There is nothing more exciting than a well planned camping trip. You can learn more about yourself and enjoy the wonders of nature. Hiking, building fires and relaxing are just a few ways that you can enjoy your time. There are lots of things you can do, and lots of things to do before your next camping trip. Here are some helpful tips to assist you to have that great experience.
If you are camping at a public campground, make sure you pack shower shoes for everyone in your party. Not only will they protect your feet from the bacteria on the shower floor, but they are great for those nighttime runs to the bushes when you need to use the restroom. They can be old flip flops, Crocs, or even slip-ons.
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.
If you have a toddler, pack a blanket. You can lay it out on the ground and use it as a makeshift play area. Bring cars, dolls, or whatever items your child is into. They can play without getting too dirty and you can instruct them that they need to keep their toys on the blanket for safekeeping. This will help to keep things from getting too spread out.
When planning for your camping trip, don't forget to pack the sunscreen. Just because you are not on the beach doesn't mean that you don't need protection from the sun's burning rays. A sport sunscreen can be a smart choice if you will be doing strenuous physical activities during your trip.
Make sure you have all the gear you need before you leave your driveway. It is very inconvenient to forget to bring essential items like your sleeping bag or tent. Look over the items you plan to bring and create a checklist before leaving to ensure that all of your essential gear comes with you.
Emergency kits are a good thing to have prepared for any camping trip. Depending on the location, the kit may have extra items, but the basic items should be there. Don't forget to pack the extra for your location, too, such as antivenom for snake bites.
Giving yourself enough time to enjoy your camping trip is key. Plan out your trip far in advance and get a couple of days off from work if possible. You want to enjoy yourself camping for at least a few days, that way you feel like you got the full experience out of it.
Take the time to get a map and to get to know the land. This will help prevent you from getting lost, and to help you figure out how to navigate around your camping grounds throughout your entire trip. This is a good idea to help save time and worry for you.
If you're going camping with a pet, take them for a vet visit beforehand. Inform your veterinarian of where you plan to go camping. Get your pet updated on all their vaccinations and be sure they have protection against ticks, mites, and fleas. You can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of a pet.
Take along a box with essential supplies when you go camping. Include things like stick matches, a flashlight, cooking tools and hand cleaner. Prepare in advance. Think about all the things you might need days before you leave on your trip, especially if you will be far from any store.
For your first camping trips, try to choose a place that you can drive to. If your car is nearby you can use it as a "fortress" of sorts when you are in the middle of nowhere. Not only can you enter it in case of wildlife attack; it can also protect you from the elements.
If you have other people sleeping nearby your campsite, do not bother them by leave your awning lights on during the entire night. Instead, use a timer that you can set to turn the lights off after a certain time period. By doing this, you won't bother others with your lights.
People will often forget to build their shelter before sunset. It's very hard to set up your tent when it's dark outside. A flashlight or fire will help you out. However, setting up your camp while it is still daylight is always your best option.
Camping can either be a beautifully relaxing journey, or it can be a virtual nightmare. How your camping experience turns out is down to one key factor: preparation. If you are able to think ahead about what you might come across, and protect yourself against it, you will have a great time camping.
You need to carry water that is clean if you will not have access to a safe spring or to clean tap water when you're camping. You can either carry your own water in bottles or bring canvas and tent some iodine with you to sanitize nearby water. You can also use a water filter or boil water for around 10 minutes.
Clean your campsite at the end of your stay. Bring enough garbage bags for all the trash. Don't forget to pack up your leftovers. One big camping rule is that only your footprints should remain when you go home.
A polite thing you can do for the campers who follow you is leaving wood for them. Think about how difficult it can be to find some wood if there is none on the campsite, especially when it is dark. So, be courteous to others and leave as much wood as you can.
With this advice, your camping trips are sure to be successful. Don't forget them next time you go camping. It will allow you to pack correctly and not forget things so you're able to have a worry-free camping experience.
