Make The Time Spent Camping Relaxing And Enjoyable

How do you waterproof a canvas tent?

Whether you know it or not, camping is a great way to get in touch with yourself. It is also a way to have a relaxing time away from the stresses of everyday life. There are some things you need to keep in mind though, so here are a few tips to make your camping trip work out great.

If you are planning any kind of backcountry camping, a must carry item is a fire starter kit. If you are in a survival situation, fire is a way to cook, keep you warm, purify water, and signal for help. Many camping stores sell fire starters that can be used when wet and do not require any fuel. Also, try making fire when you are not in a survival situation so you know you can do it if the need arises.

Reserve your spot at a campground as soon as possible. Particularly in the summer, many people are interested in camping with their families. If you make your reservation in the winter, you are much more likely to get the best rate possible. Those savings can translate into additional family fun while on your vacation.

When you are heading out for that long awaited camping trip, don't forget to take along your cell phone. You may be tempted to leave all the texting and calls behind, but your cell phone can be one of your most important safety lifelines in the event of an emergency. Make sure it is fully charged and keep it protected from the elements in a plastic bag or waterproof case.

Try using dryer lint to help you start your campfire. Collect the lint in your dryer and store it in a bag a few weeks before you go camping to prepare for this. Just hang a grocery bag next to your dryer and stuff the lint into the bag. Your kindling will be ready for you to grab on the way out the door for your trip.

Bring your cellphone with you when you go camping. Even if you are serious about roughing it, cell phones are still very useful in emergencies and should not be left at home. A cell phone is no longer a hobby, and when you go camping it can help you reach police and emergency personnel--bring it.

To avoid blistered and chapped feet on your camping trip, bring a bar of soap along! Prior to any lengthy walk, rub the soap into the heals of your socks and this will minimize friction, thus reducing soreness. Keep the soap in your pocket for a quick dose when your feet start feeling beat-up or blistered.

When you reach your campsite, the first thing, you should do is to start collecting wood for your fire. You won't feel like it later on, and if you wait until dark you will have a harder time finding the kind of wood you need to keep a fire going. Do it right away.

Understand how your food will be cooked. You need to consider how you are going to prepare all meals. Will you need charcoal? Perhaps you need a small propane tank. It can be difficult to cook every meal over an open fire; no matter, how much fun it might seem.

Know the climate of your camping area. You will want to have the proper clothing packed for the trip. Knowing how cold the nights get or how hot the days are will help you dress best. You will not want to get caught in the great outdoors with inadequate protection.

Take something to entertain yourself when you have some downtime. Bring some board games for the whole family, or bring a book in case you wake up before everyone else. This is a good idea so that you know you are entertained throughout your entire trip and there isn't a dull canvas tent stove moment.

If you are on a camping trip and forgot the bowls for stew, make your own from large plastic soda bottles that have been emptied. Just rinse the bottle and cut down the plastic to the depth you need. Lightly sand the edges to smooth out any rough spots and prepare to scoop up dinner!

You should always have some duct tape along on any camping adventure. Not only is it useful around the home, but it serves many purposes while camping. It is perfect for fixing an air mattress. You can close up rips and tears, and bundle things together. You can even put some under your feet before long hikes so that you don't get blisters. It even works as a bandage.

It is a good idea to pitch your tent on a piece of land that is level. This will ensure you sleep better, which means you will have more energy for the next day. If you have to sleep on an incline, make sure that your head is tilted uphill.

Plan plenty of activities to keep yourself busy while camping. Campfires and making smores aren't all there is to do when you're going camping. Think about enjoyable activities for all family members. You may want to do different activities for different age groups to ensure that everyone has fun.

Find a soft and flat spot to pitch your tent when you are camping in the wilderness. Choosing a sloped or rocky area to camp at can make you uncomfortable when in your tent. Always put a tarp down on the ground first so that water can't get in and ruin the tent.

If you are tenting, it is important that you seal any of the seams in your tent. If tent sealer was not provided with the tent, you can purchase some at a sporting goods store. This will allow you to keep wild animals and bad weather from getting into your tent.

Learn how to read a map or use a compass ahead of time. Even if this isn't your first time at the site, it's easy to get lost in the woods since a lot of things look the same. Knowing how to use them can save you from a disaster.

As you can see, there are plenty of things you need to remember for your next camping trip. Many things will play a factor in your safety and the overall enjoyment of the experience. Use what you have read from this article, and you will have a better camping experience next time you go outdoors!