When camping, it’s important to know how to avoid encounters with wildlife. While the majority of animals aren’t particularly aggressive, some are and they should be kept away from people at all times. Luckily, there are several tips you can follow to avoid these encounters. First, try to stay calm. Most animals are scared of humans and they’re more likely to become aggressive if they feel surprised. In addition, when you’re nearing an animal, it’s good to make a noise to alert them to your presence.
Secondly, try to get a good night’s sleep. Even though camping can be an extremely challenging experience, you’ll want to be sure to recharge your batteries. Make sure your tent and sleeping bag are both comfortable and sturdy. If you’re bringing camping electronics, be sure to charge batteries and test them beforehand.
Lastly, you can always call ahead to reserve a campsite. Most campgrounds provide basic facilities, including grills and showers. Often, they’ll also offer WiFi. Nonetheless, if you’re camping in a remote area, make sure to check for wildlife and ask about the rules regarding pets. Also, try to stay away from high-altitude campsites, as the altitude can cause altitude sickness. Remember to find level ground for your tent and always use a tent cover, in case it rains.
It’s best to arrive early at your campsite so you can set up camp and prepare your dinner before the sun sets. You should also spend at least 30 minutes setting up camp so you can start cooking dinner before nightfall. Try to pick a spot with a flat area, as this will give you a good idea of how many other tents are in the area. If the campsite has a hill, try to pitch your tent perpendicularly to the hill, rather than in a straight line.
Keeping your campsite clean is important if you plan on cooking in your tent. Food that smells bad can attract animals, including bears. To protect your campsite from bears, place a bear bag nearby. It’s best to place this bag seven or eight feet above the ground. You can then throw it over a tree branch, or tie it to a tree with rope.
Another good tip is to keep your camp fire out of the way. Wildfires are one of the biggest causes of accidents while camping, so be sure to keep your fires well away from your tent. You can also use lanterns or torches to protect yourself from flames. Keep lighters and matches out of reach of children.
While camping, you should pack your kitchen with basic cooking utensils. Also, pack a bottle of biodegradable soap, a sponge, and two small wash basins. Using a large plastic bin is a good idea for storing your kitchen gear. Be sure to lock the lid to keep out small animals. Also, it’s best to store your food in a closed container when you’re in bear country.