Things You'll Need:
- Camping equipment
- River bags
- Large garbage bags
- Floating devices
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Life jackets
- Fire extinguisher
- Bailing device
- Water filter or iodine tablets
- Fire starting materials
- Self-contained sanitary unit
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Step 1
Choose a style of boat camp that works for the entire camping party. Decide to camp on the boat if using a sailboat, barge raft or houseboat. Set up a base camp on shore for the annual lake fishing trip or portage a canoe between lakes with a different camp each night.
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Step 2
Scope out the available campsites before launching an overnight boat expedition and decide on a plan of action. Different water conditions provide different camping options: lakeshores, islands, cliffs, boat campgrounds or on the water.
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Step 3
Pack for wet conditions as if camping in the rain. Use river bags (waterproof duffels) or large garbage bags doubled-up to pack all the camping gear.
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Step 4
Attach important sinkable items such as the car or boat keys and eyeglasses to floating devices that prevent loss at the bottom of a lake.
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Step 5
Take out of the boat camp what goes into the boat camp to protect precious waters and wildlife from pollution and leave the site looking better than when you found it.
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Step 6
Register with the local forest service or camp officials before setting up boat camp. There may be campground fees or permits and rangers that check on the safety of overnight boat visitors.
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Step 7
Have a functioning, self-contained sanitary unit on board if planning to camp on the boat. Many areas prohibit camping on waterways without one.
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Step 8
Pick a boat camp with easy access for young campers. Know the exit trails and the distance to the nearest checkpoint in case of emergencies.
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Step 9
Check the boat's anchor light before camping overnight on the boat. A properly lit boat light assures camper safety at night.
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Step 10
Plan how to prepare the meals and pack appropriate fire starting materials in dry storage. Small grills or camp stoves work on larger boats or head to the beach for a shore lunch over an open campfire.
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Step 11
Take water treatment materials like a water filter or iodine tablets for safe drinking water. Take drinking water if the boat has enough room.
