Tips For A Successful (and Fun!) Camping Trip

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Camping is one of Americas greatest traditions, however many people make common mistakes when venturing out to the great outdoors. The following article has some helpful advice on how you can make your next camping trip more enjoyable while also remaining as safe as possible. Read on to learn some key camping tips.

Prior to leaving, take a few minutes to make a checklist of everything that you need. There is nothing worse than getting to a campsite and then finding out that you don't have what you need to be comfortable. A checklist is a great aid as you are packing. Try to start getting thing's together several days before you leave so you have plenty of time.

When you are camping, a necessity for your gear is a survival knife. This is the most important part of your camping gear. Buy a high quality survival knife, not just the cheapest you can find, your life may depend on it. These knives are all very similar; they have a long blade serrated on one side and a hollow handle. Inside the handle you can carry fishing line, hooks, a compass, and matches as a small survival kit.

Bring a plastic garbage bag and put all of you family's dirty laundry in it. This keeps the items from mixing in with your clean clothing. It also makes things convenient for you when you return home. You can simply dump out the bag in your washing machine and begin working on it all immediately.

Don't fear that you are overpacking for your kids on a camping trip. There is a lot of mess that goes along with camping. Your kids may love playing around in the grass and dirt. Your kids may become filthy as the day goes on. While there is nothing you can do about that, you can have some extra clothing just in case. Prepare thoroughly!

If you are not prepared for your camping trip, your fun excursion can turn dangerous fast. Only go camping once you are fully prepared. Research the place that you are traveling to, which will help you to understand the climate and geography.

Always pack and carry a survival kit. A survival kit should consist of matches, first aid necessities a flare gun and a knife. This kit may keep you alive if you are lost and these items are indispensable for a survival situation. Always keep it nearby and never leave it behind at the campsite.

Take a first aid class, particularly if you are traveling with children. You will be prepared for any accidents that may occur and can survive until you reach professional medical care. Be sure to do some research as well. Know the types of wild animals that inhabit the woods and gain understanding of any poisonous snakes or plants nearby.

Make sure you observe the campground rules and regulations. One of the biggest concerns is trash and also noisiness within a campsite. People often think that people can't hear them, but noise travels far in a campsite. It is extremely difficult to have any privacy, especially when people are supposed to be observing quiet hours.

Pour out any water that has accumulated in your freezer each day. You want to do this to prevent the ice inside from melting are canvas tents waterproof into the water. It is also a good idea because any contaminants that have entered the water from foods you have in, can be poured off.

Talk to your children about the dangers of camping before heading out on your trip. Show them pictures of plants that are poisonous so they know not to touch them.

Take along a fire extinguisher! You never know when a fire can spread. Being prepared to put it out quickly could save your life, your gear and the woods around you. Find one that is capable of putting out fires of all kinds to be sure you are prepared to extinguish them all.

If you are camping outdoors instead of in a travel trailer or RV, it is important to dress in (or carry with you) layers of clothing. While on a camping trip, temperatures can fluctuate widely. The easiest and most effective method to control your body temperature is through adding and removing layers of clothing. Having layers of clothing also protects you from bug bites.

Be sure to choose the right site for your camping experience. The camping site can make or break your trip. Try to choose a site that is not too far away from help should you need it. Choose a site that is flat and somewhat apart from trees. You want a location that is far from critters and close to aid.

It is important that you dress appropriately for the outdoors when you go on a camping trip. Dressing in layers is the key! This proves perfect when temperatures increase in the summertime, or cool down in the wintertime. Don't forget to pack some rain gear in case the conditions turn wet.

When you select the location for your tent, be sure that it is the right place. The ground should be level and do what you can to avoid setting it up at the bottom of a hill. This will help you keep it dry if the weather should turn bad.

If your children are with you, establish a daily routine early on. This will help them adjust to their new surroundings and have a good time. Try to stick to a certain bedtime and eat your meals at about the same time each day. Your kids will be happier, and you will be as well.

For easier food preparation on a camping trip, prepare ingredients at home, and pack them in plastic zipper bags. You might want to chop, and other ingredients can be cooked quickly and easily when the prep work is done ahead of time. Throw a few bags of vegetables and meat into a pot over a fire, and you have soup or stew!

Pack an emergency repair kit for your tent. You can get them at any camping supply shop. These kits will make it easy for you to repair rips, broken poles and failing zippers. The last thing you want while camping is to have your tent fail and not have the tools and supplies to fix it.

When you're prepared, it's a lot more fun to go out and spend time on a camping trip. Make the smart decision to use the advice from this article, as you are sure to enjoy a more relaxing and fun filled trip.