Not a lot is better than sleeping under the night sky with your family. There are many reasons why camping is one of the favorite pastimes of many people. While it may be fun, there is a lot to keep in mind when camping. The following advice will help you be better prepared for going camping.

Always seek shelter before it is too dark to assess your surroundings. Once blackness falls out there in the woods, it can be extremely difficult to pitch a tent, find good firewood and prepare food. This is especially true if you are an urbanite whose sight is not used to the pitch dark. Avoid this hazard completely, by finding adequate shelter long before the sun goes down.

You will get 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! Things will be normal again once you are home.

Get a big enough tent to fit everyone and gear properly. This will ensure you are able to comfortably move around without disturbing people you are sharing your tent with.

When camping alone or in the company of friends, always bring an emergency kit. What you include will depend on where you are going and when. Items that will help with possible snake bites or a sling in case of sprains or breaks is a good idea, too.

If you are going to tough it out, you can still bring along a little bit of luxury item to add comfort to your camping trip. Take something like creamer for your coffee or a chocolate candy bar. You can really feel good on your trip when you bring these food items.

Pack a roll of duct tape with the rest of your supplies; this sticky wonder can help in a variety of circumstances. This can help to seal and protect your tent and even protect your body.

Teach your kids about camping safety before you bring them camping. It’s easy to look at photos online of harmful plants like poison ivy so that they are aware that they should not touch them when they’re camping.

When you go camping for the first few times, be sure that your camp is close to where you live. You may find that your gear isn’t up to par, or your trip isn’t what you thought it would be. You may run short of food or need more clothing than you packed. There are many unexpected problems you may encounter the first time you go camping, so stay close to home.

Duct Tape

You should always have some duct tape along on any camping adventure. A roll of duct tape has a great number of uses on a campsite. It can be used as a quick patch in the case of a punctured air mattress. You could patch a hole or tear in your sleeping bag, tarp or tent. If you are hiking long distances, a strip applied to your feet can keep blisters from forming. If anyone hurts themselves, it can be used for securing splints or for covering wounds, provided something soft is placed between the tape and skin.

As you’ve read, there are many things to plan for prior to taking a trip to the great outdoors. Apply what you’ve learned here, and have a great, safe trip with your family and friends.