Master the Outdoors with These 19 Must-Know Camping Tips
Going camping is a great way to reconnect with nature and touch grass. Now that summer’s here, many are eager to stay away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and create lasting memories with friends and family in nature. However, there are some things you should prepare in advance before going camping, since there are less conveniences out in the wild vs staying in a hotel. Here are 19 tips to have a smooth-sailing camping trip so you can enjoy nature to the fullest.
Test Your Gear
Before going camping, make sure that all the equipment that you will be bringing and using is in good working condition. Set up your tent in your backyard if space permits so you can make sure that you can assemble the tent in good time and also to check for damage or missing parts. Test your stove, lanterns, sleeping mat and even air pump to make sure that everything works. This can prevent any surprises from broken gear once you get to your destination, and is especially useful if you are going somewhere remote or if you are not going with people who are well versed in camping.
Pack a First Aid Kit
Don’t forget to bring your first-aid kit when going camping, especially if you are going somewhere remote where the nearby town is a few miles away. Make sure your kit has basic items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, allergy medications, and any personal medications you might need. Don’t forget to add insect repellant and anti-itch lotion. Having a first aid kit can make a significant difference in the event of an emergency and provide peace of mind throughout your journey.
Research the Campsite
Make sure you know where you’re going and the amenities provided at the campsite you’re going to, before you go. Look into whether the campsite has clean water source and bathrooms, and figure out what the rules and regulations are. For example, many campsites have a fire ban during extremely hot weather, and noise restrictions after a certain time. This will help you manage your expectations and will help you decide what you will bring so you can make sure you are comfortable during your whole trip.
Check the Weather
Weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly, so make sure you check the weather forecast in the days leading up to your trip. This will ensure that you bring rain gear if needed. Being prepared for the weather ensures that you are comfortable and will enjoy your trip regardless of the weather.
Arrive Early
While you don’t have to arrive right at the crack of dawn, it’s a good idea to plan your trip so that you arrive at the campsite during daylight. Setting up camp is much easier during daylight than at night, especially if you are not a seasoned camper. Being able to set up camp during the day will give you the opportunity to survey the area, set up your tent, organize your gear and get your bearings before nightfall. Getting started earlier during the day also allows you to enjoy your surrounding nature before nighttime sets in.
Plan Your Meals
Meal planning is a critical component of camping preparation if you don’t want to find yourself starving in the middle of nowhere in an obscure hour. Plan what you’ll eat for each meal and also plan for what you might want to have for snacks, keeping in mind how long you will be camping for. Make sure you prepare and pack meals that are easy to cook and require minimal cleanup to save time and effort at the campsite. You should also consider how you’ll store your food (ie. a large cooler) to keep it fresh and safe from wildlife.
Leave No Trace
Leave the place how you found it. This means disposing of your waste properly, being considerate of other visitors and leaving the campsite as it was before you got there. Make sure you clean up after yourself and throw out all your trash to keep the campsite beautiful and unspoiled for future campers.
Campfire Safety
What’s camping without a campfire? For most, camping isn’t really camping without a campfire. However, campfires should be managed responsibly. Make sure you and your companions only build fires in designated areas, and make sure you look into whether there are current fire bans or restrictions in place. Not being aware of any fire restrictions can result in hefty fines or worse, can even cause wildfires. If there are no bans or restrictions, make sure you keep fires small to keep them manageable and extinguish it completely before going to sleep.
Pack Layers
Even during the summer months, temperatures can drop significantly at night. Pack layers of clothing so you can easily adjust to the change in temperature. Even though it might be extremely hot in the middle of the day, you might still want to bring a thick jacket that you can wear at night, when the weather gets colder. When packing your clothing. include a mix of moisture-wicking fabrics, insulating layers, and a waterproof and windproof outer layer. This will keep you warm and dry, whether you’re sitting by the campfire or tucked into your sleeping bag.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is vital when camping, especially if you’re engaging in physical activities like hiking or swimming. Always bring more drinking water than you think you’ll need, and if you’re uncertain about the availability of potable water sources, pack a water filter or purification tablets.
Protect Against Pests
When venturing into the great outdoors, it’s important to protect yourself against insects and pests. Make sure you pack bug spare to fend off mosquitos, and consider bringing mosquito netting and wearing long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Safe Food Storage
Proper food storage is not only important for keeping your meals safe to eat, but it also protects wildlife by preventing them from being attracted to your campsite. Use bear-proof containers or hang your food from a tree if you’re in bear country. Make sure all food is sealed and packed away when not in use, and never leave food unattended. This will help keep animals wild and prevent them from posing a danger to you and your fellow campers.
Bring Lighting
Once the sun sets, you will need to have a reliable source of light. Headlamps are great for hands-free movement around the campsite, while lanterns can illuminate a larger area. Flashlights are also useful for navigating in the dark. Remember to check the batteries before you leave to make sure you’re not left to fend for yourself in the dark.
Respect Wildlife
Wildlife encounters can be one of the most rewarding aspects of camping, but it’s crucial to respect the animals’ space. Observe from a distance and resist the urge to feed them, which can disrupt their natural foraging habits and make them reliant on human food. Enjoy watching wildlife, but do so responsibly.
Comfortable Bedding
A good night’s sleep is essential for enjoying your camping trip, and comfortable bedding can make all the difference. Invest in a quality sleeping pad, air mattress, or cot to insulate you from the ground and provide cushioning. Test your bedding before your trip to ensure it’s comfortable and free of leaks or defects.
Pack Extra Batteries/Chargers
There’s nothing worse than a dead flashlight when you need it most. Pack extra batteries for all your devices, and if you’re using rechargeable gear, bring along a portable charger. Doing so ensures you’ll have access to light and your devices throughout your trip.
Keep a Campfire-Free Cooking Option
Many people choose to cook over open fire for that authentic camping feel, but sometimes, it pays to bring some convenient modern devices. While cooking over a campfire may be a beloved part of the camping experience, fire bans would mean that you won’t be able to make a campfire to cook on. To make sure you still have everything you need to have a nice meal while camping, bring a portable stove or grill. Plus, these are much quicker and more convenient to use when you’re hungry after a long day of activities.
Pack a Multi-Tool
If you’ve ever wondered when a multi-tool will actually come in handy, here is a chance to make use of the one sitting at the back of your drawer. A multi-tool is an indispensable piece of equipment when camping. Most multi-tools have a knife, scissors, screwdriver, pliers and a bottle opener. Whether you need to make a quick repair to your gear, open packaging, or prepare food, a multi-tool can save the day. It’s a small addition to your pack that can have a multitude of uses.
Inform Someone
Before you leave for your camping trip, make sure you inform a trusted friend or family member about your plans, especially if you are going by yourself, or if you are going somewhere where there will be no cellular reception. Make sure you let them know exactly where you’re going, the route you’re going to take, who’s going with you and when you are returning. This ensures that someone knows where to find you in the event of an emergency.
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