8 Tips for 1st Time Campers
Camping is a wonderful activity to do with the whole family or even just to get away from the world for a few days by yourself. The thought of camping for the first time can bring about a little bit of anxiety and nervousness because you might not know what to expect. Preparing for your first camping trip is the best way to have a successful and happy time spent out in nature. Here are some great tips for first time campers.
- Don’t die. Seriously, this is on top of many people’s lists of why they are scared to camp. Bring along a good first aid kit that has items that can stop bleeding, salve for a burn, and an ice pack. A bottle of ibuprofen is not a bad idea either. Be prepared for an accident but don’t worry yourself to death that it is going to happen.
- Pack enough food for one extra day. It is better to pack too much food than not enough. It is a great idea to add in a can of soup or something else that can be used in a pinch. Food that can be used for multiple meals is key for space saving. Having a separate cooler for beverages is another great trick as you will be in and out of that one more often.
- Arrive at your campsite with at least two hours of sunlight available. Your first time setting up your campsite might take you an hour, especially if you’ve never put a tent up before.
- When you first set up your campsite, place your tent on a level surface at least five feet away from the camp fire. A great tip is to buy a shower curtain and place that down first as a water protective barrier against your tent and the ground. Always attach the rain flap to the top of your tent even if there is no forecast of rain. Put your tent up first and then organize your camp kitchen area next.
- If you are camping in an area with bears remember to place all food, dishes, and anything that smells yummy (even toothpaste) into the bear containers provided. Don’t keep food in your tent, camper, or car as the objective is to make it so the bears can’t smell or see your food. If they see a cooler in the back of your car, they think one thing – lunch – and will do what they can to get to that cooler of goodies.
- Bring a portable charger for your devices. Whether you invest in something like Goal Zero’s portable battery charger for larger devices or a smaller 3000maH charger for your phone, keep them charged at all times. You don’t need to use tech out in nature but the peace of mind of a fully charged phone goes a long way.
- String your trash up in a tree to keep the critters at bay. Empty your trash every night before you go to bed.
- Lights out at most campsites is 10pm and be considerate that your voices and laughter carry quite a distance. Check with your camp host before you crack open a beer as it is illegal to drink even in your own campsite at some campgrounds.
Enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with a few days out in nature. Relax and take in all that nature has to offer and your first camping trip will be great!
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