Planning A Camping Trip? Read This First

If you are getting tired of the hustle and bustle of city life, camping can be a truly fun and unique experience. However, it is important to keep in mind, that there is a certain amount of danger involved and the need for acclimatization for the outdoors. This article will arm you with the advice you need for a great camping trip!

Did you know that a simple mirror can save your life? If you are camping and end up in a survival situation, a simple hand held mirror can be used to signal for help many miles away. Do not buy the standard glass mirror, many camping supply stores sell mirrors made of Lexan that will float and are practically unbreakable.

Keep an eye on the weather. Rain or other conditions may impact your travel time and your experience at the campsite. Make sure that you have gear that is appropriate for the weather conditions that you may face. Adjust your departure time as necessary to try and avoid the bulk of the bad weather, if possible.

Take only photos and leave only footprints. That is the rule of thumb when camping. Only use the natural resources that you need and do not leave any traces that you were camping when you leave. Pick up all trash, extinguish and cover any fire pits, bury all human waste, and make the area where you camped look exactly as it did when you found it.

Prior to leaving on your camping adventure, look at the weather forecast in the location your are going to be camping. You can visit http://www.weather.com to check the weather just about anywhere. Be sure to look at the 10 day forecast along with extended weather patterns. This will help you prepare by having the right clothes and equipment.

Before you bring your dog along for a camping trip, get him used to the idea with a little practice run in the back yard. Pitch the tent in an already familiar area, and let him sleep or play in it for a while. Bringing a dog can really add to the fun of camping, so long as the animal has been adequately prepared for the event.

Get a sleeping bag that is warm enough. This is important. Even if you go camping in the summertime, nights can get very cold out in the wild. There are sleeping bags promising protection from varying cold temperatures; it is a good idea to opt for as low a temperature as you can find.

Remember to pack a camera. There are some memories youre going to want to capture on your camping trip. Bring along a small camera that can fit in your pocket. Try to pack something durable that could stand getting dropped or becoming a bit wet. Consider using a disposable camera.

If youre new to camping, youre going to want to arrive early to the campground. The reason for this is you will be new to the campground site and rules, and this will slow you down. You dont want to be stuck setting up camp after dark, so just arrive a little earlier than you usually would.

Exercise

Take a sleeping pad to help you get a good nights sleep and enjoy your camping trip more. An egg shell shaped foam pad or a rubber exercise mat type pad will provide protection from sticks, stones and uneven ground. This kind of padding can also be arranged on the floor of your tent to prevent rips and tears.

As you can see, there are many things involved in making a camping trip a successful experience. Even if you are a seasoned camper, you can still use some bits of advice to enhance your outdoor fun. Use what you have learned today, and you are sure to have a better camping trip tomorrow!