Ten Safe and Helpful Camping Tips

Camping is a wonderful outdoor activity that can be done almost anywhere. It is a time for getting back to nature and getting back in touch with family. With these tips, your next camping trip might be easier, safer and more fun than your last camping trip.

Extra large storage Ziploc bags are a superb way to store dirty clothes or swimming clothes. They work better than trash bags because they are easier to open and close multiple times and are see-thru.

If possible bring precut firewood with you. Sometimes firewood at the camping facility is expensive or just isn't there. There is also the chance of seriously injuring yourself while collecting or chopping the wood. Also, many camping areas don't want campers destroying trees for firewood.

Lay straw on the ground before putting down the tent. Not only will this keep the tent underneath clean for when you fold it up, it will make sleeping on the ground not so hard.

Take instant oatmeal or grits for breakfast. Since everyone will get up at various times and nobody wants to cook early in the morning, just keep some water heating up so everyone can make a nutritious breakfast when they are ready.

To have a safe camping trip free from food poisoning, when keeping cheese or meat in a cooler of ice, put the meat or cheese in either a Ziploc bag or a water tight sealing bowl and lid. This trick will keep the meat from contaminating the ice in the cooler and further contaminating whatever may be in the cooler.

Keep a charged cell phone handy in case of emergency. There are countless reasons that you might need it, a snake bite for instance.

Always take an extra jacket and change of clothes. You really don't want to be caught by surprise with nothing to wear.

Take extra flashlight batteries or propane tanks. This way you will not be left in the dark or without a way to cook. Also, the items could be much higher priced at the camping facility.

Take a couple jugs of water and a bottle of liquid hand soap. Bar soap is harder to deal with. If you do take bar soap, then take a sandwich Ziploc bag for putting the wet soap in.

You should leave the perfume and hair spray at home if you don't want insects drawn to you. But if you do and they come, then be sure to have the bug spray ready.

Don't forget to prepare and take a first aid kit. The kit should have bandages, ointment, cleaning pads, sunburn spray and whatever else you and your family might need. Don't forget to take any prescribed medicines.

So try these tips next time you go camping and have a safe and fun camping trip.