Camping is a wonderful escape from the routines of daily life. It allows you to enjoy nature and forget about your worries for a while. Keep reading to find advice and insights for making the most of your next camping trip.

When you’re camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. If you wait until after dark to set up you will find it to be nearly impossible, even if you have decent light. This is even more true for city folks whose eyes are not used to the pitch black. Avoid being in that position; find good shelter before the sun goes down.

While you think nature will provide enough wood for your fire to continue burning, it may be wet, which will not burn. It’s always recommended that you bring extra wood and keep it where it won’t get wet.

Don’t fear that you are overpacking for your kids on a camping trip. Camping can be dirty. Children seem to be magnetically attracted to dirt. Because of this, your children will likely be filthy by the end of the day. Be sure to pack some extra clothes for your kids in case this happens. It is important to be prepared.

If you are camping in the summer, go swimming too. The thing people tend to miss most while camping is the convenience of their home shower. The water helps you feel refreshed and a bit cleaner so that you don’t miss showering quite as much.

Bring along a bandana or handkerchief. In a pinch, that single piece of fabric can serve as a potholder, carrying bag, blotter, hand towel and paper towel. It is very versatile, so be sure you take one with you every time you go camping.

You should bring a small, luxurious item along with you to help keep your mood up. Regardless of how authentic you want your experience to be, this can help. Bring an interesting book, some luxurious candy or even a nice fluffy pillow. Don’t bring any items that are heavy, though. Small luxuries can make enduring a camping trip easier.

As you plan your camping adventure, take children aside and go over common dangers and issues they may encounter. Use the Internet to teach them about things like poison ivy and the like, and ensure that they will approach nature with respect and caution.

If you are a novice at camping, don’t stray far from home. You could have gear issues or you might want to shorten your trip. You might realize you haven’t packed enough clothes or food. There are a lot of different things that can come about and being closer to home will make it a lot easier.

Always pack enough food and the right kind. Take a decent amount of food that won’t spoil when you go camping. Remember, food poisoning could quickly put an end to your camping adventure. Know what you’re doing when it comes to food safety and take the proper precautions.

If your intended camping destination is known for its prowling wildlife, take more than enough precautions to secure food. You will need to keep your food in airtight containers or securely wrapped, and store it away from your tent. Some foods should be avoided entirely. This can help you to prevent an attack from a wild animal.

Don’t forget to watch your children. Cars abound at campgrounds, and it is easy for a little one to walk into the woods and have trouble getting out. Something could happen very quickly, so if you keep an eye on your kids, your supervision will help keep them safe.

Use an orange to help prevent bug bites. If you’ve packed everything, except for mosquito repellant, do not fret. Just rub the inner peel of an orange on your skin for a natural insect repellent. The mosquitoes should stay away from you for hours.

Camping can be a perfectly glorious pastime. It offers a fun escape and a chance to enjoy nature. If you put the tips that you read in the article above to use you will find that camping is one of the favorite things for you and your family to do together.