If we are to truly enjoy our experiences outdoors we should practice goof camping etiquette. If we respect the earth and other people we will have a much better time.
Outdoor Etiquette Ideas to Consider
1. Take the “take only pictures, leave only footprints” motto to heart. We are not camping to destroy the wilderness but to enjoy it. If we take things from wild areas those things will not be there for the next person to enjoy or to support the ecosystem. Similarly, we do not want to leave behind evidence of our presence unless it is a positive presence that enhances the environment and our enjoyment of it (trail building for example).
2. Pick up litter whenever you see it and dispose of it properly (carry out, burn, place in trash). We get out in nature to see nature, not garbage and manmade stuff like you can see in the city. Not only will this leave the area better than you found it for the next person to enjoy, but it will enhance your own enjoyment. In addition to being unsightly, litter can also impact wildlife adversely.
3. Consider low-impact recreational activities like:
- Use canoes and kayaks instead of motor boats
- Use cross-country skis or snowshoes instead of snowmobiles
- Use hiking boots instead of ATVs
Not that ATVs and motor boats are evil, it is just nice to enjoy the sound of nature sometimes, and reduce the noise pollution.
4. Avoid starting a wildfire by always practicing fire safety.
5. Stay on the trail. If everyone tramples plants and creates new paths pretty soon there is no reason to walk the trail because all you will see is a bunch of trails. Maintain the established trail by using it exclusively.
6. Participate in wilderness and park beautification projects. Yes, volunteer. In the Chilliwack area you could:
- Adopt a Street
- Do salmon stream enhancement
- Participate in a River Cleanup (there is a big one on the Chilliwack River every year
- Setup a CITO (Cache in Trash Out) event cache if you are into geocaching
- Build trails with one of several organizations
7. Reduce, reuse, and recycle to lower the stress on natural resources.
8. Treat other campers like you would like to be treated. Avoid drunken parties, load music, running your RV generator all night and other annoying activities when your RV is parked in close proximity to other campers.
9. When hiking, be aware of others in the group. Don’t go too slow or too fast for the rest of the group. Keep checking that everyone is accounted for and have a designated leader and designated person to bring up the rear. Don’ t snap branches back on those behind you and warn others down the line of hazards (mud, loose rock, holes etc) encountered.
10. Be courteous to others encountered on the trail, letting them pass by stepping aside. Be sure to greet other hikers and pass on any important news (bear ahead, trail conditions to watch etc).
11. When RVing greet your neighbors and be alert for opportunities to help others backing up or setting up. Stay within your designated space and keep noise down.
12. Don’t walk through other people’s campsites. Instead follow the road and paths established. People get nervous for their things and walking through other’s spaces invades their privacy.
