Spring Camping Tips
Spring Camping Essentials
At the first sight of spring, many of us are itching to get outdoors. We are all suffering from a little bit of cabin fever at this point. However, before you throw your gear in a bag and fire up the RV, there are a few pertinent tips to help guarantee your spring camping trip is a success. Camping failures tend to add to the family lore, but that still doesn’t mean we want to purposefully set out to fail.
Dry runs are important
If you’re a true outdoor enthusiast, then your Christmas wish list likely included a slew of new camping gear and gadgets. No matter how much research you did on your shiny new accessories, it is still important to do a dry run with gear at home before you pack it and head into the wild. It’s better to discover any deficiencies or challenges in your backyard, instead of out in the middle of nowhere.
Keep the forecast at hand
The best word to describe spring weather is fickle. It can be quite warm, quite cold, rainy, snowy, sleeting, windy and sunny…all in one day. It’s great to plan ahead for a spring camping trip, as long as you realize weather may dictate some last minute changes. Check that long range forecast a week ahead of time, and keep checking it daily. The weather can shift quite rapidly.
Dress Appropriately
When it comes to apparel for a spring camping trip, the more the better is usually the philosophy to stick to. Layers are easy to strip off; however, there are few things more miserable than being cold (and possibly wet) for the majority of your trip. Unless you’re camping far south, you’ll want to bring waterproof jackets, thermal wear, plenty of socks, gloves, and hats. Hypothermia is actually more dangerous in the spring months, usually because people are unprepared for inclement weather. Expect precipitation and dress accordingly.
Prepare for mud
‘Tis the season of the snow melt, which means it is also the season for mud. Expect to get dirty – which can actually be fun if you bring the right attire and footwear with you. If you’re hiking, you will want poles or a long stick to help keep your footing in slick areas. You will also want to bring a mat to place outside your RV or tent so you don’t track mud into your sleeping areas.
Plan around busy times
Spring break is often a popular time for families to take their first camping expedition of the week. If you can avoid the spring break window, you will find lower rates and less crowded camping sites. However, if you have kids and want to take advantage of the break, make sure you get your camping reservations in early enough to find a spot.
