Minimal Impact Camping
Camp Cleaning
- No Soap in Streams, Creeks or Lakes: Even Biodegradable Soaps is not good for the poor fish downstream.
- Bring a bucket or wash tub – Wash dishes, clothes & yourself 100′ from streams & lakes
- Food put away & dishes washed up before bed time. Keeping a clean camp will lessen the chances of wildlife or a bear visit
- Use existing campsite or rock campfire ring to prevent impacting new areas
- Pitch tent in cleared camp spots only (when primitive camping). No use trampling new spots.
- Do not set a tent up in a meadow, next to a creek or on a lake shore. It’s too fragile an environment.
- Bring extra trash bags (heavy duty lawn type is best) for cleaning any litter you might find at your selected camp site.
- Sometimes you’ll need to shovel out the whole fire pit (full of glass and trash) to start a fresh new campfire. Building your fire on top of somebody else’s mess means you’ll be inhaling all their left-over garbage.
always leave a clean camp
Camp Kitchen Outdoors
Try to keep all food, drinks and cooking to one area of the camp. If you plan to cook over the campfire, this choice will make much more sense. Setting up kitchen area in between the tent and the campfire is usually an excellent spot. Having the vehicle close by for proper food storage is also advised, or use bear boxes if available. If you choose to hang your food in the tree, bring adequate ropes and bags.
The last person still up around the campfire at night should double check the cleanlness camp before retiring for bed. Chances are there is a half-eaten snack or left over beverage that could attract the animals. Oh no, the GARBAGE!! Don’t forgot to put your garbage bag away at night, or dispose of it in a proper trash container. Double bag your garbage if you are concerned with it leaking or smelling up the vehicle.
Potty Breaks in the Outdoors
- Bathroom break in the bushes? Don’t leave your toilet paper trash. Dispose of in your vehicle with a plastic bag or back at camp.
- For human waste – Bring a shovel, dig holes 8″ deep & pack out all toilet paper. Do not bury paper as animals will just dig it up.
- Certain areas are so sensitive or overused that all solid waste must be packed out, check for the local regulations.