Tennessee is a beautiful place to camp. Between hills, mountains, lakes, rivers, and more, the state is a veritable playground for anyone wanting to get outside. If you are one of the many people who plan to enjoy the outdoors this year, you will need to know what to plan, pack, and set up.
Lerner and Rowe, your personal injury attorneys in Tennessee, want you to have the best camping trip ever! So, pay attention to our tips as you travel, eat, set up camp, and sleep during this year’s camping trip.
Plan
Often, camping is not hanging out in a tent all day. Many people use their camping trips to experience nature in other exciting ways. So, the first step in planning your camping trip is to choose your activity. You may have a busy, two-week vacation you want to fill with adventures. On the other hand, you may want to have a quiet, restful weekend reconnecting with nature. Either way, here are some great options to consider. During your camping trip, you may want to:
- Bike
- Hike
- Boat
- Kayak or paddleboard
- White water raft
- Fish
- Water ski or wakeboard
- Trail run
- Birdwatch
- Practice your nature photography
- Hone your card playing skills
- Simply relax
Pay attention to what is in your trip budget before booking any excursions. Many destinations have local rental stores to get equipment for these activities. If you own your own gear, plan how you will pack your vehicle to ensure a comfortable ride.
Also, look into reviews of your campsite choices, rental shops, restaurants you plan to visit, and the surrounding areas online. Utilize social media to look into local suggestions for your trip. Consider these opinions, as well as pricing, before booking anything.
Finally, purchase a map of your route and your destination. While GPS is extremely convenient, many popular camping spots have little to no service. If you get lost, you may want the traditional back-up of a paper map to guide you home.
Pack
All camping trips require a lot of packing. You will need to bring all of your basic needs and more. First, remember to pack your tent, pillows, and bedding, as well as a sleeping mat, air mattress, or cot. Bring an electric lantern and flashlights, and any cooking utensils you plan to use. Also, pack trash bags, paper towels, a pair of scissors, and a first aid kit.
Don’t forget your bathroom essentials as well. If you choose a campground with toilet and shower facilities, all you need to pack is your usual items and your own towel. It’s also a good idea to bring flip flops or other plastic sandals to wear while showering. If you are camping off the grid, remember toilet paper and a camping toilet. Remember, always pack out what you pack in.
Worried you’ll forget something? Here’s our ultimate camping packing list.
Travel
During any trip, you want your vehicle to work properly and also keep you safe. Do this most effectively by maintaining your vehicle year round. Before any trip, take your car to a mechanic to check oil levels, fluid levels, and tire pressure.
Before you leave, let someone you trust know where you are going. You may want to ask them to watch your home and collect your mail for you as well. That way, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is safe as well.
While you are driving, be careful of other drivers’ recklessness. If you see anyone swerving, driving too fast/slow, acting erratically or showing signs of road rage, get out of their area. All too often, the best camping trips are ruined by accidents on the road. If you or your family suffer an injury at the hands of a negligent driver, call your personal injury attorneys in Tennessee- Lerner and Rowe. They will handle your case so you can focus on healing.
Finally, remember to drink an adequate amount of water and indulge in healthy snacks as you travel. These essentials will help you feel alert as they put miles behind you.
Set Up
Try to plan your travel so that you arrive at your campsite while it is still daylight. This will help the whole process of unpacking and setting up a confusing tent.
There’s a lot to consider as you choose where to place your tent as well. Find a level spot to set up your tent. You don’t want to fall asleep with your feet higher than your head. Also, avoid areas with sharp rocks and look out for any broken glass on the ground.
In addition, consider the view from your tent/tent windows. Are you angled toward another campsite? Could other campers easily see you in your tent? Try to set your tent openings towards the trees or mountains, and away from people. Plus, if you have a great view from your tent, you can get a great picture.
Eat
While camping, it’s important to keep your energy up. So, bring along a lot of protein and carbohydrates. Some awesome camping foods include:
- Popcorn, popped over the fire
- Sandwiches with lots of meat
- Hamburgers and hot dogs
- Trail mix and granola bars
- Pretzels
- Beef/turkey jerky
- Fruits, like apples
- Eggs and bacon
Keep all your food in closed containers and lock all food in your car while you sleep. This deters curious, hungry critters from sampling your provisions.
Campfires
If you don’t have a campfire, did you even camp? Campfires are one of the best parts of camping, whether its lighting up to fry some bacon in the morning before a hike, or sitting around sharing stories with your friends.
To have the best campfire experience, build your fires only in designated areas. Starting a campfire elsewhere may lead to a wildfire. Also, purchase the wood for your fire either at your campground or in the surrounding areas. This practice keeps invasive species from spreading across states.
Finally, make sure your campfire is completely out whenever you leave it, especially before going to bed. Again, this brings down the risk of starting a spreading fire.
Camping Dangers
Camping is the most fun when no one has to visit the hospital during the trip. Avoid injury by:
- Keeping matches, knives, and axes out of your children’s reach
- Looking around for poison ivy and other dangerous plant life
- Being respectful of nature, including wildlife
- Pacing yourself during physical activity
- Wearing sunscreen
- Treating cuts and bug bites appropriately using tools in your first aid kit
- Only using heat sources outside, and never inside a tent
- Storing food properly and cooking it thoroughly
By following these safety guidelines, you will have an exciting, fun-filled camping trip. However, in case you do get injured, know where the nearest hospital is at all times. That way, you can transport your injured family member or call an ambulance easily.
Lerner and Rowe
The personal injury attorneys in Tennessee at Lerner and Rowe know that trips like this can sometimes end in accidents instead of smiles. If you are injured while camping due to the fault of another, whether it be by manufacturer default, negligence on the fault of the campsite management, or a reckless driver as you travel, be sure to reach out to us as soon as you can.
Our award-winning lawyers will fight hard for your compensation. So, reach out to us by calling 844-977-1900, using our handy LiveChat feature, or filling out our form. Visit our offices directly at 725 Cool Springs, Suite #600, in Franklin, TN. There’s no obligation, and your consultation is entirely free.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.