Ahh, camping! All on your own, as a couple or out with the whole family, camping is an ideal getaway to enjoy the beauty of nature. Camping outdoors is exciting and fun, but there is a lot to learn. Review the ideas that follow to have the best trip possible.

Search out shelter before the sun sets when you are camping. Once the sky becomes dark, finding a good spot for your tent, necessary firewood and food preparation become near impossible. This is particularly true for anyone accustomed to city living and unfamiliar with pitch dark woods. Avoid this by setting up your shelter ahead of time.

Always pack enough for your kids. Camping is messy. Almost every child will want to play in the dirt or mud, constantly. Because of this, your children will likely be filthy by the end of the day. While this cannot usually be prevented, be sure to pack some extra clothing. Be ready for anything.

The way you prepare will determine whether your camping trip will be fun or if it will be dangerous. When you are prepared, you avoid many of the common mistakes that are made on camping trips. If you’re visiting a new location, be sure to research its wildlife, climate, and geography.

Bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you when you go camping. Such an item can be used as a carrying bag, a potholder, a hand towel, a blotter or a paper towel. There are countless other uses for such items, so try your best to remember to bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you.

Take oranges with you as a way to snack in a healthy, convenient way–and as a mosquito repellent that is organic. After you have eaten the orange, rub the peel onto exposed body parts and this will repel any blood-sucking bugs.

Research the area you are planning to camp in and familiarize yourself with its particular dangers. Figure out if there are any poisonous insects, what the land looks like and how the weather will be. Every camping spot has a few dangers to be aware of.

It is important to be prepared while camping. While a sleeping bag is a necessity, you should bring extra blankets. They can be very handy when the evening temperatures drop. If not needed for warmth, they can be extra padding from the solid ground beneath.

Do you know how to pitch a tent? Before you head into the wilderness, take some time to learn about your tent and pitch it. This will enable you to learn how to pitch the tent properly and make sure all of the equipment is fully functional. You can do this best before it gets dark outside.

Flashlights, spare batteries and an oil lantern are always handy items to have with you on your trip. Once the sun has set it is nice to have a source of light. Adequate light can help you avoid falling in the dark, or encountering wildlife. If you have kids with you on your camping trip, hand each of them a flashlight.

Pay close attention to where your kids are when camping. Kids can get lost easily, even in the campsite and they have to be aware of others driving on the camp roads. It takes just a second and something can happen; therefore be certain you always give kids the proper supervision.

Think about where to set up camp before you do. Areas with insect nests and breeding grounds should always be avoided when setting up. Granted, even if you are cautious, you should still protect yourself from insects using long garments to keep them off of your skin. You should bring insect repellant along.

Camping is fun but only if you plan things out properly. Fortunately, the article above provided you with what you must know to enjoy a safe and enjoyable excursion.