Camping is a fantastic way to get out there and forget about your troubles. Every day life can be full of anxiety and stress, so it’s good to step away from it every once in a while. Before you go camping, however, it’s useful to keep what you’re about to read here in mind at all times.
Always find your shelter before it gets dark when you go camping. If you wait until after dark to set up you will find it to be nearly impossible, even if you have decent light. Those that live in urban areas find this to be the case even more than those that are used to pitch black darkness. Avoid this by setting up your shelter ahead of time.
Keep the needs of your family in mind before selecting a destination. For example, if you have a baby or toddler, it may be best to stick close to home in case things don’t go as planned. If you have teenagers, however, you may enjoy traveling to a different state. Choose what is best for you!
Preparation could mean the difference between a good camping experience and a dreaded one. Without proper preparation, a camping trip can turn into a disaster. When you go to a new campground in a far away location, make sure you know about the wildlife and vegetation of the area.
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!
You can easily start campfires using dryer lint as a starter material. Start collecting the lint from your dryer’s filter about a month before you go on your trip. Simply use a plastic grocery sack to collect each new crop of lint. By doing this, you’ll have all the kindling you need.
Clean up thoroughly when leaving a campsite. Try your best not to leave any trace of you at the campsite you stayed in. This is important, not just in terms of being considerate of other people. There are animals and insects that continue to live in the woods after you have left, so think of them as well.
Don’t forget to include special pillows made just for camping on your adventure. Standard bed pillows can become hot and sticky in humid weather. Your average pillow will also become moldy from the excessive moisture in the outdoor air. A good pillow intended for camping, however, will keep the moisture out, which will prevent any of the above problems.
Know the climate of your camping area. You will want to have the proper clothing packed for the trip. Knowing how cold the nights get or how hot the days are will help you dress best. You will not want to get caught in the great outdoors with inadequate protection.
If you’re going camping with a pet, take them for a vet visit beforehand. Inform your veterinarian of where you plan to go camping. Get your pet updated on all their vaccinations and be sure they have protection against ticks, mites, and fleas. You can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of a pet.
Now that you know what camping entails, you’ll be able to come up with a plan so your trip goes more smoothly. Knowing what to expect is only part of the fun though, the main part would be actually getting out there and doing it. Use what you have learned here, and have a stress free trip!
