Camping has long been known as a cherished pastime for the young and old alike. It does not matter whether you plan to just kick back by a warm fire and relax, hike or any type of other recreation, you should always be prepared with some basic camping knowledge.
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 you get to your campsite, take your family out on a walk. Particularly, if you have children, everyone will need a chance to stretch their legs after getting out of the car. The hike will be a good chance to get everyone excited about the trip and involved with nature.
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.
Purchase a two quality tarps to cover your tent. Place the first tarp on the ground before setting up your tent. This will keep the ground’s moisture from entering your tent from the bottom. Once you have set up your tent, take the second tarp and cover the tent. This will protect you, and your belongings from the elements should it rain.
Ensure you properly plan for the camping trip prior to going to your campsite. You should create a checklist of all the things you are going to need for your trip. You would not want to get to the campsite and discover that you forget to bring a poncho jacket whenever there is a high chance of rain.
If you are hiking through dense foliage, be prepared by wearing clothing that covers most of your skin. Dense foliage can hide many different poisonous plants, briars, thorns and sharp tree branches. If your skin is not covered, you can expect to have all sorts of skin irritations, cuts and abrasions by the end of the day.
Pour out any water that has accumulated in your freezer each day. You want to do this to prevent the ice inside from melting 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.
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.
As you can see, it is important to keep some basic tips and advice in mind for your camping trip. Camping is fun and simple, but it is always important to be prepared. The information shared here should prepare you quite well to have a great trip that will be memorable long after the trip has ended!