It’s finally summer, which means that it’s time to pack up the car and head to your favorite campground. But if you’re new to camping, there are a few important things you should know before you set off on your adventure.
After all, it takes some experience and planning to go camping safely—and more importantly, enjoyably! So here are 17 essential tips for beginner campers.
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Prioritizing safety is essential for a successful and enjoyable camping trip. |
| Familiarize yourself with wilderness survival techniques, as they can be essential in an emergency. |
| Always research your campsite ahead of time and be prepared with proper gear and supplies. |
| Be aware of the most common mistakes when it comes to camping safety and wilderness survival and take steps to avoid them. |
| Educate yourself on the basics of camping safety, such as campsite selection, first aid, and food storage. |
Campfires
Campfires are one of the best parts of camping, but they can also be dangerous if you’re not careful.
- Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure you have a fire permit before building one. If you don’t have one, don’t build your own fire and instead use an approved stove or grill to cook your food instead–and keep in mind that some parks require permits even for stoves or grills!
- Make sure that all embers are out before leaving and never burn trash in an open fire pit (even if it’s just paper). This can cause fires to spread quickly when left unattended or when strong winds pick up during the night.
Camping and the great outdoors are all about having fun and creating unforgettable memories, but adventure should never come at the cost of safety. Learn about the most common camping safety mistakes and how to avoid them before you hit the trails.
Water
When you’re camping, you’ll need to bring enough water with you. It’s important to have a backup supply in case of emergency and don’t drink the water from lakes or rivers. You should always bring a water bottle with you on your trip and also consider bringing a filter or purifier for your drinking supply.
If there is no running water nearby, seek out springs or streams that are known not to be polluted by runoff from roads or parking lots (or other sources).
Best Water Filtration Systems for Camping
| Brand | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawyer | MINI Water Filter | Filters up to 100,000 gallons, compact and lightweight design, includes a drinking pouch, straw, and cleaning plunger | $24.95 |
| LifeStraw | Personal Water Filter | Filters up to 4,000 liters of contaminated water, lightweight and portable, no batteries or electric power required | $19.95 |
| Katadyn | Pocket Water Filter | Filters up to 13,000 gallons, durable stainless steel design, ceramic filter can be cleaned multiple times | $369.95 |
| MSR | Guardian Purifier | Filters viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and sediment, fast flow rate, self-cleaning design | $349.95 |
| Platypus | GravityWorks Water Filter | Filters up to 1,500 liters, includes two reservoirs and a gravity filter, quick and easy to set up | $119.95 |
This table highlights some of the best water filtration systems for camping from top brands. These products are designed to make sure you have access to safe and clean drinking water, no matter where your adventures take you.
Sleeping Bags And Pads
Sleeping bags and pads are integral to your camping experience. The right bag or pad can make all the difference between a good night’s sleep and one that leaves you feeling chilled and uncomfortable.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag or pad: whether it’s summer or winter, what temperature rating you need, whether or not it will fit in your car (or van), how easy it is to clean etc.
Here are some tips for choosing the right sleeping gear for your next camping trip:
Camping can be a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors and get in touch with nature, but it’s important to prioritize safety at all times. Explore the ultimate guide to camping safety to prepare yourself and your family for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Tent And Shelter
When choosing a tent, make sure it’s large enough to fit all the people and gear you’ll be bringing. If you have kids or pets, it’s also important that the tent has an extra roomy vestibule for storing their stuff.
Tents come in three basic designs: dome-shaped (the most common), A-frame and tunnel shape. Dome tents are good for providing maximum headroom and storage space inside, but they don’t protect against wind or rain as well as other styles do–so if those elements are likely where you’ll be camping then another option may be better suited for your needs.
A-frame tents offer less vertical height but provide better protection from wind gusts than domes do; if this sounds like something that would work best for your trip then consider purchasing one of these instead!
Tents with tunnel shapes are sometimes referred to as “bypass” because they allow more airflow through their structure than others do; however since there isn’t much room inside them compared
to other styles (and thus less privacy) this type isn’t recommended unless space is limited or weight restrictions require its use.
Best Tents and Shelters for Camping
| Brand | Product | Capacity | Vestibule(s) | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REI Co-op | Half Dome Plus | 2-3 person | 1 vestibule | Durable, waterproof, and easy to set up with color-coded clips and poles | $299 |
| The North Face | Wawona 6 | 6 person | 2 vestibules | Spacious with 2 doors and mesh windows for ventilation | $499 |
| Big Agnes | Copper Spur HV UL3 | 3 person | 2 vestibules | Lightweight and packable for backpacking, yet spacious for car camping | $499.95 |
| Coleman | Instant Cabin | 4 person | None | Quick and easy instant setup, room divider for privacy | $139.99 |
| Eureka! | Copper Canyon LX | 6 person | 1 vestibule | Tall enough to stand up in, steel and fiberglass frame for stability and strength | $399.95 |
This table showcases some of the best tents and shelters for camping from top brands. These products are designed to accommodate different group sizes and preferences, with various features such as vestibules and easy setups.
Food And Water Storage
Keep food and water stored in a bear-proof container. This is the most important thing you can do to keep yourself safe, especially if you are camping in an area where bears are known to roam.
Store your food and water away from your tent or sleeping area. Bears have been known to break into tents looking for food! Don’t give them an opportunity by leaving any food unattended or accessible through an open window or door while inside the tent (even if it’s just outside).
Don’t leave out dishes with leftover food on them–this is another great way for bears to get into trouble with humans! Just clean up after yourself as soon as possible so no one gets hurt!
Looking to set yourself up for a safe and enjoyable camping trip? Start with the basics. Check out the top 10 things you need to know about camping safety for an overview of the essential tips and tricks.
Wildlife
Wildlife is the most unpredictable thing you will encounter while camping. If you see a bear, make noise to scare it away and then move away from its path. Bears are attracted to food and can be dangerous if they get close enough, so make sure that you are not in their way when hiking or cooking.
If any wildlife seems aggressive, stay calm and do not run away as this could lead to an attack on your part as well (the animal may feel threatened or defensive).
Instead, try shouting at them or waving your arms around; this often helps deter wild animals from coming closer or attacking people who have invaded their territory.
Wildlife Safety Products for Camping
| Brand | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counter Assault | Bear Deterrent Spray | Emits a strong, high-volume, and long-range burst for maximum effectiveness, includes holster for easy access | $59.95 |
| BearVault | BV450 Bear Resistant Food Canister | Durable and lightweight, certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, holds up to 4 days of food for 1 person | $69.95 |
| Tentsile | Safari Stingray Tree Tent | Suspended design keeps campers off the ground and away from wildlife, sleeps 3 people, rainfly and insect mesh included | $995 |
| Black Diamond | Spot Headlamp | Adjustable light settings, waterproof, and red night-vision feature to minimize disturbance to wildlife | $39.95 |
| The Dyrt Pro | Camping App | Find campgrounds with wildlife safety features, user reviews of animal sightings and encounters, and offline maps for when you don’t have signal | $35/year |
This table highlights some of the best wildlife safety products for camping, from bear deterrent spray and food canisters to tree tents and headlamps with minimal impact on nearby wildlife. The Dyrt Pro camping app is also included as a tool for finding campgrounds with wildlife safety features.
Personal Care Items And Medication
Personal care items and medication. You may want to bring along extra toiletries, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.
First aid kit (and know how to use it). Make sure you have at least one bandage per person in your group as well as antiseptic wipes for cleaning wounds or treating blisters on the go.
Sunscreen: Look for waterproof varieties that will stand up against sweat and humidity alike; SPF 30+ is ideal for most people who will be outdoors all day long during summer camping trips–even those with darker complexions should consider using SPF 50+ sunscreens because they protect against both UVA and UVB rays better than lighter options do!
Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a first-time camper, understanding wilderness survival is crucial for staying safe and secure in the great outdoors. Check out the most common wilderness survival mistakes so you can avoid them on your next adventure.
Clothing And Footwear
Wear layers. Layering is not just for the winter; it’s also a good idea to wear layers while camping. You can easily add or remove clothing as temperatures change throughout the day, and this will help keep your body temperature regulated.
Wear comfortable shoes that are sturdy enough to walk through dirt or over rocks without getting hurt (and don’t forget socks!). If you plan on doing some hiking or exploring off-trail areas, make sure they’re waterproof as well!
Bring a hat and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher protection–and don’t forget sunglasses! You may want to bring these items anyway even if there isn’t direct sun exposure because they’re good for protecting against insects as well as UV rays if needed later on in the day/evening when clouds move in overhead.
Safety Equipment For Campers
You need to be prepared for any situation that can happen while you’re out camping. If you’re new to camping, it’s important that you bring the right equipment and supplies with you so that if something does go wrong, there’s no panic or confusion about what to do next. Here are some essential safety items for campers:
Preparation is key when it comes to ensuring your safety while camping in the wilderness. If you’re looking to learn more about wilderness survival techniques, don’t miss the ultimate guide to wilderness survival. From building a shelter to finding sources of food and water, this comprehensive guide has got you covered.
Be Prepared, But Also Be Smart When Camping
When you’re camping, it’s important to be prepared. But don’t just think about the basics: having a first aid kit and extra food is good; having a plan for what you will do in case of emergency is even better.
While we don’t want to scare anyone with stories of bad things that have happened at campgrounds (or anywhere else), it’s important to know how best to handle yourself in case anything goes wrong while out on your adventures.
So here are some tips on how not only how get ready for an overnight trip but also how stay safe once there:
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this list of 17 essential camping safety tips for beginners! Remember, it’s important to be prepared for your trip and make sure that you have all the necessary equipment. But don’t let that scare you away from going on an adventure–camping is fun and allows us to reconnect with nature in a way few other activities do.
Just remember that there are risks involved in any activity where humans interact with nature (whether it’s hiking or canoeing), so make sure that when planning out your next trip make sure all members know what they’re doing beforehand so no one gets hurt while having fun outdoors.
Further Reading
If you want to learn more about camping safely, check out these articles:
Camping Safely: Everything You Need To Know – This article offers helpful tips on staying safe while camping, covering everything from campsite selection to food storage and first aid.
20 Essential Camping Tips – this blog post outlines 20 essential tips for a safe and enjoyable camping trip, covering everything from fire safety to wildlife avoidance.
Safety Tips for Camping – this article offers a comprehensive guide to camping safety, including tips for staying safe at night, staying hydrated, and avoiding accidents and injuries.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about camping safety:
What are some important things to keep in mind when setting up camp at a campsite?
When setting up camp, it’s important to choose a level and well-drained location, far from tree roots, rocks, and natural hazards. You should also be aware of any rules or regulations specific to the campsite, such as fire restrictions or designated areas for cooking and waste disposal.
How should I pack for a camping trip?
When packing for a camping trip, it’s important to bring all the necessary gear and equipment, including shelter, bedding, cooking gear, and food and water. You should also pack appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and terrain.
What are some tips for staying safe while hiking on a camping trip?
When hiking on a camping trip, always stay on designated trails and be aware of your surroundings. Carry a map and compass, stay hydrated, and avoid hiking alone if possible. If you encounter wildlife, give them plenty of space and never feed them.
How can I prevent accidents and injuries while camping?
To prevent accidents and injuries while camping, always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, such as using insect repellent and sunscreen, carrying a first aid kit, and practicing proper food handling and storage techniques. It’s also important to be prepared for emergencies by knowing the layout of the campsite and having a plan for evacuation if needed.
What should I do if I encounter a wild animal on a camping trip?
If you encounter a wild animal on a camping trip, stay calm and avoid approaching or feeding them. Make noise to alert the animal of your presence, and back away slowly while keeping the animal in sight. If it’s a bear, stand your ground and speak firmly, making yourself look as large as possible.
I’m Hellen James, and I am a camping enthusiast. I’ve been camping since I was a kid and have always loved it the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, and the great outdoors. In fact, it’s one of my favorite things to do in the summer!
