Whether you are camping in your backyard or packing up for a trip to the mountains, preparation will make the time spent under the stars more enjoyable for everyone. Read through the advice below to gain some inspiration about how to prepare for your next camping trip. The information is surely something you will appreciate in the end.

Gets Dark

Find your shelter before it gets dark. Once it gets dark outside, figuring out how to set up a tent, finding wood and making food may become impossible. This is even more true for city folks whose eyes are not used to the pitch black. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.

Buy a sleeping bag which will suit the weather you will be in. If you use a heavy winter sleeping bag in summer, this can be stifling and uncomfortable. The opposite is true as well, as you need a good, heavy sleeping bag when you are going to be enduring very cold conditions. Packing the wrong sleeping supplies is certainly uncomfortable, and it might even become dangerous.

Take a first aid class, particularly if you are traveling with children. With the training you receive, you will be better prepared to handle an accident or other emergency situation while you wait for medical assistance. Never forget to research. Find out what poisonous snakes or dangerous animals live in the area.

Take either a bandanna or handkerchief with you when you go camping. They can serve many purposes, like potholder, blotter, hand towel or carrying bag. This is an essential item that does not cost a lot of money and can provide a lot of benefits.

A small luxury can help brighten up any camping trip. Bring a lightweight, easy-to-carry item like good chocolate, cream for coffee or another reminder of home with you. These small treats for yourself can really boost morale.

Oranges are great for camping since they’re healthy, easy to eat, and they also keep mosquitoes away. Don’t throw away the peels when you are finished with them and rub them on yourself. Apply to any skin that’s exposed to keep insects away with no chemicals. It’s a lot cheaper than spending your money on bug spray!

Duct tape is an imperative item to bring with you on your camping trip into the wilderness. It is versatile at camp, just like at home. It can be used to repair holes in air mattresses. You can also seal holes in sleeping bags or tents. Before embarking on an arduous hike, put it on each foot to stave off blisters. In a pinch, it can even substitute as a bandage.

The idea of camping is to live with just the essentials, but you should make sure to be well prepared. You should take sleeping bags and extra blankets. This can help you stay warm if it cools down at night or you may use them for extra padding.

Come prepared for everything when you’re preparing to camp. There is always the potential that something unexpected may happen even with the most careful planning. Weather problems, injuries and other unexpected things may occur. You mustn’t take any reckless risks, be careless, and you need to think before acting.

Make sure not to drain the batteries in your flashlight by accident. You don’t want to waste your flashlight battery and not be able to see. If you want to avoid draining your batteries, keep flashlights stored with backwards batteries in them. That way, the flashlight cannot possibly drain the batteries if the ON button is bumped.

Camping is a great activity for everyone. Apply the advice from this article to help accommodate even the most picky travelers. Take the initiative and bask in the glories of the natural world.