How to Camp With Minimum Impact

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(12 Ratings)

Each year, more and more people take to the wilderness in search of adventure and that special connection to Mother Nature, so it's more important than ever to minimize your impact when camping.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Hiking Boots
Hiking Shoes
Toilet Paper
Dishes
Small Trash Bags
Camping Stoves
Climbing Shoes
Dishes

Step 1

Plan ahead. Most wilderness use occurs on summer weekends. You'll get more out of your experience and minimize crowd problems if you avoid peak travel times.
Step 2

Learn about the local regulations and the ecology of the area you plan to visit to ensure that you're fully aware of how to camp properly.
Step 3

Wear soft-soled shoes rather than hard-soled mountain boots when walking on sensitive trails.
Step 4

If you must leave established trails, try not to walk in single file and make a new trail. Spread your group out and spread your impact so the wilderness can recover naturally.
Step 5

Avoid building fires. This will prevent unsightly fire rings.
Step 6

Keep quiet and keep a clean camp.
Step 7

Do all dishes and bodily necessities at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams to avoid contaminating the water supply.
Step 8

Pack out everything that you take in, including toilet paper.
Step 9

Avoid interfering with the wildlife.

Comments

pooky896 said

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on 5/20/2009 Well most of this is good but the fire part. Fires make great trash cans to minimise litter

AudreyBrown said

on 9/17/2008 Good show, nice simple tips. Trash in, Trash out...

Anonymous said

on 8/20/2006 While camping in designated campsites, scan your area for litter (including the fire ring ), picking up trash left by others is appreciated not only by forest service personnel, but it sets a good example for newcomers.