Enjoy the Outdoors
Follow the tenants of Know Before You Go, Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace. Make sure to pack safety equipment such as life jackets, climbing gear, helmets, etc. so that when you recreate on National Forest System lands, you are protected.
Pay special attention to local regulations so that you are aware of restrictions on fire, activities and even pets. Above all else, leave our precious recreation spots better than you found it by disposing all waste properly, minimizing campfire impacts and being considerate of others. View the resources below to explore other ways you and your family can be safe and ethical while enjoying the outdoors.
Your national forests and grasslands provide a natural arena for a wide variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities. Some sites require a modest recreation fee to help provide the services and facilities at the site. To help you get the most of our your experience, read these helpful tips:
Know Before You Go
- Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, bug spray, a snake bite kit, pain relievers and sunscreen.
- Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, emergency supplies include a map, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high-energy food, water and insect protection.
- Learn the ABCs of treating injuries. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
- Before you leave, find out the weather report. When you arrive at the site, watch the skies for changes and carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, find shelter until the worse passes. Stay dry—wet clothes contribute to heat loss. Also, keep sleeping bags and important gear dry at all times.
- Arrive early. Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough daylight to check over the entire site and to set up camp.
- Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees and hazardous terrain.
- Avoid areas of natural hazards. Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble due to rain. Areas that could flood or become extremely muddy can pose a problem.
- Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Also, a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.
- Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames and heat. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Use a flashlight or battery-powered light instead.
- Make sure your fires are always attended. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically—a grill or stone surface is ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with water, making sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. Embers buried deep within the pile have a tendency to reignite later.
- Pitch your tent in a safe spot. Make sure your tent is made of a flame-retardant fabric and set up far enough away from the campfire. Keep insects out of your tent by closing the entrance quickly when entering or leaving.
- Dispose of trash properly. Remember to recycle—use the proper recycling bins if available.
- Be cautious when using a propane stove. Read the instructions that come with the stove and propane cylinder. Use the stove as a cooking appliance only; never leave it unattended while it's burning.
- Watch out for bugs. Hornets, bees, wasps and yellow jackets are a problem at many campsites. Avoid attracting stinging insects by wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes. Should such an insect approach, do not wave wildly and swat blindly; instead, use a gentle pushing or brushing motion to deter them.
- Beware when encountering wildlife. To ward off bears, keep your campsite clean and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. Remember that bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable. Never feed or approach a bear. Use a flashlight at night—many animals feed at night, and the use of a flashlight may warn them away.
- Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion such as calamine.
- Practice good hygiene. Make sure you wash your hands, particularly after using the toilet and before handling food, to prevent everyone in your group becoming ill.
Pack the "essentials" and be prepared for minor injuries, sudden weather changes or delays. The following are items you should include in your pack:
- Candle
- Clothing (always bring something warm, extra socks and rain gear)
- Compass
- First aid kit
- Food (bring extra)
- Flashlight
- Foil (to use as a cup or signaling device)
- Hat
- Insect repellent
- Map
- Nylon filament
- Pocket knife
- Pocket mirror (to use as a signaling device)
- Prescription glasses (an extra pair)
- Prescription medications for ongoing medical conditions
- Radio with batteries
- Space blanket or a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Trash bag (makes an adequate poncho)
Leave No Trace whenever traveling and camping in the wilderness. Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
For specific Leave No Trace information or to become a LNT member, visit the web site at http://www.lnt.org.