What is traditional camping?
So, you're going camping and you are wondering where to start. Camping is a rather simple pleasure, but it's vital that you make yourself aware of some basic things when it comes to camping. This article will help educate you on some of the things you need to know for your trip.
Water is critical for your survival when hiking in the backcountry. Carry water purification tablets with you or some sort of water filter that is capable of filtering out bacteria. There are many different kinds available at your local sporting goods store. Whenever you are looking for a water source, make sure the water is flowing; stagnant water can kill you if not treated properly.
Try to get to the campsite well before nightfall. This allows you to get a feel for the lay of the land and gives you the opportunity to set up camp while you can still see what you are doing. In addition, it lets your children feel a little more comfortable with their surroundings because they will have time to explore.
Duct tape is a handy tool to carry when you are camping. It can fix so many different things, holes, leaks and just about anything else that arises.
With camping, comes the campfire. Make sure your campfire is in an open space and far enough away from brush or trees so you don't run the risk of a stray spark catching them on fire. Surround the fire with stones to help keep it contained. Most importantly, never leave any campfire unattended. If you need to leave for any reason, make sure the campfire is extinguished completely.
Don't worry about over-packing for the kids. Going camping can get really dirty. Your kids may love playing around in the grass and dirt. As they go about enjoying the natural surroundings, you may find that dirt is added to dirt. You may not be able to keep them clean, but you can bring a change of clothes. Prepare thoroughly!
Unless you are going to be spending a significant amount of time camping, buying expensive sleeping bags is really unnecessary. Even if your old and musty sleeping bag is rated for below freezing temperatures, it is excellent padding for the ground even when it is hot outside and you will feel comfortable sleeping on it.
Make sure you know what's covered in your medical insurance. You might need a new policy if you go to another state. This is even more of a factor if you travel to another country to go camping, like Canada. It is important to always be prepared.
Research the area you are planning to camp in and familiarize yourself with its particular dangers. You should know if there are deadly spiders found there, or if sheer cliffs or flash floods occur there. There are natural hazards associated with every camping area.
If you are new to camping and you are going without a more practiced friend, you should consider staying in a campground rather than camping in the wilderness. This will help you to learn the basics of camping while still having basic infrastructure and friendly people around you in case of emergency.
When you bring a canine along on a camping trip, don't forget his leash and to keep a close eye on him always. Not all people are dog lovers, and some are extremely terrified of dogs. It is essential to respect the feelings of your fellow campers. Also, dogs can cause damage if you let them run free, so be sure to keep control of them at all times.
If you are camping for the first time, try to practice pitching a tent before your trip. This is a valuable camping skill to possess, especially when it can be done quickly. You don't want to be out on your trip and not know how to put up a tent wall tent living right away when the weather takes an unexpected turn.
Make a list of the things you need for your camping trip and check each item off once you pack it. Then, make sure you bring each bag to the car. The last thing any camper wants is to reach the sight and find out they forgot something important, like matches or the food.
Before you head out for your camping trip, be sure that you take the time to practice setting up your tent. You do not want to get yourself frustrated at the site. Setting the tent up the second time will be much easier than it was the first time around.
Do not take anything that belongs in nature with you when you leave. Have fun and take pictures, but when you are loading up the car, make sure rocks, pinecones and other objects remain where they are. This is one of the unspoken rules of camping. Everyone should have the same opportunity to enjoy these things.
When you plan a camping trip with your family, take along extra clothing and bedding in case the weather turns cold or rainy. Check the weather forecast of the area you intend to travel to before you plan your trip, and make sure you have a weather radio along so you know of any alerts.
It is important that you practice food safety while you are out camping. Pack food and drinks in airtight pouches and containers. Keep cold foods in ice in insulated containers. Make sure that raw or cooked meat is not stored in the same containers as other foods. And always wash your hands before touching food. Cook all food to safe temperatures, and chill foods as soon as they cool down.
If you are going camping with a tent you have never used before, put it up in your backyard before you leave. When you get to your campsite, it might be dark and raining, and you might have to go on feel and memory pitching the thing. So, it helps to have done it at least once before.
This article gave you enough information so that you should be adept at handling basic camping events that come your way, even if you haven't left for your trip yet! Camping is a fun excursion for everyone in the family, and if you keep the advice here in mind, your trip will be a blast!