pack a couple extra-large tarps to take along with you. Use one to set on the ground under your tent and keep one dry to use to cover your tent if it looks like it is going to rain hard.
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.
Be sure to check your first-aid kit before you leave for your trip. You need to be sure it has all the basic necessities. Make sure it includes items like bandages, tweezers, disinfectant, ointment, etc. You never know when something may injure you or another person on your trip, so it's best to be prepared.
Be safe with food when you go camping. Keep food in containers that can't get water in them, and bags that are airtight. Also, use insulated coolers. Do not place cooked and raw foods quality tents for sale in the same area. Keep surfaces and hands clean when you're dealing with your food. Use hand sanitizer or soap. Make sure that you cook all foods to appropriate temperatures, and then chill them as soon as you can.
Charge all of your electronic equipment such as your cell phones and gaming equipment for the children to the max before you go to a camping trip. You want to get the most out of their charge when you do decide to use them, so make sure they are charged.
It is important that you dress appropriately for the outdoors when you go on a camping trip. Dressing in layers is the key! This proves perfect when temperatures increase in the summertime, or cool down in the wintertime. Don't forget to pack some rain gear in case the conditions turn wet.
Take plenty of dryer or pocket lint with you on your camping trip. It seems like a silly suggestion, but lint is free, abundant, and flammable, making it great for starting campfires. The lint can make fire that burns brighter than one created with sticks or wood chips. You just need a bit of lint and a brief spark in order to build a good fire.
Now that you have read these tips, you should be prepared for any outdoor adventure. If you put the tips you found above to use, you will surely have a good time, no matter what comes your way. The joys of camping will become something that you will enjoy a lot.
