There is nothing more exciting than a well planned camping trip. You might discover something new about yourself, get a little closer to nature or just feel free from the everyday stress you have to deal with. You can hike or build a campfire. There are endless numbers of ways in which one can enjoy a camping trip. In this article, however, we are just going to go over some basic ways in which one can get the maximum out of one’s camping experience.

Bring sleeping bags appropriate for the season. You are going to roast all night long in a sleeping bag designed for cold weather that you camp with during summer. Also, during the winter, you should bring a sleeping bag that has down or heavy material. In the worst case, you could be putting yourself at risk of getting frostbite or even worse.

You might think nature naturally provides all the wood you need, but the wood where you are could have already been picked clean, or it could be wet. Bringing your own wood never hurts, especially when things are a little wet and you know a fire will be needed.

You are going camping outdoors, so expect that you will all be getting dirty. If you are prepared for this situation, you will find that when it occurs, you will be less stressed. Enjoy your time in the woods by letting yourself relax and get dirty. You can get clean when you return home.

Always pack enough for your kids. Camping can get very messy and dirty when you bring your children. Kids love to play in dirt. Therefore, you will need to understand that a clean trip is probably out of the question. To prepare, bring additional clothing for your children. Be prepared for dirty clothes and dirty children by packing extra clothes.

A cute way to add fun to meals is to make what is known as a “jungle meal”. Take little juice boxes, mini cereal boxes, and fruit into the woods and be sure to tie them to a nearby tree. When the children awake, tell them that they have to “hunt” to get breakfast. It’s a great way to add a little magic to the camping experience.

Try to add an activity having to do with swimming to your camping trip if at all possible. You may miss the shower at your home when you are camping. By taking a dip in a pool, lake or river, you will have fun and feel clean and refreshed at the same time!

Dryer lint makes surprisingly good kindling for starting campfires. Collect some lint from your clothes dryer to bring with you. You can simply stuff it all into a plastic grocery bag you keep near the dryer. This is a good way to have kindling ready when it is time to go.

Always have all your gear prepared before the trip. For example, your trip can be ruined if you forget your sleeping bag or tent. Use a check list that you can use to double check, to be sure that you have everything before you leave home.

When taking children camping, you must make sure they understand camping hazards. It only takes a few minutes of going online to look at photos of plants they should avoid, such as poison ivy or other such things, to make sure your camping venture is free from common mishaps.

If camping is something that you are new to, have your first trip close to where you live. That way, if problems arise, you won’t be too far from help. Maybe you will find out that there isn’t enough food or clean clothes to continue. A lot of issues can happen for the new camper, so do not go too far for your first camp trip.

With this advice, your camping trips are sure to be successful. Remember the tips you’ve learned here the next time you camp. If you use them, you’ll have a camping trip that will always be in your memory.