Very few things will beat getting out and under the bright stars with the people you love. Camping is one of the most popular pastimes for a good reason. For the most pleasant and safest trip possible, however, it is best to keep some basics in mind. This article will prepare you for a wonderful camping experience with some tried and true advice!
When packing for your camping trip, do not forget chairs and a radio. One of the best parts of camping is sitting around the campfire. You could sit on an old log, but why bother when you can pack chairs and be comfortable. The radio is for entertainment sitting around the fire. An even better idea is to bring your guitar for a sing along.
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.
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 plan out your route in advance of your trip. Look to see if there are any special places that you can stop at along the way. It will make the drive much more enjoyable and you may have a lot of fun in the process. Granted, you may need to get to your destination quickly, but if you have time, taking the scenic route is worth it.
You can make tasty meals even when you are camping. You do not necessarily need to eat just franks and beans or hamburgers. Pack a box with herbs and spices, olive oil, brown sugar or whatever else you like. You can fix meals that have flavor even when you are “roughing” it.
Even if you’re not going a long distance away on your camping trip, or even if you’re going into familiar territory, always stay in touch with friends, family or neighbors. Tell someone where your trip will be, and how long you’ll be gone. And if you can, check in regularly using a mobile phone.
Educate yourself about the area that you are camping in, and know what hazards you could encounter. This includes knowing the area’s deadly spiders, what the terrain is like, and whether flash flooding is possible or not. All camping spots have some dangers associated with them and you want to make sure you pick a spot that isn’t too bad.
As you have now read, there are several important considerations to plan for when heading for the great outdoors. Use the tips you just read to keep yourself and your family safe and enjoy the wilderness.