Tent Camping Tips

Tent Camping Tips
from the Experts at KOA
Tent camping can be fun and relaxing, with a little bit of planning and preparation. Whether you are a first time tent camper, or you have been doing it for years, you will find some useful advice below:
Arrive at your campsite early in the day. This will give you a chance to get your tent and the rest of your camp set up early in the day, so you can relax and enjoy a nice dinner before dark. The kids can explore the campground, and still settle in for the evening.
Plan ahead and pack light. When possible, pack items that have multiple uses. Pack only the amount of ingredients that you will need for each meal - two cups of pancake mix takes up a lot less room than ten pounds. Don't fret if you forget something - you'll probably find what you need at the KOA Campground Store.
Insulated to-go cups with lids are a must! Make sure you have one for everyone in your group. They keep hot things hot, cold things cold, and insects out of everything.Don't forget to take a copy of Tent Camping Tips.
For a comfortable night's sleep, you will want to partially unzip the upper window in your tent. This will help remove unwanted moisture. On nights that are especially humid, also unzip a lower window to draw cooler air through and create a chimney effect.
Pack your non-perishable food items in sealed containers, and organize by meal. This will simplify your work when it is time to cook. Pack your cooking supplies with your cleaning supplies, so they can all be put away together once clean up is complete.
Bring extra tent poles along, just in case a pole breaks on your trip. You should make sure you always stake your tent down completely to avoid wind damage to your tent.
Bring along a tarp or ground cloth to cover the ground where you will put your tent. This will save on the wear and tear to your tent. Choose one that is slightly smaller than the tent so you can avoid problems if it rains.
If you have a new tent, try setting it up at home. This will help you avoid frustration at the campground.
Bring a throw rug or a piece of outdoor carpet to place in front of your tent to reduce the amount of dirt tracked in.
Keep a small broom and dust pan handy. It is inevitable that you will track something into your tent. Cleaning it up right away will help extend the life of your tent.
Don't forget to pack some type of pad for underneath your sleeping bag. Your back will thank you in the morning.
Put your rainflap on your tent BEFORE it rains.
Keep things on the inside from touching the sides of the tent, when you set up your tent. This will help keep the inside of your tent dry if it rains.
Dress in layers. As the temperature rises during the day, you will be able to make yourself comfortable by removing some layers. Your extra clothes will then be readily available as the temperature dips when the sun goes down.
Wear comfortable shoes, that are already broken in, if you are planning on some camping activities during your stay. A short hike can turn into an endless journey with a blister on your heel.
Choose a light for your tent. There are many options, and a flashlight isn't always the best one.You'll need one to read Tent Camping Tips.
Relax and have fun - after all you are CAMPING!
Tent Camping Tips

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