How to Camp Sustainably
Camping is one of our favorite ways to escape the grind and commune with nature. As we look ahead to the coming camping season, we decided to pause a moment to consider the impact we make when we camp. Are we living our values when out in nature? Are we preserving resources? Are we respecting ecosystems and wildlife? How can we put our commitment to sustainability into action when we camp? Read on to explore how to camp sustainably with us.
What Is Sustainable Camping?
The basic premise of camping makes it sustainable, right? Not quite, there is a lot of nuance to sustainable camping. It’s about making mindful choices that promote conservation, waste reduction and respect for nature. It’s enjoying the outdoors in ways that minimize environmental impact.
Plan Your Trip
Considering where to camp is important to reducing our impact on nature. Large crowds visiting the same locations multiply the damage on delicate ecosystems and wildlife populations. Instead, try seeking alternatives to crowded destinations. For example, instead of mingling with the masses in Yosemite, check out Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Parks. Both parks feature exquisite beauty of the Sierras with a fraction of the crowd (a quarter of annual visitation to be exact).
When you visit also cuts down on overcrowding and excess impact on nature. Consider off-season visits to popular destinations. For example, destinations like Arches and Canyonlands are swarmed in spring, and lines often form at notable viewpoints. But if you visit in early Winter, the parks are empty, and you get the same megalithic sandstone formations all to yourself. Plus, you’ll get the added bonus of experiencing things most people never will, like seeing those red rocks set against a backdrop of the snow-capped La Sal range. Take me there now, please.
Abiding by permit laws is also important to sustainable camping. As much as we all may grumble about them, permits and reservations are actually a good thing—especially when visiting popular destinations. They help with crowd control and prevent overuse. So, do your research, grab any local permits you need, and remember to pay attention to site-specific info to make sure your trip stays fun and sustainable. P.S. - Never forget to learn from the experiences of friends and family who have visited the destination previously, especially that one Vanlife friend we all have.
As fun as it is to blaze new trails, it’s kinder to the environment to stay on marked trails. This helps preserve wild areas, protects natural habitats and prevents trampling fragile plant life. Creating shortcuts can lead to bare patches, prevent plant regeneration, and even alter the natural flow of water in an area. Take advantage of those who came before us and did all the hard work to make trails for us to enjoy.
Carry plenty of water (fill up your Klean Kanteen 32oz Wide Mouth with something hydrating)
Adapt to the Environment
We’ve probably all heard ‘Leave No Trace’ for most of our lives. But we were today year’s old when we learned it’s a whole philosophy with specific principles. You’ll never go wrong if you keep these in mind, wherever you go. Have you heard of these?
The 7 Leave No Trace Principles:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impact
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Just Visiting
When hiking or camping, avoid disturbing the natural features of the landscape. “Souvenirs” like rocks, flowers and pieces of wood are integral parts of the ecosystem and should be left in place to support biodiversity and natural beauty. Take only pictures from the places we explore.
Seeing wildlife while camping is awe inspiring, like watching a juvenile moose splashing in the water at the edge of a pond at sunset. But that’s all the interaction that’s needed — watching. For the safety of animals and ourselves, observe wildlife from a distance and don’t approach or try to feed them. Respect habitats by staying away from areas that may be sensitive to wildlife, such as nesting or feeding grounds. Disturbing these habitats can harm species and disrupt their natural cycles.
Maintain Situational Awareness
Along with wildlife, weather is a feature of the outdoor experience that we cannot control. A beautiful day mountain biking in the Jemenez Mountains outside Los Alamos, New Mexico quickly turned into below freezing temps after a thunderstorm blew through and left three of inches of hail burying our campsite. None of us were prepared for it to get that cold.
Also, keep in mind that weather conditions and how we choose to recreate afterward can have a lasting impact on the landscape. So we need to choose wisely! For instance, try to avoid campsites and trails that are muddy after heavy rain. Doing so will ensure you aren’t contributing to serious erosion problems. And, don’t ask us how we know, but it’ll also save you from digging caked mud out of literally everything you own. Conversely, during dry summer months, be sure to pay special attention to forest guidelines about campfires. It’s better to opt out of a fire and cook on a stove than risk a catastrophic forest fire.
Tips for responsible fire management:
• Use a camp stove instead of an open fire.
• Use established fire rings when fires are allowed to prevent damage to the landscape.
• Make sure fires are completely extinguished before leaving.
Eco-Friendly Gear
For sustainable camping, choose gear that’s durable, recyclable and made from eco-conscious materials. High-quality gear that can withstand repeated use over many years helps reduce both waste and consumption. Invest in items that are easy to repair, either by yourself or by the manufacturer.
Examples of sustainable camping gear:
• Reusable water bottles
• Solar-powered chargers and lights
• Biodegradable soaps and natural cleaning products
• Tents and sleeping bags made from sustainable fabrics
• Composting toilets
• Tellus clothing, bags and accessories
Why These Practices Matter
When we camp responsibly, we help our forests and natural areas remain wild and untamed. Adopting responsible camping behaviors lessens our impact on landscapes, wildlife and ecosystems and allows nature to thrive. From packing out trash to staying on trails to choosing eco-friendly gear, every small action we take counts. Together, we can keep the outdoors beautiful and healthy for generations to come.