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Camping is a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. However, some folks can get stressed out by the idea of being in the woods at night, or even the thought of sleeping in something other than a building. To calm the fears of your fellow campers and have a prepared trip that is a blast for all, keep reading.
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.
If you have a toddler, pack a blanket. You can lay it out on the ground and use it as a makeshift play area. Bring cars, dolls, or whatever items your child is into. They can play without getting too dirty and you can instruct them that they need to keep their toys on the blanket for safekeeping. This will help to keep things from getting too spread out.
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.
If you have little ones camping with you, pack a few art supplies. When you get to your site, show them how to do leaf rubbings. There are always a variety of leaves in all shapes and sizes, so trying them all out will take a while. The kids will be happy and you will have some peace and quiet while you relax and watch them.
Make a list of things you need to take with you before you go camping. You may think you are great at packing, but little else is worse than being out in the middle of the woods and realizing you forgot your allergy medication. Sit down and create a comprehensive list of everything you might need during the week before your camping trip.
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.
Prior to heading out, be sure you are aware of the forecast for your destination. You may even be able to find a website that gives you a general idea of the normal weather patterns in that area. When you know what to expect, you will have the right clothes packed.
On your next fishing trip, go fishing. Fishing is a great way to enjoy yourself while you're out in nature, but it also helps you pack more lightly because you catch your food on the trip instead of having to bring it with you. Learn to de-bone a fish before leaving home and you'll have easy fish dinners on your camping trip.
Bring a hankerchief or a bandanna with you. It can be used as a hand towel, potholder or even a gag in a pinch. There are countless other uses for such items, so try your best to remember to bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you.
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.
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.
If you are on a camping trip and forgot the bowls for stew, make your own from large plastic soda bottles that have been emptied. Just rinse the bottle and cut down the plastic to the depth you need. Lightly sand the edges to smooth out any rough spots and prepare to scoop up dinner!
If you are going glamping set up service 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.
In this modern age, there is no excuse for being in the woods without some form of communication ability. Of course, no one likes to receive phone calls when they are relaxing, so leave your phone off but fully charged, just in case there is an emergency, and you need to contact someone.
Duct tape can be a camper's very best friend. When disaster strikes on a camping trip, a roll of heavy-duty duct tape will usually save the day. If the tent fabric needs patching in the rain, duct tape will hold back the water. When tent poles need reinforcing, the duct tape will provide support. Do you have holes in your tennis shoes? Duct tape right over it. Whatever the mishap, a roll of duct tape is sure to help!
Take along a battery operated radio when camping. A radio will keep you up-to-date on any late-breaking news and weather reports. A radio will also give you entertainment during those quiet evenings sitting around the campfire. Or if you prefer, pack a guitar for you and your campers' enjoyment.
If you are camping with children, keep a picture of them handy. If the unthinkable happens and your kids get lost, possessing a picture of them could be a lifesaver. Make sure you bring one for emergencies, especially if you are camping far from home.
Camping trips with your family become the memories of legend. Sometimes these memories are good, sometimes they are bad. To give your next camping trip the highest chances of success, apply all the ideas that you have read in this article. They can serve as the tent of knowledge that protects you.