Currently, we are experiencing uncertain times. A lot is going on in the world relative to Covid-19, what is allowed, and what is not. One thing that is relatively easy to do while social distancing is camping.
Camping does not require any social interaction with groups outside of your own. Once you arrive at your campsite and claim the area as your own, you won’t need to interact with anyone else.
No matter when you are camping, always make sure to follow leave no trace principles. This includes picking up all trash, minimizing environmental impact, and leaving a campsite better than you found it.
Let’s look at some things to consider when heading out to camp during Covid-19.
Limit contact
To keep Covid-19 under control, social distancing is the best option. Camping provides a great way to get outside while still social distancing.
When heading out to camp, plan to limit your contact with other communities. Stock up on all supplies and food before leaving town. Try to only visit your local grocery store before heading out to camp. This will limit your interaction with additional people and places along your way.
Many National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campgrounds operate on a first come first serve basis. You are responsible for filling in the ticket and paying the fee to the deposit box. This way you can limit your contact with other people.
State Park and National Park campgrounds on the other hand often require a reservation. You can do this beforehand either online or over the phone. When you get to your destination you will have already paid the fee and will have a campground space available. Typically, National Park campgrounds fill up months out in advance. However, this year many people are having to change and cancel their plans, so last minute spaces are becoming available.
Remember that camping in popular National Parks will be harder to adequately social distance. Many people from all over visit National Parks and can potentially bring the disease in.
Be self-sufficient
Being self-sufficient is the best way for you to limit your contact with others and reduce the spread of Covid-19. When you are self-sufficient, you won’t need to rely on other people or services once you leave home. If you can make it, only fill up on gas when you leave home and then refill once you get back.
Self-sufficient also means being prepared to self-rescue in case of emergency. This means preparing before heading out on a hike and bringing enough water, snacks, and supplies in case you are stranded overnight.
Where to camp
The first thing you need to decide is where you are going to camp. Most places right now prefer that you stay local, but as places start opening back up, more people are traveling farther distances.
Once you decide where you are going to camp, make sure that the campground is open. Thedyrt.com has put together a list of public campgrounds that are now open based on state. You may also need to research other campgrounds to see what is open. Even if campgrounds are not gated, it is never okay to poach a closed campground. There may be other underlying reasons as to why that campground is closed.
In Canada, most campgrounds remain closed. Some campgrounds in provinces like Alberta have begun to reopen, but are only available to Alberta residents. The border between the United States and Canada is still closed, so you will not be able to camp outside your home country.
Make sure where you are going to wants you there. Many mountain towns are currently faced with the dilemma of opening back up and risking another spike in positive cases. However, these communities rely on the money that tourism brings in. Take some time to research the area where you want to camp. Are masks required there? What limitations on activities are still in place?
Research different State Parks and National Forest Service campgrounds. Recently many campgrounds have begun to reopen. These campgrounds are typically less crowded than the large private RV resorts. Campsites are generally spread out enough to allow for proper social distancing between groups. Funds generated at these sites go towards supporting State Parks and National Forest as well as other public land services.
Let’s look at some places to camp that are currently open.
Black Hills National Forest/Custer State Park, South Dakota
The western side of South Dakota and the Black Hills is home to some amazing landscapes. Camping in the Black Hills National Forest or Custer State Park is close to Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Park. There are also beautiful lakes to cool off in and many trails to explore.
The San Bernardino National Forest in California provides outdoor recreation to southern California. Escape the LA heat, and get out hiking, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding, and many more outdoor activities. There are several different campgrounds throughout the national forest depending on where you will be recreating.
Oregon and Washington National Forests
By the end of May, the National Forest Service opened all campgrounds in Oregon and Washington National Forests. These campgrounds are open with limited amenities meaning you may not have access to restrooms, trash, or visitor centers. You will need to be self-sufficient when camping here.
Campgrounds are slowly beginning to reopen across the United States and Canada. Many new openings are happening daily. Be sure to do your research before heading out to know what campgrounds are open and what you will need to guarantee a spot. Though some campgrounds are open, who can camp there is still restricted.
Right now, there is a lot of uncertainty around what is allowed and every state or providence is different. Make sure you are prepared before heading out and have all the information you need to be self-sufficient while camping.