This country is filled with a multitude of stunning nature reserves and national parks, yet every year more people opt out of communing with nature and opt into sterile hotels. It is time to get back to basics and a fun-filled camping trip is just the way to go. Read on for tips and hints on how to have a great time in the great outdoors.

Pre-cool your ice chest by filling it with loads of ice, at least six hours prior to departure. When you are about to leave, pack up your refrigerated cooled drinks and block ice, not cubed. Popping room temp beverages will take up valuable ice-life, and the cubes will melt much quicker than a block!

Plan accordingly when it comes to food. It is a hassle to make room in your car for all the food you need. However, proper nourishment is crucial when you are in the woods. Also, items that are fairly inexpensive in your local store often carry a higher price tag near camping sites. Bringing enough food means that you will save money and keep everyone in your family in a good mood.

When you are camping, a necessity for your gear is a survival knife. This is the most important part of your camping gear. Buy a high-quality survival knife, not just the cheapest you can find, your life may depend on it. These knives are all very similar; they have a long blade serrated on one side and a hollow handle. Inside the handle, you can carry a fishing line, hooks, a compass, and matches as a small survival kit.

Water is very important when camping. When camping at a campground, there should be an ample supply of water available, but on the trail, you will have to carry some with you. If you are going long distances, you should probably carry iodine tablets to sanitize any water you find before drinking. Be careful, dysentery can be deadly.

Always take a fully stocked first-aid kit when you venture out on a camping trip. You can put together your own kit with bandages, gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, anti-bacteria cream, and antiseptic wipes in a sturdy container. You can also buy one of the many excellent ready-made kits to save time.

A big concern with many people who go camping is the bugs. Get stuck in the middle of nowhere without having some sort of bug repellant. Check your surroundings before setting up camp for any wasp nests or ant hills that could cause you problems. Wear long pants and long-sleeved whenever possible and inspect yourself for ticks occasionally.

As a courtesy to other campers, don’t leave your lighting on overnight, if you are close to others. Pack a timer that you can attach to your lights that will automatically shut them off after a certain time. Leaving lights on overnight is a popular complaint among most American campers!

Take along a box with essential supplies when you go camping. Include things like stick matches, a flashlight, cooking tools, and hand cleaner. Prepare in advance. Think about all the things you might need days before you leave on your trip, especially if you will be far from any store.

Purchase a multi-use tool to store with your camping gear. This tool should include an ax, hammer, and saw. The multi-use tool will come in handy when you are searching for firewood, clearing a trail, and setting up your tent. When purchasing a multi-use tool, get one of the good quality ones for years of enjoyment.

Remember, when you are camping you will not have access to many kitchen luxuries. At most, you will have a can opener as well as a basic burner. This means canned foods make a great meal, but even better are things that need very little preparation, like peanut butter sandwiches.

If you’re going camping with a pet, take them for a vet visit beforehand. Inform your veterinarian about where you plan to go camping. Get your pet updated on all their vaccinations and be sure they have protection against ticks, mites, and fleas. You can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of a pet.

Make sure to bring several flashlights or lanterns and extra batteries on your camping trip. You will need a light source to see clearly once the sun sinks in the sky. You can prevent accidents, such as falling or coming face-to-face with wild animals, if you have enough light available. Make sure you have at least enough flashlights for each person to have their own.

Your next camping trip can turn out to be a weekend full of relaxation or it can be a nightmare. The difference between a good and a bad trip is all affected by how well you prepare. If you prepare yourself for the wide variety of situations you may encounter, you are more likely to have fun and enjoy yourself in the woods.

Many people fail to plan properly in order to ensure that they get a good night’s sleep when camping. The temperature difference between the ground and your body can be quite different, even if the weather is warm. Make sure you bring the proper sleeping gear to make your evening comfortable for you.

Start setting up camp well before dark. When it is daytime, it is a much easier setting for pitching a tent. If you wait until dark to pitch your tent, you will need to build a fire or light several lanterns to ensure you can see to pitch your tent correctly. Doing it during sunlight hours makes it easier and more prepared for the dark.

So the next time you have some vacation days to enjoy, make sure you give air conditioning and cable television a big miss. Instead, choose to enjoy seeing the natural beauty of the world around us. Camping does not have to mean discomfort, but it can mean a whole lot of family fun!