Top Tips for Camping in the Forest

Camping is always a new and unique adventure. With each trip, you’re bound to learn and experience something new, but, for the most part, preparation for each adventure is similar as you need the same amenities and supplies each time. Camping in a forest, however, is much different simply because of the surrounding trees. The forest presents distinctive dangers and opportunities and we’d like to cover some of the most significant ones in this blog.

Check Fire Safety

Before camping anywhere, especially in a forest, make sure you check what the local fire risk is. During dry seasons, something as minor as a hot pan or a poorly placed pair of glasses (by magnifying the light) could start a raging forest fire. Likewise, depending on where you are, the sap from certain trees can be highly flammable regardless of how wet the area is. Make sure you understand the risk of fire before starting one. During the wet season, fires can usually be started safely, even under the forest canopy, and you’ll find that they’re very useful for lighting up the area at night.

Avoid Falling Debris

Trees and branches fall all the time, and although the chances of being hit by something is low, it’s not impossible. Make sure you inspect the area for dead or dying trees and distance yourself from them. Moreover, try to set up camp under an opening in the forest canopy to avoid falling branches and other debris.

Protect Against Invasive Species

Invasive species, such as the Mountain Pine Beetle, are not dangerous to humans but they are a huge problem for local ecosystems. Humans are responsible for the transportation of invasive species through mediums that usually seem harmless. For example, destructive insects and diseases can get a free ride when you bring your own firewood from outside the region. Inspect all your belongings and make sure you have reasonably sterilized your equipment and vehicle before going on an adventure.

Protect Your Equipment from Rain

If you’re from the pacific northwest, we’re certain that you’re aware that rain can be unpredictable and that sun and downpours are possible within the span of five minutes. Most stuff will survive the rain just fine, but it’s not so easy to dry some things such as firewood or a sweater. Now that may seem obvious and intuitive to many, but the biggest offender of wet stuff isn’t the even rain, it’s actually the humidity and morning dew. If you’re in the mountains or in a forest and you leave some clothing out overnight, it’s likely to be moist in the morning and although drying it may help, it will never fully dry unless it has direct sunlight or is placed near a fire. Your best bet to keep things dry is to simply put them in a container or wrap it in a tarp. If you’re using a tent, consider putting a tarp over it to ensure you don’t wake up damp. Anything that’s protected from the open air will stay reasonably dry.

Bring a Flashlight

The denser the forest is, the darker it’s going to be, especially at night. If you need to pee or something in the middle of the night, your nocturnal vision isn’t going to help very much, bring a flashlight because you’ll probably need it.

Have Fun!

While there are many things to watch out for in a forest, we want to assure you that it’s not a super dangerous experience. You can still do all the things you love to do while camping at little risk. The most important thing to remember when camping is to relax and have fun.