Content written by-Holbrook Munro
Camping can be a great way for you to spend time with your family. However, there are a lot of things you need to keep in mind so that you not only are safe, but have fun as well. Here are some great ways for you to have a good time camping while remaining prepared for whatever comes your way.
You don't have to be a boy scout to be prepared, if you plan to go camping. One of the first rules is to be sure to tell somebody where you will be. If there isn't an exact location to give, then give a general idea of major roads nearby or even GPS coordinates if you know them and give a timeframe of when you plan to return.
Pack a few shovels if there are children with you on your trip. Kids love nothing better than digging in the dirt, and having the right accessories is crucial. If you have room, bring a bucket too. The children will happily entertain themselves in the dirt while you unpack, set up camp and do everything that you need to do.
Camping is definitely a fun time, but there might also be uninvited guests at your campsite. Who are these guests? Bugs!
Family Camping is their environment and they like camping, too. Make sure you have bugged repellent with you to tell them to stay at their own campsite or to go visit other campers who weren't quite as prepared as you were.
When it is time for you to go to sleep, it is a good idea to put the coolers that you brought along into your vehicle. Bears have become quite savvy these days and have figured out that these coolers usually carry food items and this will attract them to your campsite.
Check out what the weather is going to be like before you leave for your destination. You can find the average weather during a season for almost any location online. Having a good idea of what the weather will be like will ensure that you pack accordingly for your trip.
Pack additional clothes when going camping. Camping can be very messy. Almost every child will want to play in the dirt or mud, constantly. This means that by day's end your children and their clothes can be quite soiled. While you can't do much about that, you should have extra clothing on hand. Staying prepared is the best way to avoid issues on your trip.
Pour out any water that has accumulated in your freezer each day. You want to do this to prevent the ice inside from melting into the water. It is also a good idea because any contaminants that have entered the water from foods you have in, can be poured off.
Camping in the wilderness alone is one of the most dangerous things that you can do. It is essential that you always bring at least one friend with you unless you are incredibly knowledgeable about the wilderness. Additionally, bringing several friends with multiple tents is the ideal situation, but this is not always possible.
If you're having trouble keeping warm at night, wear a hat. It can get cold out in nature. As cold as it gets, however, it can be quite stifling to keep your head tucked inside your sleeping bag at all times. Pack a warm woolen hat to wear while you sleep.
Cross contamination is not an issue that only affects people that cook at home. When you are cooking outdoors, you still have to worry about not using the same cutting board to cut meat that you do to cut any other foods. If you only have one board, use both sides.
Trail mix and beef jerky are a couple great things to bring along on a camping trip. After a busy day of hiking or other strenuous outdoor activities, you may be too tired to deal with campsite cooking.
Camping Items are healthy and nutrient-dense, making them a quick and easy source of nourishment. They are also convenient because they keep well and don't need to be refrigerated.
You must take the appropriate items with you when camping. Omitting just an item or two can be calamitous. Take the time to create a list that can be checked off while you pack. You should bring along a knife, food, water, shelter and a sleeping bag.
One thing that many people forget to pack for their camping trips is the Sun-block. Even if you tan very well, there is no excuse not to protect you from the sun. In the short term, you will end up with a horrible burn, but in the long run it can give you serious problems with cancer.
Always keep some duct tape with you when you're out camping. Tents are usually more durable than they used to be, but they can still get torn. Duct tape can help you to sleep in peace at night, and is very inexpensive.
If you are going to be camping during the winter, select a sleeping bag that is mummy-shaped. This type of sleeping bag fits around your feet well, which will help keep you warm by preserving your body heat. In addition, packing this mummy-shaped bag for your trip is very easy.
If you're new to camping, and even if you're not, a dutch oven is one of the best experiences you can have. There are so many delicious things you can make in a dutch oven, and some of the desserts are simply the best. If you've never tried a dutch oven before, now is the time.
Always ensure you have enough clean water. Water is the single most important thing our bodies need. Always carry enough bottled water with you, especially if you don't have access to a spring. You could also try bringing along iodine packets to sanitize the water that you collect from the backcountry.
So there you have it. A camping trip can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. Once you have purchased or borrowed the minimum camping basics, the country is your oyster and you are only limited by the amount of time you have and how far you can travel. Enjoy!