Some important Camping Safety Tips

For lovers of the great outdoors, there is no pastime that renders greater joy than camping out under the stars. Whether the plan is to ?rough it? in a tent or a family outing to a national park, bringing along the proper camping gear and accessories as well as observing important Camping Safety Tips insure that your camping experience will be fun and safe.

Pay careful attention to the following Camping Safety Tips

1- Pack a first-aid kit and other emergency supplies.
There is no substitute for being a boy scout: namely, being prepared. A first-aid kit can make the difference between life or death should a member of the camping group suffer a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics, bug spray, a snakebite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen. Camping equipment and supplies should also include: maps, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire-starter, whistle, warm clothing, high-energy food and water.

~

2-Do not be a pioneer and/or explorer of new trail routes.
While traveling to your favorite camping spot, stay on designated roads and trails. (Remember that Daniel Boone would have done so if he could have.) Don?t create new routes or expand existing trails. Cross streams only at fords where the road or trail crosses the water and comply with all signs and barriers.

3- Always be aware of the danger of fire.
If you plan to cook on your camping trip, consider using a camp stove rather than a campfire. Camp stoves are kinder to the environment. If you must build a fire, observe all restrictions and use existing fire rings, build a mound fire, or use a fire pan. Do not cut standing trees and use only fallen timber for campfires. Always allow the wood to burn down to a fine ash and pour water on the fire, drowning all embers until the hissing sound stops. Stir the campfire ashes and embers until everything is wet and cold to the touch. If you don?t have water, use dirt.

4-Use portable toilets and pack out waste.

In areas without toilets, use a portable latrine. If that is not possible, you may need to bury your waste. Human waste should be disposed of in a shallow hole six to eight inches deep at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites, or trails. Cover and disguise the hole with natural materials. It is recommended to pack out your toilet paper. High use areas may have other restrictions, so check with a land manager.

5- Beware of wildlife and poisonous plants
Keep your campsite clean and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. This will help to ward off potentially dangerous and unpredictable bears that are attracted by the scent of food. Never feed or approach a bear. Use a flashlight at night as many animals feed nocturnally and a flashlight could serve as a beacon for them to avoid your campsite.

Familiarize yourself with the poisonous plants indigenous to your camping area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion such as calamine.

6- Be considerate of other campers
Respect the rights of others. Among the many Camping Safety Tips, this may seem too obvious to mention, but it still needs to be said. This caveat also applies to private property owners and all recreational trail users you may pass along the way. When driving yield to horses, hikers, and bikers. Keep noise to a minimum, especially in the early morning and evening hours. Consider the privacy of others and keep your distance whenever it is possible.

Generally speaking, do your part by leaving the camp area better than you found it. Following these Camping Safety Tips can almost guarantee that your camping experience will be positive and one that you will want to repeat over and over again as the great outdoors lures you onward into the folds of its sweet and peaceful beauty and repose.