The popularity of reality-based programs that are featured outside in the elements has made camping a popular pastime. Continue reading if you want to have a camping trip that is enjoyable and memorable.

Search out shelter before the sun sets when you are camping. Finding the right spot for your tent, gathering firewood and making dinner are all a lot tougher after darkness settles in. This is even more true if you’re accustomed to city life, and your eyes haven’t adjusted to the darkness of the woods. Do not wind up in this position. Seek shelter and make camp for the night well before darkness sets in.

Remember that you, your possessions and your family members are inevitably going to get dirty. Being prepared for the inevitable is the best way to avoid unneeded stress. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. When you return home, make sure to stay as organized as possible.

Pack additional clothes when going camping. Camping can be very messy. Your kids may love playing around in the grass and dirt. As the day goes on, your kids will get messier and messier. While there is nothing you can do about that, you can have some extra clothing just in case. Prepare thoroughly!

Be sure your tent is big enough. You should have no problem sleeping and getting through the nights when camping.

Learn proper first aid. With the training you receive, you will be better prepared to handle an accident or other emergency situation while you wait for medical assistance. Make sure you do the proper research. Look into snake species, poisonous plants, spiders, bugs, and other animals.

Bring along a bandana or handkerchief. You can use these as hand towels, cleanup towels, pot holders or anything you need cloth for. They are quite versatile, so be sure to bring one every time you go on a trip.

Dryer Lint

Dryer lint makes surprisingly good kindling for starting campfires. Begin collecting dryer lint a few weeks before your trip. Keep a used grocery bag on your laundry room door to collect the lint. This technique allows you to grab your kindling and go the day of your trip.

Bring oranges. Not only are they nutritious, but the peels can be used for mosquito repellant. Rubbing orange peels on your body will function as a perfect insect repellent.

Before camping, get some camping pillows. Regular bed pillows can become damp if the weather is wet or humid. They also absorb moisture out of the air and can mildew quickly. Camping pillows are coated to prevent this from happening, keeping you dry and comfortable.

Make sure you have a good chat with your children about basic camping dangers before you head away. Ensure you children know what poison ivy and poison oak looks like, what to do if they get lost or stumble upon wildlife.

If you are not a seasoned camper, stay close to home. You don’t want to be far away if you decide you’ve had enough of camping, or if you have problems with your equipment. You might not pack enough food, or you may run short on clothing. Many things can arise for the first-time camper, so camp close to home the first time.

Is this your first tent? It’s vital to learn all that you can before you leave about your tent. This will assure you can effectively pitch your tent and have everything you need to do so. This will also enable you to do this task quickly if you arrive at the campsite, right before darkness sets in.

Bring along extra flashlights, lanterns and spare batteries when you go camping. After the sun sets, the night can be very dark and sources of light are a necessity. Without a flashlight, you could easily stumble and fall or be surprised by local wildlife. If you have kids with you on your camping trip, hand each of them a flashlight.

As you must now realize, there are many variables to consider when planning a camping trip. It’s important to be prepared. With a grasp of what you can expect, your focus can be on having a great time.