Are you thinking about camping? Are you prepared for even the most simple aspects of camping? Camping trips can be pretty basic in terms of expectations, but don’t overlook the importance of thinking through your trip prior to leaving on it. Here are some tips to ensure you have a fantastic time.

Keep in mind that you, your family, and everything you take with you is probably going to be dirty. If you’re prepared beforehand then you won’t be so stressed out when things start to get dirtier. Have fun in nature and don’t be afraid to get dirty! You can always clean up, and be “normal” when you return home.

Include the family in the selection of the campsite. This will make everyone feel invested. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. If it makes things simpler, list your personal preferences and then have the family choose from them.

Attempt a “jungle breakfast” with the younger members of your camping party. Take juice boxes, mini cereal boxes and fruit and tie the food to trees. Let the kids go out hunt for their breakfast. It’s a fun way to make camping a little more exciting for the children.

Try combining a swimming experience with your camping experience. Any time you go camping, you are likely to miss taking a shower. When swimming, you will feel refreshed and cleaner. If you use some biodegradable soap, you can get just as clean as you would at home.

Before you camp in a new location, you should familiarize yourself with the local dangers and risks. You need to know about the local insect population, wild animals, natural dangers like water or steep locations and weather conditions. Every camping trip has different dangers.

You need to take things to entertain yourself during your camping trip. Card games, fishing poles or games like a scavenger hunt can be very entertaining in the wild. This is especially important if children are going to be camping.

Stand ready for all possibilities when you camp. While it’s crucial to plan ahead for things, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. The weather could change suddenly, you could encounter hostile people or animals, and someone could become sick or injured. Try not to take unnecessary risks that can yield injury or illness.

Pack extra flashlights and batteries when you are packing for your trip. There will be times when you will need to see clearly after the sun goes down. 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.

Sleeping Bag

Make sure your sleeping bag is appropriate for the location. Hot weather calls for a lightweight bag, while heavier bags are needed for colder temperatures. You also want to get a sleeping bag that is comfortable to sleep in as well, so test them out.

Always keep a close eye on your kids. There are many dangers associated with camping, from campers entering and leaving the campground to children getting lost. It can take just one second for a child to get into danger, so supervise them at all times to be safe.

Find a great location to set up your camper. You should avoid pitching your tent near breeding areas for insects or nests of wasps, bees and hornets. When near vegetation, long sleeves shirts and long pants will keep insects from getting on your skin. You should also have insect repellent.

Utility Knife

Carry an additional utility knife in case your original one breaks. A utility knife is very convenient to carry while you are camping, so make sure to bring a spare in case one is lost.

Make sure you pack carefully and wisely. Make a list of the things you need on your trip. Check each item off when you pack it. If you are planning to camp in an area away from first aid access, then this will be especially necessary.

Now that you’ve read these tips, you should be aware of things that you must prepare for prior to your camping trip. Camping doesn’t have to be an extravagant event; still, time should be taken to prepare for some common problems. The information given here can help you have a memorable trip!