Top Camping Advice Straight From The Experts

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As far as summer recreation goes, camping can be a truly fun activity for the whole family. Kids will learn to love nature and adults can get a breath of fresh air away from the city life. This article will focus on some wonderful tips that can make your next camping trip a success!

If you are planning any kind of backcountry camping, a must carry item is a fire starter kit. If you are in a survival situation, fire is a way to cook, keep you warm, purify water, and signal for help. Many camping stores sell fire starters that can be used when wet and do not require any fuel. Also, try making fire when you are not in a survival situation so you know you can do it if the need arises.

When you are planning a camping adventure, make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for your trip. Check the weather forecast and bring the clothing that will be needed on your trip. If it is going to be cold, make sure you have the appropriate coats, gloves, and shoes. Remember to also pack a rain poncho no matter what the weather forecast predicts.

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.

Camping in the wilderness alone is one of the most dangerous things that you can do. It is essential that you always bring at least one friend with you unless you are incredibly knowledgeable about the wilderness. Additionally, bringing several friends with multiple tents is the ideal situation, but this is not always possible.

A major mistake that campers make is they will get lost on occasion. Do not let this happen to you. If you are unfamiliar with the area you are camping in or if you are in a wilderness area, do not stray too far from your campsite. A portable GPS is an excellent investment if you are planning any kind of wilderness camping adventure.

When you bring a canine along on a camping trip, don't forget his leash and to keep a close eye on him always. You may encounter people with a fear of dogs. This will maximize the respect that you have for others while camping. You do not want then to ruin anyone's campsite due to lack of supervision.

Remember to pack a camera. There are some memories you're going to want to capture on your camping trip. Bring along a small camera that can fit in your pocket. Try to pack something durable that could stand getting dropped or becoming a bit wet. Consider using a disposable camera.

One thing that many people forget to pack on a camping trip, and which quickly turns the trip into a nightmare is bug spray. This simple repellent will save you both annoyance and can protect your health as many types of bugs can do a great deal of damage to you quickly.

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!

When you are purchasing your camping supplies, spend a little extra bell tent furniture on the better supplies. If you buy the better quality products, you will only have to buy these things once. After you have them bought, camping can be a very affordable way to get away from home for a weekend.

If you are camping with others, ensure that there is something available to keep everyone entertained. There is nothing worse than a bored campmate, as they will constantly pester you for activities. Talk to your family and friends before hand and make sure they know how to entertain themselves for the trip.

If camping with children, place each set of their clothing in a zippered plastic bag or a tied plastic grocery bag. By sorting and packing their clothes in this manner, each morning your child can grab a package and have an entire outfit of clothing for the day. When it is time to go to bed at night, each child can stuff the soiled clothing back into the plastic bag and place it back into their suitcase and not soil unworn clothing.

Flashlights, spare batteries and an oil lantern are always handy items to have with you on your trip. You will surely find it necessary to illuminate things once night falls. Having that extra light source might help to prevent a fall or accident, or even getting lost in the woods. Make sure you have at least enough flashlights for each person to have their own.

Try to refrain from draining your flashlight when camping. You don't want to waste your flashlight battery and not be able to see. If you put the batteries in your flashlight backwards, you can avoid this. That way, the flashlight cannot possibly drain the batteries if the ON button is bumped.

Never force anyone to go camping with you, including family or girlfriends. Some people just don't enjoy being in nature, and they will be miserable and in turn, make you miserable as well. If your children are simply not interested, find a babysitter for the weekend and relax alone!

Practice campfire safety. Make sure your fire pit is not built near any tree branches that hangover. Keep the pit enclosed with either a ring of rocks or a metal ring. Keep shovels and a bucket of water near the fire at all times. Never leave your campfire unattended and completely put it out prior to leaving.

Be sure to pack plenty of water, drinks and food in the camping supplies. If your campsite is known to have an abundance of bears, be certain to store all food away from your sleeping area. Burn any garbage you can to avoid attracting bears to the campsite with the smell.

Keep safety in mind on your camping trip. Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit along with the traditional bandaging supplies and antibiotic ointment. But throw into the mix some antihistamine for bug bites and bee stings, pain reliever, hand sanitizer and any other items that could come in handy in the outdoors.

Camping is a special time for anyone, regardless of how many times they have done it. You can really do some soul-searching and reflection at the same time you are having fun! So make sure you use the tips laid out here to give yourself a special experience and a pleasant time.