Be attentive and learn what you need to know regarding camping. One of the best things that you’ll find when camping is the time you’ll get to share with those you love. Since you’re wanting to get all you can out of your camping trip, pay attention to the advice that follows.

Find where you will camp before sunset. Once it gets dark, it is much harder to find wood for your fire, prepare food, and get your tent ready. This is even more true if you’re accustomed to city life, and your eyes haven’t adjusted to the darkness of the woods. Try to avoid setting up after the sun sets.

When camping, bring the sleeping bag that appeals to the season that you are in. A winter bag for the summer will cause you to sweat all night. If you use a lightweight sleeping bag during the winter, you can spend your night shivering if it’s cold outside. You may even develop hypothermia.

It is important to keep in mind the fact that your person and all of your possessions will get dirty during a camping trip. Setting the proper regulations in advance can help to combat this. Have fun in nature and don’t be afraid to get dirty! When you’re home, you can be normal again.

Pack and carry a survival kit on your person for the entire trip. Must haves include, but aren’t limited to, a knife, matches, a flare gun, and a first aid pack. This kit may just be what helps you to stay alive in case you get lost or something bad happens and you’re stuck outside for longer than planned. Be sure to carry it on your person and not leave it at your campsite.

Over-packing is better than under-packing when it comes to children. Camping can be a messy affair. Children seem to be dirt magnets. As the day goes on, you may end up with messy, dirty kids. To prepare, bring additional clothing for your children. Always prepare!

Attend a class in first aid; this is a really good idea if you are camping with children. You will have all of the medical knowledge you will need in case of an accident. Also, do your research. It is also best to know what exists in the area you will be in so that you can prepare for that as well.

If you’ve brought the kids along, feed them a “jungle” breakfast. To do this, tie cereal and juice boxes to trees so that your kids have to hunt for their breakfest. Once the children are awake, tell them they need to forage for their meal. This adds a little sprinkle of adventure and excitement to any camping trip.

Pack a bandanna or handkerchief. These can be used for several things, like drying your hands or holding a hot pot. Make this multi-use item a standard addition to your camping supplies.

Dryer lint can be used as kindling for starting your campfire. In order to have enough lint to start a fire, begin collecting it a month prior to your trip. Keep a used grocery bag on your laundry room door to collect the lint. That technique lets you simply grab the kindling you’ll use right before you go on your trip.

Oranges can be used for insect repellent. After enjoying the sweet juicy fruit, use the inside of the peel to rub on skin for a chemical free insect repellant.

Generally when you camp, you want to live with as little as possible but still be prepared for anything. Packing a sleeping bag is pretty obvious, but take the extra precaution of including extra blankets too. If the temperature drops at night, you can use the blankets for warmth, or as padding, too.

The helpful advice in the article above will give you the confidence you need to feel safe and relaxed on your next camping trip. If you’re not prepared, your adventure will lack the fun you desire. Luckily, you now know what to do and will be able to enjoy your trip.