So, your plan is to go camping? Are you prepared for even the most simple aspects of camping? Although most aspects of camping are basic, being prepared can make the difference between a great trip and a disastrous one. The article below has what you need to know.

Always locate your shelter before dark when you are camping. Once it gets dark, it is much harder to find wood for your fire, prepare food, and get your tent ready. It can be even more difficult for those who are not accustomed to trying to see in complete darkness. Do whatever you can to make sure that you find a safe location for your tent and pitch it before you find yourself in this sticky situation.

Ask family or friends who are camping with you for their input on your camping location. Think about where it is you want to go. The United States offers so many choices that choosing one can be hard! If necessary, select a few locations yourself, then let the family decide among your choices.

When you buy a new tent, set it up completely at home before you take it camping. That will help you make sure your tent has all the pieces and you know how to properly set it up. You don’t want to waste time at your destination, so this will make you well prepared.

When going camping you need to ensure that the tent you build can easily hold you and anybody else that comes along. You want to make sure that you have enough room in the tent for sleeping quarters and so that each person in the room has enough room.

Emergency Kit

Always prepare an emergency kit when camping, whether you are going by yourself or with others. This emergency kit changes depending on the place you go camping, but you have to be certain it has the basic tools. Items that will help with possible snake bites or a sling in case of sprains or breaks is a good idea, too.

Always remember to bring a roll of duct tape with you when you go camping as it can be used for all manner of things. This can help to seal and protect your tent and even protect your body.

Take along a specialized pillow or two for camping. Since standard pillows can pick up a lot of humidity, debris or even creepy-crawlers, leave them safely at home. Those big pillows can also mildew, because they absorbs moisture. Camping pillows use a coating to lock moisture out to improve your comfort level.

Before going to a new place to go camping, you need to know what dangers may be lurking. That include deadly spiders, sheer drops, and flash flood areas. Each camp is individual, so scope out the one you are planning to enter before every trip.

If camping is new for you, start somewhere nearby. You may run into problems that will require you to shorten your trip, like problems with equipment. Others may find that they have a shortage of food or their clothing isn’t appropriate. Many issues can occur for new campers, so you should camp near home your first time.

Make sure to prepare in advance before you engage in a camping trip. Bring extra blankets along with your sleeping bag. This will help you to stay warm, comfortable and safe during a cold or wet night.

Is this your first tent? Before you go out and start on your trip, practice setting up your tent. This will ensure that you understand how the tent is to be set up and taken down. This also ensure that you can perform the task more quickly if you get to your campsite late, and darkness begins to set in.

Sleeping Bag

Make sure that your sleeping bag is appropriate for where and when you are camping. Lighter bags might be good ideas for warmer climates and seasons to avoid unnecessary weight and space usage, but make sure that you have a heavy enough bag to stay warm in cold conditions. You want a sleeping bag that is close to your body and helps you retain your body heat if you plan to sleep in a tent.

Thanks to the information you read above, you are surely in a better position to have a great camping experience the next time you go. Camping is not a luxury vacation, and you should go into it prepared and ready. Apply what you’ve just learned, and have a wonderful trip.