Enjoying the "Great Outdoors" can be a fun and exciting experience for friends and family. However, there are some things that people need to consider before, during, and at the end of their adventure in order to have a safe pleasantly memorable camping experience.
Safety always starts in the preparation. Being a prepared camper means making sure that you bring all the necessary equipment with you for your adventure. Some things to consider are what to wear, eat, drink, and the type of shelter you will have. Absolute necessities include water and extra clothing. You must also consider a compass, maps, flashlights, batteries, camp hatchet, cooking supplies, etc. The preparation really depends on the style of camping you will be doing. Whether it is in an RV or a tent, an improved campsite or backcountry camping will determine what equipment and supplies you will need.
The first thing you will want to do when you reach your camping destination--before you begin unpacking any equipment--is to survey the site. Take a little time to wander around and look for things such as ant hills, signs of wildlife and anything else that would have a negative effect on your experience. If there are some bear tracks or you smell decomposing flesh, it's probably not the campsite for you. Other things to consider are the terrain features. If you happen to be near water or steep cliffs, find high ground in case of flooding or a site that is a good distance from steep cliffs. Rising water and falling rocks always make unpleasant experiences.
Depending on the kind of camping you are doing, your diet will vary. If you are sleeping in a tent, never keep any food inside your tent. This will only invite animals to investigate. Raccoons and bears are notorious for getting into things, including tents, even if you are in them. After your meals, make sure to put the trash in a trash bag a fair distance from the campsite. Having your garbage rummaged is better than having unwanted visitors in your tent.
Keeping your camp clean and free from any table scraps or droppings will help lower the chances that you will have a bug or animal problem. Always clean or dispose of your dishes after every meal and clean the tables. Pick up any scraps that might have landed on the ground. Always throw any garbage you might have. A clean camp is a happy camp.
Campfires are the No. 1 camping danger. Some people like to have a big bonfire when camping, which is fine if it's done properly. Make sure the fire pit is big and deep enough, ringed with large rocks, and not built anywhere near trees or other foliage. Wind is also another factor. Do not make the fire too big during high winds; the embers can spread out along great distances and could accidentally start a forest fire. Make sure you have plenty of water on hand to extinguish the fire if necessary. Last but not least, never leave a camp with a "hot" fire pit. Make sure the fire is completely out using either water or covering the fire pit with a large amount of dirt or sand.
