There’s not a whole lot that can beat a good camping trip. There is nothing like breathing fresh air and seeing the beauty of nature first hand. If you’re ready to plan a camping trip so you can enjoy nature, you’ll find the tips that follow to be very useful.

Find where you will camp before sunset. After night falls, it becomes harder to prepare your camp ground and set up the tent. This is even more true if you’re accustomed to city life, and your eyes haven’t adjusted to the darkness of the woods. Don’t let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.

Don’t assume you can find wood at or near your camp site. It’s always recommended that you bring extra wood and keep it where it won’t get wet.

Never forget to see what the weather will be like in the area you will be camping at, prior to leaving. There are websites available to provide information about the typical weather of the area for the time of your planned trip. When you have accurate weather information, the right clothing and equipment can be included in your supplies.

A cute way to add fun to meals is to make what is known as a “jungle meal”. Use serving sized boxes of cereal, pieces of fruit and juice boxes and tie them to trees near your campsite. Let younger children wake up and hunt for their breakfast. This makes an interesting diversion for them during the trip.

Try to add an activity having to do with swimming to your camping trip if at all possible. Any time you go camping, you are likely to miss taking a shower. Cool water will make you feel clean and fresh, so you may not miss your shower at all.

Your camp should always be set up before the sun sets. When traveling in an RV, locate a safe parking area. When pitching a tent, a level, dry area is needed. Making sure this is all done before dark gives you time to become familiar with the area. You will be able to see a lot better, and this will make everything easier.

If your dog goes with you, always keep up with him. Many people are fearful of pets – especially large dogs. You must always respect the needs of others when camping. Also, dogs can damage your campsite or another person’s campsite if they’re not watched carefully.

Take some things to entertain yourself while in the wild. Fishing poles, card games and even a scavenger hunt list will make great entertainment in the woods. If you bring your kids, these games will help to fill the void when there is free time.

The supplies for your next camping excursion should include a couple rolls of duct tape. It is nearly as useful while camping as it is around the house. You could seal an air leak in your mattress. It can repair a rip in a sleeping bag, tarp or tent. Tape also does wonders for blisters by offering an additional layer of protection. It can also work as a bandage.

Remember the old scout motto – be prepared! It is important to plan, but sometimes unexpected things happen. Weather can change, situations can arise, injuries or illness can strike. Don’t take risks, think ahead before doing anything and be careful.

Take steps to prevent dead flashlight batteries while camping. It is very common for flashlights to be turned on inadvertently when going through camping supplies or while being stored. To ensure that this does not happen to you, you can put the batteries in facing the wrong direction until you reach your destination. This will allow you to keep them stored without accidentally turning them on and wasting the batteries.

Not many activities match the thrill of camping. The fresh air, the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world, all make camping a great experience. This article can arm you with the right advice to help you enjoy and relax on your next camping trip.