Camping Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

If you're planning a great weekend getaway, think about where you'd like to go. Plan out where you are
going to stay and get all the information necessary. If you'll be staying in a campground, make sure they
have sites to pitch tents or if you have an RV you'll need access to electricity and water. Most campsites
have a lot of features like electric and water hookups, bathrooms, dump stations, picnic areas and hiking
trails. Call for information including any restrictions, hours of operation, and driving directions. Most places
allow pets, but it's always good to ask first. Careful planning and preparation will ensure a safe camping trip.

Make sure to check all of your camping gear. Check your lanterns and camping stoves to be sure they are in
good working order, don't want any last minute surprises. Check your sleeping bags and tent to make sure
that all zippers and enclosures are working properly. Check flashlights to make sure they are working and
pack extra batteries. You should have a spare tire, jack, and emergency kit packed in the car. Don't want to
break down on the road somewhere between here and the next gas station. Make sure your tent (if you'll be
using one) has all of it's parts, tent poles, tie downs or etc. The newer tents are made a little differently and
don't have as many parts to pack and load.

Make a shopping list of supplies to pick up on the way. You'll need to shop according to what you are
bringing in the way of cooking gear. You can usually make use of 1-2 small boiling pans and at least 1
skillet. Good choices are canned pork and beans, canned chili, beef stew, ravioli, chicken and dumplings,
any ready made canned entrees or soups. If there will be a store near your campsite you have a little more
options for fresh meat and other needed items. If you won't have access to refrigeration, don't buy more
meat than you can eat at one meal. Leftover food attracts animals into the campgrounds. Make sure that
any snacks you bring are in tightly closed packages. Ziplock bags are good to use.

Always use a camp stove or approved fire pit for cooking. Campgrounds usually have BBQ grills in the
picnic area. If you are camping in the wild, be sure to build a safe fire pit, away from any trees or bushes and
only use dry kindling. Never cut down any trees no matter how small. Always make sure that fires are
completely out. Once the wood has burned down to ashes, stir them up to uncover any smoldering bits of
wood, and pour enough water on it to completely soak the area. Listen for any hissing sounds. Stir again to
make sure the fire is completely out. Give a certain amount of time to put out the fire before you will be
leaving the area. Fires can smolder for quite a while and a little wind can bring it back to life. Camping safety
is number one. Most forest fires start out as a campfire not put out properly.

Be considerate of nature, keep all trash in tightly closed trash bags and dispose in approved trash
containers. If not in a campground, keep your trash tied closed and packed into something that animals
cannot get into. You'll have to pack it back out with you. Never throw anything into lakes or streams, it
upsets the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Washing up and tooth brushing should be done 200 feet from
any running water. A good idea is to bring a bucket that you can fill to wash hands and an extra cup for
tooth brushing. The water (considered grey water) can be poured out on the ground. Just not into the
stream or lake.

Always stay on mapped out hiking trails for safety, preferably with a buddy in case of emergency. It's a
good idea to have a first aid kit on hand for bug bites or cuts acquired by hiking. Cell phones may not work
in certain areas due to elevation and access points. A satellite phone may be a better option. In national
parks there are usually places along trails with a telephone line to the ranger station.

So these are a few tips to keep you safe while having a great camping experience.

(Tips from my own camping experiences))