Camp Out

What better way to leave the toils of the everyday world but camping out. Although there is more to it than just campfires and overnight in the wilderness, camping out is actually one of the best ways to release negative energies brought about by the busy life.

Imagine a starry sky and a quiet, ambient atmosphere where you have nothing to think about but the excitement that is up ahead. Whether it be simple trek in the wilderness, or a wild white water rafting adventure. In the wild, the possibilities are endless. The point really is to get as far away from the source of your stress as possible. The intent is to replenish the strength you’ve lost battling the challenges of everyday living – shuffling work and family.

But before you decide to go for a little time off for and from yourself, you need to know the following about camping.

1. Whenever possible, use existing campsites. Camp on durable surfaces and place tents on a non-vegetated area. Do not dig trenches around tents.

2. Camp a least 200 feet from water, trails, and other campsites.

3. Pack out what you pack in. Carry a trash bag and pick up litter left by others.

4. Repackage snacks and food in baggies. This reduces weight and the amount of trash to carry out.

5. For cooking, consider using a camp stove instead of a campfire. Camp stoves leave less of an impact on the land.

6. Observe all fire restrictions. If you must build a fire—use existing fire rings, build a mound fire, or use a fire pan. Use only fallen timber for campfires. Do not cut standing trees. Clear a 10-foot diameter area around the site by removing any grass, twigs, leaves and extra firewood. Also make sure there aren’t any tree limbs or flammable objects hanging overhead.

7. Allow the wood to burn down to a fine ash, if possible. Pour water on the fire and drown all embers until the hissing sound stops. Stir the campfire ashes and embers until everything is wet and cold to the touch. If you don’t have water, use dirt.

8. Detergents, toothpaste and soap harm fish and other aquatic life. Wash 200 feet away from streams and lakes. Scatter gray water so it filters through the soil.

9. In areas without toilets, use a portable latrine if possible, and pack out your waste. If you don’t have a portable latrine, you may need to bury your waste. Human waste should be disposed of in a shallow hole six to eight inches deep at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites, or trails. Cover and disguise the hole with natural materials. It is recommended to pack out your toilet paper. High use areas may have other restrictions, so check with a land manager.

10. Following a trip, wash your gear and support vehicle to reduce the spread of invasive species.