Camping is one of the most quintessential summer activities there is. Whether you prefer to rough it for just a night or a full week, here are a few tips to help you make the most of the great outdoors.
Gather the Essentials
It’s one thing if you forget your toothbrush while staying at a hotel. It’s entirely something else if you forget it when you’re in the middle of the woods, and the nearest drug store is 20 miles away.
The best way to avoid such a scenario is to make a list of all the things you know you’ll need at least a week in advance of your camping trip. Oftentimes, where you camp can also determine what you’ll need to bring.
If you’re staying at a park campground, find out ahead of time if it has a general store or community latrine. This will help cut down on things you may not need to bring (like toilet paper) and can offer peace of mind should you forget something like sunscreen.
Prep Your Equipment Beforehand
Don’t make the mistake of buying a new tent from the sporting goods store and waiting until you get to your campsite to figure out how to set it up. Do yourself and the fellow campers in your party a solid and set it up beforehand to familiarize yourself with the directions and ensure you have all the tent poles, rain flies, etc.
The same advice should also be applied to any new camping stoves or butane lanterns. Because the last thing you want is to try and figure out how your camping stove works 10 minutes before it’s time to start cooking dinner.
Keep Pests at Bay
News flash. The woods are full of bugs. Lots of bugs. So be sure and bring bug spray to ward off mosquitos and ticks. As for keeping bugs out of your tent, keep the tent flap closed and aim to keep a clean campsite to avoid attracting bees or ants.
Another great way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to throw a little bit of dried sage, lavender, or rosemary on your campfire. The herbs are a natural repellent, and your campsite will smell amazing.
Water is a Must
Making sure that you have plenty of water is absolutely essential when camping – especially during the summer in Texas. Find out ahead of time if your campsite has access to a spigot where you can refill any canteens or water jugs. If not, then you’ll need to bring at least 2.7 liters of water per day, per person – not including any you may use for cooking.
It’s also not a bad idea to camp near a body of water, such as a lake or river, where you can beat the heat and cool off with a dip.
Avoid the Crowds
Public camping sites can get incredibly crowded during the summer, but you’ll have fewer crowds in the middle of the week than on weekends.
While having a campsite where you can drive right up, park, and set up your tent does have its perks, those also tend to be more crowded. Typically, the more remote a campsite is, the less crowded it is with surrounding campers. So if you don’t mind a little hiking, this strategy could help you avoid the crowds.
The Texas Hill Country is full of fantastic camping spots, but after a few nights of sleeping on the ground, coming back to a home you love and sleeping in your own bed is always a welcomed comfort.
To learn more about finding your dream home, contact the Caliterra team today.
