Tips For A Successful Camping Trip

The glow of a warm campfire, cooking hotdogs on a stick, making smores, and listening to nature serenade you as you drift off to sleep.  For me those are a few of my favorite things about camping.  Camping is a great way to spend time with your family and friends while spending time exploring the great outdoors.  Below are some tips to prepare you for an enjoyable camping trip.

• When planning camping trips around holidays make reservations. Campgrounds are often booked up weeks in advance of holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.
• Arrive before dark. Trying to set up camp in the dark can be frustrating especially if you are trying to set up tents and other gear you have never used before. Setting up usually makes some noise, and if it's after dark you might be disturbing neighboring campers who are trying to sleep.
• Locate restrooms.  When nature calls you need to be prepared to answer.
• Bring along something for kids to do while setting up camp. Bikes are a great way to keep kids busy and get them exercise.
• Waterproof your tents. Nothing is worse than being woke up in the middle of the night with water dripping on your face, or waking in the morning and finding all of your clothes soaking wet.
• Find a level spot for your tent, and clear rocks and sticks from the area.
• Put a tarp under your tent. This will keep moisture from seeping up into the floor of your tent.
• Keep food stored where animals will not be able to get to it. At night put your coolers in your vehicle.
• Keep trash up off the ground to keep animals from making a mess of your camp site.
• Don't leave valuable items at your campsite when your are away.
• Buy your firewood where you are camping. Bringing your own firewood could unintentionally spread invasive species of bugs. Some states have laws against moving firewood over a certain number of miles.
• Keep fires small and inside the fire ring. Before you head off to bed put your fire out.
• Bring a first aid kit, sun block, and bug spray
• Don't forget your flashlights.
• Respect Quiet hours and campground rules.
• At the end of your stay clean up your camp site, deposit trash in the proper location, and make sure your fire is completely out.
• Most importantly enjoy your time outdoors with your friends and family.

What would you add to the list? Share your tips for having a great camping trip.