New camping gear for summer
Home builder Skip Bedell will be showcasing some unique camping items, including filtration systems and portable power sources.
Camping is a popular summer pastime.
Camping experiences vary greatly depending on personal preference.
Some people prefer to spend a fulfilling weekend camping in a tent and cooking over a fire.
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For others, a more luxurious camping experience, also known as glamping, may be more suited.
If you’re planning on spending a night under the stars at a campsite this summer, here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. General Tips
If you’re going camping this summer, follow these tips to ensure a memorable trip for all participants. (iStock)
2. Tips for camping with kids
3. Tips for camping with a partner who isn’t into the outdoors
1. General Tips
Create a shared camping playlist for the ultimate jam session
Before your trip, create a playlist on a service like Spotify so you can share it with others.
Creating a shared playlist allows other users to collaborate and add songs to it.
This way everyone on your trip can add and share their favorite songs.
Please stay near the toilet
Be aware of where the toilets are located at campsites.
It’s a good idea to choose a location close to toilets to avoid long walks during your stay.
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It’s reassuring to have it nearby when you need to take a shower or go to the toilet in the middle of the night.
Store food safely to avoid unwanted visitors
Camping can be much more enjoyable if you take proper safety precautions.
To keep bears away, store food and coolers out of sight in your car or food locker, avoid eating in your tent to keep bugs out, and empty your trash regularly. Throw trash in bins that wildlife can’t get to.
By doing all these little things, you can reduce the chances of attracting unwanted animals during your camping trip.
Camping is a great activity that you can include your pet friends in and have fun with. (iStock)
Find dog-friendly campsites
Camping is great for people who want to bring their pets along.
If you want to bring your dog on your camping trip, look for a pet-friendly campground.
Conversely, if you’d prefer a pet-free experience, look for campgrounds that don’t allow pets.
Bring an air mattress
The traditional camping sleeping arrangement involves a tent pitched overhead and a sleeping bag underneath.
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If you’re worried about sleeping on the ground, bring an air mattress to put inside your tent.
When camping, arranging your sleeping spot can be tricky, and sleeping on the ground for long periods of time can feel uncomfortable.
Using an air mattress can make your sleeping environment even more comfortable.
Cook anything that can be cooked over fire
Cooking over a fire is a fun aspect of camping.
Make some hot dogs, smores, or other foods that can be skewered and toasted for everyone to enjoy.
When camping, plan your meals in advance and bring foods that can be roasted over a fire. (iStock)
Before you go camping, it’s important to prepare your meals in advance, especially if you’re going to a remote area where there aren’t many places to shop nearby.
Plan what you will eat each day and bring all the ingredients you will need with you.
Find a campsite with activities
Each campsite is unique and has a variety of activities you can take part in.
These include crafts for children and a variety of gathering opportunities for adults.
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If you want to have lots of fun while camping, look for a campground that offers a variety of activities for campers.
Cool off with water sports
Summer days at a campsite can be very hot and muggy.
Luckily, many campgrounds have nearby lakes you can jump into, and some even have swimming pools and other amenities available for guest use.
With a lake at your campground, you can spend hours participating in water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, and of course, don’t forget your fishing pole when you head to the lake, whether from shore or from a boat.
When searching for a campsite to stay at, look for one that has access to a lake so you can enjoy water sports during your trip. (iStock)
Check the weather forecast
If you aren’t properly prepared, unexpected rain can quickly turn your camping trip into an unpleasant one.
Check the weather forecast right before you travel so you know what to expect during your trip.
Don’t forget to bring the necessary weather protection gear.
2. Tips for camping with kids
Bring the game
Please bring cards or board games.
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A camping trip could be a great opportunity to actually finish off a game of Monopoly.
Also, think of camp as an opportunity to get the whole family active: organize relay races that include potato sack races or water balloon races.
Involving Children
Involve your kids in the planning process. Ask them what they want to see and experience during your trip.
It gives you different options and allows you to choose what you can do while traveling.
Involve your kids in camp activities like pitching tents and telling scary stories around the fire. (iStock)
Simple tasks like pitching a tent and setting up a campsite for a trip can be fun when kids tackle them together.
Spice up your s’mores
S’mores are the perfect camping dessert, and while they’re delicious made the traditional way, there are a few ways to tweak the recipe.
First, vary the chocolate: Hershey’s is the classic chocolate for s’mores, but Reese’s, York Peppermint Patties, and Kit Kats also work.
Instead of graham crackers, use Chips Ahoy, Fudge Striped Cookies, or Eggo Cinnamon Toast Minis.
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To make s’mores with perfectly melted chocolate, stuff the marshmallows with chocolate before roasting them.
Have a backpack full of toys
When traveling with kids, it’s better to be overprepared than underprepared.
In addition to games, bring a backpack full of toys for your kids while camping.
Surprise your kids with some new toys to keep them occupied throughout the trip.
Eat popcorn for dessert
Another treat that kids love is Jiffy Pop popcorn in the form of a loaf of bread.
This can be made with fire.
Fire popcorn is a fun camping snack for kids. (iStock)
Children love watching the corn inside the bag pop and the bag inflate.
Be sure to bring extra condiments to make your popcorn even more delicious.
Presenting insect repellents to children
You’re likely to encounter insects on a camping trip, and it might be fun for your little ones to catch them.
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Bug traps and nets are very inexpensive to purchase.
After observing, be sure to return the insects to their natural environment.
3. Tips for camping with a partner who isn’t into the outdoors
Go glamping
Glamping is recommended for those who don’t like sleeping in a tent and want to experience a more sophisticated camping experience.
Bring five-star hotel amenities with you and ditch the air mattress for a feather bed.
Glamping, or glamorous camping, ranges from spending the night in a temperature-controlled tent to enjoying meals cooked by a private chef.
Do it in groups
It’s not just wives or girlfriends who feel uneasy about pitching a tent in the woods — men feel the same way.
The more the merrier: This summer, camp with a group of friends and have loads of fun. (iStock)
Make your camping trip an event and invite the group.
Having good company makes all the difference.
Make your sleeping space comfortable
If you are tent camping with your loved one, make sure the place you sleep is as comfortable as possible.
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Bring an air mattress, cozy blankets, pillows and a light source for your tent.
These little extra accessories can make your accommodation much more appealing.
Consider Cabin or RV Camping
If you’re bringing a novice camper (or a partner who isn’t so keen on camping) to a campground, renting a cabin or RV might be a good compromise for both of you.
These options allow you to enjoy the amenities while still being able to enjoy the outdoors.
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Depending on the cabin or RV you purchase or rent, it may even have an interior bathroom so you don’t have to walk to a bathhouse to wash or use the toilet.
