When done well, camping is among life's true pleasures. Before embarking on an outdoor adventure alone or with friends and family, it is important to familiarize yourself with tried and true camping tips and advice. The article that follows offers just the start any burgeoning outdoors enthusiast might need to plan their next outing.
Always seek shelter before it is too dark to assess your surroundings. Once things go dark, you will find it very hard to erect a tent, locate wood and cook a meal. This is even more true if you're accustomed to city life, and your eyes haven't adjusted to the darkness of the woods. Avoid this circumstance entirely by securing your accommodations ahead of time.
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.
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.
Take only photos and leave only footprints. That is the rule of thumb when camping. Only use the natural resources that you need and do not leave any traces that you were camping when you leave. Pick up all trash, extinguish and cover any fire pits, bury all human waste, and make the area where you camped look exactly as it did when you found it.
If possible, incorporate swimming into your camping trip. You are probably going to miss the shower you have at home while camping. Cool water can give you a feeling of exhilaration that may help you to miss your shower at home much less.
Always understand what dangers are associated with a new place. Knowing what poisonous creatures to watch out for, where terrain gets rugged, and when to expect dangerous weather are key to ensuring your safety. All camping spots have some dangers associated with them and you want to make sure you pick a spot that isn't too bad.
Camping is hard work, but it's also very much fun. Once you figure out what you're doing, the rewards are numerous. You get to experience nature and the outdoors; picnics are always fun, and you get a chance to sleep under the stars. Nothing beats some of the experiences you can have camping.
Collect more wood than you think you are going ot need. Unless you go camping every day, you probably don't have an accurate idea of what "enough wood" actually looks like. You can always leave the extra wood in a pile as a gift for anyone that uses the campsite after you.
Take either a bandanna or handkerchief with you when you go camping. You can use it as a potholder, bag holder or a towel. Its uses are innumerable, so it is smart to always have one available.
Wear layered clothing to manage your body temperature. When camping, it is a hassle to have to change clothing when temperatures suddenly rise or drop. However, if you layer your clothing, you will be able to quickly and easily peel off or put on layers of clothing as the need arises.
A checklist is essential before embarking on any camping journey. For trips that take a while to arrive at the destination, this is crucial. A couple of days before your trip, make a list of everything you need, checking things off as you pack them
If you have never been camping before, then be sure to bring extra of everything. This is most important for things like food tents to live in year round and drinks. Since you are inexperienced you may underestimate how much food you actually need. Remember, you will probably be very active, and therefore need more food than normal.
Make sure that your tent is ready before dark if you don't plan to sleep under the stars. Some camping locations get very dark and this can make setting up your campsite nearly impossible. You also never know when something could go wrong during set-up, such as a broken pole or a sudden tear in your tent.
Orange peels may protect you from mosquitoes. Don't worry if you forget the bug spray. Experts suggest rubbing the inside peel of a ripe orange over the exposed parts of your body. This can keep mosquitoes at bay for a number of hours.
If you will be camping for an extended amount of time, you may want to take the time to pack some entertainment. Don't bring a ton of electronics, but a book or music is great.
As crazy as it might sound, do not forget to pack some toilet paper. If you go camping at a location with no toilets, you will have to use the bathroom in the woods. You do not want to use leaves to wipe yourself, as they may contain poison ivy, so take your toilet paper with you.
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.
Camping offers just about anyone the opportunity to peacefully commune with nature. But, in order to have the type of experience you truly desire, it is necessary to possess a certain degree of understanding and know-how. With any luck, the guidance contained above has provided the foundation every camper needs to have a wonderful outdoor experience.
