When it comes to having fun with the family or friends, camping ranks very high on the list. Each and every person should give it a try at least once. That said, in order to have an enjoyable camping trip, a lot of preparation is required, as is some prior knowledge about the great outdoors. Read this article to gather some knowledge and ponder great advice while you go camping.

Consider having a “jungle breakfast” if you are on a camping trip with children. Bring several, small boxes of easy-to-fix foods, such as cereals, fruits, snacks, and other quick, yet healthy, meals. Once the children are awake, tell them they need to forage for their meal. This activity adds a bit more fun to camping.

Pack a bandana. In a pinch, that single piece of fabric can serve as a potholder, carrying bag, blotter, hand towel and paper towel. This is an essential item that does not cost a lot of money and can provide a lot of benefits.

Make sure that your bags include oranges, since these double up as both a handy and healthy snack but also serve as an organic and natural repellant of mosquitoes. Once you finish your orange, save the peel. Rub it easily on all your exposed skin for a chemical-free bug repellent.

Talk to your kids about common dangers before taking them on a camping trip. Check out the plants that elicit poison ivy to better prepare for the dangers of camping.

If you are a camping novice, you should initially stay near home. If you have any equipment issues, it is better and easier to cut your trip short when you do not have so far to travel. Other problems can be food shortage or inadequate clothing. Many problems may occur for novice campers, so be sure to camp near home.

Safeguard your food from the local wildlife. This means you must warp things up tightly, keep them away from the tent, and avoid some food types while camping. Doing so will lessen your chances for an attack.

Is this your first tent? You should try pitching your tent before you head out for the first time. You should know what you need and how to do it before you actually have to do it. This also ensure that you can perform the task more quickly if you get to your campsite late, and darkness begins to set in.

Take steps to prevent dead flashlight batteries while camping. It is very easy to accidentally press the ‘on’ button of your flashlight when it is jostling in a bag with other camping equipment. You can safeguard the power by slipping the batteries in backwards in the flashlight cylinder. This way, you’ll still have fresh batteries for your trip.

A utility knife can serve you well on your camping trip. Utility knives serve many functions so bring along at least one.

Don’t forget to bring first aid and survival kits. These items can literally save your life, or to a lesser extent, prevent you from returning from your trip before you are ready to do so. Your kit can also prevent situations from becoming worse and make it easier to get an individual in need to safety.

Camping can be a great get away, or a living nightmare. The difference between each experience all comes down to how prepared you are. Your activities will go more smoothly and your trip more enjoyable when you take the time to plan your trip before you go.

Figure out how to read maps and use a compass before your camping trips. Although you might know your site, it is still easy to get lost, as many places in the woods look similar. Also, this will help to avoid tragedy with friends or family.

When you’re getting a survival kit together for camping, it’s recommended to bring waterproof matches. Even though they are water proof, you still want to have them sealed off from liquid. A regular match can be made waterproof by dipping it in nail polish or paraffin. Your container can be an empty film holder or even a plastic medicine bottle.

As was stated earlier, camping can be fun if you are properly prepared. Use these tips to prepare for your next outing. Keeping the tips shared here in mind will make for a more pleasant trip.