“Connecting with nature” is one of the most common reasons to go camping — and that makes sense. In a modern world where we’re surrounded by tall blocks of concrete, endless screens, and processed foods, it’s no surprise that so many of us feel that primal call.
The only problem? Nature doesn’t necessarily feel like connecting with you.
To preserve the local ecosystem — and ensure that future campers can enjoy the same wonderful experience you’re having — you need to take your responsibility as a camper seriously. You might not quite manage to fulfill your mission to “leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but memories,” but you can get pretty darn close with these Environmental Camping Tips.
Here’s how.
1. Develop a Waste Disposal Strategy
This section covers two things — waste that comes from the things you take with you, like packaging and plastic, and the waste you produce yourself.
“Don’t litter” is one of the essential commandments of ethical camping, but you’d be surprised how many people fail to follow it. You risk accidentally leaving waste behind even if you have the best of intentions, so it’s good to develop a plan. Here are a few handy tips to get you started:
- Always bring plenty of garbage bags with you. Remember that wind can sweep them away, so secure them with a heavy rock or keep them in your car.
- Dispose of waste products immediately. Be especially mindful of the danger of disposable plastic bags and the little plastic rings six-packs of drinks come with. Birds and other wildlife can get their necks stuck in these plastic waste items, potentially maiming or killing them. Also remember that lightweight plastic packaging, like candy bar wrappers, can fly off within a second if you leave it unattended.
- Remember that leftover food counts as a waste product, too, and dispose of it responsibly.
As far as human waste goes, it’s good to dig an outdoor toilet as soon as you arrive on the scene. Your outdoor toilet should be at least 200 feet from the nearest natural water source (like a river or lake) and be at least 12 inches deep. Don’t forget to cover it with soil when you go home! Human feces can contain microorganisms that are dangerous to the local wildlife.
2. Keep Your Dog on the Leash
Taking your dog camping can be a very rewarding experience — and a chance for you both to have a great time. Be careful, though! No matter how well-trained or obedient you think your canine best friend is, you should always keep your dog on the leash.
Let’s face it. It’s in Fido’s nature to start chasing birds, foxes, deer, and other wildlife. In the process, your dog may not only manage to kill animals but may also disturb their breeding grounds. You wouldn’t be the first to think your dog is the exception to the rule, only to find him running toward you excitedly with a duck in his mouth. Just keep your dog on the leash, please!
Unless of course when it’s safe, we certainly understand that camping has to be fun for your dog too! Research can also be done in advance to find out how pet-friendly your camping spot is.
3. Don’t Disturb the Environment
There’s more to leaving no trace than taking your litter home. It’s just as important to stay mindful of the damage you cause to nature while you’re camping. Some things to avoid doing include:
- Pitching your tent on top of rare flowers or mushrooms. Not sure if you’re disturbing rare vegetation? In that case, stick to a designated campground.
- Chopping down trees or vegetation to make space for your tent.
- Venturing off designated trails and disturbing the local ecosystem.
- Use biodegradable products while washing yourself, your dishes, and your clothes.
It might go without saying, but please don’t pick up any eggs or baby animals you may come across while camping, either. In many cases, this can lead the parent animals to abandon their offspring.
4. Take a Responsible Approach to Campfires
Never assume that you’re allowed to start a campfire. Always check first! If starting a fire is permitted, only use designated fire rings or pits if they are available. If not, make very sure you find a suitable place for your campfire:
- Pick a flat spot away from any dry vegetation like shrubs, grass, and trees. Check that there are no overhanging tree branches.
- Build a proper fire pit, either by using rocks or by using a metal fire ring.
- Never leave your campfire unattended. Fire spreads faster than you think, especially if the wind picks up.
- It’s wise to keep a bucket of water and a pile of soil nearby at all times to enable you to quickly extinguish the fire if necessary.
Have you never made a fire before? Practice in a safe spot, like your own backyard, first. Wildfires are a growing concern, and many are accidentally started by people who don’t know what they’re doing.
Make sure you read our article about Fire Safety Tips While Camping.
5. Keep Your Noise Levels Down at Night
Campgrounds usually have quiet hours. If you’re going camping in nature, it’s crucial to keep your noise down after dark, too. The local wildlife has an established sleep-wake cycle just like you do, and noisy campers can throw the animals for a loop.
A Final Word
Nothing is worse than arriving at a “beautiful campsite” only to be met with empty drink cans, scraps of toilet paper, cigarette butts, and other unpleasant reminders of human activity. Don’t be that person who ruins everything for other campers and local wildlife.
Prepare for your camping trip by learning what it takes to leave no trace — and don’t pitch your tent until you know you can leave the environment exactly as you found it. Fortunately, it’s easier than you think. A combination of planning and using common sense gets you more than half of the way there.
While you’re at it, don’t be scared to clean up the mess less considerate campers have left before you showed up. You’ll be doing Mother Earth a favor, and it’s a great way to show how much you appreciate that time spent in nature.
