How cold is too cold for camping?
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.
Before you head out on your long-awaited camping trip, make sure the area where you plan to camp doesn't require a camping permit. If you happen to camp in a place that does require one and you didn't get one, then you could be facing quite a hefty ticket or fine from a local forest ranger.
While you have this vision of a fun-filled camping trip, many times scrapes and cuts just seem to come with all that fun. Be sure you take a first-aid kit with you into nature because accidents just happen, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. Hopefully, it will stay packed safely away, but you will have the peace of mind that you are prepared if something does happen.
When you get to your campsite, take your family out on a walk. Particularly, if you have children, everyone will need a chance to stretch their legs after getting out of the car. The hike will be a good chance to get everyone excited about the trip and involved with nature.
One thing that many people forget to pack on a camping trip, and which quickly turns the trip into a nightmare is bug spray. This simple repellent will save you both annoyance and can protect your health as many types of bugs can do a great deal of damage to you quickly.
If you'd like to prevent mosquito bites, but want to avoid using harsh chemicals, use an orange peel instead. Rub the orange peel over exposed areas of the skin, such as the neck, arms, face and legs to naturally repel mosquitoes. Not only will the orange peels feel better on your skin than traditional repelling chemicals, but they will smell better, too!
A major mistake that campers make is they will get lost on occasion. Do not let this happen to you. If you are unfamiliar with the area you are camping in or if you are in a wilderness area, do not stray too far from your campsite. A portable GPS is an excellent investment if you are planning any kind of wilderness camping adventure.
Over-packing is better than under-packing when it comes to children. Being out in the wild can result in all sorts of messes. The dirt is like a magnet that draws your children into the mess. As they go about enjoying the natural surroundings, you may find that dirt is added to dirt. Be sure to pack some extra clothes for your kids in case this happens. The key is being prepared.
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.
If you are taking your children camping with you, don't forget to take walkie talkies along with you. Although each of you may own a cell phone, the area where you are camping may not have adequate coverage. It is best to invest in walkie talkies that have a range of several miles. By having walkie talkies or Family Radio Service (FRS) radio, you can remain in contact with all members of your family.
A large number of camping related injuries are due directly to carelessness with fire, so be sure to use fire with caution. First, make sure that fires are permissible in the area of your camp site. Set a ring of stones around the fire to keep it contained. Never leave children unsupervised near an open fire.
You should bring food on your camping trips. You should plan out what and how many meals you plan on eating before going on your trip. As far as how much food you should bring, a good rule of thumb is to only carry the amount of food that you need to prepare your meals.
Do not underestimate the power of Duct tape It is an essential tool when you camp, so make sure it is in your box of "essentials." Duct tape can be used to repair tent poles, patch shoes, fix holes in mosquito netting, as well as many other things. Duct tape is a life saver.
Take something to entertain yourself when you have some downtime. Bring some board games for the whole family, or bring a book in best camping fan for tent case you wake up before everyone else. This is a good idea so that you know you are entertained throughout your entire trip and there isn't a dull moment.
One simple tip that many people overlook is creating your shelter before dark. When it's dark outside it can be very hard to put your tent up. If you wait until dark to pitch your tent, you will need to build a fire or light several lanterns to ensure you can see to pitch your tent correctly. It's much easier to pitch your tent while it's light out.
As crazy as it might sound, do not forget to pack some toilet paper. If you take care of business in the woods, toilet paper is imperative to have. If you forget the toilet paper, you may be forced to use leaves, some of which could be poison ivy.
Make sure that you dress appropriately for your camping trip. Your clothing should be loose, clean, and comfortable. You should also pay attention to the weather. If you notice it will be cold, make sure you wear several layers of thicker clothing. If there is a chance of rain, make sure you bring along a waterproof poncho. You do not want to be stuck in the wilderness without the proper clothing.
When camping with children, bring along a picture of each child. Should you lose track of your children at some point during your camping trip, having a picture handy could make a world of difference. This is particularly useful if you will be camping somewhere far from where you live.
Start your camping trip off the easy way with a precooked meal that can be kept in a cooler. There are many things that must be done on the first day and knowing that you have a delicious meal already prepared can make the end of the day relaxing and more enjoyable.
Now that you know what to bring, you can start planning your own camping trip. This article has provided you with information on the essential items needed for any camper preparing to venture into the wild, so always remember them. They will come in handy and make your camping experience an enjoyable one.