Do you need a tarp for a tent?
Whether you pitch a tent or roll up in a motor home, choosing to spend your vacation time camping can be a blast! Make sure you plan and prepare for all of the little hazards that living with nature can present, by reading the following tips and adhering to their advice!
When you're camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. Finding the right spot for your tent, gathering firewood and making dinner are all a lot tougher after darkness settles in. This is particularly the case for city slickers who are unaccustomed to darkness. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.
Pre-cool your ice chest by filling it with loads of ice, at least six hours prior to departure. When you are about to leave, pack up your refrigerated cooled drinks and block ice, not cubed. Popping room temp beverages will take up valuable ice-life, and the cubes will melt much quicker than a block!
Avoid any wildlife you may come into contact with. Bears have become a fairly large problem with campers. In some parks they have been known to rip open the trunk of a car to gain access to food. Raccoons are also a big problem in many campgrounds. Not only are they smart and can gain access to your food supplies easily, but they can carry disease as well.
Always take more water than you think you will use when you go on a camping trip. Many times, people forget how much water is needed. It is used for drinking, washing dishes and hands, cooking and even brushing your teeth. Water is not something you want to be without.
Get a sleeping bag that is warm enough. This is important. Even if you go camping in the summertime, nights can get very cold out in the wild. There are sleeping bags promising protection from varying cold temperatures; it is a good idea to opt for as low a temperature as you can find.
Before you even leave your camping trip, try practicing pitching a tent in your backyard or some other open space. People do not know how difficult pitching a tent can be; you do not want to get to camp and realize you have no idea what you are doing. Practice makes perfect!
Take something to entertain yourself when you have some downtime. Bring some board games for the whole family, or bring a book in case you wake up before everyone else. This is a good idea so that you know you are entertained throughout your entire trip and there isn't a dull moment.
Camping is great fun for kids if you plan things that they can do. When you are in the woods with nothing around but trees, they may become bored. Children may not be familiar with activities like pitching a tent or fishing. If they aren't used to camping activities, teach them before you leave.
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.
Consider purchasing inexpensive walkie-talkies to take with you on your next camping trip to provide a way to keep in touch with everyone in your party in areas where cell phone reception may not be available. This can be especially important if you are camping with children and need to keep track of their whereabouts.
When you have a campfire, be certain that someone is monitoring it at all times. Summer's weather best tent fans and dry campsites can be potentially hazardous conditions for fires in unwanted areas. Take turns watching the flames, and be sure to keep a bucket of water and dirt handy to put out any fires.
Take care to pack sufficient, non-perishable foods. Also, you will want to keep food that does not spoil to put yourself in the safest position. Food poisoning can put a miserable end to an otherwise lovely trip. Use proper food preparation techniques and make sure you are well-read regarding the precautions you should take.
If you are taking your children camping with you, don't forget to take walkie talkies along with you. Although each of you may own a cell phone, the area where you are camping may not have adequate coverage. It is best to invest in walkie talkies that have a range of several miles. By having walkie talkies or Family Radio Service (FRS) radio, you can remain in contact with all members of your family.
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 camping with children, bring along a picture of each child. While it is a worst case scenario, a child can easily be separated from the rest of the party, and a picture will make it easier to locate them. Bring one to use for emergencies, particularly if you are a long way from home.
Put all of your food and toiletries away at night. If you are camping where you are parked, store them in a locked vehicle. Otherwise, gather it all up in a bag and hand it several dozen feet off the ground and away from your tent. Animals might want to investigate the scents at night, and you do not want them bothering either the bag or your campsite.
Look into the temperature rating of the sleeping bag you are considering. If you are not going to be camping in cold climates, you do not need one that is rated for the cold temperatures. Finding the sleeping bag that will keep you warm enough without cooking you will make a huge difference in your camping experience.
Once you know what you are doing, it is a lot easier to have fun on your next camping trip. By arming yourself with some basic advice, you can avoid common mistakes and just focus on enjoying yourself. Just remember the tips from this article to have a great time camping.