Planning Your Next Camping Trip

In last week's post we went over some of the benefits of getting outside; this week we will talk about one of the best ways to experience the great outdoors - camping! No matter where you want to go camping or how extreme you want your next trip to be there are a few guidelines you should always use when planning your trip.
As you begin to plan your camping trip one of the first things you should consider is the area you will be in. It is a good idea to get familiar with the area and you can do this in a few different ways. One of the best ways to get to know the land is to talk to locals - they will know a lot intricate details about the area that some websites might not. Another way to research the area before actually getting there is the internet - it is 2017! One of the best websites is All Trails. Simply enter the park or trail you plan to visit and it will give you a guide of that area.
Now that you know where you're traveling and what kind of terrain you will be experiencing you can start to plan what you will bring. Supplies will vary based on where you are going, but there are a few items you should have no matter where you're camping. Getting started you'll want a first aid kit, flashlights (and extra batteries), sunscreen, a pocket knife, something to carry water, a cooler, food that will be easy to prepare, and bug spray. While your list will be much more extensive once you decide where you want to go, this should help you get a good start on what you want to bring.
Another important step in planning your camping trip is checking the weather. While you want to be prepared for all types of (realistic) weather it is a good idea to look at the forecast for the days you will be camping to decide if you even want to be outdoors on the days you have planned; your trip might not be very enjoyable if it's raining every day of your trip. Once you know the weather pack accordingly!
Camping is a fun way to experience the great outdoors, but an enjoyable trip can go south in a hurry if you aren't prepared. Next time you're planning a camping trip, take a look at this guide to make the most out of your journey. And for all your camping supplies needs check out Low Valley Outfitters.