Life today has become fast-paced and stressful. In the race for financial strength and security, some of us end up trading our mental health and well-being for the former.
In such times, it becomes imperative to realize the significance of prioritizing ourselves. It is vital to take some time off and focus on spending it with family and friends or even alone. Well, what can be a better way than to go out and camp at Tennessee’s famous Cade’s Cove or Edgar Evin’s park?
Camping in Tennessee is an exciting experience. Tennessee’s camping sites offer beautiful grounds with appealing views. However, there are a few tips and tricks that you need to be mindful of to ensure that you make the most out of your camping experience in Tennessee.
1. Plan Your Trip
Going camping cannot always be a spontaneous decision. Camping trips require planning and foresight to ensure that you can enjoy a memorable experience, and this is first in the list of tips. To guarantee a safe and exciting trip, you should make sure you plan your trip according to your taste and liking.
To plan a trip, you might want to consider the weather forecast before deciding your date and duration. Tennessee camping can be highly affected by extreme weather, which would dampen your experience.
2. Choosing the Right Campsite
Choosing where to camp can make or break your camping experience. Especially in Tennessee, which has multiple campsites, it becomes crucial to understand which site would suit you the best according to your preferences.
To choose a campsite, you must be mindful of how comfortable you are with the weather conditions of each campsite. Some campsites tend to get chilly during the night. Also, you must ensure that your camp is close enough to the bathrooms. Moreover, access to a clean river would also allow you to fish and take back beautiful memories.
3. Camping With the Right Gear
If you have decided to camp in an open area with hints of wilderness for a longer duration, you need to ensure that you bring the correct equipment. To make camping an enjoyable experience, you need to plan it correctly to ensure nothing goes wrong. Here are a few essentials that you should bring to be certain you feel comfortable throughout:
- Tent:
If you’re camping on the grounds, it is vital to choose the right tent that is strong and durable. While choosing a tent, it is important that you pick the right size, or preferably a larger size for your family. Also, ensure that the tent is perfectly covered with no holes. This would allow you to stay dry in case it rains and stay carefree when it comes to bugs and mosquitos.
- Sleeping Bag:
While having a comforter or blanket would be ideal, sleeping bags are also the perfect choice for keeping yourself warm while you sleep inside a camp. A comfortable size and excellent insulation should make you sleep comfortably and add to the whole camping experience.
- Sleeping Pads:
A sleeping pad can be the difference in how your night progresses on a camping trip. It might not be a good idea to just sleep on the grounds. Opting for a sleeping pad will make a big difference in the comfort level of your experience, and hence it is mandatory to go with your gear!
- Headlamps and Lanterns:
Sleeping under the stars surely sounds dreamy, but it is vital to have sources of light when it gets pitch dark. Headlamps and lanterns are essentials that you would not want to forget. Relying on campfires as the only light source might not be a good idea, especially considering how you would require light inside the camp as well.
4. Dress Accordingly
Camping trips require you to have a variety of clothing to enjoy a memorable experience. With unpredictable weather conditions, it is smart to pack clothes for all possibilities. Keeping a pair of hiking boots with you is a must. Further, consider packing umbrellas and hats to beat the sun.
5. Food and Water
When going on a camping trip, it is important to keep an ample supply of fresh food and clean water. While some might be relying on their hunting or fishing skills for fresh meat, there is no harm in keeping food supplies just in case things go south.
For a usual trip, it would be best to keep water stores in multiple bottles and water coolers. Make sure you have more than one container of water so you do not lose all of your water in case your bottle leaks.
6. Beware of Bears
While camping, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially bears. Tennessee has around 5,500 to 6,000 bears, which is a considerably alarming number for any camping enthusiast. Bear attacks can be fatal. However, there are always some safety practices you can adopt during camping to avoid such encounters.
In case a bear approaches, there are some steps you can take. Cover your head and neck. Lay on the ground on your stomach, and keep your legs apart. Keep your backpack on to protect yourself during an attack. Stay still and avoid making any noise. This will show the bear that you aren’t a threat to it or its cubs.
For individuals who are staying on the grounds in their car, locking their vehicles and switching off unnecessary lights can make a big difference. If you are camping in a tent, ensure that you keep your campsite clean and store food in the right containers so that it doesn’t attract any bears or other animals.
Conclusion
Camping can be an exciting experience and a good way to blow off some steam from our daily lives. While it is an overall enjoyable experience, some camping trips can turn a little difficult due to weather or wilderness complexities, especially in Tennessee. This article provides detailed insights into how you can make sure you get the most out of your safe camping experience in Tennessee!