Skip to main content

Camping Facts You Should Know

A little knowledge can go a long way, especially when camping or spending time outdoors with a group of friends. All of the facts listed are specific to camping, and can be great conversation starters that will show off your knowledge of the outdoors to your friends. 



1. About 3 million people camp at parks run by the National Park Service every year according to the Outdoor Industry Association.

2. Deer can jump as high as 10 feet in the air from a full sprint.

3. Wildfires are probably more common than you think. Over 100,000 wildfires occur every year in the United States alone.

4. Wildfires move quickly. Some reach speeds of 14 miles per hour, so never go anywhere near a wildfire and check for advisories before heading out to a campsite.

5. Ticks must be connected to their hosts for at least a day and a half–36 hours–to pass Lyme disease.

6. In 2009 alone, there were more than 30,000 reported cases of Lyme disease.

7. A mouse can squeeze through an incredibly small space thanks to its soft skull. Zip up your tent at night–if there are holes bigger than a ballpoint pen, a mouse can get in.

8. It is a myth that fish can be humanely killed with ice water. According to Australia’s RSPCA, the most humane way to kill fish is to strike them in the head with a blunt instrument or to spike the fish.

9. You can tell the temperature by listening to a cricket chirping. Count the number of chirps in 14 seconds and add 40 for the temperature in Fahrenheit.

10. Black bears can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. They also have an incredible sense of smell, so take appropriate precautions when camping in bear territory.

11. The largest wolf species in North America grow to about six and a half feet from tail to muzzle.

12. Mosquitoes can smell the carbon dioxide in a human’s breath from over 100 feet away.

13. Hardwoods don’t spark, and seasoned hardwoods are ideal for campfires. Some (depending on your location) campsites don’t allow you to use wood from the ground, so kiln-treated hardwoods are an essential supply.

14. After a few hours, your campfire can reach temperatures of 900 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Always keep a bucket of water near your campfire in case the flames get out of control.

15. Gas stoves, charcoal grills and other fuel-burning devices can cause dangerous build-ups of carbon monoxide. Never store these devices in your tent, even when you’re not using them

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Top 5 Nude Beaches in the United States

Public nudity is something frowned upon in the United States - many of us are thankful for that -, although in Europe most beaches are nude friendly. If you want to feel a little more free, and looking for a new experience, then check out these top five nude beaches in the United States.  5. San Gregorio, San Mateo County, California  The small town of San Gregorio, home to only 287 people is just south of San Francisco. This is the oldest nude beach in the United States. San Gregorio is popular with the Bay area gay community, who are typically found on the northern part of the beach, and straight visitors tend to stay on the southern side. With two-miles of beach to explore there is a spot for everyone. No matter what side you are on, everyone stays to watch the sunset.   4. Black's Beach, San Diego California Tucked away between La Jolla and Torrey Pines State Beach, Black's Beach is incredibly secluded. Surrounded by high cliff walls, an...

My Essential Outdoor Items

When it comes to hiking, and camping I want to be as comfortable as possible, without carrying too much weight and unnecessary items. I learned the hard way on my first overnight hiking trip to Jones Gap state park how difficult it can be to hike 3+ miles with the wrong gear, and too much stuff! That is why I have decided to show you the items I currently use that maximize make my primitive camping adventures! Start with a good shelter I had no idea what I was doing when I set up my first tent, granted I wasn't alone and had my boyfriend to help; I am now the primary one to set up and take down our tent between sites. I bought my three person tent at Wal-Mart for under 30 dollars, and it is super easy to set up and is very spacious, comfortable, and light weight! This tent is simple, but also has comfort features as well; good ventilation with the removal rain cover, inside pockets to put devices or other items important to you. You don't have to fumble through you...

Top 5 Islands to Visit Before You Die

Escape to this island paradise with me!  5. Bora Bora  The small island of Bora Bora (just 6 miles long and more than 2 miles wide) overflows with beauty. Dormant volcanoes rise up at its center and fan out into lush jungle before spilling into an aquamarine lagoon. In fact, author James Michener, who wrote "Tales of the South Pacific," called Bora Bora "the most beautiful island in the world." The 18th-century British explorer James Cook even coined it as the "pearl of the Pacific." The very definition of a tropical getaway, blissful Bora Bora abounds with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters and friendly locals. Many of Bora Bora's beaches are manmade and not much to write home about. The pristine lagoons are another story. 4. St. Martin - St. Maarten If you associate the Caribbean with a laid-back atmosphere, a tranquil beach and a quiet sunset, then you haven't been to feisty St. Martin and St. Maarten. W...