Commitment + Clinical Leadership = Better Outcomes

Did you know that 40 million people go camping each year?¹ If you love spending time in nature, then camping is the perfect activity for you and your family to try during the summer months.

Depending on where you live, or how far you’re willing to travel, you can camp at a campground, by the lake, or in the mountains.

To be able to enjoy your camping trip, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared with the right gear. You’ll also want to be in-the-know on any information you may need before setting up. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid camper, here are 10 tips for camping you can use this summer.

1. Book your campsite in advance. If you’re camping in a park, make sure to book your campsite stay in advance. All national park reservations can be made online. Check websites for state and local parks.
2. Read campsite guidelines. Another tip for camping is to check the rules and regulations for the campground you’re staying at. Some campgrounds have a restriction on when and where fires can be built. They will also list any other guidelines you need to be aware of.
3. Practice your setup at home. Another one of the best camping tips is to practice setting up your tent at home first. This will help rule out any difficulties setting up once you’re at your campsite, especially if you’re using a new tent that you’re unfamiliar with.
4. Waterproof your tent. If you’ve had a camping trip planned for a while, you might not have anticipated for bad weather. It’s also possible that you may experience conditions such as rain unexpectedly. To avoid a wet sleeping area, waterproof your tent. You can do this by spraying the tent top to bottom with silicone sealant. You can also look for a waterproof tent, although it may not be 100% waterproof.²
5. Get familiar with your campsite. Picking your campsite ahead of time and doing your research can help you plan for efficiently for your camping trip. Does your campsite have parking nearby? Does the campsite have amenities, such as restrooms or fire pits? Knowing this information about where you’re staying will help you plan accordingly.
6. Choose the best shoes and appropriate clothes. What activities will you be doing when you camp? It’s important to plan your outfits accordingly. If you’re hiking, make sure you have comfortable hiking boots. Otherwise, you’ll want to have non-slip shoes. For clothes, you want to pack durable and quick-drying materials.
7. Pack the right gear. Where you stay and what amenities are available to you will determine what gear you need to pack. Camping gear may also depend on your budget and your choice of comfort. For example, you may want a sleeping pad if you want extra comfort and layers when sleeping in a tent. Here are some other handy materials you may want to pack:

• Tent repair kit
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Toiletries
• Headlamp and/or lanterns
• Extra blankets
• Camping stove, if needed
• Cooking equipment
• Firestarter and lighter
• Firewood (if not provided)
• Portable charger

8. Plan your meals. One of the best camping ideas is to plan your meals ahead of time so you know what ingredients you need to pack, as well as what kitchen essentials you need to prepare the meals. There are many pre-made meals for camping that you can take. Or you can prepare your own meals ahead of time and portion them out in airtight containers. Another option is to cook everything at your campsite using a fire, camping stove, or a grill grate over the fire.
9. Prepare for bugs. There are many options when it comes to dealing with bugs on your camping trip. Bug spray is an easy option, and there are also bug jackets that repel bugs such as mosquitoes and black flies. You can even buy a screened gazebo to set up at your campsite with enough room for you to eat in. Another tip is to never leave your tent or camper open, as this can allow bugs to enter quickly.³
10. Don’t forget water! Something as simple as fresh water can often be forgotten about when going on a camping trip. However, having water to drink and cook with is essential. If your campground doesn’t provide hoses or sinks with fresh water, plan to bring jugs of water with you.

Now that you have some camping ideas to get your started, take a trip this summer and use some of these camping tips!

About Saber Healthcare Group

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides services to more than 115 buildings across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, Delaware, and Florida. To learn more about our company and services, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

1. Jones, Julia. “58 Insanely Useful Camping Tips for Beginners.” Well Planned Journey, wellplannedjourney.com. January 10^th, 2023. Accessed June 19^th, 2023. https://www.wellplannedjourney.com/camping-tips-for-beginners/.
2. “10 Tips for Tent Camping | Tent Camping Tips.” KOA, koa.com. September 28^th, 2018. Accessed June 19^th, 2023. https://koa.com/blog/10-tips-for-tent-camping/.
3. “25 OF THE MOST USEFUL CAMPING TIPS AND HACKS FOR 2023.” The Planet D, theplanetd.com. March 19^th, 2023. Accessed June 20^th, 2023. https://theplanetd.com/camping-tips/.