Are you planning an exciting camping trip? Do you think that you are prepared for a few of the problems that you may encounter during such a trip? Though common sense can cover most of these situations, it never hurts to do some homework to ensure that you cover your bases. You can find some helpful tips below.

Find where you will camp before sunset. Once it is dark in the woods, pitching a tent can be next to impossible, finding firewood can be difficult and preparing food hard. This is particularly the case for city slickers who are unaccustomed to darkness. Set up camp before dark to keep yourself from getting into this situation.

Make sure to have an idea of the weather before starting your trip. There are a number of sites that can provide detailed information regarding what to expect weather-wise during your trip. Armed with the proper facts, you will know that to expect and what to pack.

Camping can be extremely fun or extremely dangerous depending upon how prepared you are. Only go camping when you have prepared yourself for it. Do some research on the climate and wildlife if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Make your kids a “jungle breakfast”. Tie up small boxes of juice, cereal and food to a tree. Let the kids go out hunt for their breakfast. This makes an interesting diversion for them during the trip.

Camping and swimming are a great combination. While camping, you might really miss the luxury of showering. 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.

Bring oranges. Not only are they nutritious, but the peels can be used for mosquito repellant. Save the orange peels and rub them into your exposed skin. Insects will stay away from you for an affordable price.

Your children will love to join you on your camping trip, but be sure to plan some fun activities for them. If you’re out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do, boredom will set in. They may not know how to fish or pitch tents. Expose them to these activities prior to embarking on your trip.

Pack plenty of food and make sure it’s the right type. Food that is resistant to spoiling, or that can be kept cold in your cooler, are the best options to choose. Getting food poisoning can bring an abrupt end to a camping trip. Know what you’re doing when it comes to food safety and take the proper precautions.

Have you just bought your first tent as a rookie camper? Spend time practicing pitching a tent prior to leaving for your trip. This will allow you take an inventory of all the necessary equipment needed to set up the tent. This will also enable you to do this task quickly if you arrive at the campsite, right before darkness sets in.

When you are at your campsite, pitch your tent on the softest and most level ground you are able to find. An area that is sloped or rugged won’t make for the best place to put your tent. Just lay a tarp at the bottom of the tent to stop water from going into your tent or damaging your tent.

After having read this article, it is easy to see that there are many things that can be overlooked in planning. Being prepared is the sure fire way to ensure that you will have a good time no matter what comes your way. Keep the concepts in this piece close at and, and enjoy yourself!