Fall is a beautiful time of year. The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp without being too cold, and it’s the final days of the year to enjoy being outdoors before winter sets in. It’s a great time to take the family into the mountains or out to the forest for a fun weekend of camping. But before you pack up the car and leave, it’s a good idea to keep a few things in mind.
5 Tips for Family Camping in the Fall
- Fire Safety
- Prepare for Bad Weather
- Dangers of Erosion
- Watch Out for Wild Animals
- Leave the Campsite Better Than You Found It
- Fire Safety
As you read this, California fire must be fresh in your mind. It’s very important we teach our children to respect nature and enjoy the outdoors, one of the most important lessons we can give is on fire safety. As Smokey the Bear says, never play with matches. Make sure your fire pit is dug deep enough to contain the fire and surround the fire pit with nearby rocks if available. Never leave your campsite while a fire is burning– even if a few embers are glowing. The wrong wind can blow a single ember onto dry grass and cause a massive forest fire.
- Prepare for Bad Weather
Always check the weather forecast before you head into the wilderness. More importantly, always expect the weather reporter to be wrong. You don’t want to get caught in a surprise thunderstorm without rain gear. Heavy rains can cause flash flooding and mudslides. If you’re heading up into the mountains, a surprise snowstorm is certainly possible. Make sure you have a coat, hat, and gloves — even if the weather forecast looks good. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Dangers of Erosion
Speaking of fire safety and bad weather, one thing to pay attention to is the danger of mudslides caused by erosion. There have been a lot of wildfires this season, wiping out trees, bushes, and other vegetation. If you combine that with a heavy rainstorm, you have a recipe for danger.
Thankfully, there are companies that deal with this specific issue. A native grass seed company works with the National Forest Service, national parks, and campgrounds, as well as farmlands and other large privately-owned property owners. A commercial seed company can help protect their land by planting and protecting seeds. Re-growing the native vegetation is key to protecting and stabilizing the land and wildlife. These erosion specialists use mulch, erosion blankets, wattles, and soil stabilizers to protect the seeds so they have time to grow. Once plant life has regrown, the land is protected against future mudslides caused by heavy rain.
- Watch Out for Wild Animals
Before you head into the wilderness, it’s a good idea to do a little research into what kind of wildlife habitats the area. Is it a popular area for bears? Have there been any mountain lion sightings lately? While most wild animals are shy and tend to avoid people, wild animal attacks are known to happen. Teach your children to avoid baby animals they encounter, no matter how cute and friendly they seem. Mama is always close by, and she’s very protective!
Make sure to seal up your food before crawling into your tent. The smell of food will attract a variety of animals, especially if food is a bit scarce and the animals are hungry. This goes for garbage too. Place your waste in a bag and seal it tight. If your vehicle is close by, consider leaving food and trash locked up in your car.
- Leave the Campsite Better Than You Found It
Most experienced campers know this important rule: “Leave no trace.” In fact, a great goal is to leave the campsite better than you found it. Make sure you clean up all trash and carry it out with you. It’s a great lesson to teach to children so they gain respect and appreciation for nature. We have a responsibility to protect the plants and wildlife, so we can keep enjoying the outdoors well into the future.
Camping with the family is a great experience for everyone. When you’re heading into the wilderness, there are a few things to keep in mind. Always make sure you put out the campfire completely to prevent accidental wildfires. Check the weather before you leave, and make sure to plan for surprise changes. Pay attention to your surroundings so you aren’t in danger of mudslides– especially if you are camping in an area that has suffered a previous fire. Store your food safely so you don’t attract wild animals. Finally, make sure you clean up your campsite and leave it better than you found it. Follow these tips, and you’ll be ready to have a great family camping trip!
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