Are you thinking about going camping? Whether you’re staying for a night or planning a week away, you need to plan. The ideas presented in the following paragraphs are going to help you have a camping trip that is fun for all.
Look for where you’re going to set up your shelter before darkness falls. Once darkness falls, it is very difficult to set up camp. This is even more true for city folks whose eyes are not used to the pitch black. Avoid these circumstances by finding the right shelter while it is still light.
Navigation is the key when it comes to camping. It is important to know where you are, and how to get back to civilization if you become lost. Always bring a map of the area, and a compass to help you. You can also use an outdoor GPS that will give you navigation information, as well as additional information such as altitude.
Avoid any wildlife you may come into contact with. Bears have become a fairly large problem with campers. In some parks they have been known to rip open the trunk of a car to gain access to food. Raccoons are also a big problem in many campgrounds. Not only are they smart and can gain access to your food supplies easily, but they can carry disease as well.
Before you start out on that relaxing camping trip, it is essential for your safety to make sure to let someone know you are going. Give a friend or neighbor the name of the campsite if you are using one. If you are headed out on a less structured trip, give your contact a general idea of where you are headed and a timeline for your return. If something goes wrong, there will be someone to know where to look for you.
If you are using a tent for camping, put a great deal of thought into buying your tent. Consider the climate. Consider your price range. How often will you be using this tent? You don’t want to buy a tent that won’t be able to stand up to the elements. At the same time, you don’t need to pay a fortune for a tent you plan to only use once.
An indispensable item to pack for your camping trip is Ziploc bags. You can separate items in your gear like sunscreen and bug spray so if they puncture they do not get all over your gear. You can also use them to keep items like matches and cellphones dry if it rains.
You should always have some duct tape along on any camping adventure. There are multiple uses to put it to when camping, just like at home. This can be used to close up any issues with your air mattress, which can save you money. It be used to seal tears in tarps, tents, and even sleeping bags. Prior to heading off on a long nature hike, place some tape on your heels to avoid blistering. In a pinch, it can even serve as a bandage for injuries.
Keep the environment in mind when you are at your campsite. Enjoying nature is one of the main benefits of camping, so it is important to respect the Earth. Throw away all your trash, and don’t get too rowdy. You can even bring along a solar-powered device if you have one to use.
After reading this, you should be well prepared for planning your next camping trip. You might have realized that you need the same things whether you camp out for a night or a week. Get start now, and you will be very glad that you did.
