Avoid leaving food out that could attract pests. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. Be prepared for the cold and know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Learn More, Plan the perfect trip from home or on the road with the official KOA app. 10 Safety Tips for First-Time Campers | ACTIVE Some species are susceptible to dropping large branches at any time. When youre packing your food, check to see how bug-proof the containers are. It is also important not to feed or touch the animal to avoid potentially transferring diseases like rabies. Check to see if any fire bans are posted at the campground entrance and if so, heed them. Many people are re-discovering the positives of being outdoors. This ensured that I was hitting all parts of my body, especially the areas around the edge of my swimming suit that I would often miss otherwise. If thats not possible, bring your own security with. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Let's Roam, LLC. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account. Regardless of what way you decide to camp whether in a tent, an RV, or a cabin KOA has the amenities you need to make your experience a stellar one. Or are mosquitos going to be your biggest nemesis? is a set of seven principles that helps outdoor enthusiasts maintain the integrity of the outdoors. 2023 Active Network, LLC and/or its affiliates and licensors. Yes, as long as you follow the same safety procedures that you normally would at home while youre camping. Lastly, assign roles for people so that no one person is left doing all the work. Stick to rock, sand, or gravel surfaces, and try to limit trampling on vegetation. Also, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia have some of the strong UV rays in the world. Take a bit of time before you leave on your camping trip to get to know some of the local plants where youll be, and what ones you should watch out for. 2023 Place the lights at the back of the site, near entrances and on blind corners. Camping can be an incredible experience. If youre camping in bear country, you should store your food in bear-resistant food storage facilities known as bear canisters if available. One such sad case took place in 2016 in Yellowstone National Park when a baby bison was forced to be euthanized after tourists thought it looked cold, and put it in the trunk of their car. If you would like to find more great articles on camping, make sure to head over to the Lets Roam Explorer blog. We value your privacy. Keep insect repellent on hand, and apply often. These plants have a sticky oil on them known as urushiol that causes your skin to break out in an itchy, blistering rash. The quicker you are able to remove ticks from your body, the less likely they are to cause serious damage to your health. One of the reasons food safety is so important to follow is to avoid food-borne illnesses. NPS Photo / David Snyder For more information about camping in the National Park Service, please visit the Camping website. Before leaving for your destination, consider the following preparation best practices: This includes looking up the hours of operations to ensure the trail or campground is open, as well as directions if you are planning to take more than one car. While active in emergency preparedness and response to fires and hazardous materials incidents, the OFM also accomplishes the vital purpose of preventing . If you're camping in bear country, camping with dogs can be more dangerous than elsewhere. Avoid pitching tents close to water, under dead tree limbs or near insect nests and poisonous plants. KOA Rewards campers can also view points, rewards, history, and more! 14 Camping Safety Tips for the Great Outdoors - KOA Regardless of whether the sun is out, put sunscreen on. Work with our event coordinators and hosts to determine the best package for your event. Rain doesnt have to turn things from sweet to sour, as long as you are aware ahead of time theres a chance the rain may make an appearance. Teach children safety rules for matches, fires, electrical outlets, electrical cords, stoves, and chemicals. when a baby bison was forced to be euthanized, Adult Camping Party Ideas That Youll Love, 12 Tips for Camping With Kids With Disabilities, North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, Save reservation preferences for faster booking, EpiPen (if someone youre camping with has an allergy), Keep chairs, tents, and other flammable items far away from the fire, Make sure the fire is completely out before you leave it, Keep the first at least 15 feet from anything such as your tent and surrounding trees, Put on sunscreen 30 minutes before youre exposed to the sun, and reapply throughout the day, Wear a hat that covers as much of your face, ears, and neck as possible, Wear clothing that covers up the rest of your body from sun, Try to bring as many foods as possible that dont require refrigeration, since space is limited, Prepare any food on a clean, well-washed surface, Keep perishable food in an insulated cooler or refrigerator, Store food in your car, a container that is bear-proof, or in a food storage locker, Do not get too close, as they could attack or bite, Never get in the way of a mother and her young. Know that the middle of the day is when the sun tends to be the most intense, and follow these sun safety guidelines: While things such as sun and fire safety are quite obvious when camping, something that people dont think about much is food safety while camping. These reviews will give you an idea of what the campsite is like from people who have stayed there. As you are cooking outdoors, sanitize your station often and wash your hands. Also pack sunscreen, a map, a compass, water, packaged snacks and insect spray with DEET. However, this does mean that its very important to take these things into consideration when deciding where and how to camp. You can also download the Lets Roam app which is full of great user-generated content as well as hundreds of app-based scavenger hunts for destinations all over the world. However, it can also get really cold at night. Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published. Rachel Brougham lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. An itinerary with numbers you can be reached at; Phone numbers of the people you are going to be with; Updates to your location when you have cell service; Specific trails and campgrounds that you will be using. However, these can get a little pricey considering what you get in them. With all these measures in place, you most likely will not have any belongings taken from you while youre camping. All rights reserved. More: Wild Animal Safety for Campers and Hikers. You can either purchase a first aid kit or put your own together. The Principles can be applied anywhere from remote wilderness areas, to local parks and even in your backyard. Were going to give you some tips on how you can keep yourself, your gear, and your fellow campers safe on your next camping trip. You need to be able to keep your guard up but still be able to have a good time on your camping trip. From marketing exposure to actionable data Even if you cant bring another human with you, you might still enjoy. This greatly reduces the risk of starting a fire that could ultimately spread very, very quickly. Outdoor Safety Tips - US Forest Service Since thats the last thing you want to happen, be sure you read on for our camping safety tips. Thunderstorms can become dangerous if youre camping in a tent and can lead to a lot of extra mud that could make it difficult to maneuver cars or RVs out of parking spots. A camping trip would absolutely not be a camping trip without a campfire and some smores. Keep your food out of reach of wildlife. These are prime hiding spots for snakes. Either keep your food safely put away if youre in an area with monkeys or be prepared to lose it. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest risk . You can add additional sensors around your campsite and car to protect your belongings. A veteran journalist of both print and television, shes won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. Identify the skill and abilities of trip participants. The Biggest, Best, and Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the World, The Worlds Best Places for Whale Watching. Backcountry campsites are typically first-come, first-serve. Bringing the right equipment or gear can help ensure you have a successful outdoor adventure. Safety should always come first when youre camping, as it only takes one mishap for your entire camping trip to be ruined. For first-time campers, preparation is key. If you decide to use a heater before bed, always have a carbon monoxide detector with you with fresh batteries inside, and place your heater on a steady surface far from any burnable material. If you are caught, you may be fined up to 500 per person. Some campsites already have security set up, like check-ins at a security gate before entry, safety patrol, and/or security cameras. Not only will an unprepared rain cause moods to turn quickly, it can also be dangerous if youre caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Look around all of the areas near you. You can place them up to 50 yards from your camp. Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. Stay on designated hiking trails, and take frequent stops to rest and rehydrate. Keep fires manageable, and never leave them unattended. Top 20 Outdoors Camping Safety Tips That You Must Remember - The Berkey But in the excitement of a trip, and because of the unfamiliar surroundings and ways of doing things, it can lead to life-changing accidents. Keep fires manageable, and never leave them unattended. A first aid kit Enough food for 3-4 days Water A blanket A radio A whistle In addition to having the right supplies, you can make safe choices ahead of time when it comes to your environment. With that, you will be able to enjoy your trip and the last moments of summer until next years camping trip. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Cookie Policy Fewer crowds, snow-covered landscapes, and the chance to pursue your favorite outdoor activity. The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Household Hazardous Waste is committed to providing safe and efficient hazardous waste management services. This could be river beds or ditches. Areas with a lot of deadfall and heavy brush. To go a step further, you can leave a. near your larger items. You dont need a wifi connection for it to work and it is completely wireless. When you think of camping, you may immediately imagine cuddled up in your sleeping bag in a tent surrounded by the sounds of crickets in the backcountry. This will protect your gear from getting taken and create apprehension from potential thieves. Support & Feedback Your belongings arent worth any bodily harm. Cake over steak is her go-to motto. Privacy Policy These spots consist of a firepit, a parking space for. Few things can ruin a camping trip quicker than a downpour when you werent expecting it. A memorable camping trip can be a rewarding experience, but these outdoor adventures are rarely free of danger. For instance, hikers will need the following gear: Additionally, campers will need the following gear: While this is not an exhaustive list, it is a good starting point. The 7 Principles The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Be prepared for the cold and know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. While seeing animals in the wild can be inspiring, it is best to leave them alone. Loud noises and quick movements can cause the animal stress and affect its ability to live in rigorous environments. or Consider telling a few friends and family this pertinent information: By sharing this information with friends and family, they will be able to alert authorities faster in worst-case scenarios. They should educate themselves about lightning strikes. Follow local weather reports for a few days before you head out on your trip. Campers generally have two options when it comes to choosing campsites: front-country camping or backcountry camping. Part of a series of articles titled They could watch your things while you're gone and let you know if any unwanted guests wander onto your site. Something such as a thunderstorm can make you incredibly vulnerable if you are not careful. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. Double-check that the food is at least one yard away from the tree trunks so that the bears arent able to climb up and grab it. For example, don't build a fire under low trees, never leave it burning without someone watching, and put the flame completely out before bed. To keep from suffering either the short or long-term effects of the sun, properly protect your skin. Some dangers of camping or hiking alone include: Bringing a friend or two with you when you camp or hike can be helpful if you encounter any of the above problems. Carrying a whistle is also a good idea. Don't ruin the rest of the trip by forgetting to put on bug spray. Anza- Borrego Desert State Park's rugged landscape formed largely by the forces of erosion attacking the uplifted mountains. Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Never approach a wild animal. Learn to identify poisonous plants and consider putting an antihistamine in your first aid kit. Additionally, you should take weather and climate into consideration so you can stay comfortable. Pay attention to local regulations, particularly concerning campfires. Camping Safety: How to Avoid Wild Animal Encounters Animal Safety. While Leave No Trace was created to maintain backcountry areas, it has adapted to fit a variety of outdoor settings and recreational activities. Choose a campground with security features, such as a security gate, perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras and nightly patrols. A good trick is to buy a bed sheet that matches your car's interior to put over your gear in order to trick thieves into thinking that theres nothing there. While very different, the wide variety of camping styles means that camping is accessible to more people regardless of their age, medical needs, or physical limitations. Please see your Privacy Rights for how your information is used. While Leave No Trace was created to maintain backcountry areas, it has adapted to fit a variety of outdoor settings and recreational activities. Here are the best ways to store your food to keep bears and other creatures away: There have been tragic cases of either people getting hurt from wildlife, or wildlife getting hurt from humans interacting with them. Keep your campsite clean from food scraps to avoid the chance of attracting animals. Thursday, Aug 18, 2022 at 04:28 PM CDT, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recreation/safety/safety.shtml. Eugene "Gene" Gillespie, 71, charged with sex assault in Arvada Camping Safely Step 3 - During Your Stay - U.S. National Park Service Camping Safely Step 4 - After the Trip, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Thus, it's best to. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators. The Red Cross offers a list of first-aid essentials to include in your kit. We use cookies on koa.com to help improve your experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits, troubleshoot how the site operates, and learn more about how koa.com is performing. 11 Camping Safety Tips The Family Handyman Campfires can degrade the natural appearance of many areas due to smoke and the increasing demand for firewood. This tragic story doesnt need to happen again, and wont, as long as you are clear on the boundaries of wildlife when camping: Parasites are not something you want to deal with when camping, or ever. When you first decide on the spot where you want to set up camp, make sure to take a good look around to check if there are any risks in the immediate vicinity. You can use. Find it here. At KOA, we love having fun and inviting new folks to join us online as 2. ), Things to Do With Your Boyfriend: 12 Romantic Getaways, A Colorado Bachelorette Party: Your Ultimate Guide, The Worlds Best Mountains for Beginners to Climb. Home Staying Safe Around Bears Staying Safe Around Bears A bear approaches a visitor along a road at Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts. By using this site, you consent to the use of all the cookies. ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. Or, you can imagine yourself snug as a bug in a rug in your own cabin or RV surrounded by creature comforts at a luxurious campsite. You might think that setting up your campsite over to the side is the best idea because you wont have many neighbors, but this makes it easier for intruders to slip in and steal your items without anyone noticing while youre away. If there is no designated fire pit, surround the fire area with rocks. Heres how you should handle your food when camping to avoid any potential sickness: The other reason that food safety is of such great importance is to keep any unwanted wildlife away. Signs of dehydration include: To combat these symptoms while outdoors, consider these tips to help keep you hydrated: Although campers and hikers may not expect to get hurt, its important to bring a first aid kit just in case. Not all locations will have service, but if you do, your phone can be a valuable lifeline should you get lost or need assistance. Never build a fire under low trees or leave a burning fire unattended. Copyright 2023, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (CA residents only), Dip your toes in the water with our swimming and water safety tips, How to protect against spider and insect bites, Remember the basics: Cooking outdoors and food storage safety. A first aid kit is a good start, but there are several other precautions to take. You can use bear-proof cooler locks to keep animals from getting into your cooler. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). While RVing is pretty safe, you can never go wrong with a little more . Poison ivy and poison oak are the two main ones to be on the lookout for, but there are likely other poisonous plants in the area you will want to steer very clear of. Those in higher altitudes may need to boil water for three minutes. We have thrown in a few travel tips as well in case you're planning on going camping overseas. Many outdoor activities need special gear. Not only will they become more aggressive toward you, they will be more likely to be a nuisance for campers who use the site after you. Many national parks and forests and many state parks prohibit dogs. RVs provide better comfort over traditional camping and are relatively cheaper compared to A-rate hotels. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. Choose the Right Shelter and Site To reserve the right type of shelter and campground site, consider your age, physical limitations and medical needs as well as those of everyone else in your group. Stay hydrated during camping, and don't just drink when you are thirsty. The safest campsites are well lit and located near the center of the grounds. Other, To make the most of your outdoor time, its important to. Not only will it be fresher, it will attract less unwanted attention from wildlife. Know your right of way. However, following basic camping safety tips will help keep you and your fellow campers safe! Preparing for different scenarios can help you and your family have a successful outing while staying safe. Make sure that you are not only purifying your water to drink it, but also to wash dishes and to wash any foods. Making sure that you have everything with you means that youre less likely to find yourself missing something really important on your next camping trip and that youre leaving the area nice and tidy for your fellow camper. Consider who you are taking on your trip, and what kind of amenities theyre going to need. Introduce yourself to other campers. Guide to Drinking Water Treatment and Sanitation for Backcountry and Travel Use. Ensuring the safety of you and your family while camping begins before you even get in your car. You can use bear-proof cooler locks to keep animals from getting into your cooler. Here are some main points of hiking etiquette. Read more Camping Safely Step 1 - Before the Trip - U.S. National Park Service These spots consist of a firepit, a parking space for car camping, a picnic table, and sometimes take a reservation to hold them. KOAs Camping Cabins give campers a way to enjoy the outdoors with the comforts of home right there. These spots can help campers limit their impact on the environment by setting up the boundaries of their campsite. As you tuck yourself into your sleeping bag at night, you might freak out from every little creak in the woods and paranoia can totally ruin your camping experience. Use only battery-operated lights in or near tents and never use heaters that emit carbon monoxide in your tent or camping vehicle. The who, what, when, where and why of using sunscreen. More: 5 Simple Steps to Campfire Safety. Dogs can attract curious bears, and the interaction often leads to conflict, which can put your pet and you in danger. Meanwhile, poison oak leaves look a lot like larger, more rounded oak leaves. While many people enjoy camping or hiking alone, it can be overwhelming for outdoor beginners. Most landslides are caused by natural forces or events, such as heavy rain and snowmelt, shaking due to earthquakes , volcanic eruptions and gravity. Be weather wise. When its time to extinguish the fire, drown it completely with water and check that all coals, sticks, and embers are wet. Yet, the natural appearance of many areas has been degraded by the overuse of fires and . While youre packing, remember to only bring gear that you will be using while camping. Dont rely on campsites having water because theres always the chance that the water has been contaminated or is inaccessible. Enjoy your time away, and reduce your risk of injury with some camping safety tips. Monkeys have a tendency to steal food, sometimes right out of your hands. Cookie Settings, Jessica Sanders is the former online editor for. It is better to have a group of tents than one tent to deter thieves, if its possible. Get a free demo of your event today with no money down. RVing is a unique way to get away, and for most people, it is a familiar option compared to hotels or traditional camping: it feels like home. NPS Photo / Jake Bortscheller On This Page What Should I Do if I See a Bear? Keep perishable food in an insulated cooler or refrigerator. . To learn more about camping safety with children visit the camping with kids page. As always, we would love to hear your feedback and please let us know if theres anything that we have missed. Whether in a tent or an RV, camping is a great way to get in touch with nature sleeping under the stars, roasting hot dogs over a fire and going on hikes through the woods. KOA is your source for campfire cooking ideas! In many desert or drought areas, fires are prohibited and you must use a camp stove. When youre camping, make sure to carefully apply sunscreen before heading outside. Do not take food inside your tent. Prescription medication labeled in a bag; Single-use packs of ibuprofen, Imodium, and an antihistamine. More: Use Proper Hydration to Stay Cool on the Trails. How to Keep Snakes Away from Your Campsite - TakeOutdoors The seven principles are as follows: Campers and hikers must stick to trails and campgrounds to lessen the risk of soil erosions and undesirable trails. Accidents can happen at any time and camping is no different! Keep matches and. Before you leave home and leave the campsite, double-check that you have all of your camping equipment with you. Sunburns and bug bites can make you feel pretty miserable when youre camping. Each item should have separate chains and large padlocks because they are harder to pick or open with the slam of a hammer. OSHA inspectors are required by law to issue citations for all standard violations observed. Keep fuel-burning equipment at a safe distance away from flammable materials. Its also basically a camping essential so its a good idea to have one on you at all times. Bear in mind that the UV rays of the sun are stronger at high altitudes than they are at sea level. Make sure that you dont leave open food containers around. One of the last things that you want while youre out on the trail is a loose belly so always err on the side of caution with this one. Running around in the hot sun all day is a great way to stay active, but it increases your chance of suffering from dehydration. You will be able to choose more wisely what campground is the best for you. Do not wait until you are at the trailhead. Prepare any food on a clean, well-washed surface. Campers and hikers may engage in physical activity during the warm-weather season, which can easily lead to dehydration. You should never rely solely on GPS technology, especially with limited service and unreliable battery power. The term landslide describes downhill earth movements that can move slowly and cause damage gradually, or move rapidly, destroying property and taking lives suddenly and unexpectedly. Camping - RoSPA
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