Tent camping is a great way to extend your hiking or kayaking adventure. However, limited space in the holds of your kayak or in the pockets of your backpack will determine what and how much you can bring. Too much or too little of any particular item can either slow you down or shorten your trip. Worse yet, it could jeopardize your safety. Checklists are a great way to remember what to bring and will help you develop an adequate plan for the length of your trip.
Tent camping also provides a unique opportunity to build friendships or family relationships through the shared experiences of your camping adventure. Memories from a camping trip will be treasured for a lifetime. Camping EtiquetteBeing a good neighbor is a big part of enjoying your camping experience. Campgrounds are typically shared with other campers who will be living in closer proximity to your campsite than in your own neighborhood! Always be considerate of other campers. You also have the right to consideration from others. Many campgrounds have rules posted around camp. Follow them. Here are a few tips on being a good camping neighbor, even when there are no officially posted rules.
If you carry it in, carry it out! This will eliminate litter.
Unless you have obtained a special backcountry camping permit, camp in a designated campsite within the campground.
Protect water sources from contamination.
Use biodegradable soap, or try hot water soapless dishwashing, bathing and clothes washing.
When using soap (even biodegradable) and toothpaste, dispose of the wastewater at least 100 feet away from natural water sources and well or faucet water sources.
Control your noise levels and your pet's.
Be respectful of the natural environment -- keep the trees and shrubs alive and growing.
When hiking, stay on designated trails. This keeps damage to vegetation and erosion in one place.
Always keep your dog on a leash no longer that 6 feet
Barking and not cleaning up after your pet is inconsiderate and leads to many complaints from other campers. Campers are responsible for their pets at all times. Do not leave them unattended. Pets should be on a leash 6 feet or less, in length and kept away from public swimming areas.
Avoid borrowing tables from other sites. This creates problems for campground managers and other campers, when they must retrieve the table for the site from which it was taken.
Quiet Hours are typically from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Voices carry far at night. Moderation is essential.
Nails and wires should not be used on trees because they can cause serious damage to trees. It is illegal in some states to put nails into a tree, unless you have permission from the landowner. Burn damage will permanently scar or kill a tree.
Before leaving the campsite, clean your fire pit for the next camper.
Clean your campsite before leaving. Make it as clean as you would want it if you were arriving that day. The next camper will appreciate it.
Camping Safety Tips
Camping is a fun and safe activity enjoyed by millions every year. Big problems are unlikely. Having safety awareness will allow you to deal with little things as they pop up and could prevent an issue from becoming a trip buster. Here are some important tips for camping safely.
Exercise caution. If you are a beginning camper, use the camping check lists found on this website.
Take enough food, clothing, and equipment to keep you comfortable in case of emergency.
Tell someone where you will be, and when you plan to be home, in case someone needs to find you.
A safety flare, whistle, air horn, flashlight or fire starter could help others find you if you get lost. This equipment can be purchased at GI Joes, REI or most other stores that sell outdoor recreation equipment.
Always plan where to meet should one of your family members get separated
Plan to return to camp well before dark. Remember that daylight hours are shorter in the fall and winter.
Weather can be unpredictable. Check the weather forecast for the area. Carry a weather radio if possible.
Before you get started check the weather and terrain and dress appropriately
Be alert to approaching storms, and seek appropriate shelter
Poisonous snakes, ticks and poisonous plants may be found along trails. Exercise caution.
Avoid tick bites by staying on trails and avoiding grassy, brushy areas. Wear light colored clothing so ticks can be seen. Tuck shirts into pants and pant legs into socks. Do not wear shorts on the trails. If a tick is attached to your skin, grab it with tweezers and remove it. Do not crush the tick's body, as this can force bacteria into your skin. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If you think part of the tick has remained in the skin, or if you think the tick has been attached for longer than 48 hours, seek medical attention. Be alert to a subsequent fever or skin rash. Report these to the doctor.
If you are camping in an area where there are wild animals such as bear, cougar or coyote, etc., you should carry some form of personal protection device, such as pepper spray. Whatever you carry, have it readily available and know how to use it! The best protection is never to engage in outdoor activity alone
Check your first aid kits before each trip. Replace any missing items like Band-Aids, and check expiration dates on medicines and ointments.
Bob T.
Camping Safety Tips
Camping is a fun and safe activity enjoyed by millions every year. Big problems are unlikely. Having safety awareness will allow you to deal with little things as they pop up and could prevent an issue from becoming a trip buster. Here are some important tips for camping safely.
Exercise caution. If you are a beginning camper, use the camping check lists found on this website.
Take enough food, clothing, and equipment to keep you comfortable in case of emergency.
Tell someone where you will be, and when you plan to be home, in case someone needs to find you.
A safety flare, whistle, air horn, flashlight or fire starter could help others find you if you get lost. This equipment can be purchased at GI Joes, REI or most other stores that sell outdoor recreation equipment.
Always plan where to meet should one of your family members get separated
Plan to return to camp well before dark. Remember that daylight hours are shorter in the fall and winter.
Weather can be unpredictable. Check the weather forecast for the area. Carry a weather radio if possible.
Before you get started check the weather and terrain and dress appropriately
Be alert to approaching storms, and seek appropriate shelter
Poisonous snakes, ticks and poisonous plants may be found along trails. Exercise caution.
Avoid tick bites by staying on trails and avoiding grassy, brushy areas. Wear light colored clothing so ticks can be seen. Tuck shirts into pants and pant legs into socks. Do not wear shorts on the trails. If a tick is attached to your skin, grab it with tweezers and remove it. Do not crush the tick's body, as this can force bacteria into your skin. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If you think part of the tick has remained in the skin, or if you think the tick has been attached for longer than 48 hours, seek medical attention. Be alert to a subsequent fever or skin rash. Report these to the doctor.
If you are camping in an area where there are wild animals such as bear, cougar or coyote, etc., you should carry some form of personal protection device, such as pepper spray. Whatever you carry, have it readily available and know how to use it! The best protection is never to engage in outdoor activity alone
Check your first aid kits before each trip. Replace any missing items like Band-Aids, and check expiration dates on medicines and ointments.
