Is camping dangerous | Full Guide

What to think about before heading out to the great outdoors?

When deciding whether or not to go camping, it is important to think about how much you know about going camping. Some people don't know anything about camping and think that it's going to be a walk in the park. They don't think about the dangers of camping. The things you should think about before going camping are the following:

Weather

Camping is fun and adventurous. You get to explore nature, connect with yourself, and have some good bonding time with friends and family. However, weather conditions are unpredictable and camping can put you at great risk if you don't know what to expect and how to prepare. There's no way to control the weather. Whether its sunny or cloudy, hot or cold, wet or dry, windy or calm, camping requires preparation and planning.

Wind

Wind is the force produced by air moving over land or water, and it constantly changes direction. Winds can blow quite strongly and unpredictably, and they can even vary greatly over short distances. If you're camping near a lake, hillsides, a canyon, or any other place where the ground slopes upward toward the sky, then winds may pick up speed as they rise to create strong gusts and updrafts. Campers should always plan ahead to avoid being caught off guard by sudden gusts.

Lightning Strikes

Lightning is commonly associated with thunderstorms, but can strike anywhere, anytime. Lightning occurs when electricity travels along the Earth's magnetic field and strikes the atmosphere. Lightning does not require cloud cover, precipitation, or rain; therefore, lightning strikes can occur in clear skies. When exposed to sunlight, the electrical charge becomes unstable and can cause a spark that ignites nearby flammable materials.

Flooding

Flooding can happen rapidly and unexpectedly. In times of high rainfall or snowmelt, lakes, rivers, floodplains, and streams may become extremely swollen. As these bodies of water begin to swell, they can overflow their banks and flow downstream. Floodwaters can move at speeds up to 50 miles per hour! So before heading out for a night under the stars, campers should make sure to check local news reports for flash floods and other weather-related hazards.

Terrain

Terrain refers to a specific location. Certain types of terrain are inherently dangerous for camping. For example, cliffs, steep inclines, ravines, and creekbeds are prone to slippery surfaces which could lead to falls and injuries. Campers need to be aware of their surroundings while hiking, climbing, swimming, fishing, and exploring.

Roads

Roads pose a danger to campers because cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, and ATVs often share the same roadways. Traveling down roads often means sharing space with other vehicles and pedestrians. A vehicle that hits you could seriously injure or kill you. Be careful riding bikes while camping, especially on roads.

Cliffs

Cliffs are tall vertical mountains that protrude out from the earth's surface. These sharp rocks, boulders, and jagged edges are extremely hazardous to campers who decide to climb them. The lack of traction on the smooth rock surface makes it difficult to maintain balance and footing. Furthermore, falling off the cliff could result in severe injury or death.

There might be wild animals

This is especially true if you are camping near woods or forests. Animals like bears or wolves could attack you simply because they mistake you for food since you look different than them. These animals have sharp teeth and claws, so there is nothing you can do except run away fast.

Snakes

Snakes are not only dangerous they have sharp teeth and poisonous venom. If an snake bites you it could cause death if not treated right away. Another danger is that snakes bite humans for food (which is illegal) therefore, people who camp need to take caution and keep their eyes open at night.

Bears

Bears are predators and can attack people. Bears look for foods such as berries and fruit trees. Therefore, campers need to make sure they take safety precautions around animals especially bears. Bears do not have rabies so they cannot spread the virus but just being wary of them may help prevent something bad happening. Also, never let a bear get close enough to grab hold of you.

Plants

Plants can be toxic to human beings and even be deadly! There are over 200 known types of plants that can kill someone if ingested. Campers should only eat what they know about and are familiar with. Don't pick wildflowers, fruits, or berries unless you are sure it's safe.

Some plants or leaves can cause illness when eaten or when they get in contact with your skin. They can affect your intestines causing cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains. Campers should stay away from leaves and stick to foods that they're familiar with. Just be aware of what you put into your body and always wash any leafy vegetables before consuming them.

Here are some plants you should avoid while camping:

Poison Ivy

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is actually not a true plant at all; instead, it is classified as a vine. A native perennial herbaceous plant, it grows throughout North America and is known to produce an oily sap when cut. This sap contains urushiol, a chemical irritant responsible for causing allergic contact dermatitis. Once absorbed into the skin, it causes inflammation, sweating, itching, swelling, blistering, and eventually, if left untreated, rashes. You may have heard about poison ivy before, and many people assume that they know what to do to prevent its effects. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. In fact, these symptoms are going to occur regardless of whether you get exposed to the plant or not, since some people just react differently than others.

Poison Oak

Poison oak (Toxicodendrum radicans), also known commonly as western poison oak, western poison sumac, California poison oak, etc., was first described by scientists in 1753 and was originally called Rhus diversifolia. Native to Central America, it now grows across the United States and Canada. While most people consider poison oak to only exist in coastal regions, it is now commonly found in the Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest U.S.

Poison Sumac

The common name for this tree is poison sumac, although it should really be called poisonberry sumac (Rhus toxicodendroides). Poison sumac is native to North America, where it grows in prairies, woodlands, swamps, and along streams. Its botanical name comes from sumac, a shrub-like member of the rose family whose berries taste similar to those of poison raspberry (Rubus idaeus). The fruits of poison sumac contain urushiol, which is toxic to mammals. The oil is contained in small glands along the stems, branches, and leaves, while the seeds and bark contain higher concentrations.

Stinging Nettles

Common stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a non-legume, biennial herb, often confused with poisonous hemlock, garden bistort, and wild pea. The plant blooms between April and July, depending on weather conditions. The stingers are produced in late spring and develop from the buds on the underside of the leaf blade. Stinging nettles are considered one of the best weeds for growing in home gardens because they help improve soil structure. Their roots loosen compacted soils and aerate them, making them easier to work with.

Berries

Berries are full of seeds and can harm children and adults alike. Berries can stain clothing, shoes, tents, and anything else that comes in contact with them. Campers should wear protective footwear when picking berries and avoid eating them altogether.

Heat Exhaustion (Heat Stroke)

When we go outside on hot days, our body temperatures rise, causing us to sweat. When there's enough fluid loss, it can lead to heatstroke. Symptoms include dizziness/feeling faint, headache, sweating profusely, muscle cramping, confusion, seizures, unconsciousness, and death if left untreated. Most people who suffer from heatstroke have just been exercising, not working hard at their jobs. If you work out in 90-degree weather, make sure you drink water before, during, and after exercise. If you ever feel thirsty while you're working out, stop and drink water. Water helps prevent dehydration, which causes heatstroke. Drinking plenty of fluids during a workout also reduces the risk of cramps and keeps you from overworking your muscles. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day as well, especially when you're trying to lose weight. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine, both of which dehydrate you.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness occurs when air pressure changes rapidly and the body isn't ready for it. At high altitudes, blood rushes down the thinner capillaries in your lungs and brain. In addition, the heart pumps harder to keep blood flowing to these organs, which puts extra strain on your cardiovascular system. As a result, you may feel tired, dizzy, and nauseous. Your symptoms should subside gradually once you reach lower altitudes. If you think you might get altitude sick, head straight home. Once you get back to a level where you don't feel any ill effects, slowly descend until you feel comfortable again.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia happens when your core temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. You may start to feel cold, shivering, confused, and disoriented. People tend to underestimate hypothermia because they don't realize they're feeling cold. There's no need to panic, though; use clothing, blankets, and gloves to help keep yourself warm. Try to stay dry, eat, drink, and rest regularly to restore lost energy. Keep in mind that hypothermia kills even the fittest among us. So, if you're planning to spend time in a remote area, make sure you take precautions. Pack lots of food and water, wear layers of clothes, and carry a first aid kit. And always check in with family members or friends.

Falling Trees

If you camp in a forested area, it's possible to walk away from a falling tree without damage. But, if you're hiking in a rocky landscape or climbing a steep hill, you could be injured or killed by a falling tree limb. Before you set off on a hike, look around and assess the terrain. Are there gaps between tree trunks along the way? Avoid going directly under branches. If you do find yourself walking underneath a tree, try to step over them rather than walk around them. Always watch where you place your feet and never climb in a direction where a branch is leaning toward you.

Wildfires

Wildfires pose a threat to anyone in the path of flames. Unfortunately, wildfires occur frequently during summertime months in the United States. You can reduce your chances of getting hurt in a wildfire by following safety guidelines. First, build a solid shelter using sturdy materials such as logs, rocks, and canvas. Afterward, gather together what possessions you'd like to save. Move anything flammable further away from your shelter. Finally, fill your water bottle or canteen with non-toxic, insect repellent.

Biting Insects

Biting insects often attack humans in the evening hours. Mosquitoes and blackflies are some of the most common culprits. Both mosquitoes and blackflies bite during dusk and dawn. To repel these annoying bugs, apply bug spray. Follow up by applying DEET-containing products to your skin. While you're wearing long sleeves and pants, you'll also want to avoid exposing your arms and legs.