How do you store a tent for winter?
Camping is an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Whether you're taking a family trip, or heading out to the wilderness with some close friends, camping can bond you to your loved ones like nothing else. However, there are many things to consider before venturing out on your next camping trip.
Before you head out on your long-awaited camping trip, make sure the area where you plan to camp doesn't require a camping permit. If you happen to camp in a place that does require one and you didn't get one, then you could be facing quite a hefty ticket or fine from a local forest ranger.
Pack a survival kit and carry it on you at all times. In addition to your first aid kit, you need waterproof matches, a flare gun, water-purifying tablets and a knife. This kit can keep you alive! Keep it with you at all times when you leave your campsite for any reason.
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.
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".
Bring a first aid kit. Camping is fun. It can also be a bit dangerous. Always be prepared. Small scrapes and rashes can be especially common out in nature. Bring along an emergency first aid kit full of anything you might need. You'll be happy you did if something goes wrong.
If your canteen is beginning to smell musty, you can give it a good cleaning with baking soda. Place a little bit of water in your canteen, and then add three tablespoons of baking soda. Shake gently, let it sit for sixty minutes, and then rinse with water. Your canteen will be refreshingly clean!
Pack extra flashlights and extra batteries when you go camping. Flashlights will come in very handy when it is dark. Adequate light can help you avoid falling in the dark, or encountering wildlife. If you have kids with you, be sure they each have their own flashlight.
Don't go far from home during your first couple of camping trips. This is so you can easily get living in a wall tent home if you don't enjoy your camping experience. Others may find that they have a shortage of food or their clothing isn't appropriate. So many things can go awry for the newbie camper; it's definitely best to find a campground near to home.
An indispensable item to pack for your camping trip is Ziploc bags. You can separate items in your gear like sunscreen and bug spray so if they puncture they do not get all over your gear. You can also use them to keep items like matches and cellphones dry if it rains.
Make sure that you know how to get a campfire burning before you head out into the woods. If you have difficulties getting a fire started, look for fire starting supplies to take with you. These supplies make it easy for just about anyone to start a fire on the spot.
When setting up a tent, be sure its seams are all sealed. If you tent did not include a tube of sealer, you can find it at sporting goods stores. Sealant keeps both insects and rain out of your tent.
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 camping with young children, make sure you plan activities for them and bring them toys to play with. You may be fine with a book on the picnic blanket, but children need more to keep them occupied. Don't forget to keep travel games in mind, also.
Make sure to watch your children very closely. Kids love to explore in the woods and they can very easily get lost. It can take just one second for a child to get into danger, so supervise them at all times to be safe.
One tip that is very useful to anyone who is planning to go camping is to practice finding as well as purifying water prior to your camping trip. You don't want to start this process when you are already thirsty as it could lead to a very dangerous situation.
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.
If you're new to camping, and even if you're not, a dutch oven is one of the best experiences you can have. There are so many delicious things you can make in a dutch oven, and some of the desserts are simply the best. If you've never tried a dutch oven before, now is the time.
Camping is a great experience that anyone can get involved in. As you can see, camping is a great adventure that can be fun and exciting for the entire family. If you utilize these tips, you will be able to ensure a successful adventure that your whole family enjoys.