Many people think that camping means insect bites, food rations and sitting around with nothing to do. While this may be true for some people, it’s not true for everyone. It is possible to enjoy your time while camping and even avoid the insects, as long as you bring the right tools. Continue reading to learn the best way to plan your next trip.

Search out shelter before the sun sets when you are camping. Once the sky becomes dark, finding a good spot for your tent, necessary firewood and food preparation become near impossible. Someone who isn’t very familiar with the outdoors can come to harm by placing their tent in an unsafe area due to being unable to see. Avoid this by setting up your shelter ahead of time.

Take a bandana or handkerchief with you. You can use these as hand towels, cleanup towels, pot holders or anything you need cloth for. Take a few with you anytime you go camping.

Dryer Lint

Try using dryer lint to help you start your campfire. Begin collecting dryer lint a few weeks before your trip. You can simply stuff it all into a plastic grocery bag you keep near the dryer. As such, you’ll have kindling ready whenever you are.

It’s important to talk with you kids about the dangers of camping. Get online with them and show them what poison ivy, poisonous snakes, and other dangers look like. This will help your kids know what to avoid when exploring.

If camping is new for you, start somewhere nearby. That way, if problems arise, you won’t be too far from help. Other problems can be food shortage or inadequate clothing. There are a lot of different things that can come about and being closer to home will make it a lot easier.

Make sure that you bring things to occupy yourself when camping. Card games are a fun way to pass the time if the weather does not cooperate. If you bring your kids, these games will help to fill the void when there is free time.

Look for the softest and flattest ground you can possibly find for your tent. An area that is sloped or rugged won’t make for the best place to put your tent. Always lay a tarp down first to prevent water from entering or damaging the tent.

Be certain to have multiple lanterns or flashlights handy as well as additional batteries. Once the sun has set it is nice to have a source of light. 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.

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags can be purchased for a variety of camping conditions. Use a lightweight sleeping bag for hot weather and a heavy sleeping bag for cold weather. You also want to get a sleeping bag that is comfortable to sleep in as well, so test them out.

To avoid those nasty mosquito bites the next time you go camping, try the peel from an ordinary orange. If you forgot your mosquito repellant, do not worry. Experts suggest rubbing the inside peel of a ripe orange over the exposed parts of your body. Mosquitoes hate the smell and will fly away for a few good hours; and you will be free of the nuisance.

Every camper should possess a basic utility knife. An utility knife is the most versatile tool you’ll have as a camper, and bring another one if you should lose the other.

Now that you have read the above article, you know there are ways to have a blast while camping. Follow these suggestions as a guide for preparing for your next camping adventure. They will help you avoid the negatives and enjoy all of the positives that camping has to offer.