Whether roughing it in a tent or planning a family outing to a national forest, there are many ways to ensure a fun and safe camping experience. Consider the following safety tips.
Check the weather report
Before you leave, check the weather. When you arrive at the site, watch the skies for changes and carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, find shelter until the worst passes. Stay dry — wet clothes contribute to heat loss. Also, keep sleeping bags and essential gear dry at all times.
Pack a first-aid kit
Your first-aid kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting, or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, bandages, tweezers, insect repellent, pain relievers, and sunscreen.
Bring emergency supplies
In addition to a first-aid kit, bring emergency supplies such as a map, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high-energy food, and water.
Arrive early
Plan your trip so that you arrive at your campsite with enough daylight to check over the entire site and set up camp.
Inspect the site
Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. A site with trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.
Pitch your tent in a safe spot
Make sure your tent is made of a flame-retardant fabric and set up far enough away from the campfire. Keep insects out of your tent by closing the entrance quickly when entering or leaving.
Make sure your fires are always attended
Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically — a grill or stone surface is ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with water, ensuring all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Embers buried deep within the pile can reignite later.
Beware of poisonous plants
Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants common to the 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.
Learn the basics of treating emergencies
Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
Avoid areas of natural hazards
Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble due to rain. Areas that could flood or become extremely muddy can pose a problem.
Be cautious when using a propane stove
Read the instructions that come with the stove and propane cylinder. Use the stove only for cooking. Never leave it unattended while it’s burning.
Find out if you can have a campfire, charcoal briquette barbecue or stove
Before you leave, contact the closest Forest Service office to where you are going or your campsite office and ask about current fire restrictions. You may also need a specific camping permit, depending on which state you are visiting.
When campfires are allowed, only build fires in designated or pre-existing fire rings
Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from your tent and any flammable trees, brush, or grass to prevent ignition from sparks, flames, and heat. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Use a flashlight or battery-powered light instead.
Dispose of trash properly
Remember to recycle and use the proper recycling bins if available. If there are no trash bins, be prepared with trash bags to take your garbage with you to dispose of properly.
Beware when encountering wildlife
Keep your campsite clean, and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment, or utensils out in the open. Remember that bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable — never feed or approach a bear. Use a flashlight at night. Many animals feed at night, and using a flashlight may warn them away. Use bear-resistant food lockers when available. Some wilderness areas require the use of bear-resistant food canisters.
