Did you know that the average camper travels 186 miles for their camping trip? If you?re going far away for your outdoor adventure, you may have trouble finding what you need if you forget to pack it. Don?t have a flashlight? You don?t want to find out the hard way that the closest place to buy one is an hour away from your camping location!
These days, camping near a lake is a popular activity. Not only is there the opportunity for fishing, but kids are often more entertained when they can go swimming during the hottest part of the day. Here?s a few things you?re going to want to keep in mind if this is part of your family vacation plan!
1. Check the Lake Conditions First
Not all lakes and rivers are created equal, so you?re going to want to know what the case is before you arrive with swimsuits in hand. For example: is the lake known for being a pollutant dumping ground? Are there a ton of leeches? Could snapping turtles or water mocassins be hiding in the waters? Most campgrounds that allow swimming are likely not going to have many issues (or you can opt for campgrounds with a pool, alternatively), but there?s no point in forging your research.
2. Pack Appropriately
Make sure you have all your necessary gear before you arrive at the lake: even if there is somewhere to buy what you need, it?s likely going to be overpriced with few options available. You?ll want sunscreen, bathing suits, towels, sun hats, fishing gear, sunglasses, water goggles, and very importantly: any flotation devices for younger swimmers who may not be as confident with their skills. Will there be a place at your tent camping area to hang up your swimsuit? If not, you may want to bring clothespins and string so that you can hang them up to dry. Get it all ready beforehand and keep your swimming gear separate from the rest of your camping gear.
3. What Sort of Fish are There?
If you?ve only ever gone fishing on vacation when camping near a lake, it?s possible that there?s a lot you don?t know about the necessary preparations. Rainbow trout, for example, should be caught ideally using an ultra light rod and reel — they have decent eyesight so you shouldn?t invest in any line that is easier to see in the water. Many types of lures work for them, including spoons, plugs and jigs. Every fish is different, though, so look up the best ways to catch them ahead of time (or have a backup plan for dinner time!).
Are you planning on camping near a lake? Keep these tips in mind and you’ll have a great family camping trip this summer.