Dos And Don'ts On Your First Camping Trip

You will agree that there is a lot of excitement that comes with preparing to go camping, especially if it is your first time. It could be exciting on the one hand and overwhelming; on the other hand, particularly if you do not know what to expect. However, like every other activity, some dos and don'ts apply to camping. Yes, that's right; there are things to do while camping and things to avoid.

This article serves as a guide on how to go about camping and points out the things you should go for and those which you should avoid doing. You might be a first-timer in the camping activity, or you may be conversant with the action; whatever the case, there are important points to learn from this guide on camping.

Let us delve into the dos!

Dos: 

1. Go for a campsite that is easily accessible:

It is expedient for you to go for a camp that is accessible. You can go to a location which you can quickly drive to or jog to. A mistake first-time campers usually make is getting lost in the excitement of camping and going to unrealistic places. Indeed, you do not want to end up being exhausted and unmotivated after choosing an almost inaccessible location for camping. It would help if you had strength and vigor for the activities you would be involved in during camping, and it is wise not to spend all of that energy trying to find a lofty location.

2. Ensure you have every piece of equipment you need and you are familiar with them:

It is your first time camping, and it is expected that there are some tent camping essentials you may be unfamiliar with. For example, bring a portable power station for camping with you to get electricity while camping. Consequently, you will be doing yourself a lot of good by getting familiar with these camping essentials. You can get familiar with these camping essentials by knowing what to do while camping and acting out these things before the actual camping. It would help if you also had an idea of what your ultimate camping set-up should look like. This keeps you conversant and prepared for camping. You can sleep in the sleeping bag a night before you go camping, practice how to pitch your tent, see how well you do with the food supplies at your disposal, and, importantly, ensure your pocket knife is sharpened. These are tent camping must-haves. Here is the checklist for camping. 

3: Conduct your background check on wild animals in the area you are going camping:

You must be aware of the type of environment you are choosing for camping to know if the site is suitable for you or not. You can ask people familiar with camping or read up on the site you plan to camp in. This goes a long way in informing your decisions. It is not just about wild animals; even friendly animals might react harshly if treated in a way they are not supposed to. Hence, you need to conduct thorough research and ensure the area you want to camp in is perfect for camping. 

4. Leave behind a copy of your itinerary:

One of the major things to remember when going camping is to leave behind a copy of a pointer to your whereabouts; this is because people can easily search for you only when they are aware of your whereabouts. You will do well to leave behind a detailed copy of your travel plans so that family and friends can keep tabs on you and know your location each time. 

5. Taking cognizance of your campground's pet policy:

Understandably, you might have that four-legged friend who you never want out of your sight, but you equally have to be sure that the campground you are going for welcomes pets. If the campground you choose welcomes pets, you can be sure that certain amenities for pets will be available. 

6. Ensure you arrive before nightfall:

Setting up camp in the dark is a bad idea, even for someone who has gone camping a couple of times. Getting to your campsite before dark allows you to explore your surroundings a little, and also it gives you the time to build a campfire early for your food and warmth.

7. Conduct a weather check ahead of time:

It is expedient that, to a reasonable extent, you are sure about the climate of the campsite you are going for. It would be best to conduct your research so you are not met by unexpected and harsh weather. Checking the weather ahead of time saves you from a lot of uncertainty. It is also wise to choose a location and time with favorable weather.

8. Extra warm clothes will come in handy:

Because you are going camping and you will be spending a couple of nights at your campsite, you must bring extra warm clothes because the weather is most likely cold at night. You do not want to expose yourself to the harshness of the temperature in the name of camping. 

9. Keep dirt and debris away from the camp:

Do ensure that garbage is pretty far from where you set up camp, wherever you are emptying. The fact that you are going camping does not mean you should expose yourselves to the dangers of a dirty environment.

Don'ts

1. Do not litter the environment:

This point flows from the last moment under the dos. This point goes beyond camping, and you must be considerate enough to ensure that the domain is clean and tidy for those who will use the campground after you have left. Furthermore, littering the site will no doubt attract wildlife. Indeed, you do not want that. If you know that you will be creating a lot of garbage during camping, you can always plan and get a bag to put all the trash and then empty it when you leave the campsite. 

2. Do not leave food items unattended:

Like littering the environment, leaving food items alone will attract animals to your campsite, which could be dangerous. Ensure that you finish all edibles or pack them neatly and store them for the next time you will need them. 

3. Do not forget camping essentials:

Some non-negotiables have to be taken along with you when it comes to camping. Without these materials, you can hardly have a fantastic camping experience. What do you need for a camping trip? The following are essentials for a camping trip: extra batteries, maps, a matchbox, mosquito repellant, blanket, rainproof clothing, camping knife, adequate camping food supplies, and a sleeping bag, among others. If you need to make a list and tick off every item you have on the list, do not hesitate to do that.

4. Do not leave your campfire unattended:

Campfire is an essential part of camping as it performs functions like keeping you warm, cooking, and scaring away wild animals. However, in all of this, you have to ensure that you are alert and keep the fire in check so it doesn't burn out of proportion. Ensure you check the fire at intervals and put it out when you are no longer in need of it. You are protecting yourself and the valuable things around you by doing this.

5. Do not forget your first aid kit:

You are going camping, and injuries may be sustained; hence you need to prepare ahead and go with a first aid kit so you can help yourself whenever the need for first aid arises. Going with your first aid kit means you at least have a solution to whatever comes, even a temporary solution.

6. Do not let your kids out of your sight:

This might come out as being overprotective, but if you are going camping with your kids, they must be kept in check. Ensure your kids are not wandering and when they have to go far, ensure they have guidance. Also, it is essential to keep them from encroaching on other campgrounds. You have the responsibility of ensuring their restlessness does not expose them to avoidable danger.

7. Do not be reckless and carefree:

It is understandable that in the spirit of camping, you might feel badass and ready to face anything that comes your way; however, it is essential to tread carefully. Do not go through routes that you are clueless about or choose to go through dangerous terrains. As much as you are adventurous and eager to try new things, tread carefully and exercise some caution.

Conclusion

There are a plethora of dos and don'ts for camping, and it is expedient that you keep in remembrance these points. They go a long way in ensuring that you have a remarkable camping experience, whether it is your first time or not.