Camping

1. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE

Proper trip planning and preparation are essential to a safe and enjoyable hiking or camping excursion, and at the same time, minimize  damage to natural and cultural resources. Campers who plan ahead can avoid unexpected situations, and minimize their impact by complying with area regulations such as observing group size limitations.

Proper planning ensures:

• low risk adventures (because campers obtained information in advance, and prepared accordingly).
• properly located campsites (because campers allotted enough time to find a camp).
• appropriate campfires and minimal trash (because of food repackaging and proper equipment).
• comfortable and fun experiences which match participant’s skill levels.

2. TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES

Damage to land occurs when visitors trample vegetation or communities of organisms beyond recovery. The resulting barren areas develop into undesirable trails, campsites, and soil erosion.

A reasonable question to ask, then, is “Should I concentrate activity, or spread out?”

• In high use areas, campers should concentrate their activities where vegetation is already absent by using existing trails and selecting designated or existing campsites.
• In more remote, less traveled areas, campers should generally spread out. When hiking, take different paths to avoid creating new trails that cause erosion. When camping, disperse tents and cooking activities. Move camp daily to avoid creating permanent looking campsites. Always choose the most durable surfaces available such as rock, duff, dry grasses, or snow.

These guidelines apply to most alpine settings and may be different for other ecosystems.

3. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY

Back-country users create wastewater and body waste that requires proper disposal. Hikers and campers also need to take their trash with them. Campers should minimize the need to pack out food scraps by carefully planning meals. Accept the challenge of packing out everything you bring.

Wastewater

Help prevent contamination of natural water sources by proper disposal of wastewater. After straining food particles, dispose of dish water by dispersing at least 200 feet from springs, streams, and lakes. Use biodegradable soap 200 feet or more from any water source.

Human Waste

Proper human waste disposal helps prevent the spread of disease and exposure to others. Catholes 6 to 8 inches deep and 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites are often the most practical way to dispose of feces.

4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND

Allow others a sense of discovery. Leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts, and other objects as you find them. Furthermore, it may be illegal to remove them. Keep in mind that good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.

• Do not dig tent trenches or build structures. Never hammer nails into trees, hack at trees with hatchets or damage the bark and roots by tying horses to trees for extended periods.
• Replace surface rocks or twigs that you cleared from the campsite.
• On high impact sites, clean the area and dismantle inappropriate user-built facilities such as fire rings, log seats, or tables.

5. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE USE

The naturalness of many areas has been degraded by the overuse of fires and increasing demand for firewood. Lightweight camp stoves make low-impact camping possible by encouraging a shift away from fires. Stoves are fast, eliminate the need for firewood, and make cleanup after meals easier.

• If you build a fire, the most important consideration is the potential for resource damage.
• Whenever possible, use an existing campfire ring in a well-placed campsite. Choose not to have a fire in areas where wood is scarce.
• True LEAVE NO TRACE fires are small. Use dead and downed wood no larger than an adult’s wrist. When possible, bum all wood to ash and remove all unburned trash.
• If a site has two or more fire rings, you may dismantle all but one, and scatter the materials into the surrounding area. Be certain all wood and campfire debris is dead out.
• Do not scar large rocks or overhangs with a fire.
• Put campfires out completely and scatter cool ashes over a large area away from camp.

6. RESPECT WILDLIFE

• Quick movements and loud noises are stressful to animals. Considerate campers practice these safety methods. You are too close to an animal if an animal alters its normal activities.
• Observe wildlife from afar to avoid disturbing them.
• Give animals a wide berth, especially during breeding, nesting, and birthing seasons.
• Store food securely and keep garbage and food scraps away from animals so they will not acquire bad habits. Help keep wildlife wild.

7. RESPECT OTHERS

Thoughtful campers are considerate of other campers and respect their privacy. Select campsites away from other groups. Travel and camp quietly to help preserve their solitude.

• Travel and camp in small groups (no more than the group size prescribed by land managers).
• Keep noise down and leave radios and tape players at home. If you take a pet keep them in control and remove dog feces from trails or campsites.
• Make sure the colors of your clothing and gear blend with the environment.
• Respect private property and leave gates (open or closed) as found.