Camp Safety: Choose the Right Camping Safety Gear

When most folks think of camping, it’s all about fresh air, sunshine and outdoor fun. Unlike back-country camping, where you rough it on your own, campgrounds like those at Kampgrounds of America have amenities like warm showers, swimming pools and a store for those last-minute needs.But even at organized campgrounds like that, keeping safety a top priority is an important part of having a good experience. Over the past six months, North America has seen flooding, tornadoes and hurricanes—natural phenomena that bring potential devastation for those who aren’t prepared. But even more common are the potential dangers, which are an inherent part of camping, like sunburns, bug bites and injuries that happen during daily activities.Along those lines, we asked our campers via social media what gear they take with them when they hit the road. And some of the answers might surprise you:KOA's FriendsFacebook friend Bryan Hensley has an emergency kit that’s ready to go when he camps. That includes, he says, “a weather radio, a map of where we are, water, first aid kit [and] flashlights.” He and fellow KOA Facebook friend Christine Boerner Jones also suggest bringing both extra propane and nonperishable foods."In today’s world, cellphones are a key part of not only day-to-day life, but also emergency preparedness. Keeping a printed list of emergency numbers to reference quickly is a must, especially if your cellphone battery dies and you need to get a hold of someone in an emergency. Also consider including an “ICE” (in case of emergency) contact name and number on your list, too.Some campers who responded to our inquiries were also focused on some of the more basic needs, including toilet paper, propane, a good book, extra batteries, rain ponchos and, according to Emmy Reid, rain pants are a must. “I’m not sure why it took me 15 years to figure that out,” she says.Nancy and Tom Kilmer told us via Facebook that in addition to traditional emergency gear, they had another concern. “We travel with five cats and a cocatoo [sic],” they wrote, “so we have cat carriers and a carrier for the ‘too.” Cathy Gibbs, who has two dogs, makes sure that she brings along extra food for them as well.More Tips:Keep tabs on the weather forecasts.Plan your meals in advance.Stay on trails to avoid tick bites.Pack a first aid kit.Never approach wild animals (or your neighbor’s dog).Wear sunscreen and insect repellent.Supervise your children. Campgrounds are safe places, but parenting is still a must.Be careful around water. Never leave children unattended at a pool, river or pond.Keep propane canisters upright, out of the sun and away from the campfire.Keep the cooler full of ice.Practice good fire safety, and keep it in the fire ring.Be sure your campfire is never left unattended.Wash your hands often.Check your site for—and keep it clear of—sharp objects.

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Not Roughling It: Camping with the Creature Comforts

Leaving the hassle of everyday life seems to be a universal benefit of going on a camping trip. I know I really enjoy the "getaway" aspect of camping. When I'm among the trees, setting up my tent and tending the campfire, I prefer to be "unplugged" from much of my technology at home...or at least nearly unplugged. I still bring my cellphone along for safety reasons (and I might even read the occasional email).Today's campsites feature all sorts of activities and amenities to help keep campers active and entertained (if they want that). The funny thing is, many campers say that there are some things they just can't leave at home. And it’s not just the basics, like your favorite people and pets, toilet paper, a good book and some campfire cooking essentials. Oh no, it goes a lot further than that. We've identified four main categories of this new breed of campers.Java Junkies[caption id="attachment_5332" align="alignright" width="288"] Photo courtesy of grey-foto via Flickr[/caption]According to our Facebook fans, the No. 1 “can’t live without” item is best summed up by Alyce Wonder: “Coffee baby, coffee!” For some, it’s just the pot and their favorite grind; for others, like Karen McNamara, who carries her single-cup coffee maker with her wherever she camps, the right gear is absolutely essential. “(I) don’t care what it weighs. I carry it back and forth every time.” And, Jeanne Rock Qualkinbush understands that devotion. She carries her Bialetti espresso pot and an electric frother stick so she can “always have a latte, even at camp.” Softies[caption id="attachment_5334" align="alignright" width="276"] Photo courtesy of I_am_tommythompson via Flickr[/caption]Another "gotta have it" for many campers is a bit of pillowy, soft comfort among the dusty, crunchy nature -- at least at nighttime:  “I cannot sleep comfortably on the ground, so an air mattress is a MUST,” says Robert Barry. Steve Roach, who has a 2-foot-tall air mattress, couldn’t agree more, noting, “Bad backs need some comfort when it comes to tent camping!”    Gadget Gang[caption id="attachment_5335" align="alignright" width="269"] Photo courtesy of Matt Apps via Flickr[/caption]These days, not surprisingly, more and more campers need their gadgets. Facebook friend Betty Wilcox says that camping has to come complete with a DVD player and video games for her son. “Sorry to the purists out there,” she says. “I need to buy an RV!” Eric Early agrees, saying that he has to have access to a TV, even if it might seem to be the opposite of camping. “At some point you’re going to want to sit down and be entertained,” he said. Homebodies[caption id="attachment_5336" align="alignright" width="267"] Photo courtesy of TheDIYWorld via Flickr[/caption]Finally, there are those for whom “necessity” takes on a whole new meaning. Deb Roberts loves having a solid roof over her head—with all the amenities of home. “We upgraded to a truck camper several years ago, “ she says. “The added plus is that now we don’t have to pack anything but our clothes and food before heading out. We already have the kitchen sink!”These types of campers are perfectly fine with trading the cost of lowered mpg for the benefits and comfort of an RV. Camper Rebecca Lamey is also proud to travel in comfort, which includes air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a shower and more. “I don’t camp,” she says, “I just drive around in a house on wheels.” Michelle Lewis, who recently purchased a travel trailer, agrees. “Spoiled, I guess -- I like all the conveniences of home.” Photos:Camping photo courtesy of Móri via FlickrCoffee photo courtesy of grey-foto via FlickrAir mattress photo courtesy of I_am_tommythompson via FlickrGadgets photo courtesy of Matt Apps via FlickrTruck camper photo courtesy of TheDIYWorld via Flickr

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