Camping: How To Be A Responsible Camper

Camping is undoubtedly a great outdoor activity for kids, parents, friends and lovers to build strong ties together! It doesn’t necessarily have to be in a jungle. It could be on the beach, top of a mountain, a park or even the rooftop of your apartment complex. No matter what location you choose, you should be aware of the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles when camping. Leave No Trace is an environmental movement that started in the 60’s and continued to grow throughout the years. It teaches camping lovers how to have a minimum impact on the environment and be responsible while you enjoy nature. Here are some important tips and guidelines to follow before you head out with your camping gear.

Important Tips & Guidelines For Camping

Camping | (c) Photo By Ace Camping Supplies

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the environment and rules & regulations of the area you plan to go camping. If it’s the dry season, check whether open fires are allowed at camping grounds. Also check if clean water is available or you need to take some type of water purification system. If you have children, make sure you choose a camping location that is family safe and have activities for children.

Camp in The Right Spot

Once you decide on the location, find out about the areas that is designated for RV’s and tents. Use those areas that is designated for camping and make sure you use designated fire rings. Stay away from damp areas and close to ponds. Also keep your camping gear together.

Dispose Waste Properly

Camping grounds are open for public. As such, anyone coming to that same location should be able enjoy the way you did. Therefore, don’t dispose kitchen waste by tossing it in the woods. Not only it will draw animals you’d rather not meet, it will pollute the environment as well. Besides, I doubt you want to wake up next to a bear or a skunk the following morning. Also be sure to pick up candy wrappers, plastic wraps and aluminum foil. When nature calls while in the woods, there are two options; There could be restrooms or you might have to dig a hole. Make sure it is at least 200 feet away from any water source and 6 to 8 inches deep. Cover it over when you’re done, just like cats do.

Leave What You Find

When you go camping, don’t even think about bringing back ‘souvenirs’. Instead, take a one of those popular Canon EOS digital cameras and capture plenty of pictures of whatever you think is significant. Leave rocks, artifacts, flowers, insects and plants behind for others to enjoy. When you come back home, you can make a scrapbook or photo album with your pictures and have a lasting memory of your trip.

Use of Fire

It is possible to use camping stoves for cooking at camping grounds. You may bring your own portable charcoal BBQ machine. If you must build a fire, use a fire ring, if it’s already there. Make sure you build your fire on gravel or sand. When you are done using the campfire, make sure you sweep the ground litter over the spot, so there is no evidence that a fire was there.

Respect Wildlife

When you’re camping, you are in the home of animals most of the time. So don’t interfere with wildlife animals you may see. Watch from a distance or with a good pair of binoculars. If you are quiet, your chances of seeing wildlife are much greater. Be particularly careful to keep your distance in the Spring, where mamas and their babies are around.

Be Considerate

Remember that camp grounds is no place to throw a concert. It is not a place for loud music with radios and CD players, unless you use earphones. People go camping to experience peace and quiet in the great outdoors.

So before you plan your next camping trip, be prepared, know what to expect and what to do while you’re enjoying the great outdoors. When you know how to be a responsible camper, nature and others will thank you for enjoying. Happy Camping!