What's the difference between campsite and tent site?
No matter if you are planning your first ever camping trip or are a seasoned pro at it, there is always something to learn! Check out the tips in the following article for some helpful ways of getting more out of camping, with less effort and inconveniences than you ever thought possible.
If you are camping at a public campground, make sure you pack shower shoes for everyone in your party. Not only will they protect your feet from the bacteria on the shower floor, but they are great for those nighttime runs to the bushes when you need to use the restroom. They can be old flip flops, Crocs, or even slip-ons.
Plan accordingly when it comes to food. It is a hassle to make room in your car for all the food you need. However, proper nourishment is crucial when you are in the woods. Also, items that are fairly inexpensive in your local store often carry a higher price tag near camping sites. Bringing enough food means that you will save money and keep everyone in your family in a good mood.
Bring a large trash bag for dirtied laundry, and keep it in a central location, suitable for everyone in your party. Let them pack their clothing individually, as this makes it much easier to find than if you pile it all in a community storage box or bag. Toss in a dryer sheet to any bag you want smelling fresh.
Make a list of things you need to take with you before you go camping. You may think you are great at packing, but little else is worse than being out in the middle of the woods and realizing you forgot your allergy medication. Sit down and create a comprehensive list of everything you might need during the week before your camping trip.
Prior to leaving on your camping adventure, look at the weather forecast in the location your are going to be camping. This can give you an idea of what you will be experiencing on your trip. When you have accurate weather information, the right clothing and equipment can be included in your supplies.
Be certain your camp fire is completely out before you leave a campsite. To your eye it may seem like the fire is gone, but stir the ashes with a stick and you may find burning embers. Pour enough water and keep stirring until you see no more embers in the fire pit.
Don't wait until nightfall to set up camp. If you driving an RV, you should locate a safe parking spot. When using a tent, choose a dry flat location. Doing this during daylight hours will save you hassle and frustration. It will also allow prevent the frustration of not being able to see while setting up your equipment.
When camping out, you're going to have bugs. Some of them are fine, and some of them; you don't want them around you. To limit the amount of bugs you must deal with, keep your campsite clean. Bees and ants are attracted to sugary soda cans and messes, so dispose of your trash immediately.
When you reach your campsite, the first thing, you should do is to start collecting wood for your fire. You won't feel like it later on, and if you wait until dark you will have a harder time finding the kind of wood you need to keep a fire going. Do it right away.
Be prepared for colder weather than expected when choosing a sleeping bag to bring on your camping trip. Always choose a sleeping bag rated for a temperature range just below what you're expecting, even in the summertime. Also, sleeping bags made with synthetic fibers will dry out faster if it rains unexpectedly, but natural fiber sleeping bags will be lighter to carry.
Leave your camping spot as clean as, or cleaner than you found it. It is important to show respect to the land and to others by cleaning up your camping area. If it was a mess when you got there, you can do a good deed and make it cleaner.
Any time you go camping, do not forget to bring a first-aid kit along with you. Since accidents can happen at any time, a first-aid kit is a very valuable asset to possess. Be sure to include topical creams for bug bites, sun burns and poison ivy when putting your kit together.
Don't forget the toilet paper. If you camp in a place with no toilets, you'll need to go in the woods. Leaves are not something you want to wipe with, since you can get poison ivy and a host of other issues. Pack toilet paper.
An orange peel can help repel mosquitoes. This can be used if you have forgotten your insect repellant. Experts have disclosed that simply rubbing the inner peel of a ripened orange on exposed skin can act as a repellant. This should effectively repel mosquitoes for hours.
Especially if you live in a hotter climate, you need to make sure you know how to get ice. Ice melts rather fast, and you're going to need more. Sometimes you can buy ice at the campsite, or sometimes at a store, but there are times when ice isn't so close to where you're camping.
Bring duct tape with you on your camping adventures. Tents may get torn, in which case duct tape can provide a seal. A few strips of this durable tape can keep you dry and cozy at night if your tent is damaged during the day.
It is important to take toilet paper along when you go camping. If there are no toilets at your campsite, you will need to use the bathroom outside. Avoid using leaves to wipe, as you may not be able to recognize poisonous plants such as poison ivy.
Be certain to bring water purification materials. Even if you are planning on bringing your own water or boiling it on site, you never know when an emergency might arise. Try using the tablets at home before heading out on your trip to ensure you understand how they work barebones flashlight and what the water will taste like. The worst thing that could happen is that you become dehydrated, so be sure to plan to prevent this from happening.
The potential for camping trips to become memorable vacations that will be remembered long into the future is great. However, in order to be prepared for anything that may arise along the way, some advance research can make all the difference. The preceding article should hopefully provide the right start for any aspiring camper.