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Common Mistakes People Make When Camping in a Tent

Matt Orlando
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Camping provides an exciting learning experience for your kids, but it can also be stressful. You can avoid the most common mistakes people make when camping in a tent when you prepare in advance and make sure your tent is working. Find out how to master tent camping.

Inspect Your Tent Before Your Trip

Don’t make the rookie mistake of waiting until you arrive at your campsite to set up your tent for the first time. Whether it’s a new tent or one you haven’t pulled out in over a year, you should set it up at home to inspect for damage. For instance, you don’t want to find out that a zipper doesn’t work after you’ve already arrived at your site. Cleaning after each use and applying a lubricant are easy ways to extend the life of your zipper.

Choose the Right Location

You’ve already picked out your camping resort and campsite. Once you arrive, inspect the area to decide where to pitch your tent. Don’t place it under trees with low-hanging branches that could snap. Further, you’ll want to sweep the ground beneath where you place your tent to remove sticks, stones, and other debris that isn’t comfortable to sleep on.

Know the Configuration of Your Tent

When you buy your tent and set it up ahead of time, you should know the design and dimensions. Having an idea of what your tent will look like once it’s set up will help you put it together.

Pro Tip: Make sure you properly stake your tent so you can benefit from the full design. Some tents are spacious, with multiple rooms and tall ceilings.

Use a Ground Tarp

You should have a tarp for the bottom of your tent. If you don’t have the one that came with your tent, make sure to get one that is big enough to cover the bottom of your tent. Tarps prevent moisture from seeping into your tent and may help keep you warm at night.

The most common mistakes people make when camping in a tent involve neglecting to prepare in advance. You should know the design of your tent and inspect it ahead of time for damage. Make sure you have all the pieces you need to put your tent together and choose a spot that won’t damage it.