How about some time under the stars? Camping is one of the best activities out there, and for a good reason. While it can be fun, you must take the time to prepare and plan for it to be as much fun as possible. The following advice will help you be better prepared for going camping.

Always find your shelter before it gets dark when you go camping. Once it gets dark outside, figuring out how to set up a tent, finding wood and making food may become impossible. This is particularly the case for city slickers who are unaccustomed to darkness. Don’t let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.

Sleeping Bag

Make sure that your sleeping bag is right for the season and climate where you are camping. If you take a sub-zero bag camping in the middle of summer, you will probably sweat all night, or even overheat. Conversely, if you bring a light-weight sleeping bag to a winter camping trip, you can be extremely uncomfortable the entire time. You may even subject yourself to hypothermia.

Remember that you, your possessions and your family members are inevitably going to get dirty. If you’re ready for this, it will bother you less when it happens. Enjoy your time and don’t afraid to be messy. When you return home, make sure to stay as organized as possible.

All participants should have a say in where you go camping. Talk about the state you wish to see. With all of the options available, it is wise to let people decide for themselves. If it simplifies things, pick four or five favorites and then give everyone a vote.

Look into pillows made specifically for camping. Regular bed pillows can become damp if the weather is wet or humid. The tend to absorb ambient moisture and grow mildew as well. Camping pillows have a protective coating on them to prevent the absorption of moisture.

If camping is something that you are new to, have your first trip close to where you live. You don’t want to be far away if you decide you’ve had enough of camping, or if you have problems with your equipment. You may come to realize that you should have packed different clothing, or need more food. People that are camping for the first time may have a lot of problems, so being close to home is recommended.

Take a few things with you to entertain yourself while you’re camping. Card games, fishing poles, scavenger hunt lists and other supplies can make hanging out in the woods more fun. If your camping group includes children, consider bringing extra entertainment options.

If you will be camping in an area that is known for having dangerous wildlife, you need to double up your precautions when it comes to food. All of your foods should be tightly wrapped and not place near your tent. Some foods shouldn’t be brought at all. You will be less likely to have an attack with these procedures.

As you can see, there are many things you can do ensure you have a great camping experience. Use the advice you have just read so that your next camping trip will be safe and enjoyable.