6 Tips for Camping in Bear Country

Posted by Dutch on Oct 10th 2023

6 Tips for Camping in Bear Country

There's a lot to pack for a camping trip, from food and clothes to first aid kits and water bottles. If you are camping in a national park or campsite known for its bear sightings, expect your backpack to weigh a little more. Why? There are dangers you need to prepare for to make your adventure safer in bear country.

DutchWare wants you to be cautious while making memories. If you're wondering how to keep animals away from a campsite, consider the following tips.

1. Research Camp Regulations

Before you begin loading your backpack, make sure you have read the regulations for the national park or camp you are visiting. Some camps provide advice or warnings depending on the time of year and the amount o bear activity.

2. Look for Used Campsites

Once you are at your local camp or national park, keep your eye out for used campsites to minimize dangers. If others have camped in that area, it's usually safe to assume that you and your friends or family are safe to stay there for the night, too. Just ensure the campsite is far from a water source, and clean up any litter the previous campers left when you're taking care of your own.

3. Find Campsites With Low Bear Activity

If you are looking for your private campsite, there are a few details you need to watch for. Once you have found an area that you like, check for signs of bear activity. For example, check for scratches on the trees and examine the surrounding grounds for scat and paw prints.

4. Set up Camp Away From Water Sources

All animals need to hydrate, so your campsite must be at least 200 feet from water sources. This practice limits the chances of contaminating the water and running into wildlife, such as a large bear.

5. Keep Your Campsite Clean

One handy tool you should bring on your camping trip is bear-proof containers. Bears are opportunistic eaters that rely on their sense of smell to find food. If you leave out leftovers from dinner, deodorant, or lotion, these items' fragrances can lure a bear to your site. You'll want to seal up any foods, hygiene products, or other temptations before going to bed so you don't end up with a bear in your hammock.

It's also wise to clean your dishes and shower away from your campsite so lingering odors don't capture a bear's attention.

6. Have Bear Spray and a Flashlight on Hand

No matter how careful you are, camping around animals may result in an unexpected encounter, so consider keeping bear spray and a flashlight in your hammock or tent at night. If you have cleaned your campsite, there is a reduced risk that a bear will find you. On the chance that one does, bear spray can stop aggressive bear behavior by affecting their breathing and sight, buying you time to leave.

A flashlight is useful for seeing in the dark, and it usually brings a camper comfort because they can quickly switch it on if they hear something. If a bear does appear, your flashlight also lets you see where to aim your spray.

DutchWare Has the Camping Gear You Need to Make Fun Memories

Camping is a great time when you plan for anything you might encounter. If you are looking for top-quality camping gear and hammocks, trust DutchWare to provide you with quality products that make your camping trip unforgettable. Browse through our website to find what you need, and contact DutchWare with any questions.