National parks are the top must-visit for campers seeking adventures with beautiful landscapes. The national park’s stunning landscape has come with a price, as its staff expects the campers to have their best behavior and follow the national park etiquette. However, there’s a set of rules that campers must follow.
Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned pro, there are always Dos and Don’ts when camping in national parks. Here are a few things to keep in mind next time you hit the great outdoors:
What to do while camping?
Do Plan Ahead
National parks are popular and can be pretty busy depending on the season. Thus, you must plan ahead of time. Ensure the reservation is in the proper spot because national parks offer various campsites. A reservation will guarantee that the scheduled trip is smooth sailing. Sometimes, some national parks are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Arriving early will ensure you have a lot of choices in securing where you want to build your campsite.
Before that, you must figure out what park you would like to visit. There are amazing national parks in America where you can easily lay down your camp. For the Australian continent, you will also be surprised by its beautiful scenery. According to this Australian Online Map Shop, there is still more to the country you have yet to explore. So, you must try to list down all your options.
In addition, every national park is unique and has different specific guidelines. So, it would be best to do research, such as familiarize yourself with the area to make the most out of your stay. One way you can do this is to purchase a map online or check out available maps near you.
You must prepare a list of necessities you must bring to ensure you will not miss anything before going to the campsite. Must-bring items include a first-aid kit, compass, maps, and emergency equipment. These essentials will save you from trouble.
Do Listen To The Rangers
Safety must be your first concern and responsibility when camping at national parks. Thus, make sure to listen and follow the advice and instructions the national park rangers give.
Different national parks impose different levels of threat on specific areas. Since the rangers will not be beside you all the time, they will give you instructions that you must follow. For instance, some national parks have a high level of danger in their predators, and these animals can go to your campsite if they smell your food.
Therefore, you must listen to the park rangers try to order so that you can have a rather memorable and safe stay at the national park. Remember that there are still more that they might need you to remember, so always be attentive to what they will announce.
Do Stay on Designated Site
Campsites in every national park are regularly checked and protected to ensure their safety and nature’s safety. Also, going off the designated site can be dangerous for a visitor.
The national park is vast, and you will never know what is around you that could potentially harm your safety. Also, there are plants protected in national parks that you could hurt and break, and this offense could land you in jail.
What Not to Do while camping?
Do Not Leave Traces
Leaving no traces is one of the most critical etiquettes the campers must remember. This means packing out your trash, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other campers. However, it is also often disregarded. It would be best to keep in mind that you arrived in the area clean and well maintained. Thus, it would help if you keep the place clean as you go.
Leaving no traces is a way for campers to respect the resources and area the national park has always maintained. It is not only etiquette but also an awareness and attitude you can use and adopt anytime you are out in nature. Applying this will help you from being banned from the camp.
Do Not Leave the Campfire Unattended
Following the fire safety protocol will protect the national park and nature from a fast-moving fire. Even if a tiny ember is left, ensure they are put out since this is usually the leading cause of wildfires.
In line with this, you must avoid piling firewood to maintain the fire. Make sure the firewood is small and has a controllable fire for you to put out quickly. It would also be best to prepare the equipment that would quickly help put out fires in an emergency.
Do Not Take Anything
One of the most important things you must remember when you are about to leave national parks is that you must avoid taking anything with you. Restrain from pocketing rocks, flowers, and other resources in the national park for you to take home as souvenirs.
There may be parks that allow campers to catch fish or pick berries, but there are other things in the park that you are not allowed to take. Keep in mind that national parks are historically preserved areas. So, no matter how small the object may be, it is the park’s property, and you can be subjected to fines or imprisonment.
Final Thoughts
The national park is one of the best places to go camping. Remember that your safety depends on your preparedness, how you treat your surroundings, and the animals. Treat them with respect, like how you want to be treated, and learn more about the place you are about to go to. Keep all the above in mind and have a fun, memorable trip.
