Camping Rules
Camping Rules: Meant To Help You, Not Hurt You
There are camping rules at nearly every site that you come across, put in place by the administration to keep things clean, beautiful, and safe for all visitors. Likewise, there should always be camping rules imposed inside of your group or family unit, as these can also make everyone’s trip that much more safe and enjoyable. Most camping rules at any site will have to do with littering, campfire size, and supervision of all pets and minors, and some may even post guidelines for the use of alcoholic beverages and for quiet hours at that close of each day. You can research ahead of time, as many sites have information available online or over the telephone to help you decide which one meets your expectations.
If you are heading to an area that is not monitored, and where no camping rules are posted, you may still be subject to certain unspoken restrictions. Most open land facilities are state owned and operated, and the DNR or forestry department will often stop in and check on occupied campsites. In many states it is illegal to have more than 4 alcoholic beverages present per adult on state property, while other states have a no open intoxicants law. Just be sure that you do not breach the camping rules wherever you decide to set up, because fines can run steep, and private facilities can throw you out if they feel that you are disrespecting their laws.
For the safety and well being of your family, camping rules should have to do with careful planning and a group effort. Everyone should be watching for signs of trouble, such as tents too close to the campfire or children wandering too far out of sight. If you are settled near any body of water, camping rules should also include the use of life jackets and some very strict lines in the sand. Children under the age of twelve should never be left unsupervised, and those under fourteen may still have a hard time navigating in strange new places, so try to employ the buddy system if possible.
Camping rules having to do with litter are also very important, and violation of these seems to be a growing epidemic in many states. The best rule of thumb when enjoying nature is to leave your camping area in better shape than when you found it. Leaving broken, charred glass, aluminum foil, and plastic bottles in fire pits is a big negative. Remember that the animals don’t get to pack up and go home, and that rangers and volunteers will have to handle your mess once you have moved on. If you get caught in the act of littering or abandoning your trash, you could lose your permit for camping on state land indefinitely, not to mention being hit with a large monetary fine.