2023’s Best States for Camping

What are your top three tips for staying safe overnight in the wilderness?

As the Director of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Southern Maine and the instructor for Outdoor Recreation, this topic is near and dear to my heart.

1. Remaining safe is crucial in any outdoor activity, and specifically for camping in the wilderness. Preparation is the key.

• Have you mapped out your trail? When mapping out your hike, you will need to understand when you will need to stop for rest breaks and, ultimately, where you are camping.
• Have you checked the weather? Have you packed appropriately, and are you able to carry your backpack for the length of the journey?
• Have you let others know your plans (the trail you are taking and the return date)?
• Do you have the equipment and additional clothing that might be needed?
• Are you traveling alone or are you going with a trail buddy?
• Do you have a first aid kit?
• In essence, are you completely prepared for your journey and have you planned ahead?

2. Stay on the trail.

3. Keep all food items in a food bag that is hung from an obliging tree in the appropriate manner — not in your tent or campsite.

What are three essentials for every camping trip?

First aid kit, fire starter, map, and compass

What is one thing campers should research before heading out for their trip?

The actual terrain they are hiking — yet weather for that time period is just as important.

What should you do if you’re approached by a predator such as a bear or a coyote?

Be prepared. Initially, you will pack bear spray. Always make noise (whistling or singing).

In the case of a black bear that is approaching, one would stand up tall, arms extended.

Never go near bear cubs — a mother bear is usually near.

In the case of a grizzly bear, one would lie in a fetal position.

When approached by a coyote, be loud, face the coyote, and wave your arms. Do not run away — walk away slowly while facing the coyote.

What’s your favorite campfire recipe?

There is something extremely pleasurable about campfire food. You’ve hiked all day and are now ready to set up camp and make your dinner.

Included in your pre-planning is creating a menu, purchasing your meals, and creating as little waste as possible. Under-packing food can have disastrous results and over-packing can add weight to your backpack.

My favorite campfire meal is simple — any freeze-dried meal. I’m not fussy, but I do like simple.

What are two ways to cut costs for planning an affordable camping trip?

Plan ahead. Check out secondhand gear shops. Borrow equipment from friends. Join an outdoor adventure club.

What are your top three tips for staying safe overnight in the wilderness?

This has to do with proper preparation.

1. Educate yourself on where you are going.

2. Research the area, and see if there are previous user reviews to guide you.

3. Tell others your plans (where you will be and your timetable).

What are three essentials for every camping trip?

1. Consider proper food to bring.

2. Have appropriate shelter (rain, snow, heat?).

3. Bring protection. This includes flashlights, bear or bug spray, and appropriate clothing.

What is one thing campers should research before heading out for their trip?

How are you going to sleep? Consider what you can bring and test it out first.

What should you do if you’re approached by a predator such as a bear or a coyote?

Don’t run or approach them. Instead, walk slowly away. If necessary, yell, wave your arms, and, if possible, throw something at them.

What’s your favorite campfire recipe?

Hobo pies and sandwiches. These tasty pocket sandwiches can be used to make a variety of sandwiches, including Reubens and paninis, not to mention fruit-filled dessert options.

What are two ways to cut costs for planning an affordable camping trip?

1. Many people save money by renting or borrowing needed equipment.

2. Make a meal plan where everything you need is planned out. Include items that can contribute to multiple meals.

What are your top three tips for staying safe overnight in the wilderness?

1. Allow adequate travel time. Create a time control plan that considers the distance you need to travel, and add 1 mile for every thousand feet of elevation you need to gain. Divide that by your average rate of travel (usually 2 mph on a trail with a pack).

2. Dress properly. Cotton clothing should be avoided in all but very hot and dry climates. It robs the body of heat because it does not wick moisture and dries slowly.

3. Use good judgment. Know your limits, plan your route (see above), and communicate your plans with someone at home.

What are three essentials for every camping trip?

1. Shelter

2. Appropriate clothing: Plan on wearing a wicking layer (synthetic), insulation layer (wool or fleece), and shell layer (GORE-TEX, or other waterproof fabric).

3. A means for purifying drinking water, such as a chemical treatment or filter

What is one thing campers should research before heading out for their trip?

Average temperatures for the area they are planning a trip to

What should you do if you’re approached by a predator such as a bear or a coyote?

First, know what kind of bear you are dealing with. The protocols are different for black bears and grizzly bears. In either case, carry bear spray and know how to use it.

What’s your favorite campfire recipe?

Your favorite rice with sun-dried tomatoes, cashews, and parmesan cheese

What are two ways to cut costs for planning an affordable camping trip?

1. Avoid expensive and often unappealing pre-packaged dehydrated camping food.

2. The latest outdoor fashions are not necessary to dress safely. Purchase wool and synthetic clothing from a thrift store.

What are your top three tips for staying safe overnight in the wilderness?

1. Plan ahead and prepare for weather.

2. Get to know the possible hazards — the forest, the mountains, the rivers all have some unique hazards, such as standing dead trees blowing over (“widow makers”) or rocks falling down scree slopes in the mountains.

3. While we sometimes worry about animals, the biggest hazard we can face is other people! Most people in wilderness areas are there for the peace and solitude, but research entry points near large urban centers for safety.

What are three essentials for every camping trip?

1. Your knowledge: This always comes first. Know as much as you can before you head out.
2. Your sleeping kit: Sleeping bag, pad, tent, or bivy. Make sure you have the ability to sleep warm and dry.
3. Water and the means to purify more: It’s easy to bring your water filter and even have a backup, like iodine, in case the filter fails or your UV wand batteries run out.

What is one thing campers should research before heading out for their trip?

The route they want to travel on: Look at the map, and check for the trail (or if it’s pristine and there is no trail, look for travel areas where you won’t have an impact).

Also look for water sources, potential campsites, and evacuation points in case of emergency.

What should you do if you’re approached by a predator such as a bear or a coyote?

Most animals want to avoid humans. It’s only if they’ve been habituated to human food or they are sick or starving that they become dangerous.

If it’s a black bear or coyote, and they’re coming toward you without the fear they should have, make yourself look big by standing up tall and waving your arms. Yell and seem threatening, and even throw rocks at it to get it to run away. If they attack, fight back.

Grizzly bears are a different matter. If you don’t have bear spray, you still want to make noise, but back away slowly. If it charges you, curl up on the ground and protect yourself.

What’s your favorite campfire recipe?

S’mores never fail, but you can get creative with ingredients. Think of adding dark chocolate or Samoa cookies.

What are two ways to cut costs for planning an affordable camping trip?

Find free camping, and make your own food. You don’t need expensive dehydrated backpacking food. You can eat really well and healthy with regular rice or pasta mixes and add lots of veggies (which keep well without refrigeration).

For protein, think of complete meals like beans and rice, cheese, or tuna packets, which are light and easy to pack.