Are you safe from lightning in a tent?
When done well, camping is among life's true pleasures. Before embarking on an outdoor adventure alone or with friends and family, it is important to familiarize yourself with tried and true camping tips and advice. The article that follows offers just the start any burgeoning outdoors enthusiast might need to plan their next outing.
It's imperative that you pitch your tent before the sun goes down. Once the sky becomes dark, finding a good spot for your tent, necessary firewood and food preparation become near impossible. It can be even more difficult for those who are not accustomed to trying to see in complete darkness. Avoid this circumstance entirely by securing your accommodations ahead of time.
Before you head out on your long-awaited camping trip, make sure the area where you plan to camp doesn't require a camping permit. If you happen to camp in a place that does require one and you didn't get one, then you could be facing quite a hefty ticket or fine from a local forest ranger.
When going camping, make sure that you bring the right sleeping bag with you. Some sleeping bags will not keep you warm when the temperature dips below 40 degrees, while others will have you sweating all night long because they are too hot. The label on the bag usually will tell you what kinds of temperatures are appropriate for each sleeping bag.
Make sure that all of your friends and family are involved in choosing the camping site. Discuss what state you want to visit. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. Try to select a short-list and then put it to a family vote.
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!
When it is time for you to go to sleep, it is a good idea to put the coolers that you brought along into your vehicle. Bears have become quite savvy these days and have figured out that these coolers usually carry food items and this will attract them to your campsite.
Purchase a few camping pillows to take with you. If you take along a regular bedroom pillow, it can get hot and sticky when it is humid outside. They also absorb moisture out of the air and can mildew quickly. Camping pillows do not have these problems.
Think carefully on your next trip to prevent the drainage of your flashlight batteries. You don't want to waste your flashlight battery and not be able to see. To ensure that this does not happen to you, you can put the batteries in facing the wrong direction until you reach your destination. That way you make sure you don't accidentally turn them on.
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.
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.
If you decide to leave your campsite to participate in activities like fishing or hiking, be sure you know how to get back. Many people become lost when doing these things and it could be hard for you to be found; remember, most cell phones do not work in these areas.
Many people are deterred from camping because they have to sleep on the ground, but you do not have to be uncomfortable when you go camping. Stop by the local drug store and purchase some inexpensive pool floats. These are far tent platform plans more comfortable than the ground to sleep on, and will keep you high and dry as well.
If the area in which you'll be camping is well known for wildlife that poses a danger, special precautions must be taken regarding your food. This means wrapping things up tightly, keeping them far from your tent, and avoiding some types of food completely. This can reduce the chances of wildlife coming near you on your trip.
Are you planning on trying tent camping for the first time and want some help choosing the right tent? First of all, choose a tent where everyone has enough room to sleep comfortably with enough space left to stow your gear. Also, make sure your tent has sturdy tent poles, heavy-duty zippers and seams that are double sewn. It is also important to make sure your tent has rain protection. Choose a tent with a rain fly.
Safety procedures should be acknowledged when you're out camping. This means staying clear of dangerous wildlife and some of the small creatures of the forest. Even smaller animals such as squirrels can pose a danger. And, unless you're in Jellystone Park, don't feed any bears!
Do your bathroom chores downstream if your camp site is close to a water source. This ensures that water flowing through your camp remains uncontaminated by your additions. Also make sure you alleviate yourself at least 100 yards away from your site.
Be sure that you include matches, that will not be ruined when wet, in you survival kit. Keep them stored in an air and water tight container. You don't even have to spend a lot of money. Regular matches can be made waterproof when you dip matches in nail polish or paraffin. You can make a carrying case for matches by putting them in a film canister or a small plastic medicine bottle.
If you're new to camping, and even if you're not, a dutch oven is one of the best experiences you can have. There are so many delicious things you can make in a dutch oven, and some of the desserts are simply the best. If you've never tried a dutch oven before, now is the time.
It should be a breeze to plan your next camping experience now that you know what to bring. No longer do you have to be burdened with the decision of what items to bring on your camping trip. Just remember the contents of this article and you can start packing for your next camping trip.