Tips for Campers

For outdoor enthusiasts, a camping trip makes for the perfect getaway, but if you don't prepare properly it has the potential to become disastrous. Whether you are an experienced camper or a first-timer, a simple blunder or oversight may ruin your fun at best and could potentially put your life in danger.

  1. Practice First

    • If you plan to set up a tent upon arriving at your camp site, test it out first, especially if you are a beginning camper. The ability to put together the tent quickly and correctly is critical to your entire camping trip, and if you get all the way to your destination before you figure out you don't know how to pitch it, you are in trouble. Even if this is not your first trip, test out your tent and other necessary equipment to make sure everything is in working order.

    Plan Ahead

    • Prepare in advance of your camping trip. Call ahead and make sure your ideal destination is available to campers, especially during holiday weekends. Check the weather forecast to make sure your selected dates are at an appropriate time for camping. Compile a comprehensive list of all the required equipment and materials you must remember to bring along. Plan your meals and activities in advance, with backup options should anything unexpected come up during your trip.

    Avoid Cooking Near Your Tent

    • Your tent has a tendency to take on the smell of your dinner if you choose to cook close to the campsite, whether it's the smoke from the grill or the actually food itself. These aromatic smells may track bears or other wild animals to your tent, putting you at risk in the process. Stay away from your tent while you cook to avoid this concern. A recommended distance is 200 yards downwind of your campsite location.

    Get Everyone Involved

    • Camping is not just an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors; it's a chance for families or groups of friends to bond together. Make sure every individual in the group gets to pitch in one way or another, no matter how big or small the task. Plan a simple meal that kids are able to help cook, like hot dogs on the grill, and remember to involve everyone in cleaning up. Even small children are qualified to dry a recently rinsed dish. Roast marshmallows, tell stories or go fish as a family; camping is all about sharing the experience together.