Want to take the family camping for the first time this summer but you don’t have a clue where to start? The general principles of camping are relatively simple. More than anything else, it’s a matter of adaptation and acclimation to living outdoors rather than within four walls. Regardless, there are a multitude of tips and tricks to help make that transition easier, and allow your time spent camping to be more relaxing and enjoyable. We have a few of those tips right here to get you on your way to camping in the great outdoors!
Keep it simple
Your first family camping trip is not the time to strap on backpacks and head into the wilderness for a week. One or two nights in a campground near civilization is a good start. Your first campout might be more successful if your campground has flush toilets, showers, electrical outlets or some of the other comforts of home. Baby steps, folks.
Home away from home
The tent is the focal point of most camping trips. It’s your safe haven in any campground. This is where you’ll lay your head each night and where you’ll retreat during nasty weather. Ensuring that your shelter delivers a comfortable experience requires more than just a big tent. There are a couple of different tent tips to remember as well. First and foremost, practice pitching your tent from Buydig.com before you head to the campsite. Being able to do it quickly and effectively is extremely valuable. When looking for a place to set up, always look for a natural bed of soft, flat soil. And avoid the bottom of hills or valleys. This may even require the use of your Nikon Binoculars from Buydig.com. Finally, always set up a tarp below your tent to avoid potential damage or water-logging.
Go with friends or family
Camping with a group is fun. If you have friends or family who are experienced campers, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to tag along with them on your first campout. They’ll likely have know-how and equipment that will help make your trip a success. Furthermore, having other kids the same age as yours on the campout will help keep everyone happy.
Pack good camping food
Again, keep it simple. Cook your dinner on inexpensive campfire forks. Pack hot dogs, pineapple chunks, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips. Cut up the meat and veggies with your Swiss Army Knife. Skewer it all and cook it over the fire. After dinner, clean the sticks in the fire and use them to toast marshmallows. Let the kids toast their own and bring plenty of marshmallows, because some of them will catch on fire. Don’t forget to pack graham crackers and chocolate bars too for some yummy s’mores!
Plan ahead for a good night’s sleep
It turns out that most people do not sleep well in tents. Here is some advice that may help you sleep better in the great outdoors.
Stay warm– Bring extra blankets. It’s better to not need them than to be cold all night. Long-lasting hand warmers, the kind skiers use, will keep your toes toasty in the bottom of a sleeping bag.
Separate air mattresses or pads– get singles, not queens or kings so everyone keeps their tossing’s and turnings to themselves. Cots are another good option.
Separate sleeping bags –Individual bags will keep you warmer than just spreading the same blankets over 2-3 people.
Insulate underneath– Place insulation like a sleeping bag between you and the air mattress. If in doubt, lay down a blanket.
Consider ear plugs– Nighttime noises are louder in a tent. A couple of dogs barking at each other in the distance will help keep you awake for hours.
Consider a trial run– Try your sleeping arrangement in your living room at least a few days before you leave. If you’re not comfortable there, you probably won’t be comfortable in the tent.
As you can see, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for adventure in the great outdoors if you know how to camp like a champ.
Hi! These sure are great tips! Thank you for sharing!