Camping is one of the best ways to spend your summer. It can bring a lot of joy to you and your family. But it’s important to respect the forest while you enjoy the area. There are plenty of ways to camp respectfully without endangering the forest.
National forests and grasslands are incredible places to explore and enjoy. We want to make sure they are around for future generations, too. It’s a shared responsibility to take care of these natural treasures. This means we can all have fun with our favorite outdoor activities, but we must do so with care. We must always have respect for nature.
Be responsible
It’s essential to be responsible when you’re camping. You might think that camping in the woods is harmless. But a family preparing food in the forest might not be as innocent as you think. Your campsite can kill vegetation that’s important to the ecosystem. Try to pick a spot that’s already an established campsite.
- Keep campsites small.
- Pick a spot where there’s no vegetation.
- Never dig a trench or build a tent platform.
Respect the trees that surround you. Chopping or carving up trees is unnecessary. It damages the tree by cutting its crucial pathways. These pathways have water and nutrients inside. If you damage the tree, it may slowly starve to death.
Protect rivers and waterways. Make sure you’re at least 200 feet from rivers, streams, lakes, or wetlands. Do this when you choose your campsite, park your car, and wash up. Avoid harsh chemicals. Instead, use biodegradable soap or plain water when washing.
Be careful with human waste
There are a lot of bacteria in human feces. They can cause salmonella, hepatitis, Giardia, and other gastrointestinal diseases. Then think about all these bacteria in the wild. Remember that water in lakes and streams can end up in your drinking water. If you need to go to the bathroom:
- Find a spot at least 200 feet from any water source.
- Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and bury any human waste.
- When you leave the woods, take used toilet paper and feminine products. Animals will dig those up and scatter them around the area.
There are many types of waste-disposal products available. They include enzymes that break down solid waste. You can also use a leak-proof toilet or any other self-contained receptacle.
Don’t play with fire
You may need to make a fire at some point. Campfires are great, but it’s crucial to keep them small and safe. Make sure to buy your firewood locally. If it’s not local, the wood may be infested with invasive pests. If you’re collecting firewood around your campsite, use downed or dead wood. Check with the local ranger to see if there are any fire restrictions. These restrictions can change on an hourly basis.
Use established fire rings. Clear a 10-foot area around them so the fire can’t spread. Don’t feed large logs into the fire. Have tools like a shovel, axe, and water ready. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a few minutes. A lot can happen in a few minutes. Make sure the fire is completely out before you leave it. Many forest fires start because someone believed a fire was out when it wasn’t.
Scrape away any litter or burnable material that’s anywhere around the ring. It’s easy to put out a fire by slowly pouring water over the flame. Then start stirring with a shovel and pouring more water if necessary. Continue until it’s cool to the touch. Do not bury the fire; the coals will only smolder and start over.
Don’t bother wildlife
You may feel tempted to pet an animal or get a picture of them, but it’s rarely a good idea. Always observe wildlife from a distance. Do not approach. You don’t know how the animal will react to you. Especially avoid animals during sensitive times. That may be when they’re nesting, mating, or are with their young. A wild animal can be very dangerous when they’re with their young. That’s why it’s always best to leash your dog so that your pet is never in danger.
Wild animals know how to feed themselves, so it’s very important for you not to feed them. Avoid attracting animals to your campsite. Store your food in sealed containers. This is especially true if there are bears in the area. Some parks even require you to use a bear canister. Make sure you properly throw out your trash.
Don’t spread weeds
Weeds have a bad habit of multiplying. If you spread invasive weeds, they can displace the native plant life in the area. These native plants provide food and habitat for wildlife and livestock.
To avoid spreading weeds:
- Learn to recognize common weed species.
- Do not camp or drive in weed-infested areas.
- Do not pick the flowers of invasive weeds and take them home — you will spread seeds.
If you have pack animals, ensure that their food is weed-free. Even when you’re still home, feed your animals only weed-free food. Do this for up to 96 hours before you leave for a campground. Before you go camping, wash your vehicle, especially underneath. This will ensure you’re not transporting weed seeds into the forest.
Don’t erase forest history
Forests hold a magical history. No one wants that history erased. Sacred sites and archaeological or historical places are all part of America’s past. Don’t disturb these areas. Otherwise, we could lose some of America’s heritage forever.
It’s actually illegal to disturb anything on federal land. If you do, you could face severe penalties. It’s up to all of us to protect these sites. If you see anyone damaging the area, contact the nearest district ranger to report it.
Be considerate of others
There are many ways you can be considerate of others who are also enjoying the great outdoors.
- Respect other visitors. Protect the quality of their outdoor experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to others on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail.
- Camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature’s sounds live within the forest. Avoid loud voices and noises.
Be a forest protector
Be part of the movement to build a better future. A future where forests are valued more standing than logged. A future where all people have clean air and water. Where we live in harmony with nature.
Act Now:: Demand your legislators take climate action to protect forests now.