Every year, many families decide to enjoy some time in nature with a camping trip. But, if you don’t camp often, it can be difficult to determine exactly what you need to make your trip the best it can be. Luckily, there are a number of options that can help make your next camping adventure one to remember. To help you get started, here are five ways you can improve your camping trip. Get the Right Gear Your first step toward a great trip is by picking the right camping gear. The exact items you need may vary a bit depending on the season and the location of your camp, but certain basics are required no matter what. First, you will need a high-quality tent. Most tents are rated for specific seasons or conditions and will let you know how many people can sleep in the space. When choosing the size of the tent, take into consideration any other supplies you need to keep covered as you will need to purchase a larger size to compensate. Many tents that state they can sleep four don’t provide much room for anything else, so you may want to choose one that sleeps five or six if you have a decent amount of gear. Next, you will need sleeping bags for every person or couple, and any other bedding you might want. You can choose to bring pillows and additional blankets, as well as air mattresses or cots, though those are often considered extras. Food and Beverages You want to make sure you have enough food and beverages available for everyone who will be coming, even if you hope to find food by fishing, hunting, or gathering. Since being able to obtain food onsite is never guaranteed, it is better to bring too much than too little. If you are staying in an area with certain predatory animals, like bears, you also want to make sure you have proper storage containers to help prevent the smell from attracting unwanted guests. Fire Starter When having a campfire is part of your plan, it is smart to bring some sort of fire starter. There are many commercial options available, though homemade fire starter can also work well. If you are staying in a public park or recreational area, check any rules regarding the collection of firewood before you head out on your trip. If you want to find wood onsite, then make sure to bring some of your own. However, if a burn ban is in place, having a fire might not be an option. Again, review the current status of the campsite you have chosen before you leave so you can adjust accordingly. Plan Activities While you don’t need to schedule every moment, it isn’t a bad idea to schedule some camping activities. This can include simple options like hiking or swimming, as well as games or cooking. Plan based on how active of a trip you would like, and consider who will be going. For example, a pair of adults may be happy to sit outside and read, but active children may need more entertaining activities to keep them busy. Keep Someone Informed Even though cell service is widely available, you may have trouble finding a signal when out in a large park. As an added safety precaution, make sure someone else, like a friend or family member, knows where you will be and when you are due to return. That way, if something were to happen, they can inform authorities regarding your whereabouts. While you may not want to think about something going wrong, it is hard to put a price on peace of mind. And knowing someone not on the trip is able to call for help if you need it can make it easier to enjoy yourself while you are out in the great unknown.
