Camping is one of the most rewarding, bonding experiences you’ll ever have with your loved ones. From setting up camp to cooking over a fire, it’s an experience that is guaranteed to bring everyone closer together. If you are preparing for your first camping trip (or if you’re looking for some great tricks and hacks), here are some genius hacks to make this trip so much easier!
1. Check The Weather
Camping is most fun when you are prepared for anything, even the weather. A nice day can quickly turn into a cold, wet night if you aren’t prepared. Check the weather forecast before your trip to make sure you will be able to stay warm and dry at night. There are many websites that offer free weather information, like The Weather Channel, for example. Or, you can check your TV for local weather updates. You might want to bring multiple layers of clothing if the weather forecast calls for rain or colder temperatures and consider how you’ll keep your mind off the weather if you’re trapped in your tent on a cold, wet night. Take a good book, download a movie or check out casino games online – a win will be sure to lift your spirits.
2. Plan, Plan, Plan
A key to a successful camping trip is planning. It’s always easier to be prepared than scrambling at the last minute. Planning ahead will make sure you don’t forget anything important – like marshmallows for s’mores! If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry, because there are a lot of helpful resources online. You can read here more about how to plan a perfect trip, including how to choose the right campsite. Being prepared for anything will ensure that your camping trip is a great experience, so take the time to plan ahead!
3. Choose The Location
In addition to planning your camping trip, you also want to choose the perfect location. There are so many great locations that it can be hard to narrow down your choices. If you’re new to camping and aren’t sure where would be a good place for you and your family’s first trip, here is some advice! One of the most important things about choosing a location is to make sure you are aware of the local wildlife. You should always choose a place with no signs of wild animals, like bears! Also, make sure you are in an area where you can make a campfire safely. For example, in most National Parks and Forests, it can be difficult to find a camping location where you are allowed to build a campfire.
4. Get The Right Gear
It’s always a good idea to make sure you have the right gear for your trip. A lot of people underestimate the amount and type of things they need just to be prepared, so here is a list of all the essentials: tent with rainfly, portable stove or gas grill, firewood, campfire ring, tarp to keep grass/dirt where you are sitting, folding camping chairs or cooler full of drinks, extra plastic silverware, and plates, bug repellent (and lots of sunscreens!), first aid kit including bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gauze pads. Other things you might want include a personal flashlight, lanterns, binoculars, fishing pole and tackle box, hiking boots, sunhat with a chin strap to keep it on your head when the wind picks up.
5. Be Prepared For Anything
Even if you’ve planned your trip well in advance and packed according to what’s on this list, anything can happen when you are camping. You want to be prepared for the worst so that if an emergency arises, you will know what to do. Here is a list of some things you might encounter: changing weather conditions, rain and thunderstorms, lightning storms, insects and other wildlife in your campsite, wildfires or forest fires in your area, and flat tires (just in case!).
Make sure you have a fully charged cell phone with you at all times and make sure someone knows where you are going and when to expect you back. If something does go wrong out there, know how to get help quickly.
6. Pack Plenty Of Food And Water
A trip into the wilderness isn’t complete without a feast around the campfire! When you are camping, it is important to pack enough food for everyone in your group. You don’t want to spend all your time hunting down your next meal or fishing for dinner, so make sure you have enough canned meat and veggies to eat. Definitely bring a cooler with ice in it to keep your drinks cold. Also have plenty of trail mix, peanut butter crackers, or granola bars on hand.
Camping can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to be prepared for anything that might happen. Make sure you have the right gear and food packed before you go and check the weather forecast so you know what to expect. If something does go wrong while you’re camping, make sure you know how to get help quickly. And, of course, don’t forget to have fun! Have a great trip!
