Camping Tips and Tricks For the New Outdoorsperson

Camping is one of America’s greatest pastimes. It makes sense given how many national parks and campgrounds we have within the United States. After all, Alaska alone offers more than 75 national parks, preserves, forests, and historical sites for your summer camp sessions.

It’s thanks to the sheer size of the U.S. that you probably have campgrounds within driving distance of your home. A 2018 report from CNBC notes that more than 77 million Americans go camping each year and a whopping 22% will spend next to nothing to camp.

Even though countless people love to go camping each year, especially Millennials, many have still never enjoyed the freedom and solitude of the great outdoors. If you’re a first-time camper, it might seem intimidating to spend the night in a tent. Between the bugs, rain, and planning, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you consider your first trip.

Luckily, just about anyone can enjoy the fun and relaxation of camping. With a few simple tricks, you’ll be able to become a camping professional in no time. Here are some of the top tips to consider when you’re ready to venture into the great outdoors.

Check the weather

The most important thing to do when you start planning is to check the weather frequently. It’s not uncommon for the weather to turn on a dime throughout the week and this is essential to your packing process. After all, you’re spending the majority of your time outside, typically in a tent. Here, there’s no thermostat or ceiling to keep you safe.

For example, a rainy day calls for a few extra tarps and tents to protect your stuff. Dressing appropriately and bringing the necessary supplies will help banish any weather issues from getting in your way.

You might also want to contact a tent rental company for community spaces or group events if you suspect rain is on the way. This is vital since a growing number of people are planning to get married on campsites.

This rising trend is because of the scenic views and wide-open spaces. It’s the perfect option for frugal couples who want to get married in the summer. Holding it outside means that you’ll have 15 square feet for each table, the recommended amount for peak levels of comfort. If you don’t want the weather to ruin your special day, check it regularly throughout the week.

Stay organized

The best way to enjoy your camping vacation is by staying organized. No one wants to siphon through a truckload of goods to find their utility knife. Organize your totes by category or function when you pack up and hit the road. For example, cleaning products and toiletries can be kept in one tote while clothing is kept in another. Before you head out, be sure to run through your checklist to ensure you’ve packed and accounted for everything in your car.

Clean up your food

One of the most popular concerns among new campers is the threat of bears. While this isn’t an issue in some parts of the United States, those who are used to throwing their garbage and food into a trash bag might run into a few issues, regardless of location.

That’s why it’s essential to clean up after yourself, especially after eating. If a bear or other animal smells food, they’re more likely to come to your campsite. This includes small animals like squirrels and potentially harmful animals like skunks or raccoons. Unfortunately, this ignorance might put your whole group at risk. Try investing in odor-proof bags with air-tight seals to stash leftovers or particularly smelly trash. If you’re in bear country, put these items in a bear bag about 200 feet away from your campsite to stay safe.

One of the best ways to protect your campsite is by relying on boring food items. Foods like tortillas, beans, and rice might not taste the best but they are less likely to catch the attention of scavengers looking for an easy meal. Bears can smell yummy food from over a mile away so try to limit your bacon intake for the weekend and wash any packages that smell pungent before throwing them away. Just like almost 50% of consumers worry bad habits will lead to identity fraud, cautious campers are always worried about food storage. Follow this tip to keep animals away and bugs at bay.

Pack an emergency kit

Even though there are about 15,600 skilled nursing centers and even more urgent care facilities in the U.S., a dangerous fall or infection needs immediate attention. Always bring a first-aid kit packed with antibiotics, topical creams, bandages, and anti-inflammatories for your trip, even if you’re camping for as little as one night.

This kit should also include a map of the park which you can pick up at any ranger station. This is vital if you’re camping somewhere new or unfamiliar. In the event of an emergency, you need to know exactly where you are and where to go to get help whenever it’s needed. If you’re going hunting as well, you can get a glock conversion at 460rowland.com/product/glock-19-glock-19x-conversion/.

Brings some great friends along

The best part of camping is socializing with good friends. Even if you want to enjoy peace and quiet on your camping vacation, a few extra hands should never be discouraged. Wrangle up some of your closest friends and see what the world has to offer.