How To Be Safe And Secure When Camping Outdoors

As rewarding as a camping trip can be, it doesn’t come without potential dangers. Surely, the activity is a great way to spend time with friends, but it may also involve risks if you don’t take the needed precautions. And not to worry; you don’t need to pack your bags with gear that you’ll never use! To make your trip as safe as it is fun, follow these simple tips. 

Pick the Right Spot 

Before you venture into the forest, do a little research on the safest places to camp in your area. As fun as it theoretically sounds to explore places that people tend to avoid, these areas are avoided for a reason, which may include wild animals or poisonous plants. 

You also never know who you might run into when you go camping with your friends, so make sure you stay protected. Never hitchhike or make friends with strangers in your camping spot. If you encounter other campers, keep your distance and limit your conversations.

Wear Suitable Clothes 

Camping gear is more than just a couple of hunting knives and a tent. Depending on the weather, you may need to wear waterproof clothing as well as a pair of non-slip hunting boots. If it’s hot, make sure you don’t expose too much skin, and always wear light-colors to better reflect the sunlight. You may also need a cap if you predict that it will be hot and sunny. 

If you’re unsure what clothing and tools are recommended for a hassle-free camping trip, this website can guide you through outdoor-related essentials and some tips to stay safe on your trip. Check the weather forecast before you set out on your adventure, and always carry a parasol or an umbrella just in case. 

Get Vaccinated 

Get with your physician if there are any vaccines that you need to take before your camping trip, which goes especially for those who plan to camp in states or countries that they have never been to before. 

Your doctor may recommend that you take tetanus, hepatitis A and meningitis vaccines before you go on your trip, depending on your vaccination and medical history. On the other hand, you may want to take some OTC medicine such as ibuprofen and nasal spray, so as not to let a headache or a stuffy nose ruin your trip. 

Take Ample Food and Water 

If you plan to camp for more than a day, you shouldn’t pack homemade sandwiches, as most of these will probably go bad in a day or two. Make sure that you take dried fruits, nuts, protein bars, and canned foods to keep you covered for your trip. You should also make sure that you have enough clean water. 

Never drink from a stream or a river unless you absolutely have to. And even then, you might want to bring some chlorine with you, and add a few drops in water from a questionable source a few minutes before you ingest it. 

Avoid Picking Food

While picking berries and mushrooms may seem like a fun activity to incorporate into your camping adventure, these plants may be poisonous, and some can even be fatal. If you want to collect any questionable plants that you’re not familiar with, always use gloves and secure them in a plastic bag with a seal. 

Never use your bare hands to pick plants or fruits, seeing as some of them do not need to be ingested to pose risks such as rash and inflammation. If poisonous plants come in contact with your eyes through your hands, this can irritate your eyes and you may need medical attention, so always bring reusable containers and gloves on your trip just in case.

Don’t Take Your Pet 

Taking your dog camping can be a great way to expose your pet to new scenery, but it can also pose risks to you as well as your pet. Dogs can attract and provoke other wild animals by barking when they smell something foreign in the distance. On the other hand, bringing your pet to a questionable area may expose it to harm, especially if your dog tends to munch on grass or plants.

If you must bring a service animal to a camping area, ask a camping facility, or research the areas where you can safely bring your service animal to a camping site. Make sure that your dog is not hostile to other people, as such camping sites are likely to have other campers around. 

Staying safe on your camping trip ensures that you won’t have to go back home earlier than you expected for a hospital visit. In most cases, camping is safe, but it’s best to be prepared for dangerous encounters with the needed supplies. Make sure you also camp with people you trust, and never wander in the forest on your own without backup.