If you would like to go camping soon, learn these 9 survival tips to go camping and be well prepared.
Summer camping is one of the best experiences you can have, although of course you can go camping at any other time of the year.
In any case, you will need to know and master some essential techniques and tricks before going camping.
We are going to tell you simple aspects from how to light the campfire and what to take with you, to how to scare away some animals.
9 Survival tips for going camping and having everything under control
Although most of today’s camping areas have many amenities and will keep you out of harm’s way, it is advisable that you know how to respond to various circumstances.
Especially if you have an adventurous spirit and want to make your camping trip as realistic as possible. You might even go to some very large established camping area, which will allow you to have a real survival experience.
In any case, let’s see what are the 9 survival tips to go camping that you must know.
Know the area where you will be camping.
Unless you fell like Rambo from a helicopter in an unknown area, you should know the area where you are going to camp. The most advisable thing to do, although it is something that is almost “not used” anymore, is to bring your own printed map of the place.
Especially when you will be exploring an area of several hectares for camping, since a printed map does not run out of batteries. Also, do some research on the flora and fauna so you won’t be caught off guard.
Carry the necessary equipment
Better to be safe than sorry, the essential thing is to take everything you are going to use, without more or less, make a list of the utensils and artifacts you will need.
For example: tent, sleeping bag, lamp, batteries, utility knife, ropes, compass, lighter, matches, dishes, personal cleaning utensils and utensils for junk. Among other things and the necessary personal artifacts that you want to add.
Carry enough provisions and tricks for hunting.
In some places small game is allowed to make the experience more realistic, so you can carry a couple of traps for small mammals.
You can also get to know the trees and bushes of the place and know if they have edible berries or fruits. Of course, it is best to bring your own supplies.
As for water, bring at least a jug and a bottle of water purification solution.
Choosing the right place to set up your tents
This is one of the main survival tips for camping, as many times the tent is located in an unfavorable place.
Do not place it under trees, especially during the rainy season, although you should look for trees nearby. The reason is that under a tree the dripping will be constant and intense even after the rain. And also because some animals could fall from the top of the tree into your house.
Look for a flat site with grass if possible or solid ground without protuberances, and if it is the rainy season it should be in a high place to avoid flooding.
Knowing how to light a campfire quickly
At this point you can take advantage by carrying lighters, matches, alcohol or flammable campfire solution.
The first step is to place your campfire in the center of the camp, so that all the houses can have light, heat and even smoke. If there is grass, find a sheet to avoid damaging it or make a bed of stones and earth on which to place the fire.
If it is only earth, you can make a hole of about 15 or 20cm, and make a stone contour to prevent the wind from extinguishing it. Inside your small oven put dry leaves, dry branches and paper to start the fire, and blow enough air into it with an improvised fan.
Learn how to scare away wild animals
It is common for you to be out of danger from large and dangerous animals in authorized camping areas, however, you will not be spared from small harmless but cunning wildlife.
For example, squirrels, raccoons and even wild dogs, as well as various types of insects, some dangerous and some not. And also from mosquitoes, flies, bees, etc.
The main thing will be to protect your food, try to keep it in a well-closed cooler and do not leave waste lying around if you do not want to attract their attention.
It may sound like a joke, but we understood this after a pack of wild dogs tore our tents and ate a good part of our food.
Campfires and their smoke will scare away almost any type of wildlife; be sure to check around your tents before you sleep.
You can also sprinkle lemon around your tents to avoid ants and other insects; garlic is also good for repelling them and even as an antiseptic in case of bites or stings.
Setting up a tarp or hammock correctly
You will want to have some shade for your campsite when eating or lying down to talk; use the surrounding trees and find four spots to hang your tarp. At each campsite you should bring long ropes for your tarp.
Find a point or high tree branch where you can throw each rope to tie it further down, you don’t need to climb all the way up to tie the knot, you can do it from below.
It will be good for you to learn how to tie easy but effective knots, forget the shoelace knot, that won’t work. Learn how to tie a sailor’s knot, it is one of the easiest and quickest to tie and untie, but it will hardly untie itself.
Know how to locate yourself without a compass or GPS.
What would have become of the Wise Men if they hadn’t known the location of the stars? Maybe the gifts for the baby Jesus would never have arrived.
If you want to be a good adventurer, it never hurts to know the alignment of the stars the old-fashioned way, because it is a knowledge that will accompany you with or without a cell phone, compass and GPS.
When dawn breaks, point your right hand towards the sun, so you’ll find yourself north in front of you, west towards your left hand and south behind you.
At night, the best way is to look for the star Polaris “North Pole Star” which is next to the Big Dipper and the Chariot or Dipper.
When you get it in front of you, you will find north, west on your left, east on your right and south behind you.
Knowing where to get water from
Suppose your water has run out and your purifying solution is gone, then knowing where to drink water from and where not to drink water from is one of the great survival tips for camping.
Avoid drinking water from a river or a sea, they are almost never clean, choose small flows with current such as creeks and streams.
Check where the water comes from, and if you can, follow it upstream to see where it flows. If the surrounding area is used for agriculture, it is likely to be contaminated with fertilizers and pesticides.
In natural situations the water should have no color, taste or odor, you can check this as well as the surroundings of the stream or creek. In this case you can purify it by carrying iodine, chlorine or purification tablets with you or by boiling it.
We hope you find these camping survival tips useful.