There are three common types of camping; tent, RV and cabin rental. Each of these types of camping can be great fun. No matter the type of camping trip you plan to take, you need to prepare for just about anything. Read the guide below to learn how to make your camping trip as enjoyable as it can possibly be.
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!
Those big, colorful plastic storage bins make excellent places to store and organize all of your camping gear. While at home, keep it in a closet or the garage and right before you leave for your camping trip, pop it in the trunk. It should keep everything air-tight, dry and easily accessible.
Keep the needs of your family in mind before selecting a destination. For example, if you have a baby or toddler, it may be best to stick close to home in case things don't go as planned. If you have teenagers, however, you may enjoy traveling to a different state. Choose what is best for you!
As a courtesy to other campers, don't leave your lighting on overnight, if you are close to others. Pack a timer that you can attach to your lights that will automatically shut them off after a certain time. Leaving lights on overnight is a popular complaint among most American campers!
Make sure you know what the weather will be before going on your trip. This can give you an idea of what you will be experiencing on your trip. When you have some idea of how the weather will behavior while you are camping, you can pack appropriate clothing and equipment.
When you bring your dog on a camping trip, make certain he has adequate tick protection. Bugs thrive in forests, and many flea treatments do not extend protection to include ticks, so ask your vet before departing if your dog has everything he needs and what you should do for proper tick prevention and removal.
Ask a park ranger or a tour guide to let you know about all the places to check out while you are camping. This is a good idea so that you know you are getting the most out of your camping experience, you don't want to take a camping trip and miss out on a fun experience.
Camping often sounds like a great deal of fun, and it is; however it does require some special preparation. Before going camping for the first time, make sure you have done some research on tents, food and wildlife survival. It can make the difference between a great trip and a dangerous one.
Even camping purists may find that having a small luxury item is a good thing. Take along some candy, some coffee you enjoy or anything that is lightweight but reminds you of home. Such little luxuries will really pick up your spirits!
Make sure you have a suitable water source. Even if you bring water with you, plan to need more water and know where you will be able to get more. It is a good idea to know where your water source will be before you go camping at all, but surely right after you arrive.
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!
When you are planning a camping trip with children, take some time before you go to talk with them about common camping dangers. You can always visit websites that illustrate the dangers posed by poison ivy as well as other harmful plants.
If you have never been camping before, then be sure to bring extra of everything. This is most important for things like food and drinks. Since you are inexperienced you may underestimate how much food you actually need. Remember, you will probably be very active, and therefore need more food than normal.
Unless you are a wildlife expert, you should never drink water that you haven't brought to the campsite with you. Water may look crystal clear but actually be home to a host of diseases or bacteria. If you are in an emergency, always choose running water over stagnant water.
Don't let your flashlight batteries get drained inadvertently. You may accidentally turn on a flashlight while you're looking through what you have packed for your trip. To make sure your batteries don't get drained, put the batteries in backwards. They will stay handy but a thoughtless push of the button will not turn the flashlight on.
Plan your camping attire in advance of your trip. A ready supply of clean clothing should included in your inventory. Pack clothing appropriate for your campsite's climate and weather. You should pack at least one pair of durable closed-toed boots.
Plan your camping trips ahead of time if you are bringing children. Make sure to carry proper clothing for the weather and climate and be sure to practice safety drills with them frequently before the trip. They need to learn what to do if they get lost and they should have their own glowstick or flashlight.
This guide can help a camper of any level find new ways to prepare for their camping trip. Use it as you plan your next excursion and you are sure to have the time of your life! Plan, prepare and enjoy your very next camping trip this coming camping season.