Camping and hiking are two of America’s favorite pastimes, and with gorgeous sites and trails sprinkled across every state, it’s no wonder. With all this backcountry available to us, it’s more than worthwhile to get out there and do some exploring.
There are some things to consider, however, anytime you venture into the wild. Even if it’s just a trip to the local campground, it’s imperative to keep safety in mind. These include fire safety, how to keep from contracting an illness, and how to handle an emergency when you’re far away from anyone who can help you. Hopefully, you’ll never have to deal with any of those things, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Here are a few of the best tips on how to have a safe and fun camping or hiking trip.
Choose your destination wisely
It’s a good idea to do some research before setting out on a trip of any kind, so look online to see what sort of trails or campsites work best for you. Be careful about choosing places that are far away from civilization; even the most experienced campers are at the mercy of the wilderness. If you have an RV or trailer, make sure you look for sites that have power stations and places to park. If you’re pitching a tent, avoid positioning it under a tree, as falling branches may cause injury; if you’re pitching multiple tents, leave sufficient space between them to prevent a fire from spreading should one occur.
If you’re planning a family trip and young children will be going along, look for places that aren’t too close to open water; even good swimmers can have accidents. Bring along swim safety gear just in case. If you are planning a camping trip with your furry best friend, make sure that you pick a destination that allows dogs (and that he knows how to follow basic commands, like “come” and “stay,” for his own safety). It’s also important to keep your pooch inside your RV or tent during the night to avoid any possible encounters with local wildlife.
Go with a group
It’s never a good idea to go camping or hiking alone. If you’re with a group, stay with them, or take a buddy to go hiking. Never assume that someone else knows where you are or where you’re going; keep the group updated and stay in contact using walkie-talkies. Bring along a powerful whistle or other noise-maker when you do go hiking just in case of an emergency.
Prevent fires
Even during the summer, in many places the days are warm but the nights can still get pretty chilly. Campfires provide heat and allow you to cook, but it’s imperative to check local regulations and conditions to ensure that a fire ban is not under effect. To further emphasize this point: even a constructed fire pit or structure does not mean that fires are currently permitted, due to ongoing drought conditions. If a fire is permitted, have sand or water nearby to put it out quickly, and always stack rocks around the starting point to keep it contained. Never use accelerant to get it going or to keep it stoked. Always make sure the fire is completely out before you leave the site.
Pack smart
No matter where you go camping, you’ll need to pack well. This means including cotton clothing that you can layer, a lighter or matches, a hat (which can keep you warm or keep the sun out of your eyes), gloves, a first aid kit, and a canteen for water. Throw in some bug spray, sunscreen, toiletries, and a thick sleeping bag, as well as sturdy hiking shoes.
You’ll also need to bring trash bags, a good knife, cookware, and protein-heavy snacks that will fit in your backpack, such as granola bars.
Camping and hiking can be great ways to connect with nature and each other, and also to get some good exercise, but it’s important to use caution and come prepared. Keep raw foods cold and separated from the other food in waterproof bags, and always cook them thoroughly. Use caution when swimming in an open body of water, and never swallow it. If you begin to feel sick or have stomach issues, stay away from the water altogether. Keeping these tips in mind will help you stay safe, healthy, and happy on your trip.