Camping is a vacation option that should not be overlooked. You must properly plan your trip, even if you spend one day or a week in the outdoors. You can find everything you need to know about planning a trip that will be safe and fun in the article below.

When camping, get your shelter squared away before nightfall. Once darkness falls, it is very difficult to set up camp. This is particularly true for anyone accustomed to city living and unfamiliar with pitch dark woods. Do not get yourself into this situation, and find your shelter during daylight hours.

Sleeping Bag

Pick a sleeping bag which is appropriate for the season. You don’t want to sweat all night because you brought a sleeping bag that is suitable for winter in the middle of the summer. On the other hand, you don’t want a lightweight summer sleeping bag if you’re going to be out in the frigid temperatures of wintertime. Extremely cold weather can bring about frostbite.

First aid classes are important to take when you are planning a camping trip with friends or family. With the training you receive, you will be better prepared to handle an accident or other emergency situation while you wait for medical assistance. Be sure to do thorough research too. Know the types of wild animals that inhabit the woods and gain understanding of any poisonous snakes or plants nearby.

Understand your medical coverage. Sometimes, being covered while out of state requires an additional policy. This comes into effect, more so, when you are traveling out of the country. Make sure you have prepared yourself, just in case of an accident.

Carry a bandana or handkerchief with you. Such an item can be used as a carrying bag, a potholder, a hand towel, a blotter or a paper towel. Make this multi-use item a standard addition to your camping supplies.

You can easily start campfires using dryer lint as a starter material. A month before your camping trip, begin collecting the lint from your dryer’s lint filter. Place a bag near your tumble dryer and just stuff lint from the dryer’s filter into the bag every time it is full. Doing this means you can just snag your kindling on the way out the door the morning your trip starts.

It is important that you remember all the camping gear when going on a trip. You certainly don’t want to forget something important like your sleeping bag or tent. Make a comprehensive checklist of all of the items you will need on your camping trip and double check items in your bags and car against the list to ensure that you do not forget anything.

Should you decide to bring your dog, pack a long leash and prepare everyone to keep careful watch on the pet. Your neighboring campers may be afraid of dogs. Respect is important when camping. You do not want then to ruin anyone’s campsite due to lack of supervision.

Duct Tape

Don’t forget the duct tape. Duct tape has numerous uses at a campsite. You can use this to repair any holes in an air mattress. Use it to enclose a rip in a tent, sleeping bag or weather-proofing tarp you have laid down. You can even put some under your feet before long hikes so that you don’t get blisters. You can even use it to bandage up injuries.

When you find your site, seek out the softest, most level ground to put your tent on. Pitching your tent on bumpy, rocky ground or on a slope won’t make for a very comfortable night’s sleep. Make sure you place a tarp underneath your tent to keep water out, also.

After reading this, you should be well prepared for planning your next camping trip. It does not matter whether you are camping for one night or two weeks, you still need to carry out extensive planning. Make use of your research and start planning for your camping trip today.