Although many campers and hikers have fears about big carnivores such as bears or mountain lions when they go into the woods, in reality, these animals are much less of a threat than many smaller creatures, such as poisonous snakes. Poisonous snakes of one variety or the other are found in many desirable locations for camping and back-country exploring, so if you plan to spend time outdoors in areas where they are present, you need to take some time to consider the danger.

In almost all cases, poisonous snakes are quite shy and will avoid human contact if at all possible. Even though a particular species might be present in a given area, there may be only a small number of individual snakes to be found there, and in most cases, even if you are looking for one, you will be hard pressed to find one. Some species, such as rattlesnakes, are mostly nocturnal in their hunting habits, and spend the day holed up out of sight under rocks or in hollow stumps. Most snakes are fairly sedentary, spending much of their time sunning on warm days, so still that they can be mistaken for dead.

Despite the lack of great numbers of snakes in most areas, each year a few people are bitten by poisonous snakes. Most of these bites occur because the snake was stepped on or otherwise approached too closely before the victim even saw it. Snakes are wonderfully adept at concealment, and catch their prey by means of their natural camouflage markings and capacity to remain absolutely motionless. The key to avoiding a snake bite in the wilds is to be ever mindful of their presence and to always keep a sharp lookout for them.

Snakes are most difficult to see in overgrown areas with lots of dense ground cover or undergrowth. Proceed cautiously when walking through such areas. In some cases, if the growth is so thick you cannot see the ground, it is wise to carry a long stick or staff and poke and probe vegetation in front of you before walking into it. This is especially true along riverbanks, where cottonmouth moccasins are abundant. In such thickets, be aware also that not all poisonous snakes spend all their time on the ground. Cottonmouths and others climb bushes and trees, so the danger might be at a higher level than your feet and legs or even above your head. I have had many encounters with snakes in bushes, including a near miss by a striking copperhead at face level.

Snakes are warm blooded and are more active on hot days. Be especially cautious on such days for snakes on the prowl. But don’t dismiss the possibility of encountering a snake on a cool day as well. One distinct danger for campers is the possibility of getting bitten by a snake while gathering firewood. When it’s cool out, snakes like to hide in such places as brush piles and among fallen limbs and trees. Always look before you reach into such a pile or before you pick up any piece of fallen wood. If you are not careful, you could put your hand in a place where a concealed snake could bite it out of reflexive, instinctive action.

Campers in the woods should also take precautions around camp. Don’t set up your tent in areas of dense undergrowth if at all possible. Keep your tent doors tightly zipped up while away from camp. Snakes have been known to crawl inside tents or even sleeping bags left unattended. Don’t subject yourself to such a nasty surprise. Be careful in the morning as well. Look around before you step out of the tent, and check under piles of gear or equipment you might have left outside. Check your boots as well. Small snakes have also been known to seek shelter inside boots.

Avoiding snakebite, as you can see, is mostly all about awareness. You won’t get bitten or even have a frightening close encounter with a poisonous snake if you simply stay aware while in the wilds. Always think before you set your foot down on the ground, or before you reach into a bush or pile of firewood. Above all, if you do see a poisonous snake, don’t entertain illusions that you are the Crocodile Hunter and attempt to catch it. More people are bitten this way than any other. Leave the snake catching to the experts or fools.

After a period of time spent outdoors, awareness of your surroundings will become second nature and your chances of getting bit by a snake will be slim to none.

First, you need to determine your bearing (the direction you need to travel). Use the following procedure to obtain an exact travel direction towards your desired destination. The procedure will work if the magnetic North-South lines are drawn on the map.

1.
a) Place the compass on the map so that the long edge connects the starting point with the desired destination.

b) Make sure that the direction arrows are pointing from the starting point to the place of destination (and not the opposite way).

c) At this point, you may want to use the scales on your compass (if available) to determine the distance you need to travel.

2.
a) Hold the compass firm on the map in order to keep the base plate steady.

b)Turn the rotating capsule until the North-South lines on the bottom of the capsule are parallel with the North-South lines on the map.

c) Be sure that the North-South arrow on the bottom of the capsulepoints to the same direction as North on the map. It is here you will make adjustments for declination, if necessary.

3.
a) Hold the compass in your hand in front of you.  Makesure that the base plate is in horizontal position, and that the direction arrows are pointing straight ahead.

b) Rotate your body until the North-South arrow on the bottom of the capsule lines up with the magnetic needle, and the red end of the needle points in the same direction as the arrow.

c) The directional arrows on the baseplate now show your desired travel direction.

Now that you have determined your necessary bearing, you need to make sure you maintain an accurate bearing. First, you should find a suitable target in the terrain (e.g., a tree, boulder or a bush) towards which the direction arrows point. Walk towards the chosen object without looking at your compass. When you reach your target, find a new object that is aligned with your bearing, and repeat the process.

Note: Remember to check from time to time that the capsule has not deviated from the direction that had been set on the compass and remember the difference between the magnetic needle that always points to the magnetic North Pole and the direction arrows that show the travel direction.

First to consider is the time of year. Even if you are the “survivor” type camping in extreme temperatures, either warm or cold, requires extreme caution. Clothing that meets the weather challenge but is not constricting is best. If you are going to be in front of a campfire, loose sleeves or scarves should be avoided. Bring along enough clothing for a couple of more days than needed as rain, snow or sweat may require frequent changes. Also bring clothing that covers skin from tick bites in the woods. Bring along sleeping bags and waterproof tents, along with a waterproof tarp to cover your camping area in case of rain. Bring a radio to check the local weather once at your destination.

Next is the campground itself. Is it in the middle of the woods, or a spot in an established campground? Where are the nearest ranger or police station and hospital? Once you arrive, be sure to let the nearest ranger station know that you are there. It makes good sense for them to know where you are before an emergency warrants them finding you. What are the regulations concerning building a fire and trash removal? Keep in mind that bears and other wild animals are attracted by table scraps and cooking grease. Bring along containers to keep your food tightly stored and garbage secured, according to campground or park policy.

There are several options for cooking. Keep in mind the rules of the campground. If using an open pit with wood or charcoal, make sure the fire is well contained and bring a shovel to smother the fire with dirt afterward. Keep in mind that cigarettes can start fires too and be mindful of all fire. Keep matches dry but away from the fire. If you bring propane or other type of cooking device, follow directions for transporting, storing and using carefully.

Take along not only toilet paper but also grab a box of baby wipes to help avoid chafing in primitive conditions. Bring a first aid kit as well as insect repellant, sunscreen and any prescription or over the counter medicine you may need if you suffer from allergies to plants or stings. Calamine lotion and antipyretic cream can be very helpful for mosquito bites. Also bring alone a pair of tweezers and some vegetable oil and check for ticks on yourself, your camp mates and animals on the trip.

Simple foods are best to bring camping, and items like trail mix provide nutrition
and energy in a convenient form. For kids, peanut butter and jelly can be great to take on a hike. Make sure you bring an ample supply of drinking water as some fresh water, even though it is found in the great outdoors, is not safe to consume.

Before you leave on your trip, make a list of all necessary items and check them off as you load them into the car. This will avoid your leaving an important map on the kitchen table and make sure your trip is fun, safe and comfortable.

Camping equipment includes:

* First aid kit
* Tent, lean-to to act as a shelter.
* Hammer to drive tent stakes into soil.
* Sleeping bag and/or blankets for warmth.
* Sleeping pad or air mattress is placed underneath the sleeping bag for cushioning from stones and twigs as well as for insulation from the ground.
* Lantern or flashlight
* Hatchet, axe or saw for cutting firewood for a campfire.
* Fire starter or other ignition device for starting a campfire.
* Folding chairs for placement around campfire.
* Ropes for stringing clothes line and for securing the shelter.
* Tarp for adding additional layer of storm protection to a tent, and to shelter dining areas.
* Raincoat or poncho
* Hiking boots
* fishing pole
* Chuck box to hold camp kitchen items for food preparation, consumption and cleanup.
* Trash bags particularly one with handles can be tied to a tree limb, or clothesline off the ground. For handling of waste in backcountry see Leave no trace.
* Insect repellent particularly one that has DEET.
* Sunscreen for protecting the skin.
* Personal care products and towel
* Cooler to store perishables and beverages. If electricity is available, a thermoelectric or stirling engine cooler can be used without the need for ice.
* Beverages or portable water filter for areas that have access to rivers or lakes.
* Campers at modern campgrounds will normally bring perishable foods in coolers while backcountry campers will bring non-perishable foods such as dried fruits, nuts, jerky, and MREs.
* A tripod chained grill, Dutch oven, or La Cotta clay pot can be used for cooking on a campfire. A portable stove can be used where campfires are forbidden or impractical. If using a campground with electricity an electric frying pan or slow cooker can be used.

* Measure ingredients for each meal ahead of time and pack in ziplock bags. Label each bag accordingly.

* Prepare soups, stews or chili etc ahead of time. Freeze and keep in cooler. Reheat for a quick meal.

* Don’t forget the heavy duty aluminum foil. There are many uses for it at camp.

* Be very careful with gas canisters. Keep upright at all times. Keep outside in well ventilated area. Check for leakage by putting soap liquid on all connections. Turn off when not in use.

* Freeze meat before putting in cooler. Keeps other foods cold and will keep longer.

* Cover pots whenever cooking outdoor. Food will get done quicker and you will save on fuel. Also helps keep dirt and insects out of your food.

* For ease of clean up and to protect from smoke and fire damage, put liquid soap on outside of your pots and pans before putting over the fire.

* Block ice will last longer than cubed ice.

* All items in your cooler should be packed in watertight bags or containers.

* To avoid unwanted visits from animals, keep food stored away or hang above ground level.

* Apply oil on camp grill to keep foods from sticking.

* Cans of frozen juice keep other foods cold.

* Use convenience or instant foods for quick meals.

* Use fireproof cooking equipment. Keep handles away from extreme heat and flames.

* To keep matches dry–dip stick matches in wax and when needed, scrape off the tip of the match and light. Also keep matches in a waterproof container.

* Use ziplock bags to store foods like soup, sauces, chili etc. Freeze the bag and put in cooler. It helps keep other foods cold.

* To fix a cooler leak, apply melted paraffin wax inside and outside the leaky area.

* Put a pan of hot water on the fire while you eat so that it’ll be ready for cleanup when you are done.

* To keep soap clean at your campsite, put it in a sock and hang from a tree.

* Pita bread packs better and stays in better shape while camping than regular type breads.

* Bring energy boosting snacks such as GORP trail  mix, granola bars, dried fruit, beef jerky etc. for in between meals.

* To cook hamburgers more evenly throughout, put a hole in the middle of your hamburger about the size of your finger, during grilling the hole will disappear but the center will be cooked the same as the edges.

Camping is a safe and fun activity enjoyed by millions every year. Every day to day activity we spend our time on has its ups and downs. Big problems are very unlikely, but some safety awareness can help you deal with the little things that pop up, so you the little irritations that life brings us now and then won’t become trip busters. Here are some tips for camping safety.
1. Weather can be unpredictable. Check the weather forecast for the area.
2. Take enough food, clothing, and equipment to keep you comfortable in case of emergency.
3. Tell someone where you will be, and when you plan to be home, in case someone needs to find you.
4. Plan to return to camp well before dark. Remember that daylight hours are shorter in the fall and winter.
5. Be alert to approaching storms, dress properly, and seek appropriate shelter.
6. Dress properly. Check the weather and terrain.

7. Poisonous snakes, ticks and poisonous plants may be found along trails. Exercise caution.
8. If you are a beginning camper, use the camping check lists found on this site.
9. Avoid tick bites by staying on trails and avoiding grassy, brushy areas. Wear light colored clothing so ticks can be seen. Tuck shirts into pants and pant legs into socks. Do not wear shorts on the trails. If a tick is attached to your skin, grab it with tweezers and remove it. Do not crush the tick’s body, as this can force bacteria into your skin. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If you think part of the tick has remained in the skin, or if you think the tick has been attached for longer than 48 hours, seek medical attention. Be alert to a subsequent fever or skin rash. Report these to the doctor.
10. Always plan where to meet should one of your family members get separated.
11. Check your first aid kits before each trip. Replace any missing items, like bandaids, and check expiration dates on medicines and ointments.

As a general rule, pick a high level spot to pitch your tent. You’ll sleep better, and should it rain during the night water will drain away from your tent. Erect your tent far enough from any grill or campfire so that sparks won’t fly into it. Never set your tent up on low ground. Aim your tent door away from the direction of the morning sun. That way you won’t wake up and exit your tent into the bright sun.

Campgrounds will fall into two basic categories: public or private. Public campgrounds are usually run by a government agency and include those found in national parks and forests, Bureau of Land Management areas, Army Corps of Engineer projects, and in state parks and forests. Private campgrounds are typically RV parks and campground resorts owned by private citizens or businesses. Both public and private campgrounds are well represented on the Internet.

Public campgrounds offer the largest choice of campground destinations available to us. These campgrounds, which are mostly funded by tax dollars, are typically found in scenic areas or on lands set aside to preserve some aspect of the natural environment for present and future enjoyment of outdoor recreation. The public campgrounds usually offer the same quality of service and amenities nationwide. If you’ve ever camped at one national park, you can likely expect the experience to be the same at other national parks. The same can be said of campgrounds in the national forests, Army Corps of Engineer Projects, Bureau of Land Management Areas, and the state parks. Although the state park systems vary from state to state, the other public facilities remain somewhat consistent nationwide.

Camping on holidays you need to remember the some things around food safety and hand hygiene.

Trent Fowles, manager of Population Health Service’s Health Protection Unit said When people going to camping, usually bring their favorite barbecue which brings potential for food poisoning, then they are also living in close proximity to one another and do not have adequate refrigeration capacity or readily available hand washing facilities.

He said that Summer is a good time to remember and follow the rules against food poisoning incidences. The New Zealand Food Safety Authority calls for vigilance this summer with cooking hygiene, clean, cook, chill cover as a good start to summer food safety.

Clean
- Keep all food clean and contact areas.
- Wipe away any meat juices and always use clean chopping boards.
- Keep pets aways from Barbecues

Cook
- until the juices run clear then cook

Chill
- if you cooking at home, remember keep foods refrigerated until ready to cook or serve. Use chilli bins and ice packs to keep foods cold if there is not limited space.
- Refrigerate and cover to keep them safe to eat.
- Foods must be covered and at room temperatures for more than two hours. If in doubt, just throw it out.

Cover
- Remember keep foods covered and away from any contamination.

Mr Fowles said “In fact, thorough hand washing is the most effective way to stop the spread of infectious disease.”

Tips for People:
If someone have symptoms of being unwell, they should never take part in preparing food and even hand washing is more important for them.

Camping in cold and cool weather conditions that makes challenges for campers, particularly when it comes to eating and drinking.

These are the few useful guidelines for keeping the body fresh on camping winter season in nature.

# Pack a water bottle inside a backpack, it helps to prevent from freezing. Consider filling the bottle with hot water before it setting out. Screw the lid on tight and pack it upside down. Before you need a drink, hot water will have plenty of time to cool.

# Carry plenty of food, eat often. During winter, a person can burn up to 8,000 calories/day.

# Drink plenty of hot soup and beverages. It loses water on the body through physical exertion and the dry, cold air. The other options of good drinking include instant cocoa, decaffeinated coffee or tea, instant breakfast drinks and fruit flavored drinks. But, avoid the caffeinated drinks which contains the diuretics.

# You should plant meals that boiling, because that food takes longer to cook when you gain altitude.

# Consider toting an extra plenty of stove fuel and stove, and up to 1/2 cup per person in a day. Melting snow can produce drinking water requires a lot of fuel.