Camping can be great fun, but it really isn’t something you just want to do on a whim. It will work out much better if you plan a camping trip and plan it well. The following article outlines important things you should consider before heading out for that weekend getting in touch with nature.

If you are camping at a public campground, make sure you pack shower shoes for everyone in your party. Not only will they protect your feet from the bacteria on the shower floor, but they are great for those nighttime runs to the bushes when you need to use the restroom. They can be old flip flops, Crocs, or even slip-ons.

If you are going on a camping adventure, make sure you have enough time to set up camp before dark. It can be extremely difficult to set up camp in the dark and possibly unsafe. You need to be able to scout the terrain, prepare bedding, and possibly build some temporary shelter prior to the sun going down.

Navigation is the key when it comes to camping. It is important to know where you are, and how to get back to civilization if you become lost. Always bring a map of the area, and a compass to help you. You can also use an outdoor GPS that will give you navigation information, as well as additional information such as altitude.

Camping often sounds like a great deal of fun, and it is; however it does require some special preparation. Before going camping for the first time, make sure you have done some research on tents, food and wildlife survival. It can make the difference between a great trip and a dangerous one.

To avoid blistered and chapped feet on your camping trip, bring a bar of soap along! Prior to any lengthy walk, rub the soap into the heals of your socks and this will minimize friction, thus reducing soreness. Keep the soap in your pocket for a quick dose when your feet start feeling beat-up or blistered.

When camping, periodically do a tick check. Look for any brown or black spots that have just appeared on your skin. Ticks attach themselves to the skin without causing too much of a disturbance, so be sure to check yourself and your companions for ticks after spending time camping outdoors.

Camping is about being one with nature and living off the basics, but it is important to go prepared. Not only should you carry a sleeping bag, a few blankets are a good idea also. This will help you to stay warm, comfortable and safe during a cold or wet night.

Are you the proud owner of your first tent and a beginner at the art of camping? Long before you set off in the woods for the real thing, get some practice in on setting up the tent. This way, you will know the things you need to put your tent up. This is ideal, as even if you end up at your campsite while the sunlight is fading you will be able to quickly set up your camp.

Do not take anything that belongs in nature with you when you leave. Have fun and take pictures, but when you are loading up the car, make sure rocks, pinecones and other objects remain where they are. This is one of the unspoken rules of camping. Everyone should have the same opportunity to enjoy these things.

When planning a camping trip, be sure to plan on getting to your campsite before dark. This way you will have daylight in order to set up camp, check out your site for dangers, such as broken glass, dangerous tree branches and other potential dangers or problems that can be fixed before bedtime.

Make it a point to properly prepare your flashlight when you pack for your trip. It’s easy to accidentally turn on a flashlight when rummaging through your bags. To prevent draining the batteries, place them in your flashlight backwards. It will keep the power from draining from the batteries and have them easily installed when you need it.

Some of the best food options to bring camping with you are things that come in cans. While this may not be the tastiest, it is great for two reasons. It is very convenient and easy to prepare, but more importantly; wildlife will be unable to smell the food inside of the cans.

As was shown in the above article, camping can indeed be great fun, but it does take some advanced planning to make sure it all goes well. Use the advice and tips shown here to make a checklist so your trip is one of relaxation and not one of “˜I wish I would have planned this better beforehand’.