Planning a Camping Trip
First to consider is the time of year. Even if you are the “survivor” type camping in extreme temperatures, either warm or cold, requires extreme caution. Clothing that meets the weather challenge but is not constricting is best. If you are going to be in front of a campfire, loose sleeves or scarves should be avoided. Bring along enough clothing for a couple of more days than needed as rain, snow or sweat may require frequent changes. Also bring clothing that covers skin from tick bites in the woods. Bring along sleeping bags and waterproof tents, along with a waterproof tarp to cover your camping area in case of rain. Bring a radio to check the local weather once at your destination.
Next is the campground itself. Is it in the middle of the woods, or a spot in an established campground? Where are the nearest ranger or police station and hospital? Once you arrive, be sure to let the nearest ranger station know that you are there. It makes good sense for them to know where you are before an emergency warrants them finding you. What are the regulations concerning building a fire and trash removal? Keep in mind that bears and other wild animals are attracted by table scraps and cooking grease. Bring along containers to keep your food tightly stored and garbage secured, according to campground or park policy.
There are several options for cooking. Keep in mind the rules of the campground. If using an open pit with wood or charcoal, make sure the fire is well contained and bring a shovel to smother the fire with dirt afterward. Keep in mind that cigarettes can start fires too and be mindful of all fire. Keep matches dry but away from the fire. If you bring propane or other type of cooking device, follow directions for transporting, storing and using carefully.
Take along not only toilet paper but also grab a box of baby wipes to help avoid chafing in primitive conditions. Bring a first aid kit as well as insect repellant, sunscreen and any prescription or over the counter medicine you may need if you suffer from allergies to plants or stings. Calamine lotion and antipyretic cream can be very helpful for mosquito bites. Also bring alone a pair of tweezers and some vegetable oil and check for ticks on yourself, your camp mates and animals on the trip.
Simple foods are best to bring camping, and items like trail mix provide nutrition
and energy in a convenient form. For kids, peanut butter and jelly can be great to take on a hike. Make sure you bring an ample supply of drinking water as some fresh water, even though it is found in the great outdoors, is not safe to consume.
Before you leave on your trip, make a list of all necessary items and check them off as you load them into the car. This will avoid your leaving an important map on the kitchen table and make sure your trip is fun, safe and comfortable.
hi!nice post! can you please help me what is the best month of the year i can bring my kids into a green camping. This will be the first camping of my family and i need your help!Thanks and great Job for this post!two thumbs up!!
Thanks for the heads up! It is important to make a checklist on what to pack before you go. Be sure that you have the best camping equipment and clothing for the trip. It is smart to do some research on the internet on what to pack, it is lots of checklists on the internet that may work for you.
Happy camping,
Jared
Texas Campgrounds
Thanks for the tips. It’s really great or helpful information for us beginners or first timers in the camping craze. Going to a camping trip is not really as fast as the wind. Thorough planning is required and a lot of preparation is necessary. I’m actually planning our very first family camping and we are all excited about it.