Are campgrounds a good investment?
Something as seemingly simple as camping might seem as though little planning is necessary. This is not the case. The better planning you do, the more fun you can have. The tips below will help you in finding the best plan for your next camping trip so you are prepared for anything.
Prior to leaving, take a few minutes to make a checklist of everything that you need. There is nothing worse than getting to a campsite and then finding out that you don't have what you need to be comfortable. A checklist is a great aid as you are packing. Try to start getting thing's together several days before you leave so you have plenty of time.
Practice makes perfect when pitching a tent. Take the time to put the tent up before leaving for your trip. This allows you to build your proficiency at erecting the tent, and will also help locate any issues with the tent in case you need to exchange it for a better option.
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 are new to camping and you are going without a more practiced friend, you should consider staying in a campground rather than camping in the wilderness. This will help you to learn the basics of camping while still having basic infrastructure and friendly people around you in case of emergency.
Introduce yourselves to other families camping in your immediate area, as a means of being social and more apt to help each other out. If another crew arrives after you've set up, offer to help with their tent or equipment. If something goes awry during the trip for anyone, it's much easier to ask for help from somebody who was courteous enough to introduce themselves.
Proper planning and preparation can keep you safe and make your camping experience more enjoyable. That is why it's important to prepare in advance and prepare well. When you go to a new campground in a far away location, make sure you know about the wildlife and vegetation of the area.
Make sure you have a suitable water source. Even if you bring water with you, plan to need more water and know where you will be able to get more. It is a good idea to know where your water source will be before you go camping at all, but surely right after you arrive.
Keep a close eye on your dog while you are camping and always keep him on a leash. You may encounter people with a fear of dogs. You must consider them when you are camping, too. Your dog might even damage someone else's property if not properly supervised.
Always pack enough food and the right kind. Depending on the length of time of your outing, you need to have plenty of non-perishable food. Food poisoning can ruin your trip in no time. Take all precautions to make sure your food is packed and prepared properly.
Get a sleeping bag that is warm enough. This is important. Even if you go camping in the summertime, nights can get very cold out in the wild. There are sleeping bags promising protection from varying cold temperatures; it is a good idea to opt for as low a temperature as you can find.
In this modern age, there is no excuse for being in the woods without some form of communication ability. Of course, no one likes to receive phone calls when they are relaxing, so leave your phone off but fully charged, just in case there is an emergency, and you need to contact someone.
To avoid those nasty mosquito bites the next time you go camping, try the peel from an ordinary orange. Don't worry if the insect repellant was left behind on the kitchen counter. Just rub the inner peel of an orange on your skin for a natural insect repellent. This should give you the protection that you need while out in the wilderness.
Before setting out on your next camping trip, check out your first aid kit. If there are any items that are missing, replace them. If any of the ointments or medications are low in quantity, remove them and replace them will a new package. Check the expiration date on topical ointments and medications and replaced any that are outdated.
Don't forget to bring back-ups of things like batteries and flashlights. There are going to be moments when you must clearly see certain items when it gets dark. Having an adequate amount of light can help avoid injuries from falls and running into animals living in the wild. Bring flashlights to safeguard against the dangers of darkness.
Even if it seems silly, bring toilet paper. If you take care of business in the woods, toilet paper is imperative to have. You definitely don't want to depend on leaves for cleaning yourself, because they could have been in contact with poison ivy.
A lot how to clean a canvas tent of people forget to put up shelter before it gets dark. It is much more difficult to pitch your tent after dark. You will need to make a fire or have flashlight to do this. It's much easier to pitch your tent while it's light out.
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.
You should now see how much planning actually needs to be put into a great camping trip. Now that you know, you should begin preparing for a trip in which you are ready for anything. Follow this guide and you will soon be camping under the stars and having a great time.