Camping is a popular pastime for families and friends. However, it’s not always seen as the safest activity to partake in. As we enter into summertime, there are many questions people may have about camping safety – especially when taking children along on this adventure.
Is camping safe to do? Yes, it is. Camping is safe, as long as you take the appropriate steps to ensure that your trip will be a fun and successful one. It is a popular activity in the United States. It has been estimated that over 9 million people go camping each year. However, with many people going to campgrounds for their vacations every year, it’s important to know if there are any risks involved with this type of vacation and what you can do to minimize those risks.
Camping is a great way to connect with nature. For some, it’s the opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the tranquility of being outdoors. But for others, camping is more than just a break from an urban lifestyle, it’s a chance to live in closer contact with nature.
How To Safe Camping?
Plan Your Visit
Several factors go into planning your camping trip including where you will be staying, the season you plan on going, what type of site you’ll stay at (primitive or developed), and the amount of time you plan on camping.
- Where
- Will you be camping at the beach, in the desert, or in the forest?
- When
- During which season will you camp? Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall. Will it be hot and humid or cold and snowy?
- What
- What kind of campsite? Amenities or rustic?
- How Long
- How many days do you plan on camping?
Plus think about what you will need to bring and be aware of. Identify any food allergies or dietary restrictions before setting off into nature if they may be necessary on your trip.
Extra water should also always be packed along with non-perishable snacks that won’t spoil while hiking or camping out for an extended period. Most importantly, remember to bring all essential first aid supplies including bandages, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers (i.e., acetaminophen), insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, and more!
Finally, have a backup plan. Sometimes nature has a way of changing things. There’s nothing worse than a trip needing to be canceled due to the campground flooding. Missed out on a camping trip because there was no backup plan.
Research Possible Risks
Before booking your camping trip, it is wise to get a better understanding of the local area. Research the weather, elevation, and know of any natural disasters that might occur. The last thing you want is to be in an area where a wildfire has started without knowing about it!
Check the websites of the park, like the National Park Service, or local visitor center to find out more information.
Stay Up-To-Date With the Weather
It is always best to be safe than sorry. Camping in areas that may be prone to rain or very dry is not advised. Be sure to research the local weather patterns for the area you plan to visit. Stay up-to-date with weather reports which can help keep you safe. Check weather reports near where you plan on camping at least 24 hours ahead of time.
Be aware if an area is prone to flash floods. Flash floods happen when a natural disaster such as heavy rainfall or an overflowing river causes water to rise quickly. This can lead to instant death for those who are not in safe zones.
Watch Out for Wildlife
Animals on the campsite are a danger. Bears, raccoons, and snakes are all animals you might encounter on your camping trip. Be sure to take precautions against wildlife when camping.
Keep all food in a sealed container. Deer may appear meek and mild while they graze, but these animals will destroy a campsite to get food.
They are not afraid to steal food from your campsite or even rip open a tent in search of provisions. Mice and other rodents can also be found near the campsite, so watch out for them too.
Fire Hazards
It is possible the area you plan to camp in may be going through a drought. This can create a hazardous fire hazard. Be sure to choose an area that is not at risk for fires. Keep yourself prepared with extra water and fire extinguishers in case of emergency.
If you do find yourself off-site when starting a fire, make sure it’s only burning dead wood using the teepee method so there are no smoldering embers left behind.
Camping equipment should also be put away after use because debris can start another fire if left unattended near campsites and cooking areas.
Stay Away from Flash Flood Zones
Campers should keep an eye out for signs that warn them about flash flood zones as these areas can become dangerous without warning.
If rain is forecasted while camping, always use caution when walking down steep inclines near rivers or streams because runoff could cause flooding where you least expect it. It’s best to check locally for any flash flood warnings in the area.
Exercise Caution Around Poisonous Plants
Before camping, make sure you know what plants are poisonous to humans and pets because that knowledge could mean the difference between life or death if someone ingests a plant they’re allergic to or eats something on accident.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends carrying an emergency kit with antihistamine tablets, sunscreen lotion, water-treatment tablets as well as an insect repellent for those who may be more sensitive to bites from bugs like mosquitoes and ticks.
They also recommend bringing first aid supplies such as bandages, scissors, and other tools necessary for self-care including tweezers since not all injuries can wait until reaching medical attention.
Seek Advice From Campground Staff
Campgrounds are well-staffed with experienced professionals who have a wealth of knowledge about the area.
They can answer any questions you may have and help make your camping experience smooth and enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to ask for their advice.
Whether it’s how to start a fire or what plants in the area are poisonous, they’ll know.
Know Your Limits
If you are planning a camping trip that will be at higher elevations, it is recommended to consult with your doctor and get pre-approved for high altitude travel. The elevation can cause flu-like symptoms which can lead to more serious conditions. If you plan on hiking, be sure that you are in good physical health and make sure your gear is fitting properly for the best experience.
Camping can also lead to dehydration so it’s important to stay hydrated at all times with plenty of water or other liquids if needed. For example, do not confuse thirst with hunger as they have different causes and remedies (ex: eating will help satisfy hunger).
It’s also a good idea to bring along some sort of electrolyte replacement drink such as Gatorade which helps replenish lost salts from sweat while camping out in hot summer months.
Use Common Sense Judgement
If you’re an avid camper, then it’s likely that some of your camping safety habits are drilled into your brain. It amazes me how many people think there’s something inherently dangerous about setting up for the night in the great outdoors as opposed to staying inside their home on a Friday or Saturday night.
Some common sense thing to remember:
- Do not place food that is easily accessible near where people will sleep. If an animal does come into camp with this type of food available, it will most likely make for a long and difficult night.
- The best way to prevent campfires from getting out of control is by staying on designated camping sites.
- Fireworks should never be brought into the woods because they can easily start forest fires.
- Be sure to bring the appropriate gear and tools for your camping trip.
Following these few simple camping safety tips will make your camping experience not only a fun experience but a safe one.
How Safe Is Camping In A Tent?
Choose the Right Shelter and Site
Knowing the right tent to use for camping can be an important safety factor. A tent with a rain fly is preferable to one without, and always make sure that you have a good number of stakes so it does not blow away overnight.
You should check out your campsite before pitching the tent and choose higher ground if this is possible. This will help protect you from flooding.
Location is also important. Stay away from the edge of a cliff or ravine and always avoid camping in an area with dense undergrowth as well. Snakes like to hide there.
Pack and Store Food Safely
Keep your food in a tightly sealed container, and store it at least 100 yards away from the campsite. This will make sure that you are not attracting any pests or animals to your site while keeping your food safe.
You can also consider storing food high up on rocks if you are camping near water, as this is where bears like to look for their next meal too. Just make sure to keep it cold so as not to spoil.
Practice Campfire Safety
Fire is a great way to stay warm while camping, but some precautions need to be taken before starting the fire.
The first precaution is making sure you have plenty of water on hand in case an emergency arises. You also want to make sure your campfire gets plenty of air circulation so it does not become too hot and cause damage or start a forest fire.
Lastly, do not leave any lighters lying around because they can easily get lost or stolen by another camper if left unattended.
If these safety measures are followed correctly then all should be well when enjoying the beauty of nature at night with warmth from the flames of a crackling campfire!
Use Insect Protection
Even if you don’t normally have a problem with pests in your house, it’s important to take precautions while camping outdoors. There is always the possibility of encountering bugs that are unfamiliar and even poisonous.
Before setting up camp make sure to set out plenty of insect protection such as citronella candles, bug spray, or repellent coils so no one gets bitten by mosquitoes or scratched from ants.
It’s also a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants at night because mosquitos seem very attracted to bare skin during dusk hours when they come out hungry for blood.
Be Aware of Allergies
Camping can be a great way to spend quality time with friends and family, but sometimes the outdoors are full of things we’re allergic to or hypersensitive to.
If you know that an allergy will make your trip uncomfortable, plan ahead.
Pack medicine for any allergies such as antihistamines in case someone has hay fever. Bring some emergency medication like Benadryl if there’s anyone who suffers from asthma or other respiratory problems so they have something on hand just in case their symptoms get worse while camping.
There may also be plants and berries that you’re not used to that can make your body react or worse. Avoid plants and berries unless you know they are safe for consumption by everyone in the group. If there is a plant or berry that’s been identified as an allergen, it is worth packing some allergy medication.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Dress for the weather and don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Wear a hat. Protecting your skin from prolonged exposure to UV rays is important, especially if you’re going camping. It’s also vital that everyone in the group cover up with clothing and even wear sunglasses or goggles over their eyes.
If it is possible, try to plan ahead by finding out what time of year it will be when you go camping so you can pick clothes appropriate for that climate. Make sure everyone has at least one light layer they can put on as well if there are sudden changes in temperature during the day or night while camping.
Sunburns happen fast. Especially when at altitude.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids while camping. Water is essential to life. If you become dehydrated, your body will malfunction in various ways including headaches and becoming delirious or extremely fatigued. Dehydration can also lead to heat exhaustion, which makes it difficult for the body to cool down through sweating because the sweat won’t evaporate from their skin as quickly.
Have Fun and Remain Alert
Camping is meant to be fun. But it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. For more information on personal protection, while camping, you should read this article, “How To Protect Yourself While Camping“.Be aware of your surroundings and always listen to emergency signals such as a loud siren or whistle. Pay attention to the weather forecast before heading out, bringing any necessary gear with you just in case bad weather hits unexpectedly during the trip.
Wrapping It Up
Camping is a fun activity for people of all ages. You’ll need to take precautions and be mindful of your surroundings at all times to have an enjoyable time.
