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In order to have a safe and pleasant camping trip, you need to know your limits, take the time to plan ahead, and pack the right items. You must always be prepared for the unexpected, don't be careless or take unnecessary chances, and think before you act. Never hike alone, and tell someone else about your plans. Use your common sense while you are camping, and your outdoor activities will be safe and fun.

Before you head out into the wilderness, it is a good idea to gather information about your destination. Ask park rangers about their security policies, and what wild animals may be around the area, among other subjects. Read guide books about the terrain, and talk with campers who've been there. Find out if your campsite will have riverbanks or cliffs nearby.

Find out what the weather at your destination is like. Campers often don't bring proper clothing and equipment for seasonal weather changes; and in every season, storms can blow in and out. In the spring and fall, especially on high mountains, there can be sudden shifts in temperature. Precipitation and wind cause a rapid drop in temperatures, especially at nightfall.

Wear multi-layered clothing (such as tank tops, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters) made of polypropylene, wool, and cotton so that you can put on or take off clothing as needed. Wear breathable lightweight jackets and pants to protect yourself against rain and wind. Wear caps or hats in order to guard against the sun, as well as protect you from insects.

It is also important to watch out for excessive heat, especially if you have pre-adolescent children. Hike in the mornings or evenings on hot days and spend time in shade during the day. Wear hats, sunscreen and cotton clothes whenever you are in the sun.

You need to wear comfortable hiking shoes in order to prevent your feet from blistering; and tuck your pant cuffs into your socks and boots to protect yourself against ticks. Children need to make themselves more visible by wearing brightly colored clothes.

When you set up your campsite, watch out for broken glass and other hazardous trash. Before you put up your tent, look for signs of animal or insect use, such as yellowjacket wasp nests in the ground or plentiful berries which may mean that bears forage for food there. Clear your area of any debris, and avoid areas with overhanging branches.

Look for a clearing and for previous firepits if you want to build one. During dry seasons, and times there is a fire-hazard, use portable stoves and not campfires. Never leave a fire without someone to watch it. Make a fire ring that is surrounded by rocks, and have a bucket of water, shovel and a fire extinquisher nearby and ready to put out your fire. Only build a fire as big as you need. Make sure fires are really put out by dumping water or shoveling dirt on it when you sleep or leave your campsite and then feeling the ground around the area where the fire was to make sure it isn't warm. Be very careful with gas canisters and turn them off when not in use. Be careful not to spill fuel, use a funnel to fill the tank; and check for leakages by putting liquid soap on all connections. Keep gas canisters outside, away from any flammable items and in a well ventilated area away from other heat sources.

A successful camping trip requires planning, preparation, thought, and common sense. You need to know what kind of unexpected things can happen during your trip, and prepare for them. Always tell someone else about your plans, and never camp or hike alone. Wear appropriate clothes, stay away from wild animals, and practice good fire safety. If you do all these things, you will be certainly having a very enjoyable trip and creating wonderful memories.

Tracy Crowe loves the outdoors

For information about camping, visit http://enjoycampinginfosite.com