Should you put a tarp over your tent?
Camping can be very enjoyable. Being able to become one with nature can be a very liberating experience for many people. If you want to camp, then now is the time, more than ever, to get to it.
Prior to leaving, take a few minutes to make a checklist of everything that you need. There is nothing worse than getting to a campsite and then finding out that you don't have what you need to be comfortable. A checklist is a great aid as you are packing. Try to start getting thing's together several days before you leave so you have plenty of time.
Pre-cool your ice chest by filling it with loads of ice, at least six hours prior to departure. When you are about to leave, pack up your refrigerated cooled drinks and block ice, not cubed. Popping room temp beverages will take up valuable ice-life, and the cubes will melt much quicker than a block!
Did you know that dryer lint can make great kindling to get a campfire started? Start storing your lint in a bag a couple weeks before your trip. Place a bag near your tumble dryer and just stuff lint from the dryer's filter into the bag every time it is full. Doing this means you can just snag your kindling on the way out the door the morning your trip starts.
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.
While a campfire gives off enough light in the general area around it, you want to be sure you take along a flashlight on your camping trip if you plan to venture outside of the campfire's glow. This is a definite safety precaution you don't want to ignore. It can be quite dark out there in the woods at nighttime.
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".
Learn how to pitch your tent ahead of time. First-time tent pitching can take time, and you may get frustrated if your first time is at the actual campsite. If you practice doing this ahead of time, it will be a breeze to do once you get to your destination.
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.
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.
Never park your vehicle under a single tree when you are at a campsite. If there is a storm, it will attract lightning. This also means that you should avoid sleeping under any trees that are in a particular area by themselves. Try to be in an area that is free of trees or one that has many.
If your dog goes with you, always keep up with him. Other campers might be fearful of your dog, no matter how friendly he might be. It is essential to respect the feelings of your fellow campers. Also, because it is a new territory, dogs can get into trouble and cause damage to the site if not supervised.
Before setting out on your next camping trip, check out your first aid kit. If there are any items that are missing, replace them. If any of the ointments or medications are low in quantity, remove them and replace them will a new package. Check the expiration date on topical ointments and medications and replaced any that are outdated.
A great tip for anyone that is going camping is to take plenty of water. In this case, there is absolutely no such thing as too much water. Plan out how much water you will need and then try and at least double the amount just to be on the safe side.
You need to carry water that is clean if you will not have access to a safe spring or to clean tap water when you're camping. You can either carry your own water in bottles or bring some iodine with glamping hacks you to sanitize nearby water. You can also use a water filter or boil water for around 10 minutes.
When your camping trip is over, make sure to leave a clean campsite behind. Get some trash bags and clean up your mess. Remove any traces of food from the campsite. The only thing you want left are your footprints when you are gone.
Use an old shower curtain as a camping tarp. The next time you switch out your shower curtain, save the old one and you can use it when you go camping. Tarps, or old shower curtains can be used for many things. You can put it under your tent or use it to keep you dry should it rain.
You next camping trip can turn out to be a weekend full of relaxation or it can be a nightmare. The difference between a good and a bad trip is all affected by how well you prepare. If you know how to prepare for everything that may pop up, you'll be able to better enjoy your trip.
Camping is a very enjoyable way to spend your time. However, it is crucial that you are educated on the topic. Just be sure you follow the tips and advice given in this article to plan your next trip. Keeping the tips shared here in mind will make for a more pleasant trip.