Good preparation for an adventure out in the wilderness requires good planning which would lead to a safer,
rewarding, and a more enjoyable trip. The basic premise of the outing depends on whether your trip will be
using an RV, a trailor, or a tent as your home base. The plans you formulate will begin here.
Choosing your destination could be your next item to research. There are several parks in the U.S. that provide
a wide range of activities and experiences to encounter. Your choice would depend on whether you are
looking for forest, desert, or beach environments.
A factor that also needs to be planned are the amenities available at each park and campground that are
being considered. Some sites are equipped with with features as if you are staying at home. Some even
have available lodges that are equivalent to that of being in a motel. Those sites that are available to take
in the whole experience of camping in a tent in the wilderness also offer a variable number of amenities
such as cell phone service, showers, wifi, ice, toilets, laundry, full-time staff available, firewood, ice, and even
a camp store to purchase supplies on site.
Communication Devices
Every camping adventure will have it's own specific set of gear needed to make for a safe and enjoyable
trip. This can be important considering the setting of the trip, the time of year, the difficulty of planned
activities, and the duration of the trip.
A cell phone is a must requirement on outings, especially in wilderness areas. Check with the specific
park that you will be visiting to determine if cell service is available. If so, make sure to visit with the
local park rangers and acquire their phone number in case of an emergency. Some parks may not have
cell towers in the area. If this is the case, it may be to your advantage to purchase a personal locator beacon.
These can be critical if someone in your group happens to get lost in the wilderness.
First-Aid
A first-aid kit would be a good idea in those campgrounds where park ranger stations are not available for help.
But in anycase, a minor accident could happen on the hiking trail that would be a good idea to treat minor
injuries immediately to prevent an infection. Also, the kit may contain extra medications that a person would
be taking on a regular basis, plus simple pain killer for minor aches and pains.
Safe Camp
Setting up your camp is of prime importance that leads to a safe and enjoyable experience. Setting up you tent
in a level and rock free spot is best. Some campsites offer elevated platforms where you can easily setup your
tent. The raised platforms also contribute to establishing boundaries around your tent to prevent from tripping
on tent ropes and supports. Stake-out an area away from the tent which will serve as your campfire for your trip.
Clear brush and leaves nearby to prevent fires from escaping the fire ring established. Food storage can be
another issue to consider. Some sites, those which may have wild animals lurking around such as, racoons,
possums, coyotes, or bears may provide metal lockers to store food. Disposal of food items may need to be
considered also since this may again attract wild animals to your site. Also, when looking for that perfect
camping spot, keep an eye out for those areas that are well shaded, especially during summer months.
Campfire Safety
It's best to have a way to extinguish the fire easily and quickly with a bucket of water, pile of dirt, and
shovel nearby. Never leave a fire unattended, including in the evening when its time to hit the sleeping bags for
the evenings rest. Keeping the campfire as small as needed to cook your meals and maybe to keep warm while
out in the open while enjoying the evening stars would be a good idea. Be aware of the weather conditions at
the time. Windy and extremely dry conditions may cause an issue with a fire getting out of control. Never use
gasoline to start a fire. Gasoline can be very unpredictable and dangerous in a campfire area. Also, while
attending a fire, be aware of the proximity of children and pets around the heat and flames.
Watch The Weather
The weather that is present before and during your trip can direct your preparations and concerns while out
in the wilderness. One of the best knowledge and information that can determine the success of your camping
trip is understanding weather patterns. It will help in the preparation of what supplies and equipment may be
useful and required during the outing. Common weather patterns to be aware of are:
High-pressure systems - clear skies, sunny days, and generally calm weather.
Low-pressure systems - cloudy skies, rain, and storms.
Frontal systems - the meeting of warm and cold air, resulting in rain, snow, or thunderstorms.
Trade winds - seasonal wind patterns that are associated with longer periods of wet or dry conditions.
Weather at times can prove to be very unpredictable which could have an impact on our outdoor activities and
safety. This can be even more challenging in some areas more than other. For example the impact of high
winds on a flat plain area, heavy rain in mountainous and hilly terrain resulting in flash floods and high water
crossing situations. These situations can possibly present slippery paths on some trails. Heavy snow can
actually at times hide the predetermined trails and cause situations of getting lost.
Pet Safety
Days of planning for the long awaited camping trip is finally here. You managed to take into consideration
the activities that are on the agenda to be carried out and to be enjoyed. You have listed and managed the
collection of supplies that are required. You have also managed to track the weather in and around the
campgrounds that you are visiting. You are ready to head out the door with the family and pet to your
destination. Make sure you have also taken into consideration the plans necessary for the comfort and
safety of your pet. Your pet is spending a few days at an umfamiliar environment, and their needs have to be
evaluated and be prepared for to make their adventure enjoyable. Common things to plan for and be aware
of can be:
Identification
Photos and medical records
Essentials
Medications
Toys
Constraints
Tools
Locate nearby veterinary office
Identification
Make sure your pet has a reflective collar with an ID tag in case they might wonder off or get lost. They are out
in an unfamiliar area to them, and they can easily wonder off a good distance away if they are not aware on how
to get back to you. Inspect their collar and tags before you start your trip to make sure they are in good
conditon. A worn collar can possibly get hung up on brush as your pet is wondering through the wilderness, and
possibly be torn off. A microchip is also a good idea to have planned for as an extra safety procedure since
most shelters and veterinary clinics check for these. For those pet owners that are a bit more cautious, a tracking
device would better insure of locating your pet when it wonders off.
Photos and medical records
There is always a possibility of your pet getting lost. Being out in an unfamiliar environment in nature, your pet
will be excited to explore. Lots of sites and smells out there to entrique your pet to wonder off in search of
interesting new experiences. Make sure you brought along with you photos of your pet in case a search has to
be initiated to find you pet. Also make sure that the tags are up to date to match your identity when claiming
your pet once found. Purchasing a glow collar to have your pet wear during the trip may be a good idea in case
your pet is lost at night. This will make it easiery to spot your lost pet at night. If your pet had possibly been
injured during its adventure, make sure you have brought with you on your trip the medical records that may
be requested by the veterinary staff.
Essentials
It's a good idea to have a seperate storage bin of all the essential food and snacks that your pet will need for
as long as you will be away from home. Bring along the same foods that your pet is use to and normally eats.
Sometimes giving your pet different foods may upset their stomach, and this would not be a good scenario if
this transpires away from home. If you normally give your pet tab water from your home on a daily basis, bringing
containers of that same water would be an added precaution for those finiky pets. A good tip also is not letting
your pets drink from natural ponds and lakes. Especially ponds with standing water. Microbes in these areas
could prove to be an issue. Keeping your pets satisfied at meal times is also a good idea to be kept in mind.
You wouldn't want your pet to be out in nature sampling what nature may have provided as a temping treat.
This could be a reason to unexpectedly needing to visit a nearby veterinary clinic for digestive issues.
Medications
A good practice to keep in mind is to have a pouch or storage bin with a sample of your pets medications to
carry them through for a few days. Medications that have been fed to your pet for common issues such as
ringworm, stomach problems, insect bites, or bee stings. Also, topical medications for such issues as skin
irritations, insect bit sprays, or minor scraps may be a good idea to have their own supply of these items.
Toys
Taking a supply of your pets favorite toys may be a good idea to keep your pet feel more at home, and keep them
preoccupied, especially when socializing and enjoying those marshmellow roasting good times near the campfire.
After a long hike with the family and your pet, you may be looking forward to getting back to the campsite to
rest and recuperate. This would be a great time to have your pets attention on their toys, allowing you that
relaxing time away from yor pet for awhile. Also, if your pet has the habbit of barking at strangers at times,
his favorite toy may be a blessing for your fellow campers. This would be essential in keeping good social
relations with fellow campers.
Constraints
Essential items to make sure you pack before you leave home with your pet, are the proper contraints for you pet
when you are out on a campsite. When walking your pet, the typical leash would be essential. Pets will have
the curriosity to wonder from your side at an unfamiliar environment, and other pets and animals could stir
their curiosity to leave your side. At the campsite, ground anchors and leashes provide a safe constraint to keep
your pets near by. To give your pet more safe access to the campsite and around campfires, a zip line between
trees will not only be safer for your pet, but also offer them more room to wonder around your camping area.
You can also provide a blanket on the ground to keep insects and bugs away. For those pet owners that desire
a more secure situation for their pet, and especially practical for smaller dogs or even cats, is to bring along a
pet playpen. These provides your pet with a screened-in habitat that keeps them safe, and protects them from
insect bits. These are basically screened tents for pets that contains them in their own space temporarily.
Tools
In the tools category, there can be such items as a pooper scooper, rope, pet anchors, zip lines,
hammer to drive in pegs, poop bags, and possibly a poop container. Keeping the campsite as a poop-free zone
would possibly be a pleasant practice to maintain during your outdoor stay.
Locate nearby veterinary office
A precaution that is hopefully never needed, is to located before the trip where the nearest veterinary clinic is
located nearby at the campgrounds that you are headed to. Out in the wilderness, many possibilities could arise,
and you would want to be prepared for any contigency plan to provide the care and medical emergency provisions
your pet may require. Mapping out the location of the nearest veterinary clinic before hand would allow for the
best timely arrival to get help to your pet.
need.
Be Aware Of The Environment
Camping can be a moment in your life to press the Reset button. Leaving behind daily routines and pressures, creating long
lasing memories to last a life time, and reconnecting with nature and friends while having a good time. Your camping
trip is basically a visit with nature. We are intruding in the ecosystem of a natural habitat that belongs to the
wildlife that lives and thrives there. So in order to enjoy and respect that environment for a short period of time,
we should strive to maintain the campgrounds in a clean and environmentally friendly manner. There is one
predominant idea that should be adhered to when striving to be a conscientious camper, and that is the
belief of Leave No Trace while on site. The principles involved with this basic idea are:
Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Respect of fellow campers
Plan ahead and prepare
Research the area you plan on visiting. Map out routes to get there and maybe a seperate route to return home.
This is of special consideration in the case of certain sites you may want to see while traveling to the location, and
possibly other sites along the way back by following a different route home. Most organized campgrounds will have
rules and regulations posted and advertised that should be followed while on site. It would be considerate to the
staff on site if these guidelines are adhered to. They are formulated for the safety of the environment and also
other campers you will be sharing the outdoors with. These restrictions may be concerning campfires, vehicle
limitations, off-trail hiking procedures, people per camping site, time limit of a reservation, and
power generator limitations. There will also be information on the amenities provided at each campground.
These may include availability of showers, trash service, water, restrooms, food storage lockers, on site store,
firewood to purchase, and cell phone or wifi connectivity. Some sites may also provide information regarding
the nearest town that may supply other purchasable items such as food, gas, and souvenirs. Also, in your
research of the site you plan to visit, attempt to obtain phone numbers of the staffing office on site. This will
help in getting advice if there are issues with directions or other inquiries that may come to mind that would
help make your visit more enjoyable over your stay.
Part of the planning stage of your trip that occurs days before the trip also includes preparing your equipment.
Make sure all items that you plan to take are in good working order. This can include radios, walkie talkies, stoves,
flashlights, generators, cell phone and their associated external power banks. One tip that can help with the
future plan of setting up camp, is do a practice run at setting up your tent. This can be done in your backyard
at home. This is especially useful if you had purchased a new tent and have never set it up before.
Another issue to consider in the planning phase is organizing your meals. Prepare and organize a daily meal
plan so that you have set what you will be eating on a daily basis. This would involve planning to use plastic
containers to store your food instead of the packaging that comes from the grocery store. For instance,
removing bologna from the store packaging and store in plastic containers. This allows for more easily
accessing foods, helps with preservation, and reduces the amount of trash you produce on site. This all leads
to reducing your ecological footprint.
An important safety planning step to practice would be to inform close family and friends of your planned
camping adventure. Discuss your planned time and day that you will be leaving home, the route you will be
taking, and maybe any sites or stops along the way that are in your itinerary. It would be a good idea to discuss
what you plan to do on each day of your visit. And give them a schedule and route of the day you plan to
return home. The idea is that others should know where you are on each day of your trip. Of course, periodic
phone calls to family back home to let them know you are having an enjoyable time and are safe. Keep in mind
that some campgrounds may not have cell phone service, so the planning of this with family beforehand is
recommended.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
The practice of focusing camping routines on durable surface means that you physically tread on areas that
have been designed for visitors to temporarily occupy. This puts a critical focus on trying to maintain natural
habitats for wildlife to continue to thrive and maintain their environment. For example, when hiking, stay on
designated trails. These trails are allocated for human traffic, and outlaying areas are meant to be preserved
for the natural inhabitants of the campgrounds. This includes maintaining the ecosystem of vegitation, insects,
and wildlife that depend on these areas. Try to focus your activities on the camping trip to those areas in the
campgrounds that are meant for human occupation. In lending to this practice, some campgrounds provide
raised beds where it is expected where tents should be erected. It would be best to follow these
recommendations.
Dispose of waste properly
Leaving no trace of your stay at the site, lends to your effort of respecting the campground facility and respect
to nature and the environment. Clean up the site of any trash, dispose of any food you have left over in the proper
receptacles. Bring garbage bags with you in case you plan to visit a campground that has no trash disposal
container, although most campground do have some means to dispose of trash. It't also a good practice to not
throw leftover food on the ground to leave for wildlife. This would habitualize the wildlife to human food, and
this would create a problem of wildlife of routinely visiting the campsite around humans. Normally a visiting
squirrel may not be a problem, but it may be an issue if bears or coyottes make this a habit. Make sure the
campfire is completely extinguished and the ashes are properly spread around and leveled off. This would
allow the next visitor after you to move into a campsite that was respectfully taken care of. It would also be
a good practice to be considerate when using the supplied amenities such as the restrooms, drinking facilities,
showers, and picnic tables. Strive to maintain a clean and respectful presence while at the site.
Leave what you find
When camping outdoors one of the pleasures we look forward to experiencing is the feeling we
witness from the natural calmness and serenity of being in the wilderness. So to maintain this legacy for us and
those who come to appreciate the pleasures that the countryside has to offer, it's important to appreciate and
respect the environment without disturbing or removing any natural artifacts we encounter. We are merely a
visitor to these natural settings. Nature provides for us beautiful scenic landscapes, breath taking meadows
and forests, and colorful delicate flora. They are there for everyone to enjoy and not to acquire for souvenirs or
momentos. It is also tempting to approach wildlife in their habitats. Feeding wildlife is also not a good idea. This
can distrupt their natural foraging habits and possibly alter the ecosystem in which they are a part of. The best
way to collect momentos and experiences is by taking pictures of your adventures as they happen.
Minimize campfire impacts
One of the best times and memories when experiencing what camping can offer to us is the site and smells of
the overnight campfire. Sitting in from of the fire roasting weiners and marshmellows, or cooking the evening
meal is unforgettable. Gathered together with friends and family around the campfire are moments that create
lasting memories and conversations. It is an experience that should be carried with thoughtfullness and
respect towards the natural environment in which we are temporarily enjoying.
Before starting a campfire, check with the campground staff in the area for any restrictions that may be
currently in place. Restrictions could be temporarily in place due to dry conditions, or certain restrictions
outlined in the park regulations. Most campground areas provide fire rings for this purpose. The idea here
is to contain the fire in a specific location at each campsite. These fire rings are also placed at the proper
distance from tent platforms provided for safety reasons. Keep fires a small as necessary. It only requires
a small fire to provide warmth and the heat necessary to cook your meals. Only use wood as fuel to your fire.
Burning trash, food packaging, or other fuels can release toxic fumes to the delicate ecosystem. Just before
leaving the campsite, restore the fire pit to its natural state by scattering coals and spreading out ashes.
Respect wildlife
One of the most exciting and memorable experiences on the camping trip may be the encounter with wildlife
in their natural habitat. Running across deer, squirrels, raccoons, possums, or birds can be a picture event
to help create a memory of the time that you took part in the wildlife experience. These moments should be
partaken in a distance to respect the habitat in which these creatures live, especially if a bear in encountered.
It's a good idea to keep safety in mind when observing wildlife. And it depends on the situation you are
presented with to determine the advisable distance for safety purposes. Cameras and binoculars can be
utilized to better view from longer distances. While out in the wilderness, it's important not to feed wildlife.
Human food can be physically upsetting to their digestive system and can cause illness or death. This can also
have an impact on their natural foraging habits. When hiking, stay on the trail designated by park regulations.
Intruding on nesting sites, burrows, or breeding areas can cause a disruption to ther habitat and can at times
be dangerous from the encounter of a mother protecting its young. Around these areas would also be respectful
to be as quiet as possible to not disturb the natural behavior of wildlife.
Respect of fellow campers
While out at the campsite you are sharing the campgrounds with other campers sometimes in relatively close
quarters. That means whatever activities you may be enjoying, you are actually sharing the experience with
others nearby. Everyone wants to have a good time and wishing to create memories for their family and friends.
Respect for other campers around you is a good practice to keep in mind. When you arrive at the camp site, try
to organize the camping area that is respectful of others around you . Maintain your boundaries for your
designated site and don't encrouch on other. Some campers strive for more privacy than maybe others, and
try to keep this in mind. This also includes the noise level coming from everyones party. Loud music can be
a prime irritation to some campers who are looking for peaceful and tranquil experience. Be polite and
friendly in interacting with other campers at shared amenities offered by the campgrounds and while sharing
the trail during hiking outings. Pets can be a subject needing close consideration. Some dogs may have
the habit of barking at strangers. Keep control of pets out at the site at all times. If this could be an issue,
then consider leaving pets with family or friends back home. Be considerate of normal sleeping times at the
site. It's a good idea to keep noise and excess lighting down between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM. Give
everyone the opportunity to enjoy a meaningful camping experience that they have anxiously planned and
have been looking forward to creating good times and positive memories.
Protect from the sun
Looking forward to that camping trip and the idea of being out on the boat or mixing with nature can prove to
be very exciting times to look forward to. Keep in mind that some of that fun and excitement can be dulled by
staying out in the sun too long and end up getting a bad sunburn. That burning sensation even at night while
in the tent trying to get to sleep to be prepared for the next day of activities can be difficult to do when your skin
feels like its on fire. Getting too much UV light will not only give you a nasty sunburn but more physically
significant it can be the cause of skin cancer. So, practicing sun safety is a good idea to keep in mind while
at the campsite, on the boat, or on the hiking trails. To be safe attempt to follow these guidelines:
Wear sunscreen
Seek out shade as much as possible
Cover exposed skin with your clothing
Stay hydrated
Wear sunscreen
Staying safe in the sun will prevent any skin issues that can be easily avoided. Too much sun can give a nasty
sunburn that can almost take the fun out of a camping trip. Even worse and long term, this possibly could lead
to skin cancer. It's recommended to use a broad-spectrum UV protection of at least SPF 30. The sun emits two
types of radiation, UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays mainly affect by increasing the signs of aging on the skin such
as wrinkles and sagging. While UVB rays are more responsible for sunburn and carcinogenic effect on the skin.
Seek out shade as much as possible
Finding shade is the best way to protect yourself from the sun. There are several way depending what you are
doing and where you are at. One of the items on your packing list before you head out the door on your camping
trip would be a canopy. There are several different kinds from size to open or screened. These can be used
to erect just outside your tent for socializing or just relaxing while enjoying the scenery at the site. To elevate
the comfort aspect of the camp, you can add a folding table and some chairs or even a picnic table underneath.
If you had planned on cooking on a table top stove, this would even enhance the camping experience by creating
a camping kitchen under the canaopy and cooking most of your meals there. You can leave the nightly weiner and
marshmello roasting on the camptire. There are also netted canopies that can be utilized in areas or at certain
times of the year were mosquitos seem to invade your campsite. These can me zipped up and keep most of
the flying pests out of your airspace. They also tendo to cut down on the breeze on those strong windy days.
Another more compact approach to creating a shaded barrier from the sun are camping umbrellas. These are
portable, lightweight and simple to setup. They are easy to carry, and is a great option on the hiking trail or on
the beach. They can also be used as a simple umbrella when that unexpected rain shower appears wherever
you might out in nature. Also, seek out natural forms of shading. When choosing a campsite to setup your tent,
look for sites that have plenty of trees. Sometimes natural methods of getting shade around the campsite like
trees seem to offer a more adventurous feeling of bonding with nature and better experiencing the outdoor life.
But, you can't expect to acquire a campsite with an abundance of trees, so packing a canopy as a safe option
would be recommended. On the hiking trail, looking for a shady spot under a tree would be a good choice to
take a break. Another option here would be seeking shade around rock formations. Cliffs, boulders, and canyons
can serve to offer some shade, but this is somewhat limited for instance during high noon. With the sun directly
up above, shade may be limited for an hour or so.
Cover exposed skin with your clothing
This option of shielding yourself from the sun is a bit more complicated than first thought. If your plan to spend
allot of time around the campsite or you plan to be out on a boat, there may not be an unexpected amout of
physical activity planned. In this case, wearing a long sleeve shirt and pants with a hat would greatly limit your
exposure to the sun. There are great shirts out on the market that offer a UPF(ultraviolet protection factor)
rating. This rating shows how much UV radiation the fabric will allow the sun to reach your skin. For example,
if you get a shirt with UPF 50 rating, only 1/50 or 2 percent of the sun's rays will penetrate your clothing.
On the hiking trail, or if you expect to be performing greater amount of physical activity, it may be advisable to
wear hiking shorts. Hiking shorts are more comfortable to wear on the trail since they don't restrict your
movement and allow for a more range of movements that may be required while navigating the terrain. Shorts
are also cooler to wear during the summer months and help to keep you cooler by not trapping heat during
the physically challenging walk. So what is the best choice here? Being cooler on the trail but exposing your
legs to the harmful UV rays? Well, maybe a factor to consider also is the ruggedness of the trail should also be
considered. Normally rough terrain may introduce occasional scratches and scrapes, so this is a decision you
will just have to weigh out on your own. But in either case, don't forget your hat and sunglasses.
Stay hydrated
The recommended practice of staying hydrated is to take sips throughout the day. Try to avoid taking gulps or
filling up with water all at once during thirsty periods. During the day in hot weather keep water with you. Water
bottles are a very convenient method of having water easily at your finger tips. On the hiking trail, there are
water hydration bladders that can be used. The are leakproof pouches that can be carried in your backpack
with a connected hose that can be easily drinking from while walking on the trail. There are also pouches that
are strapped to the back just like a backpack to be used for the same purpose. Also to maintain the body's
electrolyte balance, certain drinks can be obtained for this purpose. Tables are also available to add to the
water supply to keep you electrolytes balance in check. Nourishment through consuming fruits like bananas
and oranges will help including salty snacks. Keeping a spray bottle filled with water can be a very relaxing
and enjoyable solution to keep from overheating and hydrated.