Make Camping Safe And Fun With These Smart Ideas

Do you need a tarp for a tent?

No matter if you are planning your first ever camping trip or are a seasoned pro at it, there is always something to learn! Check out the tips in the following article for some helpful ways of getting more out of camping, with less effort and inconveniences than you ever thought possible.

Did you know that a simple mirror can save your life? If you are camping and end up in a survival situation, a simple hand held mirror can be used to signal for help many miles away. Do not buy the standard glass mirror, many camping supply stores sell mirrors made of Lexan that will float and are practically unbreakable.

Do plenty of research on your camping site and ensure that it offers everything that your group will need. Consider the individual needs of each camper to ensure that everyone is taken care of. This alleviates the need to make supply runs, or worst case, have to end the trip too soon.

Know what is available in the area around your campsite. You may get lucky and have beautiful weather the entire time. However, you may also face inclement weather, too. Have a backup plan in case you need a diversion. This is particularly crucial if you have kids, but adults need a little entertainment as well!

If you are traveling with children, consider staying at a campground that is specifically designated for families. Campers in these areas know what to expect and will not have an issue if you have a cranky toddler or your children want to run around, scream and play. You will probably be more relaxed as a result and have a better time.

If you are going on a camping adventure, make sure you have enough time to set up camp before dark. It can be extremely difficult to set up camp in the dark and possibly unsafe. You need to be able to scout the terrain, prepare bedding, and possibly build some temporary shelter prior to the sun going down.

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.

While camping, cook easy dinners like "hobo stew". Simply bring potatoes, ground meat, and veggies. Cut the veggies and potatoes at your campsite. Using tinfoil like a bowl, put the ingredients inside and fold the foil over until the food is covered. Place foil on hot rocks or the coals of the campfire, and eventually you will have a tasty "stew".

Keep the environment in mind when you are at your campsite. Enjoying nature is one of the main benefits of camping, so it is important to respect the Earth. Throw away all your trash, and don't get too rowdy. You can even bring along a solar-powered device if you have one to use.

When collecting wood for a campfire, focus on three different sizes: the finger-size wood, that will catch fire right away, the arm-size wood that will keep it going, and the leg-size wood that will allow you to keep the fire going for a long time. Getting different sizes of wood helps you to start the fire and keep it going.

Prior to leaving for a camping journey, be sure to draft a list of necessary supplies. This is especially crucial if the campgrounds are in a remote location. Use your list to guide your packing and make sure to start packing a few days before the start of your trip.

When you reach your campsite, pitch your tent on the softest, most level ground you can locate. There is nothing more uncomfortable than sleeping on a slope or a spot with a rocky surface. Also, put a tarp down on your site to repel water in the best fashion.

Do not underestimate the power of Duct tape It is an essential tool when you camp, so make sure it is in your box of "essentials." Duct tape can be used to repair tent poles, patch shoes, fix holes in mosquito netting, as well as many other things. Duct tape is a life saver.

Consider leaving a handwritten note to the following campers. In this note, you can inform them of some things that interested you during your camping experience. You could even wish them well during their stay. This is a nice gesture they are certain to appreciate, and it only takes a few short minutes of your time.

Don't let your kids out of your sight. Cars abound at campgrounds, and it is easy for a little one to walk into the woods and have trouble getting out. Accidents and mishaps occur in a split second; make certain your children are safely supervised at all times.

On your next camping trip, take along some empty prescription bottles. These can be used to store a lot of small items for a low price. One good use of them is to help keep your matches safe and dry. The matches will fit in perfectly, and they are fairly leak-proof, so you won't have to worry about the contents when it rains.

It is a great idea to put your tent together at home before you go out camping. Some tents can seem very complicated, and you do not want to get stuck in the dark without your tent being assembled. If you practice when you are at home, you will already have the experience of setting it up, and it will go smoothly.

Bring some toilet paper and baby wipes on your trip. Of course, it's possible to use what nature provides, but it's much easier to have what you need pre-purchased.

On camping trips of longer duration, bring some entertaining activities along. Don't bring a ton of electronics, but a book or bell tent furniture music is great.

Don't ever use any kind of gasoline or fuels you'd use in your car to start a campfire. Making a campfire can be frustrating, especially in unfavorable elements, but you need to avoid making dangerous decisions. This can cause injury or death to you or the other campers. There are many safer ways to make a campfire, so try learning those methods before the trip.

Now that you've reached the end of this article, you surely realize that you, too, can go on the camping trip of your dreams. Heed the advice you've just been given, and head out for the great outdoors. When you follow the tips you've just read, you can't help but be a happy camper.