From sharing ghost stories around the campfire to eating gooey s’mores, camping is one of the most fun summertime activities. However, sleeping under the stars is not as simple as it sounds. A lot of planning is involved concerning campaigning safety and how to pack light camping gear. Before you embark on your next outdoor adventure, we suggest refreshing your memory with a few campsite basics.

The most important thing to focus on is the campfire, which is the star of a camping trip. It also happens to be the leading cause of injuries. Embers from the flames can ignite clothing, resulting in third-degree burns. If you are camping with children, you need safety protocols in place so your younger one doesn't accidentally push their sibling in the wrong direction.

That being said, for many, summer is the season that offers families the perfect time to come together, play, and relax. To ensure that nothing puts a damper on your camping trips, here are some dos and don'ts you need to be aware of:

Camping Dos

Do Explore the Campground

You will easily find pre-made campsites, but where's the fun in that? National Forests offer plenty of magical spots away from bathrooms and picnic tables. You need to look in the right place. Wouldn't it be better to relax far away from the foul smell of someone's pee or poop or the sound of a wannabe musician singing the same song repeatedly?

Do Expand Your Cooking Repertoire

Dehydrated backpacking meals take care of your cooking dilemma when camping. However, they are not visually appealing, and some taste downright nasty. The good news is that you can shop for survival stoves online, which allows you to make a nice meal with simple ingredients.

Do Know Your Surroundings

Campsites are full of landmarks that allow you to track where you are hiking so you can easily get back to your tent. So, familiarize yourself with the surroundings and embark on a solo journey to discover yourself. The wilderness will inspire and mesmerize you. Do carry your comfortable hiking backpack with you for emergencies.

Do Comply with the Safety Precautions

Some campsites offer recreational activities like boating, swimming, fishing, and more. If you are indulging in any of these, respect the warning signs. A board might say, "No Boating Past This Point." This could be a warning because of the wildlife that lives beyond that point, and going into this area might put you in danger.

Do Wear the Right Clothes

It's summer, and we understand you want to feel as cool as a cucumber. However, sunburns can be a real pain, and wearing cotton clothes will create a mess if you are prone to sweating.

The best option is to buy shirts and pants made with moisture-wicking material. It absorbs moisture and sweat and lets you stay dry even on a hot day.

Do Check the Weather

Check the weather forecast if you are going to a forest far away from your home. You don't want your trip spoiled by a heavy rain spell or a heatstroke that will take your energy and enthusiasm away if it's too hot.

Camping Don’ts

Don’t Make a New Campsite

If you look closely, you will find signs of previously made camps. Most of the work has already been done for you. So, don’t cut down trees, make new fire rings or set up any parameter that disturbs another spot.

Don’t Forget to Pack Your Camping Essentials

The four most important items that you should have in your comfortable hiking backpack are emergency equipment, a first-aid kit, a map, and a compass. These will help you find your way back to civilization if you get lost.

Don’t Trash the Campsite

Always have trash bags with you when camping. Being mindful of the environment does not mean placing your litter by a tree or burying it. Take it back to your car and dispose of it the right way.

Don’t Use Flammable Liquids to Light a Campfire

Such products always accelerate a fire; before you know it, the flames are out of control. Never leave the campfire unattended. If you are not carrying a fire extinguisher with you, put out the fire with dirt and water.

Don’t Forget Insect Protection

In your excitement of packing for the trip, you might forget to grab insect repellant. Ticks and mosquitos will have you hiding in your tent all day and night. So, buy one that doesn’t easily dissolve in water. As mentioned earlier, you must wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts despite the hot weather to avoid contact with any insects.

Ticks hide in places you seldom check, such as underneath your shirt's collar or button. So, after returning from your camping trip, throw all your clothes in the dryer for ten minutes and turn the heat dial to heat to kill the creepy crawlies.

Don’t Destroy the Environment

Taking a good Instagram picture does not mean you can vandalize trees or rocks by carving your name in them or trampling sensitive vegetation. DO NOT set up camp in areas with illegal ruins. The Forest Service will charge you a hefty fine if you are caught doing any unlawful activity.

Remember: A convenience store won't be nearby for your midnight cravings or a hotel concierge to cater to your whims. Hence, you need to take your time to plan and organize the trip from start to finish. Make sure you have packed all the camping essentials. Take some board games or arrange a scavenger hunt to keep the kids occupied. Each family member should have a backpack with snacks and other necessary items, such as medication, a hygiene kit, a tissue roll, a spare shirt and a garbage bag.

For a worry-free camping trip, we highly recommend buying light camping gear. This gear will allow you to trek with a light load if you change your campsites or spend a day or two more in the wilderness. You can buy ultralight packs from Light Hiking Gear. The company offers the most comfortable backpacks for outdoor enthusiasts. Check out their Accessories section to know what more you should pack with your gear to make your trip memorable. For information, call (801) 971-0007.