Stay Safe When Camping for the First Time

It’s vital to stay safe when camping, especially if you’re new to it, as there are many things that can ruin what should be a great time for you, from seasonal issues to poor facilities.

Plan and Track the Gear You Need

Camping, like any hobby and activity, requires that you have specific gear and equipment. Of course, you need a tent. But there are other things too, including sleeping bags, cookware, and bathroom supplies. There are also many other camping supplies you need to take, depending on what you have planned. Fortunately, you can plan and track camping supplies with smartphone apps such as the Route Punkt Hiking Grid Diary app, making camping a breeze.

Consider the Season

CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels

There are many aspects to camping, and to get them right, it helps to understand what each season offers both in terms of fun and danger. For example, it helps to stay ahead of the sun when camping in the summer with lots of sunscreen and water and knowing how to keep your perishables safe. Spring typically rains a lot, so you need to be prepared for storms, and autumn requires extra warmth. Winter can be challenging, with extreme cold and dark posing a risk.

Going outdoors? Read on!

Be Aware of Wildlife to Stay Safe When Camping

Seeing animals in their natural habitat is a great experience for all the family. But things can quickly go wrong if you mess with the wildlife when camping. Feeding animals is a big no-no because it can attract them to your site and risks them becoming used to humans, which poses a risk to their natural safety. Additionally, petting young animals could cause their parents to react in a dangerous way, such is the case when mother bears are protecting their cubs.

Check if there are Adequate Facilities

Photo by Scott Goodwill on Unsplash

Depending on where you go, there may or may not be adequate facilities. Some campgrounds are designed to be close to facilities like washrooms and toilets. While others can be pretty far from what you need. It is recommended that you stay close to campgrounds as a beginner. And you must also consider any special accessibility facilities you need. For example, some family grounds can come with disabled access and camping plots that are easier for wheelchairs.

Understand How to Use Fire Correctly

Fire when camping is an essential part of the experience. It helps you cook, keeps you warm, and makes unforgettable family memories of songs, connections, and stories. But fire is also very dangerous, and things can go wrong. Some practical fire safety tips include learning how to build a fire with rings, keeping flammable materials at least 15 feet away, and only using lighter fluid as fuel. Of course, also keep pets and children from getting too close to an open fire.

Summary

It helps to plan your gear to stay safe when camping. Respecting wildlife when out in the woods also reduces the chances of something bad happening, and you must always be safe with fire.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

Planning your next adventure?

Here are some of our go-to resources that we’ve personally tested over the years.

Find Your Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for hotels or hostels Booking.com is ideal for finding great hotel deals worldwide, with a wide range of options to suit any budget.

Book Your Flights

For unbeatable flight deals, we also recommend Booking.com Flights as they search across airlines and travel sites to ensure you get the best prices. It’s our favorite tool for finding affordable flights, no matter your destination.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must-have! Protect yourself from unexpected events like illness, injury, or cancellations. Here’s what we recommend:

* TrueTraveler (only EU citizens): Perfect for long term travelers looking for comprehensive and affordable coverage.
* SafetyWing (for everyone) Great for digital nomads, long and short term travelers.

Rent a Car for Your Trip

Need the freedom to explore at your own pace? Renting a car is a great way to travel off the beaten path. We recommend Discovercars.com a fantastic comparison website that helps you find the cheapest rates from all the major rental companies worldwide.

Book Your Activities

From guided tours to skip-the-line tickets, use Get Your Guide to plan unforgettable experiences wherever you’re going. It’s one of the best platforms for activities and tours.

Try Housesitting

If you love animals and you prefer going local during your travels, try housesitting, which is an amazing way to travel the world while taking care of the pets whose owners are on vacation. If you use TrustedHousesitters with this link you’ll get $25 discount on annual membership.

Scroll to Top