Back in 2010, nearly 40 million people went on a total of 515 million camping trips. The popularity of visiting campgrounds in Colorado, New York, Ohio, and elsewhere has only grown since then. It may still be winter, but it’s never too early to start planning your spring camping trip. Here are our top tips for springtime camping:

1. 1. Examine everything before you leave
      

      Most people don’t get the opportunity to use camping gear during the colder months. Even if you’ve used your tent lately, it’s a good idea to check everything you’ll need before you head out. If your equipment has been sitting in storage or you simply forgot about a necessary repair, you’ll want to give things a thorough once-over and replace anything that isn’t in good condition.

   2. Check the forecast
      

      Spring weather is predictably unpredictable. Temperatures can range from freezing to pleasantly warm depending on the day and even the hour. You might encounter storms or strong winds that could put a real damper on your family camping vacations. Make sure to watch the weather forecast carefully; if there are signs of extremely bad conditions, you should probably delay your trip until the danger has passed. Knowing what to expect weather-wise can help you prepare a whole lot better. That way, you won’t get caught out in the cold.

   3. Wear layers
      

      Speaking of being caught out in the cold: you’ll want to dress appropriately. The best way to do this is by dressing in layers. If it’s unseasonably warm, you can easily remove a layer or two; if the weather turns frigid, you can add them on. You’ll also want to bring a waterproof jacket and boots, as spring can be quite rainy!

   4. Use tarps
      

      Tarps can help keep your tent warm and dry. Set up a large one going over the top of your tent and tie it to the surrounding trees. The end result should look like a roof going over a house, with a peak in the center and sloping sides. You should also put a tarp under your tent to protect from cold, wet conditions.

   5. Prepare for nighttime
      

      In the spring, nighttime temperatures can still dip quite low. Make sure your sleeping bags are rated for temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You may also want to use foam pads underneath your sleeping bags to act as a barrier between you and the cold, wet ground while you sleep.

   6. Don’t forget to hydrate
      

      Just because it might be rainy or cooler than summertime doesn’t mean you should neglect your water intake. Drink plenty of water throughout your trip. You can bring this along yourself or use your own filtration system.

If you’re looking to plan your visit to our campgrounds in Colorado, New York, or Ohio – there’s no better time to get started! The season opens soon, so make your spring camping trip reservation today and for more information, get in touch with one of our campgrounds today!