Know your abilities and limitations!
Before You Go
- Plan Ahead
- Purchase all permits and vehicle admission stickers before your trip.
- If you've made campsite reservations, doublecheck the reservation just before you embark on your trip.
- Have an Emergency Contact
- Go over the itineray of your trip with a friend or family member and leave them with the following information:
- * Names and contact information of people in your group
- * A description of your vehicle (and watercraft), including the make, model, and license plate #
- * Where you will be camping
- * The details of your planned activities
- * A day and time when you expect to return home
- * The campground or park's phone number to call if you do not return on schedule
- Weather
- Check the weather before you embark. Always bring appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
- Check your Gear
- Make sure you have everything you're going to need! This includes tents, canopies, sleeping bags, stoves, batteries, rain gear, proper footwear, etc... Always check your equipment for signs of damage or failure.
- Camping with a Pet
- Always check campground regulations for pets. Most campgrounds allow pets as long as they are restrained, however there are often certain areas where pets are prohibited, such as swimming beaches or picnic areas.
- Make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date
- Make sure your pet has an ID collar
Personal Health
- Necessities
- Drink plenty of water
- Bring a first aid kit
- Bring insect repellant
- Bring sunscreen, or UV-protective clothing
- Perscription Medicine
- Make sure you bring more than what you think you'll need.
- Find a pharmacy close to where you are camping where you can refill your perscription(s) if necessary, and know the pharmacy's hours!
Fire Safety
- Firewood
- State Forest and State Park campgrounds require that firewood must originate from within 10 miles of your campsite
- The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest requires that firewood must originate from within 25 miles of your campsite
- Campfires
- Use existing fire pits whenever possible
- Keep the area free of flammable debris
- Be mindful of your fuel. Only use dead branches and wood that has fallen onto the ground. There is never a need to cut down a new tree to fuel your fire.
- Do not build a fire larger than you can safely manage.
- Make sure your fire is completely out before you leave it! Especially when vacating your campsite.
Respect wildlife
- Do not feed wildlife
- Avoid close contact with wildlife
- Avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite
- Keep food secured in airtight containers. Not only will it be fresher, it will attract less unwanted attention from wildlife.
- Keep your food out of reach of wildlife. Generally, food can be stored in your car, but certain campgrounds may require the use of food storage lockers or other means of keeping food out of reach of wildlife.
- Keep your campsite clean. Collect any food packaging and food scraps in a waste bag and dispose of the waste in the campground's receptacle before you leave the camp or turn in for the night.
- Do not feed wildlife. Not only will they become more aggressive toward you, they will be more likely to be a nuisance for campers who use the site after you. This is especially true with raccoons!
- Do not take food inside your tent. While it's tempting to have that midnight snack on hand, it will attract wildlife.
Leave No Trace
- Clean up your campsite.
- Once everything's loaded into your vehicle and you're ready to leave, walk through your campsite and check for garbage, food scraps and personal items
- Dispose of garbage properly
- Follow campground rules on garbage disposal. Most campgrounds will have garbage and recycling bins for campers. Some campgrounds require you to carry out your garbage and dispose of it offsite. Leaving trash can attract wildlife.
- Make sure your campfire is completely out!