Camping and Trail Safety

Our national forests are a refuge for wild animals, including dangerous animals like bears and venomous snakes. Wild animals can be upset by human presence and can unexpectedly become aggressive. Do not give them a reason or an opportunity to attack. Always keep your distance. Your safety is your responsibility.

The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare for the trip. Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, your limitations, plus a little common sense can help ensure a safe trip.

At the Campsite:

• Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough daylight left to check over the entire campsite and to set-up camp.
• Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches that could fall or are hung low.
• Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble due to rain. Check for areas that could flood or become extremely muddy and cause problems.
• Check for potential hazards at the campsite such as: poison ivy, bees, ants, sharp objects and other dangerous areas.
• Fire is of prime concern at the campsite. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread.  Whenever a fire is lit at the campsite be sure that someone is assigned to watch it at all times. Keep water nearby for emergencies. Be sure that when you put the fire out you use water and soil and be certain that the fire is completely out, cool to the touch. Embers buried within the pile of ashes could reignite later.
• Be very careful with gas canisters. Keep upright at all times. Keep outside in well ventilated area. Check for leakage by putting soap liquid on all connections. Turn off when not in use. Never install or remove propane cylinders while stove is lit, near flames, pilot lights, other ignition sources or while stove is hot to the touch.
• Be careful not to spill fuel. Use funnel to fill tank. 
• Do not operate stove or store fuel containers around another heat source such as a campfire. Only operate the stove in open, well ventilated areas. Never use the stove in a tent or a confined area.
• Keep your campsite fires to an absolute minimum at all times.
• Dispose of all trash properly in the proper recycling bins if available.
• Return the campsite to its original condition for the next camper if you disturb it in any way.