Camping in the great outdoors can be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to get away from the stress of every day life. To make sure that your trip is as relaxing as possible, there are some basic tips that get help you get the most of your time away. The article below has lots of great ideas.
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.
Look up activities to engage in prior to getting to your destination. This will allow you to check for any deals that may be offered. Also, it will help you be more prepared when you actually get to your destination. You can find trails that may be appropriate for everyone in your family or restaurants that you would enjoy.
Take only photos and leave only footprints. That is the rule of thumb when camping. Only use the natural resources that you need and do not leave any traces that you were camping when you leave. Pick up all trash, extinguish and cover any fire pits, bury all human waste, and make the area where you camped look exactly as it did when you found it.
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.
Bring a first aid kit. Camping is fun. It can also be a bit dangerous. Always be prepared. Small scrapes and rashes can be especially common out in nature. Bring along an emergency first aid kit full of anything you might need. You'll be happy you did if something goes wrong.
When traveling to your camping destination, plan on stopping and having a meal when you're near the campground, but before you actually arrive. Being well fed before arriving will ease frustrations if the campground is full, or if it takes longer to get your gear set up. Use this break to discuss your plans and to remind everyone of how to remain safe!
A Swiss Army Knife is a tool that no camper should be without when camping. A Swiss Army Knife contains many useful tools including a screwdriver, a pair of tweezers, a screwdriver as well as a knife. This ingenious tool will come in handy many times during your camping trip.
If you're new to camping, you're going to want to arrive early to the campground. The reason for this is you will be new to the campground site and rules, and this will slow you down. You don't want to be stuck setting up camp after dark, so just arrive a little earlier than you usually would.
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.
Bugs and mosquitoes are a common camping annoyance. You could buy a commercial repellent with chemicals, but a good natural way to keep bugs away from your body is by using an orange peel. Rub the inside of the peel on your arms and legs. This is a inexpensive, responsible way to repel annoying pests.
Find the most level, rock-free ground possible to set up your tent on. Choosing a sloped or rocky area to camp at can make you uncomfortable when in your tent. A tarp underneath your tent is handy as it can help keep water from entering.
Do not approach any wild animals while you are camping. Something that may appear harmless and adorable could be incredibly territorial. Furthermore, be sure not to feed any animals, as doing so may lead to injuries. Avoid keeping any food inside of your tent to prevent animals from destroying your campsite. Keep it stored away safely or in a nearby tree.
Trail mix is a classic snack and for a good reason. Throw a little beef jerky, a few fruits, and you've got yourself a full camper's meal. When the day ends, you may feel so tired you aren't in the mood for cooking. Nutrient-rich treats like beef jerky and trail mix will help satisfy your hunger. These items keep for a long time so it won't be like your wasting food if you don't use them.
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.
Make sure you always have a source of clean water with you. When camping, you can't always trust that a natural water source is clean enough to drink from without boiling the water first. So keep a canteen filled with water at your side during any daily adventure. In the evenings, boil any spring water for ten minutes to create clean water reserves for the next day.
It is recommended you bring lots of beef jerky and/or trail mix when you go camping. These little nutritious snacks can come in handy after a long day. These kinds of foods do not spoil quickly, so you can always save them for a later time.
Make a list of what to bring on your camping trip ahead of time. Planning ahead will save you the hassles of last-minute shopping. It will also ensure that you don't forget any essentials. You don't want to arrive at your campsite to discover you've forgotten your cookware, knives or soap.
If you plan on camping, you should bring along shoes that can get wet. Shower shoes, slip-ons, water shoes, or flip-flops that you don't mind getting wet work best. These can easily be used simple canvas tent to walk around a shared shower facility, go to the bathroom at night, go to a swimming hole, or even a pool. They're easy to put on and take off anytime you need.
As was stated in the beginning of this article, a great deal of preparation must be done before heading out on a camping trip. The tips provided in this article is a great way to make sure that you've taken care of all the essentials so that your camping trip will be as safe and enjoyable as possible.
