Camping Guide: A Basic Guide to Safe Camping

For those who love the outdoors, camping can be a great getaway. It can also be a miserable or downright dangerous experience if one is not prepared. Here is a basic list of things for a summer adventure that will help you to have a fun.

First Aid Kit -- This is the most essential part of your camping gear. It needs to be a good kit, not just a few band-aids. Some good things to add to this kit are: bug spray, Tylenol, ibuprofen, sunscreen, aloe vera lotion, bug bite kits, and depending on your area, snake bite kits. If you or any of your fellow camp-mates are on medication, its also a good idea to have some in your kit. Along with that kit, you need to bring someone who can use it (someone who knows first aid). It is also a good thing to have someone who knows CPR. If you don't know first aid, learn! And if you do, refresh at least every year.

Food & Water -- Of course this is the next thing that you will need. Who wants to camp hungry & thirsty? It is a good idea to take a water purification kit with you, too. There are tablet and pump-type purifiers.

Map & Compass -- You may not be going far but a map and compass are invaluable. If you don't know how to use them, find out. If used properly, they can keep you from getting lost or help you find your way back.

Tent -- When camping I like to take a four-man tent for two people (it gives you more room for your gear). Make sure that it has a waterproof bottom and a rain cover.

Fire-starting Kit -- Check with your local forest service station for whether or not you can have fires. It is good to have wet/dry strike anywhere matches. A sharp pocket knife is something that I always take when camping.

Extra Clothes -- Make sure that you have at least one change of extra clothes (two or three changes of socks). Put your extra clothes in a gallon zip-lock bag or trash bag. This is to keep them dry; it wouldn't do to have your extra clothes get wet.

Sleeping Bag -- In the summer it can still get very cold in the mountains; again check your local forest service station for information. If it is too warm to sleep in it, sleep with it unzipped (make sure your tent is closed nice and tight).

Other Odds and Ends -- Flashlight, hygiene care, toilet paper, extra batteries, trail mix, granola bars, peanut M&Ms, 2-way radios, tools, canteens, and a hat (it's best if it's a hat with a wide brim).

A Plan -- This is a crucial part to the to-do list. You need to make a plan of where you are going, how long you are going, the route, when you will be back, and who is in your party (along with health info like medications needed). You need to make a copy of this plan and leave it with a relative or trusted friend. This is a very important thing, if something happens it will help rescue parties. Never go camping alone, especially if no one knows your plan!

Know what to do in special situations such as lighting and other storms, flooding, animal attacks, injury, and getting lost, among others. Learn how to camp safely. Keep in mind that there are other campers; please respect them.

This list is by no means complete, but it is a start. Check with your local forest service for information about your area and other things they would suggest to take with you. Add anything that will help you have a safe, legal, and enjoyable camping trip.

These are some of the simple guidelines that have kept me safe in the many camping trips that I have been on. Camping is normally safe, but be aware of the dangers and prepare for them: camp at your own risk.