Camping is a great activity, but there are some risks associated with it. There are many natural hazards in the wild that can be dangerous and even deadly to campers if they encounter them. The following article will keep you safe by showing you what hazards to look out for while camping.
When it comes to food, bring only what you need on a camping trip. Extra food out in the wilderness is a calling card for wild animals to come visiting your campground. If you do find that you have additional food, tie it up in cloth and handg it as high as you can in a tree away from your immediate campground. This will help keep you from unwanted animal introductions.
Use separate coolers for perishables, ice and drinks. While it does not matter if the perishables and drinks go into the same one, make sure to pack your ice separately. This will keep the temperature down so that you will have ice for much longer than you would have otherwise.
Navigation is the key when it comes to camping. It is important to know where you are, and how to get back to civilization if you become lost. Always bring a map of the area, and a compass to help you. You can also use an outdoor GPS that will give you navigation information, as well as additional information such as altitude.
Though you may believe that there will be sufficient wood lying around for your fire, you may only be able to find wet lumber that does not easily burn. Bringing some extra wood in a watertight wrapping is a smart idea for camping success.
Be sure that your tent will comfortably fit everyone that you will be sharing it with to have a good trip. This will give you the room necessary for a comfortable camping trip.
If you will be camping somewhere that is very far away from civilization, then make sure you have told several people where you will be as well as how long you are intending to stay. Ask them to call you on the day you are supposed to return to ensure your safety.
If you're camping with your family, try finding campsites that are pet-friendly. This is a great way for you to get your animals out in the fresh air. Your kids will be happy to have your animals there with you, so it can be a great experience for all of you.
Make sure you have a suitable water source. Even if you bring water with you, plan to need more water and know where you will be able to get more. It is a good idea to know where your water source will be before you go camping at all, but surely right after you arrive.
If you are going camping with your pets or children, you need to take a few extra precautions. Try to teach your kids the basics of camping safety. They need to know what to do if they get lost and should each have a small survival kit. Make sure you have leashes for any pets and make sure they are current with all vaccinations.
When you are camping, you should never eat anything unless you are absolutely certain of what it is. There is nothing worse than a strong case of stomach problems when you are far away from both medical attention and a toilet. It is recommended to only eat food that you bring.
Do not underestimate the power of Duct tape It is an essential tool when you camp, so make sure it is in your box of "essentials." Duct tape can be used to repair tent poles, patch shoes, fix holes in mosquito netting, as well as many other things. Duct tape is a life saver.
The idea of camping is to live with just the essentials, but you should make sure to be well prepared. While a sleeping bag is a necessity, you should bring extra blankets. They can be used as padding or for warmth.
When going on a camping trip, it is vital that you bring several large canvas tent with stove jack lanterns and/or flashlights, as well as extra batteries with you. There are times when it is important to be able to see clearly in the dark. Adequate light can help you avoid falling in the dark, or encountering wildlife. If you are camping with your children, a flashlight for each child is a wise idea.
Pack ready to eat foods in your camping gear, like trail mix and jerky. After a long and tiresome day, you may want to eat these nutritious snacks instead of cooking. As an added benefit these snacks have a long shelf life, so if you do not eat them while camping you can enjoy them for months to come.
Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before leaving your car or campsite. It is an even better idea to bring extra batteries as an emergency backup. A mobile phone is an important part of camping safety these days, and you want it to be ready to go when you need it.
When siting your tent at your campsite, be sure to place a waterproof tarp on the ground before erecting your tent. In this situation, size really does matter. Use a tarp that is about 2 inches smaller than the tent floor, or cut a larger one down if need be. It should never extend beyond the edge of your tent floor. A tarp that is too large can collect water that will be channeled right back into your tent.
When camping, how will you cook your food? You will have to decide whether you will grill, fry or even bake your food so you know what supplies to bring. No matter what method of cooking you decide upon, be sure that you will have everything you need to do it.
Be aware of food safety precautions on your trip. Foods should be packed in airtight and waterproof containers. Store food that requires refrigeration in an insulated cooler. Don't keep raw and cooked food together, so there is no contamination. Keep surfaces and hands clean when you're dealing with your food. Use hand sanitizer or soap. Make sure cooked foods reach the correct temperature and make sure perishable foods are kept chilled.
There isn't much that can match the feeling of camping. Camping brings wonderful experiences, like beautiful scenery and the amazing sense of nature around you. When you apply what you've learned here, you'll be able to enjoy a relaxing trip wherever you decide to camp.
