Camping is one of the best ways of escaping the digital and busy spaces in big towns. It gives you an excellent opportunity to enjoy the serenity of nature and make lifetime memories with your family and friends. However, spending time in the wild also comes with its own risks. Remember, you are stepping into an area with different wild animals and difficult unfamiliar terrains. It’s crucial to have a safety plan in place every time you’re out camping.

Below is a brief guideline of some crucial measure that will keep you and your friends safe the next time you are in the bush:

1. Bring A First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a must-have when camping. The kit should be fully stocked with all the essentials needed for dressing wounds and treating other common camping injuries. The kit should have gauze pads, bandaids, antibacterial ointment, safety pins, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, cotton swabs, eye drops, a pair of scissors, and a sterile compress.

It’s advisable to go camping with at least one person who’s trained in first aid. This is really crucial should a serious accident happen when you’re deep in the forest. The good news is that basic first aid training is a pretty short course, plus you can take it for free or at a low price.

2. Choose Your Campsite Carefully

More than half of the camping problems can be avoided by choosing the right camping spot. Select a site that’s safe and near the essential amenities you need. For instance, a water source should be at least 200 feet away from your site. That doesn’t mean that you should camp right by the lake, though. This may seem convenient, but it’ll leave you exposed to mosquitoes and other insects. Camp at a safe distance and make sure you are not on the path of other hikers or wildlife.

Here are some tips on how to find a good camping site:

– Arrive early to choose the site with daylight
– Check the area for hazards like hanging dead branches, rockfall debris, etc.
– Pitch your tent facing the sun
– Pitch your tent on a flat surface preferably on a high ground
– Pitch your tent off-trail for privacy
– Avoid animal trails

3. Carry Enough Food And Water

Carry plenty of water and food on your camping trip. Try to bring foods that do not require constant refrigeration. Food handling and storage are also critical lest you end up ruining your experience with food poisoning and a host of other problems. Wash your hands every time you’re handling food. After eating, clear the tables and do not bring any remaining food in the tent. This helps to keep bears and other wild animals away from your sleeping space. Instead, put the food in a storage locker or sealed containers and leave them in the car.

4. Bring The Necessary Camping Gear

A serious camper carries his gear with him the same way a doctor never leaves behind his essentials. Besides the tent, sleeping bag, and first aid kit, you must also bring accessories like fire starters and flashlights.

A pocket knife is another vital tool. The multipurpose item is essential for self-defense, opening cans, cutting little branches, slicing sausages and cheese, cutting fish lines, etc. The right knife can also be helpful in your everyday life. That’s another reason why you should upgrade your pocket knife and get a modern piece. It’ll give you more functionality whilst remaining discreet inside your denim pockets.

5. Be Careful With The Campfires

Bonding with your spouse, family, and friends around a bonfire is one of the best parts of camping. However, the campfire everyone loves can quickly turn disastrous if you’re not careful. Ensure the fire is at least 15 feet away from shrubs, trees, and your tent. It’s also advisable to constrain the fire within a pit. A bucket of water should be nearby just in case the fire gets out of hand. Once you are done with the fire, drown all the embers and ensure the fire is out before leaving.

6. Watch Out For Wildlife

A wild animal attack is highly unlikely if you take the necessary measures to keep the animals away. As we’ve already pointed out, leaving your picnic tables clean and storing your food in sealed containers far from the tent is an effective strategy for warding off wild animals like bears. It’s also important to avoid interfering with wild animals in their natural setting. Most of these animals are harmless unless provoked. Also, your interruption can end up harming animals which is totally unnecessary.

7. Protect Yourself From Insects

Mosquitoes and ticks are a serious problem when camping. Ticks are particularly dangerous since they can cause severe medical conditions like Lyme disease. Use insect repellants whenever you are out camping. Long-sleeved tops and pants are also crucial in keeping your skin safe from bugs. To effectively manage ticks, screen your entire body every day for the parasite. When you come home from the hike, do not mix the camping clothes with the rest of your laundry. Put them in a dryer on high heat for around 10 minutes to kill any insects lurking in the fabric.

8. Bring A Map

This is crucial, especially when camping in an unfamiliar area. Don’t rely on Google or Apple maps alone. Bring a physical copy just in case the technology decides to fail you. Camping is supposed to be a fun-filled activity, yet the exact opposite can happen if you do not prioritize your safety. Use the above guide to protect yourself and always stay alert when you are out in the wild.