Springtime is officially here, so there’s never been a better time to plan a family camping trip. Although, a successful camping trip comes with planning ahead, so read over these eight spring camping tips before you head into the woods! Whether this is your first family camping experience, or you’ve been roughing it in the outdoors for years, there’s something on the list for everyone.
Check Your Gear
It’s time to take inventory. Unfortunately, your tent may have molded and the lanterns may need fresh batteries. Also, if you are planning to sleep on an air mattress, make sure you have something battery-operated to blow it up.
Check the Forecast
When looking at the weekends ahead, consider checking the forecast before nailing down a date. While springtime brings warmer days full of sunshine, it’s no secret there’s a multitude of rainstorms as well. Although, you know the saying — April showers bring May flowers.
Prepare for Cooking
You can’t eat pre-packed chips and granola bars all weekend, so bring along some cookware for preparing hot meals. Whether you want to make pasta dishes or casseroles beforehand and heat them, or mix up soups at the campsite, with the right gear, anything is possible. If you have a JetBoil, your coffee drinkers will thank you in the morning for the warm cup of joe.
Prepare for Moisture
Leave your new sneakers at home! With the spring rain showers, muddy trails are inevitable. Also, the temperature is bound to drop at night, so grab your gloves, a hat, thick socks, and your favorite blanket to sleep with at night.
Check the Trails
When you venture out for a hike, stick to the trails that you know. After all, there is nothing worse than feeling frightened or lost, so ask a park ranger for a map of the hiking trails.
Look Out for Wildlife
Springtime is when the bears come out of hibernation, and unfortunately, they’re hungry. If you come in contact with an animal, whether it’s a bear, dear, or goat, make sure you give them plenty of space. Also, if they appear to be injured, be a good samaritan by contacting the park rangers.
Prepare for Bugs
Pack a bottle of bug spray… or four! The spring season is prime time for bugs to come out, so spray yourself down with bug spray and wear long pants and sleeves.
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Give it a Test Run
If you are serious about your family’s camping experience, pack up your gear for a test drive. Set up your tent, try to make a fire, and even test out your cookware. After all, there is nothing worse than getting set up for the weekend, only to realize something doesn’t work!
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