Camping can be very exciting and full of adventure if done in the right way. The lovely things about camping are the bushwalks, the fresh air, the sounds of nature and wildlife, and the escape from hustle and bustle of city life and your digital life. It refreshes you from your daily routines, and you experience life from a new perspective.
However, at times campers, in their excitement, may forget that there may be national parks near their campsite. If disturbed, the wild animals may attack people.
A lot can go wrong when you are away from the conveniences of modern society. Preparing for adverse weather conditions, medical emergencies, sustenance, attacks from wild animals, fire hazards, shelter, protection from the sun, keeping yourself hydrated, and keeping yourself safe during physical activities is quintessential to having an amazing camping experience.
Let’s discuss all of them in detail, as well as how you can prepare yourself to stay safe from any misadventure.
Related Articles:
- How To Stay Safe While Solo Camping
- 7 Most Important Rules Of Camping
- 21 Survival Life Hacks That May Save Your Life
- Prepping For Outdoors Life Survival And High End Survival Gear
- How To Prepare For Emergency Outdoors Survival
1. Stay Updated with the Weather Conditions
Start keeping track of the weather forecast before your trip. The weather can change abruptly.
Thus, keeping an eye on the weather will help you to prepare for any unexpected weather changes (such as rains, snow, heat) in advance.
Accordingly, you may need sunglasses, hats, caps, and sunscreen during the daytime and woolen socks, sweaters, tracksuits, and warm jumpers for the night.
2. First Aid Equipment Availability is Must
Campsites are generally in remote areas, so medical facilities/aid is not readily available. It is the responsibility of the camper to carry the first aid box to the camping site.
It is always better if you are trained or have basic knowledge of First Aid. In case of a minor accident or injury, a comprehensive and well-stocked First Aid kit (Amazon link) is essential.
The Band-Aids and some antiseptic cream should always be present in your backpack.
So, if you are going for a bushwalk, or jogging nearby, make sure you carry your backpack because you do not know when you may require it.
3. Bring Plenty of Food and Water
Make sure to bring plenty of water for washings and drinking with you at the camping site. Some camping sites are not connected to any major source of water. In dry weather, you cannot rely on water from the rainwater tanks of the campsite.
Also, make arrangements so that the food you are bringing with you is preserved properly. Otherwise, some bugs and insects will be delighted to have a taste of your food.
Food poisoning and camping do not go well together. The food should be packed in airtight containers and stored in an insulated cooler to prevent unwanted insects, ants, and bugs.
Wash your hands properly before touching the food to avoid food-borne illnesses. Do not mix raw materials with cooked food. Additionally, wash fruits and vegetables properly in clean water.
4. Do Not Mess with Wildlife
There might be wild animals near the campsite. There have been few cases of forest accidents or humans being injured or killed by the animals.
Never touch a wild animal or get too close as they could attack or bite you. Never feed animals. Either their trainers provide them specified food, or they find it themselves.
Do not try to tease the animals, like taking their younger ones away. Using insect repellent, wearing long sleeve t-shirts and long trousers will help you to prevent getting bitten by unwanted mosquitoes and other insects.
You can avoid snakes by making noise while walking, and by wearing long trousers. Kangaroos, possums, kookaburras, and magpies may look cute but are crafty when it comes to raiding your camp. So ensure that your tent and campsite are secured.
5. Be Safe Around Campfires
Sitting around the campfire with friends and singing John Denver songs might be one of the best things about your camping. However, it can be risky as well.
Not all campgrounds allow campfires. During drought or warm seasons, none of the national parks allow campfires.
Please be mindful of your surroundings while starting a fire. Better yet, always use designated fireplaces. Fires should be lit at least 3 meters away from your tent in a clear space. If the weather is dry or windy, avoid starting a fire altogether.
Never leave the fire unattended. If you are leaving the area, make sure you put out the fire. Keep children away from the fire, and teach them how to be safe around it. Keep fires small and manageable.
6. Drive Safely
The national parks have a large population of wild animals. You can often see them in the middle of the roads.
Slow driving is necessary to avert accidents. Try to avoid driving in the parks during sunrise and sunset because, at this time, the animals are most active.
7. Choose The Correct Shelter and Site
To select the campground site and shelter, you can consider your physical limitations, age, and the perfect view. Before hammering the first tent peg, look around and consider the risks in the immediate area.
Avoid camping directly under a large tree. Some flora may feel threatened by it.
Consider a place in the campground where water will drain in the event of rain. If you are camping with children, find a safe place in the campground with no river, fountains, or roads nearby.
8. Use Sun Protection for Your Skin
The camping site might be a very sunny place, and you need to protect yourself from the heat. The UV rays can burn your skin.
Using the right sunscreen (Amazon link) will mitigate this problem.
During the mid-day, wearing a hat or using an umbrella will protect you from the scorching heat.
9. Always Stay Hydrated
Drinking water and electrolytes throughout the day are essential for staying hydrated. If your body does not have the required amount of water, then it may lead to dehydration.
Dehydration can seriously impair you, and you may get prone to injuries because of it.
So, drink at least 2 liters of water each day while camping.
10. Do Physical Activities Safely
One of the charms of camping is to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, walking, jogging, or biking. Bring proper gear such as jackets, protective gear, sturdy shoes, and helmets for your safety.
Avoid getting near poisonous plants. Plan steps on how to avoid injury during your camping. Always do these activities with a companion. If you have kids, make sure to have a close eye on them.
Conclusion
If you follow these basic safety measures while enjoying you will have great fun. Have fun but remain alert. Pay attention to your body throughout the trip.
Get plenty of sleep and limit alcohol intake. So be safe, have fun, and enjoy the great outdoors. Happy Camping!
References:
Hi, I’m Vineet. Creator of DivinioWorld. I am an outdoor enthusiast and absolutely love researching, learning, and applying skills and knowledge in the real world. I started DivinioWorld to share everything I know so that even a beginner can follow the ropes and master the subtle art of outdoors adventure and survival.
4 thoughts on “How To Stay Safe While Camping”