This terrible advice will make you think twice on your next camping trip.
1. Trust the extended weather forecast.
Never trust the extended forecast! Just because the weather app on your iPhone says it’s supposed to be warm and sunny your entire trip doesn’t necessarily mean it will pan out that way. Pack warm clothing and rain gear because the weather can be extremely unpredictable. Always be prepared for the worst and expect the best!
2. “Look how beautiful it is outside tonight. Lets sleep under the stars!”
This may seem like one of the greatest ideas of all time, but this will be your biggest regret come early morning. Not only are you leaving yourself vulnerable to the creatures of the night, but you also could get drenched by one of those surprising early morning rain showers.
3. Its ok to walk around barefoot.
Walking around your campsite barefoot won’t convince anyone that you’re nature’s fiercest wildman or Jerry Garcia. Don’t be a goofball. Wear shoes that cover your whole foot to prevent injury, and avoid insects and poisonous plants.
4. Start your campfires with gasoline.
Worst idea ever! If you can’t get your fire started, find drier materials, not a can of gasoline! Accelerants like gas, lighter fluid and kerosene are extremely dangerous to use in a camp setting as fire starters. The effects can be unpredictable and flammable vapors can ignite far from your fire, putting your friends and family at risk.
5. Its ok to leave your campsite a mess.
Leaving trash or food around your campsite welcomes animals to your campsite for a feast. Avoid this by keeping your campsite clean and locking all your food in your car or RV if you leave your site unattended. Thoroughly clean up after yourself before you depart. Don’t make your mess the next camper’s problem.
6. “I don’t need a compass, I know where I’m going.”
Don’t ever believe your family members or friends who say this! Even if you think you know the surrounding area well, never go exploring by yourself. Weather conditions can change the terrain and if an accident were to happen you never want to be alone.
7. You won’t need bug spray.
You will always need bug spray! Your camping trip will be miserable with out protection from mosquitos. If you don’t, you will become delusional by the end of your camping trip, fighting off misquotes that don’t even exist.
8. It doesn’t matter when you arrive to your campsite.
It can be frustrating setting up your camp in the dark. Leave early in the day for your campsite so you can set up while it’s still light out. If arriving at night is unavoidable, make sure to bring headlamps, lanterns and flashlights to create an easier set up.
9. You won’t need to bring a lot of food.
Always bring extra food incase something goes wrong. For example: You forgot to clean off the picnic table of your campsite before you went for a hike and Rocky Raccoon went to town on all your food. There are other instances where you might burn the food you brought over your campfire or grill.
10. Spend most of your trip at your campsite.
What’s the point of a camping trip if you don’t explore outside the boundaries of your campsite? Depending on where you are located get out and go hiking, fishing, boating, etc. Don’t be a Debbie Downer your whole camp trip and experience the beauty of nature!
Are you having trouble getting your kids excited about your next camping trip? Check out our two-part blog series on RVing With Kids!