by Anthony Ogg

Created on: July 25, 2009

Let's go camping! Camping can be a fun and enjoyable experience for the entire family, but there are mistakes made during the event that can throw a hitch in the fun. Some mistakes made while camping can be pretty funny, and others may not be very funny. Most mistakes made are maybe a little aggravating but are harmless, while others can be very serious.

One of the most common mistakes made by campers is the placement of the tent. It is usually a very nice day when a camper first arrives at their campsite, and sometimes, he/she may not think about a possibility for rain. Always set up your campsite on high ground. Never set up your tent in a low area, unless you enjoy sleeping in a pond. In the summertime, rain showers can pop up at any given time, and having a tent in a low area is just asking for an unexpected late night swim.

Not anchoring the tent properly is another common mistake made while camping. Always ensure that the tent stakes are securely anchored in the ground. Not anchoring the tent properly could cause the tent to blow away in the least amount of wind. Ironically, the tent always seems to blow away in the middle of the night. So read the instructions with your tent and make sure that your tent is securely staked in good hard ground.

Our four legged friends are often obliged to come over and enjoy the food that is left unattended while the campers are off hiking, playing or fishing. Always pack your food in airtight containers or ice chest. Never leave uneaten food out of its container unless you want the little critters to have a good meal. Also make sure that perishable items such as lunch meat are kept in an ice chest with plenty of ice.

Now let's leave the tent and go for a hike on the camping trail. Some mistakes that are made while camping are not at the campsite but on the hiking trail or the fishing area. Always take special precautions while hiking. One of the most serious mistakes made camping is getting lost. Always mark your direction and leave a trail of your own. There's no need to leave a trail of breadcrumbs, but simply breaking a branch or doing something so that you can remember you were there. A compass is always a good idea, or if you are a high tech camper you can always carry a g.p.s. device.

The last thing you want to do is get lost, or stranded and have to be secluded for several long days without food or water. Even with the uttermost precautions there is still a possibility of getting lost or stranded. Always carry a good ration of food and water on your hike. Carry enough water and food to last for at least a day, preferably a couple of days. Also pack a good first aid kit for cuts and sprains.

Minor cuts, bruises, and poison ivy are injuries that commonly happened while camping. Always have a first aid kit available to treat these injuries. Remember most campsites are often far away from civilization, and medical assistance. A first aid kit is essential to treat minor injuries. First aid kits are also needed in case of serious injuries. When a serious injury occurs, the materials in a first aid kit are used to keep the injury clean and possibly to stop bleeding until the victim can be reached by medical professionals. It can sometimes take quite a while for help to arrive at a camp site so, the first aid kit helps in the delay of paramedics.

Camping is an entertaining and relaxing outing for everyone. Even the veteran camper will make a mistake on occasion. One of the best tools to avoid mistakes while camping is to use common sense. So go ahead and pack your gear and go camping. Have a great time and use the above tips to help you have a fun and positive camping experience.

Learn more about this author, Anthony Ogg.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.