14 Camping Do's and Don'ts That You Need to Know

Camping is an exciting opportunity to visit historical sites, national and provincial parks. Many people do this outdoor activity during the summer season. It is a fun way to seek adventures, explore new places, and bond with your family and friends.

Camping is an ideal way to spend your summer vacation, but it is essential to be aware of the do's and don'ts in doing the said activity. It is because many campsites have different rules to be followed.

Following the said regulations may help you achieve an enjoyable camping experience.

Camping Do's

#1 Check the campsite's policies and facilities. To plan ahead of your camping day, make sure to check all the policies of the campground. Never bring the things that are not allowed in the area. Also, check the facilities available, including bathrooms and access to water and electricity. It can help you assess the materials that you need to bring in the campsite. If you have pets and you want to bring them along, ask the management if you can do so.

#2 Follow all the safety precautions. Many campgrounds allow you to perform different recreational activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and many more. Even though you may be an expert at the activities available at the campsite, it is crucial to follow the signs that can be seen in the vicinity. Signages telling you not to enter restricted sites or prohibiting you to dive or swim in specific areas should be strictly followed. 

#3 Inform your relatives or friends about your trip. Accidents are unpredictable. It is essential to let your relatives or friends know about your camping activity. Give them some vital information like the campsite that you will be visiting and other itineraries. If they know where you are going, then they can help you immediately if something bad happens. Also, leave your contact number to them as well as the contact details of the campsite's management.

#4 Pack all your camping essentials. No matter how many days you are going to spend in the campsite, it is essential to be prepared before you go there. Make sure that you have packed all the necessary materials needed for camping - from tents or hammocks to first-aid kits. Although bringing fewer things could give you less hassle when hiking, you'll never know when you need the things that you left at home.

This is why knowing the must-haves for camping is crucial. Some of the most important things that you have to bring are a place to stay like a tent or a hammock, compass or maps, food, clothes, and a first-aid kit. Bring a flashlight or any emergency light if you are going to camp overnight.

#5 Prepare easy-to-cook food. When camping for days, do not limit yourself from canned goods. You may still enjoy your meals by bringing easy-to-cook food. Try to prepare healthier foods by including fruits and vegetables in your menu. Some campgrounds allow the campers to fish. You can use this opportunity to cook fresh fish.

#6 Set up the tent before nightfall. If you are camping at night, try to arrive early at the campsite. While there is daylight, you may start setting up the tent since doing it at night could be more challenging. Finishing at an early time could give you more time to explore the vicinity. You may also gather some wood that you can use to start a campfire.

#7 Stay updated with the weather condition. Although some people still go camping even if it is raining, doing so can limit your outdoor activities. Keep track of the weather by checking the forecasts on television or radio. Look for extreme weather warnings like hurricanes or severe storms. In case you happen to be in the campground on bad weather, never pitch your tent under the tallest trees. It is one of the safety tips that you have to remember when camping.

Camping Don'ts

#1 Don't have a negative attitude. There are some camping locations with no access to water or electricity. Others may lack the facilities that you might prefer. To avoid complaints and disappointment, try to be more positive. Think of practical solutions to make your camping experience an enjoyable one.

#2 Do not leave any trash once your camping is done. Whether the campground is a protected area or not, it is essential to care for nature. Wherever your campsite is, do not leave any trash. Do not leave anything on the site.  You can bring garbage bags with you and try to segregate your waste.

#3 Do not leave your food unattended. Once you are done eating and try to make sure to pack the leftovers or any type of food that wasn’t consumed. Try not to leave your food unattended because it might attract some animals to your campground. You may ask for assistance from the forest ranger in keeping your food in good condition.

#4 Do not make loud noises at night. For shared campgrounds, try to be more considerate with your co-campers. Avoid making noises during the night time since it is when most people are having a good sleep. You may sing along with your friends around the campfire or play some music as long as it doesn’t disturb anyone from sleeping.

#5 Do not panic when you encounter a wild animal. It is possible to encounter wild animals in the campsite. It is essential to stay calm if you meet an animal along the way. To avoid extreme fright, try to conduct research first about the area and know the kind of animals that you may meet. You can also ask the forest ranger about the things that you must do in an animal encounter.

#6 Do not wear 100% cotton clothing. Although wearing cotton clothing could be comfortable, this material stays damp once wet. You may have a hard time to dry it, which can make you feel cold. That is why you should try to bring clothes that are suitable for outdoor adventures.

#7 Avoid consuming too much alcohol. When a person is intoxicated, it is very likely that they are not aware of what they are doing. Drinking too much while they are still in the campground might bring danger, especially if they are not in a controlled environment.

When planning for camping, it is essential to remember all the things that you should do and what you should not. Try to be more disciplined by following all the rules and regulations set by the campsite management. Doing so can give you the best camping experience.