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.
Do plenty of research on your camping site and ensure that it offers everything that your group will need. Consider the individual needs of each camper to ensure that everyone is taken care of. This alleviates the need to make supply runs, or worst case, have to end the trip too soon.
Did you know that a simple mirror can save your life? If you are camping and end up in a survival situation, a simple hand held mirror can be used to signal for help many miles away. Do not buy the standard glass mirror, many camping supply stores sell mirrors made of Lexan that will float and are practically unbreakable.
Do plenty of research on your camping site and ensure that it offers everything that your group will need. Consider the individual needs of each camper to ensure that everyone is taken care of. This alleviates the need to make supply runs, or worst case, have to end the trip too soon.
Ask a park ranger or a tour guide to let you know about all the places to check out while you are camping. This is a good idea so that you know you are getting the most out of your camping experience, you don't want to take a camping trip and miss out on a fun experience.
As a courtesy to other campers, don't leave your lighting on overnight, if you are close to others. Pack a timer that you can attach to your lights that will automatically shut them off after a certain time. Leaving lights on overnight is a popular complaint among most American campers!
Take along a box with essential supplies when you go camping. Include things like stick matches, a flashlight, cooking tools and hand cleaner. Prepare in advance. Think about all the things you might need days before you leave on your trip, especially if you will be far from any store.
Make sure to finish setting up camp during daylight hours. If you are traveling in an RV, park it in a well secured area. When forming your tent, find a spot that is level and dry. Choosing a site before night falls gives you an opportunity to get used to your surroundings. This can help to reduce the stress that you have during your trip.
When you go camping, be sure to have a few activities in mind other than just... "camping". The camping experience is enriched by hiking, swimming, exploring and things like that. Be sure to engage in some of these other activities so that you have the fullest camping experience you've ever had.
Do not take anything that belongs in nature with you when you leave. Have fun and take pictures, but when you canvas tent fly are loading up the car, make sure rocks, pinecones and other objects remain where they are. This is one of the unspoken rules of camping. Everyone should have the same opportunity to enjoy these things.
Don't let your flashlight batteries get drained inadvertently. It can be really easy to inadvertently press the "on" switch on your flashlight when jostling through a bag of camping equipment. To prevent draining the batteries, place them in your flashlight backwards. This way they won't activate if the switch is nudged and will stay fresh till you need them.
Always inform friends and family of your camping trip and location. Make sure to establish contact numbers and pertinent information on how to find you should something untoward occur. When you have a safety net like this in place, it will allow you to relax on your trip, knowing help can always find you.
Never park your vehicle under a single tree when you are at a campsite. If there is a storm, it will attract lightning. This also means that you should avoid sleeping under any trees that are in a particular area by themselves. Try to be in an area that is free of trees or one that has many.
You should carry a survival knife on your camping trips. This portable knife can be used for hunting, for protection, and for a signal if you need help. You need to carry one that is durable, so try to invest in a quality knife from an outdoor goods or camping store.
Pack ready to eat foods in your camping gear, like trail mix and jerky. After a long and tiresome day, you may want to eat these nutritious snacks instead of cooking. As an added benefit these snacks have a long shelf life, so if you do not eat them while camping you can enjoy them for months to come.
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.
Don't forget the sunscreen. You might not burn easily, or ever, but sunscreen is still important to prevent sun damage, especially when you are spending most of the day outdoors. Sun damage can age you rapidly and even cause cancer, so it is very important to protect your skin.
The climate in which you are camping will determine the type of tent that you need. If you are not going to be in cold and windy climates, you will not need a tent that is built for it. Do your research about tents before you buy one to be sure it will keep you warm and dry when you need it to.
Be aware of food safety precautions on your trip. Foods should be packed in airtight and waterproof containers. Store food that requires refrigeration in an insulated cooler. Don't keep raw and cooked food together, so there is no contamination. Keep surfaces and hands clean when you're dealing with your food. Use hand sanitizer or soap. Make sure cooked foods reach the correct temperature and make sure perishable foods are kept chilled.
Camping can be a magical experience for both you and your entire family. Use the tips in this article to make sure you do a good job of staying safe and having a great time camping at the same time. Go on your next camping trip better prepared and even more ready for fun.
