Camping is one way to take a break from a busy life, have fun, spend quality time with friends, and explore nature.
But, to have a good camping trip, you should thoroughly prepare for it. Otherwise, you may be left wondering what helps with mosquito bites when they attack you at night, or you may encounter unexpected bad weather.
In this article, you will learn what you need to prepare for a camping trip to ensure that you have a good time.
1. Make a Reservation
The summer months see a lot of people going camping. Therefore, you may have problems finding a campsite without prior reservations. Save yourself this stress, visit www.recreation.gov, and get a campsite reservation before leaving home. This will be worth the processing fee charged.
2. Evaluate your Supplies
Remove your tent from storage and aerate it in the sun if possible to enable you to inspect it for small rips and holes, then repair it if required. Also, air out your sleeping pillows and pads; if they are inflatable, check for leaks. Put up your camping chairs and ensure the fabric and frame are sturdy.
3. Check Campsite Amenities
Different campgrounds differ in amenities, with some having more than others. Check if your chosen campsite has potable water, bathrooms with showers, firewood, dishwashing facilities, and so on. Usually, this information is available on the booking site. If it is not, call their office and talk to someone in charge about your expectations.
4. Research the Area Surrounding the Campsite
While still at home, research a little on the surrounding area. Check if there are hiking trails, water features like lakes or rivers for swimming in, the nearest gas station, grocery store, and an emergency room.
Campsites are famous for having poor cell coverage; therefore, it would be best to get your bearing on the campground beforehand.
5. Bring Plenty of Food and Water
When planning a camping trip, do not forget about food, especially if you intend to spend several days there. Ensure you have enough food for your entire party and pack it in waterproof containers or bags. If you want to go fishing, pack some hooks and a fishing line.
To figure out the amount of food you need, prepare a meal plan then prepare a grocery list to have everything before you get to your destination.
Suppose you want to be healthy while camping, you should not forget about water. Carry water even if there is a lake or river near the campsite to meet drinking and cooking requirements. Additionally, ensure that your water is clean by boiling it before consumption or using a water purifier.
Food facilities are not always available on camping sites; therefore, bringing your cooking essentials to prepare food is crucial. Carry a portable cooking stove and utensils for cooking the food.
6. Check Weather Conditions
Before leaving home:
- Check your destination’s weather forecast, especially if the campsite is in a remote area.
- If bad weather is inevitable, consider changing your camping plans, for it is better to be safe at home rather than risk injury or death because of bad weather.
- If you are traveling off-road, focus on the weather forecast, as heavy rain and high winds can be problematic on the road.
7. Obtain Camping Permits
Ensure you have all essential camping permits and fees before leaving home. You may also need to cater for access to public land if your destination is a wildlife reserve or national park. This may be $10 per person daily or much higher. Know the cost before you reach your destination to avoid surprises when you arrive at your destination.
Also, check if there are extra fees, as most parks levy additional fees for groups exceeding ten people.
8. Pack a First Aid Kit
In a best-case scenario, you will not have to use a first aid kit. However, having the essentials to clean and bandage a wound is priceless if someone in your entourage has an accident. If you take your dog camping, have a different first aid kit for him.
9. Pack Lightly
Your trip’s first few days will be busy as you’ll be setting up camp and getting used to life without civilization. But, after a few days, you’ll need to pack up and get on the road. Hence it would help if you had light packing.
Carrying too many items will slow you down and get in your way while hiking. Therefore, only pack what is necessary. This also applies to food, do not carry more than you need.
