Confused By Camping? This Article Can Help!

Why do you need a tent?

So, you're going camping and you are wondering where to start. Camping is a rather simple pleasure, but it's vital that you make yourself aware of some basic things when it comes to camping. This article will help educate you on some of the things you need to know for your trip.

Water is critical for your survival when hiking in the backcountry. Carry water purification tablets with you or some sort of water filter that is capable of filtering out bacteria. There are many different kinds available at your local sporting goods store. Whenever you are looking for a water source, make sure the water is flowing; stagnant water can kill you if not treated properly.

If you are planning any kind of backcountry camping, a must carry item is a fire starter kit. If you are in a survival situation, fire is a way to cook, keep you warm, purify water, and signal for help. Many camping stores sell fire starters that can be used when wet and do not require any fuel. Also, try making fire when you are not in a survival situation so you know you can do it if the need arises.

Water is very important when camping. When camping at a campground, there should be ample supply of water available, but on the trail, you will have to carry some with you. If you are going long distances, you should probably carry iodine tablets to sanitize any water you find before drinking. Be careful, dysentery can be deadly.

Bring your cellphone with you when you go camping. Even if you are serious about roughing it, cell phones are still very useful in emergencies and should not be left at home. A cell phone is no longer a hobby, and when you go camping it can help you reach police and emergency personnel--bring it.

Make sure you have a suitable water source. Even if you bring water with you, plan to need more water and know where you will be able to get more. It is a good idea to know where your water source will be before you go camping at all, but surely right after you arrive.

Bringing a dog on your camping trip is fine as long as you bring a leash and keep a close eye on them. Some people fear dogs. It's important to think of other people when you're out there camping. Besides that, dogs can also damage equipment and campsites if they aren't supervised.

Even the most natural experience can allow for one nice luxury from home. For example, bring a bar of chocolate or a small container of cream to put in your coffee. Small luxuries can make things more enjoyable!

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.

When you show up to go camping, pitch your tent wherever you can find flat and soft ground. If you select a bumpy or slanted area, you will have an uncomfortable experience in your tent. Make sure you place a tarp underneath your tent to keep water out, also.

If you are camping outdoors instead of in a travel trailer or RV, it is important to dress in (or carry with you) layers of clothing. While on a camping trip, temperatures can fluctuate widely. The easiest and most effective method to control your body temperature is through adding and removing layers of clothing. Having layers of clothing also protects you from bug bites.

Take something to entertain yourself when you have some downtime. Bring some board games for the whole family, or bring a book in case you wake up before everyone else. This is a good idea so that you know you are entertained throughout your entire trip and there isn't a dull moment.

Your camp should always be set up before the sun sets. Find a safe place to park if you're in an RV. When forming your tent, find a spot that is level and dry. Doing this when you still have daylight lets you get familiar with the area. It will also save some time and frustration since you will be able to see better.

It's a good idea to maintain hygiene when camping. Items like washcloths, sponges, bowls, biodegradable soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, baking soda, floss, and clean water can help you stay clean during your trip. You can also use hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, and cotton balls on non-sensitive areas. Don't use anything with fragrances since they can attract bugs.

Make sure that your tent is ready before dark if you don't plan to sleep under the stars. Some camping locations get very dark and this can make setting up your campsite nearly impossible. You also never know when something could go wrong during set-up, such as a broken pole or a sudden tear in your tent.

Bring along plenty of zip-lock bags on your camping trip, for a great mixing tool with foods as well as great storage. Always make sure the bag is completely sealed, then pop in any foods you need to combine, like chicken and batter or steak with marinade! Zip-lock bags are the best at keeping anything you need water-proofed too.

Use an old shower curtain as a camping tarp. The next time you switch out your shower curtain, save the old best tent fans 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.

Bring along plenty of zip-lock bags on your camping trip, for a great mixing tool with foods as well as great storage. Always make sure the bag is completely sealed, then pop in any foods you need to combine, like chicken and batter or steak with marinade! Zip-lock bags are the best at keeping anything you need water-proofed too.

Once you know what you are doing, it is a lot easier to have fun on your next camping trip. By arming yourself with some basic advice, you can avoid common mistakes and just focus on enjoying yourself. Just remember the tips from this article to have a great time camping.