Someone Gets Hurt
Whether you're on a hike, at the beach or just relaxing at the campsite, if someone gets hurt, it can affect everyone, especially if the injury needs medical attention.
How to Avoid: Always put safety first. Practice safe hiking on the trails and make it a priority at the campsite. For example, don't get too close to the fire and don't feed animals.
More: 8 Hiking Safety Tips
You Get Poison Ivy
It's itchy, it's painful and it can definitely ruin your camping trip. If you're exploring unknown territory, it's easy to accidentally brush one of these plants with your leg, arm or foot.
How to Avoid: There are two ways to fix this. First, dress appropriately on the trail: wear close-toed shoes, tall socks and pants if possible. The second fix is to have a poison ivy treatment, like calamine lotion, in your pack or at the campsite.
More: How to Avoid Poisonous Plants
You Get Sick
When you get sick at home, you can cancel plans and stay in bed all day. When you're sick at the campsite, you can't find the same kind of respite.
How to Avoid: Prevent sickness by staying fueled on your adventures and drinking water all day. If you do get sick, and it's not serious, take it easy and relax around the campsite. Go to bed earlier, sleep in if you can, and avoid junk food.
It Rains
Even if you have a rainfly for your tent and a shelter to eat and relax under, rain affects any camping trip in a negative manner. Hiking and exploring isn't safe in the rain, and it's just plain uncomfortable.
How to Avoid: Always check the weather before you leave. If there's a good chance of rain, reschedule your trip. Regardless, always pack rain-friendly activities like cards, books, and toys for little kids.
More: 10 Tips for Camping in the Rain
Hiking Trails are Non-Existent
Camping and hiking go hand in hand, but if there are no hiking trails, or they're poorly maintained, there's suddenly much less to do.
How to Avoid: If you don't realize this until you get there, ask the campground manager or a local resident where you can find another trail or wilderness area. It's likely that there's something close by.
An Unhappy Camper
Few things are worse than camping with someone who doesn't want to be there. A miserable attitude can rub off on you and other campers, making everyone's trip a bummer.
How to Avoid: Invite them on a hike or bike ride to see if a change of scenery will boost their spirits.
More: 5 Ways to Be a Happy Camper
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