Dust off your tent, roll up your sleeping bag, and grab those s’more fixings, because it’s camping season! Before saying goodbye to civilization for a few days, consider following these tips to keep your excursion safe.The Right Real EstatePicking a great spot to pitch your tent can make or break your overnight experience in the outdoors. Experts recommend finding a flat clearing 100 to 200 feet away from water. Avoid hunkering down directly under trees too. Lightning can strike a limb, sending it crashing down. It’s also a good idea to:Contact the area’s land management agency to check camping regulations or permit requirements.Avoid rocky terrain to steer clear of potential rockslides and ledges that snakes call home.Camp over the high-water mark in dry streambeds or river canyons subject to flash floods.Settling Into Your New DigsCreating a restful campsite starts back home, so don’t forget to pack the following before hitting the trail:Tent and tent-pole repair sleeve or kitSleeping bags and padsAir mattresses, pads, repair kits, and pumpsPillowsMulti-use tool or knifeDaypack for hikesFlashlights with extra batteries and lanternsMallet or hammer for tent stakesWaterFoodCampfire 411Rich Johnson, author of Disaster Survival Guide (Outdoor Life): Top Disaster Survival Skills advises would-be campers to recycle venues: “The most safe place that you can build a fire is in an existing fire pit, since surrounding flammable materials have already been burned.”If you must start from scratch, he suggests finding site at least 15 feet from bushes or other flora (overhead branches included). Clear an area around the pit at least 10 feet in diameter of all brush, twigs, and leaves. Then dig a one-foot pit and encircle it with rocks. Once you’ve finished with your blaze, douse it with water or smother the embers with dirt.Sidebar: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s 7 C’s of camping. For more tips, visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/things-to-do/camping.Care: We will care how we camp by being considerate of others.Caution: We will use caution in the use of camping equipment both on the road and at the campsite. We will handle fire and flammable fuels so as not to endanger others or ourselves. We will improve our camping skills, knowing the right way is the safest way.Courtesy: We will practice politeness because it enhances the camping experience. We will respect the privacy of others, control our children, and leash our dogs.Cleanliness: We will be clean in our camping habits and teach our children the importance of cleanliness. We will pick up litter no matter who left it and be proud of the campsites we leave behind.Cooperation: We will observe the letter and spirit of camping regulations and rules established to protect our enjoyment of the outdoors. We will work cooperatively with others to make it better for everyone.Conservation: We will protect the environment in which we enjoy camping and help those whose job it is to guard and wisely manage our country's natural resources. We will endeavor to leave a better outdoors for those who follow us.Common Sense: We will apply common sense to every situation, knowing that reason, understanding, and humor make camping better for everyone.
