Camping Tips and Etiquette

Its that time of the year again,where people are going to spend some time in the Great Outdoors to go camping.

Here are some helpful tips and information so that you will be well prepared for your camping trip. Please print them out and keep them handy so that your next camping trip will be safe and a good time for all.

Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough daylight left to check over the entire campsite and to set-up camp.

Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches that could fall or are hung low.

Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble due to rain. Check for areas that could flood or become extremely muddy and cause problems.
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Look for level with enough room to spread out all your camping gear.

Look for a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of the prevailing winds. This will help block the wind if it should gust or get quite strong.

Check for potential hazards at the campsite such as: poison ivy, bees, ants, sharp objects and other dangerous areas.

Fire is of prime concern at the campsite. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically. When ever a fire is lit at the campsite be sure that someone is assigned to watch it at all times. Keep water nearby for emergencies. Be sure that when you put the fire out you use water and soil and be certain that the fire is completely out, cool to the touch. Embers buried within the pile of ashes have a tendency to reignite later.

Keep your campsite fires to an absolute minimum at all times.

Dispose of all trash properly in the proper recycling bins if available.

Return the campsite to its original condition for the next camper if you disturb it in any way.

Don't forget your good recycling habits on vacation. They are just as important camping as they are at home!