Wilderness Camping Basics
Wilderness camping is an excellent opportunity for a family outing. It is a great way to spend a weekend away, but make sure to plan your trip well. You will want to bring enough water to last the entire trip, but you will also want to carry a water filter. The best water source for wilderness camping is a creek or faucet, but it’s important to check the location before leaving. A small campfire burns better and is easier to put out when you’re finished.
When you’re wilderness camping, you must pack enough supplies. A tent, fire rings, and food wrappers will keep you warm.
You’ll also need toilet paper and water. In most cases, you can use a campsite that was used in the past.
This can be a good option if you’re looking to minimize new impacts to the environment. Just remember to set up your camp at least 100 feet away from the water. You’ll also need to bring your own water and trash bags.
When you’re backpacking in the wilderness, it’s important to follow the rules of the area. Depending on where you’re going, you might have to portage across a swamp. A portage is only 2/10ths of a mile, so if you’re going across a lake, you’ll have to lug your gear on your back and pack it out by foot. And remember, if you’re urinating in an area with a lot of vegetation, a bushwhacking method is not recommended, either.
When wilderness camping, be sure to keep smelly items such as food and pots and pans away from your camp. The scent of smoke may be a signal that a forest fire is nearby, and if you’re lucky, you’ll have plenty of time to evacuate the area.
Having a weather band radio is a great idea as it allows you to stay updated on weather forecasts. If you’re worried about wildfires or tornadoes, you should consider moving somewhere else if the danger is imminent.
The regulations of wilderness camping differ, so it’s important to know what your local regulations are. You should not set a campfire in a place that is not safe for children. For example, if you’re in a forest that is heavily regulated, you should not light a fire. You must also make sure there’s no wind in the area, or you’ll risk damage to the soil. You should always use earbuds to avoid noise during your trip.
As for fires, you should never start a fire in a wilderness area unless you’re sure that you need one. While it’s tempting to use your campfire to make a toasty meal, you should also be sure to make sure that it’s safe. In addition to avoiding the risk of wildfires, you should always keep odorous garbage in a garbage bag. It’s also best to avoid using flammable fuels such as charcoal grills and gas stoves.
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Elysse Curry-Preparedness Advisor elysse@realsurvivalnow.com