Should you put a tarp over your tent?
Taking the time to really research camping can ensure you have a successful trip outdoors! There is a bit more to this form of recreation than taking a tent and starting a fire. This article will give you a good deal of information that you can take with you on your next trip.
When packing for your camping trip, make sure to pack either a pair of flip flops or water shoes. These will come in handy in and around the campground. For instance, if you are staying in a campground that has bathroom facilities and you plan on taking a shower, you need to wear shoes in the shower to protect your feet from foot fungus.
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.
With camping, comes the campfire. Make sure your campfire is in an open space and far enough away from brush or trees so you don't run the risk of a stray spark catching them on fire. Surround the fire with stones to help keep it contained. Most importantly, never leave any campfire unattended. If you need to leave for any reason, make sure the campfire is extinguished completely.
Water is very important when camping. When camping at a campground, there should be ample supply of water available, but on the trail, you will have to carry some with you. If you are going long distances, you should probably carry iodine tablets to sanitize any water you find before drinking. Be careful, dysentery can be deadly.
Do not worry that you have packed too much stuff for the kids. Camping can be messy. Kids love to play in the dirt. Because of this, your children will likely be filthy by the end of the day. You may not be able to keep them clean, but you can bring a change of clothes. Don't be caught without something you need!
Choose a tent large enough for everyone that is going to sleep in it. This will allow everyone in your tent to be comfortable at night and to easily get up if they need to use the bathroom.
Make sure that the cooler you are taking with you is air tight. You do not want your food to spoil because the cooler was allowing the cool air to get out. Store your cooler in a shaded area where the sun will not work against it. This could save your food and your stomach.
When you are camping, you should never eat anything unless you are absolutely certain of what it is. There is nothing worse than a strong case of stomach problems when you are far away from both medical attention and a toilet. It is recommended to only eat food that you bring.
If you're camping with your family, try finding campsites that are pet-friendly. This is a great way for you to get your animals out in the fresh air. Your kids will be happy to have your animals there with you, so it can be a great experience for all of you.
Flashlights, spare batteries and an oil lantern are always handy items to have with you on your trip. You will need a light source to see clearly once the sun sinks in the sky. Having ample light sources can prevent falls or surprise encounters with local wildlife. You may want to get each child a flashlight of his or her own if you're taking kids on your camping trip.
Take along a specialized pillow or two for camping. Regular bed pillows can become damp if the weather is wet or humid. Your average pillow will also become moldy from the excessive moisture in the outdoor air. Camping pillows use a coating to lock moisture out to improve your comfort level.
Pack extra flashlights and batteries. It can get quite dark at night, away from all the city lights. A light source how to waterproof canvas tent is very important. Bring a few spare flashlights just in case. Make sure that you pack extra batteries as well. A light source is something you do not want to find yourself without.
Consider leaving a handwritten note to the following campers. In this note, you can inform them of some things that interested you during your camping experience. You could even wish them well during their stay. This is a nice gesture they are certain to appreciate, and it only takes a few short minutes of your time.
You should leave your car or basecamp with a cell phone that's fully charged. Or, bring an extra battery just in case your battery dies. A cellphone can save your skin in bad situations, but only if it has a battery.
Make sure to pack some duct tape for your camping trip. While tents are generally well-made, it is not unusual for them to tear. A piece of durable duct tape can keep you dry at night, even if your tent was damaged by accident.
A utility knife is one of the most useful camping tools. These pieces of equipment are quite versitile and can get you out of a lot of bad situations.
When your camping trip is over, make sure to leave a clean campsite behind. Make sure you have garbage bags to clean up trash. Dispose of any left over food as well as your trash. The only things you should really be leaving behind at your campsite are your footprints.
If you are interested in camping but are not sure if it is the right choice for you, you may want to start out with something a bit easier, like staying in a cabin or renting an RV for a weekend. If you enjoy nature with this convenience, then it may be time to up the game to a tent.
Now that you know enough about camping, you should have no problem going on your first camping trip. You can finally stop wondering about camping and actually go outside and experience it. Just use the camping information you've read to guide you every step of the way and you should be fine.