Camping and having fun in the great outdoors can be very enjoyable. Sleeping all night under the stars is more relaxing than you may have ever imagined. Everyone was a little hesitant about their first camping experience, but this article should help calm some of those fears.
Have fun camping in a national park and check out our Glacier Quick Guide!
Be Prepared for Fun in the Great Outdoors
Emergency kits are one of the most important things to bring on a camping trip. You want to bring a kit for any situation that might arise during your camping trip. For example, if you are camping in an area that may have poison ivy, make sure you pack hydro-cortisone. Having an all-around useful first aid kit can be beneficial as well. This one has 180 pieces and is even FSA or HSA submittable!! Carrying survival and first aid kits can be a life-saving decision. It is imperative that a first-aid kit and other survival items never be forgotten for a camping trip. These are things that can make a big difference when things go wrong so you don’t have to abort your trip early. Being prepared also keeps minor emergencies from becoming major emergencies.
More on First Aid can be found here.
Make a Camping Checklist
Before leaving for your trip, write a list of what you need to bring along. This is imperative when there is travel involved during your camping trip. Pack your bags at least a day or more ahead of time, and keep a list to check off your items. (Sign up for our mailing list now to receive our handy packing checklist!)
Camping can be one of the most relaxing weekends of your life, or it can quickly turn into the trip from hell. Preparation makes all the difference. By preparing for any eventuality, your trip stands a good chance of being a huge success.
Layering is your Friend
The best way to dress when you are camping is in layers. In nature, the weather can alter dramatically quickly. A chilly morning can turn into a hot and humid afternoon. It may get cold late at night, so make sure you are prepared. By dressing in layers of clothing, you can easily shed layers when the temperature rises and then add layers when the temperature drops.
Duck! No Duct Tape.
Always keep some duct tape with you when you’re out camping because a leaky anything is no fun in the great outdoors. Duct tape is an imperative item to bring with you on your camping trip into the wilderness. Not only is it useful around the home, but it serves many purposes while camping. While most camping equipment is durable, it can tear or break easily. It can be utilized to fix a torn air mattress. Duct tape can also seal other rips, such as ripped tents or sleeping bags which will keep you nice and dry in your damaged tent. You can even use it to help prevent blisters on your feet. In extreme cases, you can use it for bandages as well.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Bring along plenty of sunscreen. Protecting yourself from the sun’s rays is very important when you have fun in the great outdoors. Purchase a sunscreen that will provide you with optimal sun protection. It is wise to bring along a sunscreen that can also protect you from bug bites so that you are placing only one product on your skin.
Snack it Up
Trail mix is a classic snack and for a good reason. Throw a little beef jerky with a few fruits, and you’ve got yourself a full camper’s meal. After a long day, you likely will only want to snack and not cook dinner. So plan ahead for easy meals or use dehydrated foods. Such foods will also remain edible for quite some time, so will not go to waste if you don’t eat them up on your trip.
Check out our recipe for blazing trail mix!
Make sure to have adequate amounts of food and water. If you don’t do this then you might find yourself going to the store a lot during your trip. Having a good canteen, water bottle, or backpack water source will help make taking water with you on the go that much easier. The best Camelback-style backpack will not only carry your water but also give you storage options for snacks, safety gear, and the tools you will need while out in the wilderness.
Food Storage
Many get food poisoning due to improperly stored food on a camping trip. Make sure to maintain the best preservation possible to keep your food fresh for the longest period of time. For shorter trips and minimal people consider having a small cooler that can keep food properly cool for the entire length of your trip. Pack plenty of ice to keep any perishable foods cold. Remember to periodically pull the drain plug in the cooler so your food does not become soggy.
Get Messy!
Camping provides the inevitable experience that you, your family, and most of your possessions will probably get dirty. Being prepared for this will make sure you don’t stress too much when it occurs. Use your time in nature to enjoy the chance to be a little messy. You can always clean up, and be “normal” when you return home.
Research your Trip
Camping is either extremely fun or extremely dangerous depending upon how much you prepare. Only go camping when you fully prepare for the trip. When heading to a new spot, be sure to research the area thoroughly so you know what to expect with regard to weather and wildlife. Also, make sure to leave your plans of travel and hikes behind with a trusted friend or family member in case you need support while out in the wilderness.
Don’t forget your tent. Check out our great tent options!
Final Thoughts on Fun in the Great Outdoors
Now that you have a basic education on how to have camping fun in the great outdoors, you can start planning your next camping adventure. If you follow these simple tips, you will be a camping pro. It does not matter if you stay close to home or travel far away for your camping adventure, you will have the time of your life.
