Enjoy the Outdoors

Our national forests are great places to enjoy the outdoors. To maximize your experience and minimize anything that could cause you discomfort or harm, check out these tips:

Camping Best Practices

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 oak
  • Bees
  • 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.
• A site that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.

Pitch your tent in a safe spot

• Make sure your tent is made of a flame-retardant fabric
• Set your tent up far enough away from the campfire
• Keep insects out of your tent by closing the entrance quickly when entering or leaving.