12 Ways To Have a Fun, Guilt-Free Camping Trip

You might be a regular camper who escapes to the wild weekly. Maybe you just can’t afford a vacation so a tent and a campfire make for the cheapest getaway. Maybe your friends dared you to spend just one night away from your comfortable, pampered lifestyle. Whatever your reason for camping, you don’t owe any less to the nature you’re going to come in close contact with than the next guy. And it’s true—camping is about as eco-friendly as it gets when it comes to traveling. You and your gear are pretty much the only signs of civilization around. Here are some tips to keep it that way:

1. Buy each camper a BPA-free reusable water bottle or canteen. Find out ahead of time if there is a water source at your site. If not, bring a portable purification system. You can find one at most camping stores.

2. If you’re new to camping it’s best to borrow camping gear. When you totally fall in love with your sleepover outdoors, consider getting your own equipment from a second hand store. Seasoned campers can donate your old gear to such a store.

Photo: Microsoft Images Recycling Bin

3. Bring extra reusable bags to throw trash in. Even if there are bins around the site, they might be full and it’s too tempting when you’re sitting around the campfire to just toss your trash to the side rather than venture to the bin a few yards away. Better to be prepared.

4. Check if there are campfire restrictions at your campsite. These are here for a reason. Your firewood could introduce a pest or disease into the area. If you burn coals, make sure there are no smoldering coals left over after your stay.

5. Bring LED flashlights or lanterns. These require much less power than traditional flashlights and have a longer service life. Shake or wind-up flashlights require no batteries and can last up to 30 hours.

6. Instead of the usual paper or Styrofoam dishes, bring reusable supplies and wash them after the trip. This probably isn’t the best time to break out the wedding china, but kids' plastic plates or plastic reusable dishes will work.

7. The above tip gets counteracted if you’re using soap with toxic chemicals! Be sure to bring biodegradable soap and wash dishes away from water sources.

Photo: Dreamstime Bug Repellant Candles

8. Use Citronella candles. Citronella is a tall grass with a lemony scent and its essential oils are used to repel insects. If you like the good old fashion spray, use organic insect repellant.

9. Bring dishtowels from home rather than paper towels. Make an old-school clothesline between two trees to hang the towels to dry.

Photo: David Watts Jr. Do Not Litter Sign

10. Your favorite gourmet items might have to sit out this camping trip. To reduce packaging waste, grab your friend with a Costco card and buy food and other items in bulk. This means fewer plastic wrappers that can fly around than if you buy individual items.

11. Being a trailblazer in life is great. But don’t do it on an actual trail. If you’re planning a hike during your camping trip, stay on the set path. Going off the beaten path can cause soil erosion and the stomping of native plants.

Photo: Xuguang Wang Camper Applying Toxic Makeup

12. Leave your vanity at home. Particles from many makeup and beauty products can be toxic to the environment. Instead of a shower, just toss on some extra deodorant. If you absolutely must bathe in a natural body of water, don’t bring in any soap or products.

When you’re camping, you’re a guest in the wild. You wouldn’t trash a hotel room (well, maybe if you’re a rock star) and you shouldn’t trash your campsite, especially because there is no room service to come clean up the mess. I hope these tips will help you leave your campsite like you found it, if not in better condition.

More on Camping
An Insider's Guide to Camping in National Parks
Eco-Friendly Camping Trip
How to Take Your Dog Camping