Camping holds a special place among outdoor adventures. It involves exploring nature, trekking, and sleeping under the stars. The cost of camping can range from affordable to extravagant, depending on what you’re looking for. Whether you prefer roughing it or glamping, camping offers a chance to disconnect and reconnect with nature, making it an exceptional experience for nature enthusiasts.
Some people camp for the thrill of hiking into the wilderness and sleeping out under the stars. Others enjoy the simplicity of camping and don’t want to spend a lot of money on equipment. Still others enjoy the communal aspect of camping, where you meet new people and share experiences.
Regardless of why you camp, one thing is for sure: you will need proper gear to ensure your safety and comfort. Good equipment can be costly, but it is worth it for the peace of mind that you have quality gear. This article will discuss some gear needed for outdoor camping and swimming activities.
Get your gear ready
Before you can go camping, you need to have the proper gear. If you are going to camp in nature, you need to have a tent, sleeping bags, and a way to keep yourself dry.
Tents come in many sizes and prices, so it is fun to shop around and find the best one for you. The best tents are lightweight, have enough room for all of your friends, and have waterproof material.
Sleeping bags also come in many varieties and prices. You want to make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough for the weather you will be in. Otherwise, you will not be comfortable!
To keep yourself dry while camping or swimming, invest in some water protection gear. This includes water shoes or boots, and possibly a rain jacket or poncho.
Before going out to camp or swim outdoors, check that all of your equipment is working properly before use.
Equip yourself with sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must-have item for any outdoor adventurer. You can purchase sunscreen in a variety of brands and formulas. There are spray, stick, cream, and towel versions of sunscreen, making it easy to find the one that best suits you.
Many brands offer trial sizes which is great if you are just starting to build your outdoor kit and want to try it out. Prices range depending on the brand and size, but they are all reasonably priced.
If you find a brand you like but run out of sunscreen, try buying the next higher SPF level to ensure your skin is well protected. You can also mix some water-resistant sunscreen with some non-water resistant to have greater protection against the sun.
This is a important piece of equipment for an outdoor adventurer! Make sure to always re-apply during the day despite how often you swim or sweat.
Bring water bottles
Make sure you have enough water bottles to last you for the day. You will need one for every person in the group, plus some extra in case someone loses theirs or needs a refill.
Not only do you need them for drinking, but they are needed to wash off in if there is a water safety issue. Having enough would save everyone the hassle of having to go get more.
Make sure they are sturdy and not thin plastic. Thicker plastic will hold up better and prevent leaks. If the camp site has a water source, then just enough bottles are needed unless you want to rehydrate after swimming!
Don’t forget to label your bottles so that someone does not drink from the wrong one. This is important for safety reasons, so that no one drinks contaminated water.
Pack towels
A towel is a must-have item for any camper. You will use it for drying off after a swim, drying off your gear, and sometimes even as a seat.
Towels are also important because they can act as an extra layer between you and the wet ground. You will find this useful when you lay down to sleep or sit on your towel while changing into dry clothes.
Dry towels are also great for sleeping in as they keep you warm. A lightweight towel is the perfect addition to your camping kit!
You can either bring regular bath towels or buy specialized camping towels that are lightweight and compact. Either one is good, just make sure you have enough for everyone in your group!
Another tip? Buy colored towels instead of white to prevent dirt and stains.
Bring swimming suits
While it is possible to go swimming in your clothes, it is not recommended. Swim suits are made to be water-resistant, and can hold some water, but they will eventually leak.
They also tend to be heavier than just a pair of shorts, making swimming more difficult. So, while it may seem like a good idea at the time, just go with the swim suit!
Some swim suits are made of nylon which can hold up to water for a short amount of time. This is why it is recommended to buy a sw fit that is waterproof. Also, look for ones that are tight fitting to prevent water from entering the suit.
Plan out where you will be camping
Before you go out to camp, be it in a backyard or a wilderness, you should plan out where you will be camping. This can be tricky for new campers, so we will break it down for you.
Where you camp depends on your experience level, the weather, and what activities you will be doing. If you are a beginner camper, then your tent should be close to home so that in case of bad weather or difficulty setting up the tent, you are close to shelter and help.
Beginners also do not need to go far to camp because they may struggle with keeping themselves protected and sheltered. Wildlife is also something that can be dangerous so by camping close to home, help can be had quickly if something happens.
For intermediate campers, there is not much difference except they can maybe go slightly further or spend more time outside without worrying about everything else.
Find out about any bugs or animals that might be around
While camping can be a fun experience, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers that exist. There are several bugs and animals that can cause serious issues while camping.
Most of these creatures will avoid humans, but if you have an animal problem, such as a bear or mountain lion, they will not be afraid of you or your camp.
Camping tips for avoiding these creatures is to know when they are around and how to recognize them. For example, you might learn that April is the best time to camp because there are fewer mosquitoes then.
You will also learn how to set up a camp in a way that minimizes your exposure to insects. You will also learn how to treat your gear with insect repellent in order to keep you safe and comfortable.
What Are Some Tips for Camping and Swimming at Pismo Beach?
When camping on pismo beach, there are a few tips to ensure a memorable experience. Remember to check the tides before swimming and be cautious of rip currents. Explore the shoreline and enjoy breathtaking sunsets. Pack essentials like a sturdy tent, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment. Finally, maintain cleanliness and respect the natural beauty of the beach.
Check the weather and forecast
Before you go camping, be it in a forest, in your backyard, or at a campground, check the weather.
If you are going camping and plan to swim in a lake, make sure there are not severe weather forecasts for the area. Even if you are camping in a forest and have your own campfire, a strong wind or rain could put out your fire and make things unsafe.
This also applies to if you are camping in your backyard. If it is forecasted to rain, try to keep things dry with tarps and plan activities around that.
When going camping at a campground, check the weather for the area and look up the facilities available, i.e. swimming pools or water slides if that is what entices you to go. Also, make sure to pack all the necessary camping gear such as a tent, sleeping bags, and a cooler for food storage. Additionally, it’s important to bring along some outdoor shower camping tips, as staying clean and fresh is essential for an enjoyable camping experience. Look for tips on how to conserve water while using the outdoor shower and ideas for creating a makeshift privacy area for showering. These tips can make a huge difference in the comfort and enjoyment of your camping trip.