Last Updated on July 25, 2023 by Andreas
Ask yourself what expectations, goals, and limits do you have for the outdoor activities you’re planning. Consider the same for everyone that will be joining the group. The trip may be a simple night of KOA car camping or five days of backpacking your local National Forest. Do your research on which wilderness areas are nearby and note what outdoor activities are allowed. Checkup on any fees, laws, policies, or paperwork that may be required. Not all locations will allow overnight parking without a permit. You may have to register your trip into the area with the local Park Service. The National Park Service provides a search engine for locating parks and information about them.
Car camping allows access to nature for individuals who might not be able to hike long distances such as children and seniors. The sites that are provided for vehicles are usually very near each other however it can vary for each campground. This can be good because it creates a neighborhood feeling where you can walk around meeting people while the kids play among the campsites. The luxuries of electricity, running water, and sewage are also usually provided as well as a level place for RVs, picnic tables, and fire pits.
Backpacking requires more effort and you may not see other people on your trip however you’ll be visiting beautiful scenery that has a lighter footprint from humans. How much gear you can bring with is limited, so you must choose wisely. The emergency plan will have to take into account the distances needed to hike back to a vehicle or contact help. This may seem daunting but you’ll be rewarded with grand views of pristine wilderness, the peacefulness of nature, and a chance to witness its wildlife.
When picking the location you’ll want to be aware of what’s around the site that may be a hazard. Look out for dead or damaged branches in trees that could fall on someone. Are there any ledges, steep slopes, or loose rocks? Try to spot any ground hornet or paper wasp nests in the vicinity. Know what people in the group are allergic to and how to spot it. Water can be appealing to camp next to but be aware that temperatures can get low at night. Use the lay of the land to protect the camp from winds and secure tarps to shield against rain and sun.
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