How to Make Your Camping Experience Safe and Positive
If you enjoy being outdoors and are avid campers (like we are), or maybe just starting out, or even just starting to think about camping I have some safety tips or hints for you. These tips or hints are for anyone, whether camping in a tent or a pull type camper of any kind.
A very important item to have with you is a first aid kit. Make sure you have at least the following items included in your kit.
antiseptic
tweezers
insect repellent
bug spray
pain relievers
sunscreen
band aids
There may other items you personally will need, but these are the basics
Having certain items with you in case of emergency is a must as well. These items should include;
a map if the area is unfamiliar to you
a compass if you plan on doing any hiking
flashlight
knife
some kind of fire starter (matches or butane lighter, etc)
warm clothing
high energy food (both for emergency and for hiking)
water
a battery operated radio to listen to weather reports
a cell phone if you have one or chose to take one.
Again, this is a basic list. Add anything else that fits your needs.
It’s always a good idea to arrive at an unfamiliar campsite in daylight. This will allow you to check the site over for things like;
plant life – is there poison ivy near by
are there sharp objects to pick up such as glass
are branches hanging too low from certain trees
is the terrain hazardous
is the contour of the ground safe in case of rain
If all of these can be noticed during daylight hours, that will allow you to be more aware of your surroundings after you have watch a most beautiful sunset.
Most campsites that allow you to have a campfire will have a round iron enclosure. If this is the only place where you are allowed a fire, please adhere to the rules. Those iron enclosures have been placed at a carefully measured distance from the actual campsite.
If you are camping at a remote site, it’s good to find out if you can have an open fire. The main thing to think about if you do plan on having an open fire is to use common sense and have respect for nature. Someone else may want to enjoy that spot after you leave.
Take care of your trash. Dispose of it properly or take it with you. Recycle if you can. Have different containers (you can use shopping bags) for the items you do recycle. Clean your site up before you leave. Don’t leave it for someone else to do. This is not only rude, but it makes more work for other peoples who are trying to prepare that site for someone else.
Your camping experience simply depends on a positive attitude toward nature and taking the time to relax and enjoy what nature has to offer. Of course, the best way to end the day is to enjoy s’mores around the campfire at night. Somehow I just manage to sleep better when I have enjoyed a day with nature.
