There are few things that can be as fun as camping with friends or family during the Fall season. Whether it’s enjoying a hike on the trails or nightly campfires under the stars, there are so many great adventures to plan; however, when planning make sure you become familiar with your surroundings and follow safety precautions.
When you are trying to decide where you want to camp, be sure to visit the website www.reserveamerica.comfor more information on campgrounds, fall foliage maps, RV rentals, and camping tips. You can find the right location for the type of camping that interests you, whether it’s primitive or in your car. RV camping is also a popular option and typically includes locations that are already equipped with water, power, septic/sewer and wi-fi hook-ups. You can build memories with loved ones and have an exciting outdoors experience regardless of the type of camping you choose.
If you are new to camping, it’s helpful to bring an experienced camper(s) with you, who can offer advice about gear to include proper and safe usage. Some typical items you may need for camping include a tent, sleeping bags, camp stove, firewood, solar or battery-operated lanterns, flashlights/headlamps, coolers, water (if pumps are not available at the campsite), cookware, mess kits or plates/utensils and cutlery, matches or lighters, clothesline and clothespins, or d-rings, and a first aid kit. You can buy pre-packed kits at drug stores or make your own kits with everything from bandages, ibuprofen, ointment, and bug spray. You will also need sturdy, closed toe shoes, layered clothing as temperatures during fall can range from the 40’s at night to the 70’s during the day. Also, make note of the weather patterns in case of rain or cold weather.
North Carolina has a multitude of camping facilities from the coast to the mountains including over 40 state parks, 10 national park sites, and 4 national forests. Consider the best location for your family or group and map out your proximity to medical facilities in case of emergency. Make sure you are educated on basic first aid for burns, injuries like cuts or sprains.
Once you reach your campsite, start by pitching your tent and prepping your campfire. Most campsites set check-in for late afternoon. Clear debris or sticks away from the main area to avoid trips and falls. Next, follow safety procedures when laying your campfire. Choose a safe spot, away from your tent set-up, leaves, and dry vegetation. Lay your fire within a fire ring, or clearing with tinder, kindling, and then larger logs. Be mindful of loose clothing and tie back long hair before lighting and managing your fire. Make sure you are wearing closed toe shoes to protect your feet. Keep a small bucket of water filled nearby, in case of wind that can carry embers or if your fire starts to get out of control. Never leave a fire unattended. If you enjoy your campfire in the evening, be sure to let it die out or douse it with water before going to bed. Do the same when packing up to leave your campfire. The fire pit should have small ash, with no glowing embers showing when you leave.
You may want to give everyone a job around the campfire to orchestrate a family activity. Experiment with campfire recipe favorites including s’mores, a meaty pasta dish, or even a cherry cobbler in a cast iron Dutch oven with charcoal. Fun fact: Each charcoal briquet is 50 degrees when heated through. If you want to transition an oven recipe to a campfire and the temperature calls for 350 degrees, add enough charcoal briquets under and on top of your Dutch oven in your campfire to equal 350 degrees and keep in the fire for the required cooking time. Store food in airtight containers or in coolers and be mindful of wildlife that can be attracted to food at night. Ice is available from park ranger offices, as well as additional firewood bundles for reasonable prices. If you are in bear territory, it’s imperative to store food in bear cans or chests at your campsite, locked in your car or use a bear bag, secured on a large rope from a tree. Never store food in your tent. Wild animals can smell food from miles away so always keep it secured and away from you to stay safe in the woods.
During the day, you may choose to go for a hike. Before you venture out, plan and play it safe. Know where you are going and how long your hike should take you to reach your destination and return. Dress accordingly for the time, but wear layers for added protection. Go with others and make sure to bring enough water and a protein snack. It’s a good idea to have a fully charged phone, compass, knife, brightly colored clothing item like a bandana, a whistle and wear a survival bracelet made from paracord. If you get lost, you can try your cell coverage, and drop a pin or use your coordinates on your compass and record it on your voicemail so even if your phone dies, park rangers or others will know where you last lost your way. Use the compass to lead you back to your civilization and your campsite. If you are delayed or stuck overnight, you can use your brightly colored item to attract attention for anyone searching by air or drone, and you can use the paracord in your survival bracelet to build a shelter or even use it for first aid material. Trails use standard painted markings on trees or on rocks, so look carefully to make sure you stay on the trail and don’t get off course.
When you follow common sense and safety protocols, spending time outdoors camping or hiking can be very fulfilling, nurturing to your spirit, fun for the family, good exercise for your body and great for your mental health. Get out there and enjoy our many state and national parks with those you love this fall. If you are RV camping, don’t forget to reach out to one of our staff members to obtain a RV quote. Visit www.hurleyinsurancegroup.com or call us at one of our three locations for more information.