What's the difference between a yurt and a teepee?
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.
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.
Research any potential campground well. They all have different amenities. Some may have showers and bathrooms, while others may not. There are even a few campgrounds that are quite fancy, with onsite miniature golf games or water parks. You may not need or want all that, so figure it out ahead of time so that you are not disappointed when you get there.
You don't have to be a boy scout to be prepared, if you plan to go camping. One of the first rules is to be sure to tell somebody where you will be. If there isn't an exact location to give, then give a general idea of major roads nearby or even GPS coordinates if you know them and give a timeframe of when you plan to return.
At night, create "bear bags." Tie a rope around the bags with your food and your trash. Then, find a tree and toss bags over a branch, raising until they are at least seven or eight feet off the ground. Tie the rope around the tree so it is secure. This way, bears and other animals will not be able to get into your food and trash during the night.
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!
Create a proper emergency kit if you plan to go camping. There may be different items in it depending on your camping location, but there are some things that should be in any kit. Species specific antivenom should be packed to protect against animal bites.
Let people know where your group is headed. Just in case anything happens to any of you, you want to know that there are people who know where you are at. This is a good precautionary measure to take if something were to happen to your camping group, because help will be on the way soon.
A hankerchief is a great item to bring on your trip. That small piece of diy bell tent cloth could become a potholder, a bag, a blotter or a towel. It has a multitude of uses and should be an essential part of your camping gear.
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.
If you're camping with your family, try finding campsites that are pet-friendly. This is a great way for you to get your animals out in the fresh air. Your kids will be happy to have your animals there with you, so it can be a great experience for all of you.
If your kids are going camping with you, have a photo of them on you. If you lose a child at any point, having a picture to show rescuers or search parties could be very useful. Always have one on you for emergencies.
Wrap up your fishing gear, like line and lures, in plain old aluminum foil! This will keep everything from tangling up and if you do it properly, water proofed as well. Foil will also prevent rust from ruining your valuable fishing gear, so make it part of your camping trip every time.
A great tip for anyone who is planning a camping trip is to bring along some hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is great for keeping your hands germ free, but it can also act as a disinfectant if you get a cut somewhere on your body and don't have access to first aid.
It's important to clean the campsite you used when it's time to leave. Bring enough garbage bags for all the trash. Don't leave any food behind either. The only thing you want left are your footprints when you are gone.
Wear layered clothing to manage your body temperature. When camping, it is a hassle to have to change clothing when temperatures suddenly rise or drop. However, if you layer your clothing, you will be able to quickly and easily peel off or put on layers of clothing as the need arises.
Remember food safety when you go camping. Pack it in airtight containers and make sure they are waterproof too. Other foods should be kept in insulated coolers when appropriate. Make sure to keep your raw food and cooked food separate. Make sure your hands stay clean by washing them with soap and/or using hand sanitizer. Also, be sure that all food is fully cooked and that any leftovers are chilled as soon as possible.
If you have other people sleeping nearby your campsite, do not bother them by leave your awning lights on during the entire night. Instead, use a timer that you can set to turn the lights off after a certain time period. By doing this, you won't bother others with your lights.
No matter how you do it, camping is a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend your vacation. It can offer great relaxation, inspiration and even teach us a lot about our environment. Keep the tips from this article in mind as you set out on your camping adventure and remember to have fun!