Key things to remember while planning a Camping Trip

Camping is a great escape from the mundane and hectic city life for many people. Weekends are usually a great time for us to plan a camping trip and have some respite lapping up nature. It is a nourishing and bonding experience for family and friends as well.

As adventurous and relaxing as camping sounds, it takes a lot of planning to have a seamless camping experience. From ending up in an overcrowded camping site to getting stuck in no man’s land with your vehicle broken down, many things could happen which could result in your pleasant camping experience end up in a nightmare. Here is a list of guidelines, which one should follow for a safe, pleasant, and exciting experience with Mother Nature.

Choose the Location Wisely

There are two kinds of campsites- Private and Public. Both have their own merits and demerits. Do thorough research on the various available campgrounds well in advance to find the location best suited to your needs and expectations. Travelandleisure.com, theculture.com, and AAA.com are a few websites, which will show you comprehensive information on various campsites available for you.

The next thing to choose is whether to camp in a camper/RV or pitch a tent. Some grounds may be tent friendly while others may not be so. You may choose public parks to camp with lots of additional amenities and activities available at your disposal. Alternatively, you can choose a nice, secluded location, pitch up your tent and spend some quiet time away from the humdrum of the city.

Many grounds are available on a reservation basis. You need to reserve your spot well in advance, especially during popular weekends like the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc., to tackle any last-minute unavailability.

You may also head out to a festival centered on camping where you can have lots of fun with great food and music and get a chance to interact with people from various parts of the world.

Choose Your Gear

You should make a checklist of all the things you need for your trip. While you decide to take as many items as you need, there are a few things, which are an absolute necessity. Camping Tent rentals, sleeping bags, and a few things to cook are the necessities while going on a camping trip. Next are the supplies. Food and water are the obvious supplies. You may also take some rain gear, a flashlight, a knife, and a portable gas stove. You will also need a sturdy backpack to pack your stuff. If you are trekking/ hiking to the campsite, be sure to wear good boots to avoid strains and sprains.

Do not forget to grab your first aid kit. Camping is usually quite far from nearby towns and you may need easy fixes for cuts, stings, or injury. Additionally, you can also take things like binoculars, spotting scopes if you are interested in activities like bird watching.

Do you buy or rent camping gear? You may choose between buying and renting your camping gear. If you are a regular camper, you might find it better to have your own gear with you. While for occasional campers, it is best to rent the gear to save you from arranging for storage areas in your home for the gear.

Be Cautious of Your Surroundings

Be aware of the terrain where you are about to set camp. It is best to do your research in advance about the surroundings. If the terrain is safe for you to drive your RV/camper or is it more advisable to hike/trek to the campsite? If it is a forest area, learn about the wildlife there. Remember, forests are the home for animals and we are the guests. Make sure to respect it and camp with proper precautions in place. Inform your friends and family about your itinerary and stay in touch with them. It is wise to camp in a group where the campers can look out for each other at all times.

Maintain Proper Hygiene

While there is no guarantee if you will get to shower on your camp, maintaining basic hygiene is of utmost importance. Keep your basic hygiene kit ready with sanitizers, sponge, toothbrush, and toilet paper. It is not advisable to use fragrant lotions, scents, or perfumes as they might attract bugs. You can always go to a nearby stream to wash yourself off. Keep fresh change of clothes readily available and store your dirty clothes separately.

Maintain Camp rules/environmental Preservation

Public campgrounds have their own set of rules in place to provide a safe and pleasant environment for the campers. Make sure to learn all the campground rules before setting off to camp. Respect the privacy of other campers as well. Observe the noise and campfire rules in place to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Practice proper sanitation for yourself and your pets, if any, during the time you are camping. Make sure to clean out your garbage while packing up from the camp. Preserving nature is your responsibility. You need to leave it the way it was for other campers to enjoy the same relaxation you had while at the location.

Even though it takes a lot of planning to set out for a camping trip, it provides a great deal of health benefits as well. Camping can help you live a longer and happier life. You get to exercise a lot with all the activities in which you take part. The fresh air, socializing with various people, a good night’s sleep, meditating with Mother Nature helps relieve a lot of stress. Remember, no two camps are alike. Therefore, every time you set off to a camp, it will come with its challenges and enjoyment. With every new activity, you are physically and intellectually stimulating your brain, which is great for its health.