Camping is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy the outdoors. But there are some things you should avoid doing while camping, or you might not have such a great time. Here are some things to avoid doing while camping.
Packing
One of the worst things you can do while camping is to pack WAY too much gear and food. You’ll have to carry everything you pack in, so be choosy about what you bring. You can live without that extra pair of shoes or those non-essential cooking utensils. Also, be sure to leave room in your pack for souvenirs or unexpected finds while on your hike!
Setting up camp
When you arrive at your campsite, the first thing you should do is survey the area. You want to make sure you are not setting up camp too close to any potential hazards, such as a river or a steep cliff. You also want to make sure you are not blocking any trails or views.
Once you have found the perfect spot for your tent, the next step is to start clearing a spot for it. You want to remove any large rocks or roots that could puncture your tent, and clear away any sticks or branches that could fall on it. If there is grass in the area, you may want to consider removing it so that your tent will have a clean surface to sit on.
Once your campsite is prepared, it is time to start setting up your tent. First, make sure all of your tent poles are intact and that you have all of the pieces you need. Next, lay out your groundsheet and place your tent on top of it. Then, start feeding your tent poles through the loops around the bottom of your tent. Once all of the poles are in place, lift up the sides of your tent and secure them to the poles. Finally, stake down the corners of your tent using either stakes or guy lines.
Food and water
You should never drink water from a river or lake. Water always looks clean but it can be full of harmful bacteria that could make you very ill. You should only drink water from a bottle or container that you know is clean.
When you are camping, you will need to find food that doesn’t need to be cooked. You can bring along canned foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, granola bars, and other non-perishable items. If you want to bring along food that needs to be cooked, make sure you have a portable stove and enough fuel (such as propane or charcoal).
Sanitation
One of the most important things to remember when camping is sanitation. You will be in close proximity to other campers, and communal areas such as bathrooms and showers can be breeding grounds for bacteria and diseases.
Here are some tips to help you stay healthy while camping:
-Wash your hands often, especially after using the restroom or handling food.
-Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
-Use soap and water to wash your hands, or hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
-If possible, avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, etc.
-Wear flip-flops or sandals when using communal showers.
-Pack your own toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.
-Clean up after yourself – pick up trash, wipe down surfaces you have used, etc.
Safety
When you’re out in the wilderness, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some things to avoid doing while camping:
-Don’t drink unpurified water. Water from lakes, rivers, and streams may contain harmful bacteria that can make you sick. Be sure to either boil or purify your water before drinking it.
-Don’t eat food that has been left out in the open. Food that is left unrefrigerated for too long can spoil and cause food poisoning.
-Don’t touch wild animals. Even if an animal looks harmless, it could carry diseases or parasites that could be transmitted to humans.
-Don’t build a fire in an enclosed space. If you’re using a tent or camper, be sure to build your fire outside to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Leaving camp
You should never leave your campsite without a few key items: a map, a flashlight, and a whistle. Even if you’re just taking a short hike, it’s always best to be prepared.
If you are leaving camp for an extended period of time, make sure to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. It’s also a good idea to leave a note at your campsite detailing your itinerary.
Campfire
Campfires are one of the most iconic images of camping, but if not managed properly, they can be dangerous. Here are a few things to avoid doing with your campfire:
- Don’t build your fire too big. A small fire is easier to control and won’t get out of hand as easily.
- Don’t build your fire too close to your tent or other structures. A safe distance is at least 15 feet away.
- Don’t use accelerants (such as gasoline) to start your fire. This can cause an uncontrolled blaze that could spread quickly and put you and others in danger.
- Don’t leave your fire unattended. Make sure someone is always watching it so it doesn’t get out of control.
- Don’t go to bed with your fire still burning. Make sure it is extinguished completely before you turn in for the night.
Wildlife
One of the most dangerous things you can do while camping is to try to feed the local wildlife. Even animals that don’t normally consider humans a food source can become aggressive when they’re hungry, and you don’t want to be on the receiving end of that aggression. If you must feed them, do so from a distance and never try to hand-feed any animal, no matter how docile it might seem.
