Camping? Four things you need to know

Camping can be an exciting part of experiencing the Rockies but before you pitch your tent you need to know these four tips.

Only you can prevent forest fires!

There are a lot of forest fire prevention rules and each area has different regulations based on fire risk. Several places in Wyoming have signs that show the level of danger in each location. Keeping warm and cooking food are two important parts of any adventure but when traveling make sure you are being safe with the following tips on fire safety.

-Always have a bucket of water near your campfire.

-Make sure the fire is in a contained space free of any dry leaves and debris.

-ALWAYS put out the fire before going to sleep or leaving your campsite

-Make sure any children in your campsite are aware of the fire and that no one is playing too close to the flames.

Get to know private vs. public lands.

Stop into a visitor center and ask about public campsites. Private land, in Wyoming, is off limits for campers unless granted express permission by the landowners. Make sure you know about camping fees and regulations or you could find yourself hiking your way towards some trouble with law enforcement.

Keep a critter-safe campsites.

Camping in Wyoming is wonderful, truly a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, but you are not alone. You will have to be aware of wildlife as you travel into our scenic nooks. Bears, raccoon, moose, and coyotes are some natural wonders you could meet while traversing the Rockies. Here are some tips for avoiding any trouble with the locals.

-Always clean up food and never store it in your tent!

-Burn as much food waste as you can.

-Make lots of noise while hiking.

-CARRY BEAR SPRAY and know how to use it.

-Avoid wearing flowery/sugary scents.

-Keep an eye out for tracks and scat near your campsite.

Always have a physical map!

Your phone is great but in Wyoming's grand landscapes, it won't always have service. Having a paper map can prevent confusion and misdirection. It can also be a fun way to track where you have been and mark off your favorite spots!

Have fun out there and as always safe travels! Annamarie