What do you call a campsite without a tent?
Camping is a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. However, some folks can get stressed out by the idea of being in the woods at night, or even the thought of sleeping in something other than a building. To calm the fears of your fellow campers and have a prepared trip that is a blast for all, keep reading.
You don't have to be a boy scout to be prepared, if you plan to go camping. One of the first rules is to be sure to tell somebody where you will be. If there isn't an exact location to give, then give a general idea of major roads nearby or even GPS coordinates if you know them and give a timeframe of when you plan to return.
If you are going on a camping adventure, make sure you have enough time to set up camp before dark. It can be extremely difficult to set up camp in the dark and possibly unsafe. You need to be able to scout the terrain, prepare bedding, and possibly build some temporary shelter prior to the sun going down.
Make sure that you avoid any venomous plants. A good way to do this is to stop at the ranger station and ask what kinds of poisonous plants are in the area so you can identify them if you come into contact with them on the trail. Never eat anything while hiking on the trail if you do not know it is edible.
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.
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.
Bring supplies for 'Smores. 'Smores are an integral part of any camping trip. Simply pack graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Toast the marshmallows, then make it the filling to a graham cracker/chocolate sandwich. When you have a 'Smore, you will want 'some more'--bring enough for everyone to have at least two of them!
Get everything you need ready for your meals before you get to your campsite. If you are only camping for a few days, this initial trip to the store should be all that you need to do. Stock up on nonperishable items, too. You don't want you or your family members to be hungry on your trip.
It is important to have a flashlight when you camp, but make sure the batteries are fully charged. One way to be sure the batteries don't accidentally drain on the journey is to put them into the flashlight backwards. That way if the switch is accidentally engaged, they stay charged. Plus, you know where the batteries are.
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.
Cross contamination is not an issue that only affects people that cook at home. When you are cooking outdoors, you still have to worry about not using the same cutting board to cut meat that you do to cut any other foods. If you only have one board, use both sides.
Camping is fun, and camping with kids can be even more fun, but certain precautions need to be made for these little campers. Take plenty of extra clothes for them, because they will get dirty and wet. It's important they don't stay in wet clothes, because it's possible, it could result in hypothermia. This goes for adults, too.
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.
Take along a fire extinguisher! You never know when a fire can spread. Being prepared to put it out quickly could save your life, your gear and the woods around you. Find one that is capable of putting out fires of all kinds to be sure you are prepared to extinguish them all.
One thing that many people forget to pack for their camping trips is the Sun-block. Even if you tan very well, there is no excuse not to protect you from the sun. In the short term, you will end up with a horrible burn, but in the long run it can give you serious problems with cancer.
Study the map of the area you plan to enter in advance and learn how to use a compass. If you have visited the campsite before, you can still get lost once you arrive. Knowing how to use them can save you from a disaster.
Waterproof matches are an absolute essential addition to your camping survival kit. The container should glamping show 2023 be airtight. To save money, dip regular matches in shellac, nail polish or wax to make your own waterproof matches. Make a match holder out of a plastic medicine bottle or a 35mm film container.
Study what kinds of wild animals can be found in your camping area. Many campers have been attacked in the outdoors because of their lack of knowledge of wild animals. Some of the animals you may encounter are whitetail deer, feral hogs, black bears, mountain lions or snakes. Use the Internet to help you research your climate and area for an accurate list!
Wear closed-toe shoes when camping. While walking with open-toe shoes or barefoot in nature may sound appealing, there are a lot of treacherous things on the ground that can harm your feet including rocks, sticks, poisonous plants and even animals. Protect your feet completely by always wearing shoes that protect you completely.
Camping is a great experience that anyone can get involved in. As you can see, camping is a great adventure that can be fun and exciting for the entire family. If you utilize these tips, you will be able to ensure a successful adventure that your whole family enjoys.