Outdoor recreation often has a big impact on the environment. It doesn’t have to be that way.
If you’re new to backcountry trails and waterways, you’re in for a treat. There’s nothing quite like leaving behind the noise of the city for the peace and adventure of nature. Unfortunately, campers can have a big impact on the places we visit.
From trampling plants and scaring away nesting birds to disrupting the rhythms and patterns of wildlife, visits from humans can take their toll on nature. So how can you minimize your impact while enjoying wild spaces and staying safe?
Here are a few things to consider.
Observe trail and campsite etiquette.
You’ve probably heard of the “leave no trace” principle, but how can you accomplish that goal when you’re essentially living outdoors? It’s not as hard as it sounds.
Trails
On the trail, stay on marked paths to minimize damage to vegetation. When meeting other hikers, yield to uphill travelers and avoid creating new paths, which can disrupt wildlife habitats (or disturb angry wasps). Additionally, keep noise levels low so everyone can enjoy the sounds of nature.
Campsites
At campsites, set up tents and cooking areas at least 200 feet away from water sources to protect aquatic ecosystems and avoid contaminating drinking water. Don’t fill lakes and waterways with commercial shampoo and other personal care chemicals. Instead, wash and dispose of grey water on land. For longer trips, consider a portable wash bag for cleaning clothes and towels.
Campfires
Campfires, if permitted, should be kept small and built in designated fire rings to prevent wildfires (see below) and reduce scarring of the landscape. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter to maintain the area’s cleanliness and prevent attracting wildlife. If the site looks the same or better than when you arrived, you’re on the right track.
Bring a reusable water filter.
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- Bacteria: This includes E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and other nasties that can seriously harm your health.
- Protozoa: Giardia and Cryptosporidium are the most common in North America. Both are resistant to treatment with chlorine.
- Viruses: While less common in the backcountry, viruses like norovirus or rotavirus could conceivably be present in contaminated drinking water. While most water filters will take care of bacteria and protozoa, many do not filter out viruses. Read the fine print to be sure.
With so many water filters on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. For individual backpackers, portable, pump-action devices are often the best option, since they are small and lightweight. The LifeSaver Wayfarer water filter is easy to use while also being free of BPA and BPS.
Larger models, like the Lifesaver Jerrycan, are great for paddling or car camping trips due to their bulk, while lightweight, gravity-fed models also work well for family-sized groups. No matter which model you choose, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for treating your water to ensure safety.
Prepare your food with low-impact cooking.
While it may seem like there’s nothing more natural than cooking on an open fire, our changing climate has prompted many authorities to ban this quintessential experience to decrease the risk of wildfire. Scavenging firewood from the wild also risks removing important habitat for some wild creatures.
Camp stove
A lightweight, portable stove with refillable liquid fuel is our top choice for backcountry adventures, since there are no canisters to throw away. Sometimes called “white gas” or “liquid gas” stoves, these stoves burn hot and clean and are safe when used outdoors in any environment.
Rocket stove
For camping adventures closer to civilization or when the fire risk is low, we like the Ironclad Rocket Stove for its ability to cook a delicious meal with just a few twigs or nuggets of charcoal. While too heavy to pack on your back, the Ironclad is ideal for glamping holidays and remote getaway cabins. Try one of our many campfire cooking recipes for inspiration.
No matter what type of stove you use, you can reduce the amount of fuel you’ll need by bringing quick-cooking food stored in lightweight, easy-to-carry packaging. Dehydrated or freeze-dried ingredients are top choices.
Alternatively, prepare your food in advance at home to reduce waste using one of our favorite recipes for simple camp meals.
Rent or choose long lasting gear.
The PWR modular rechargeable head lamp is fully rechargeable.
If you can’t afford gear with good ratings (we like Outdoor Gear Lab for independent reviews on everything from raincoats to backpacks), consider renting from your local shop. Not only will you stay safe and comfortable, you’ll have the chance to test drive different brands and sizes, finding your favorites without waste.
If rentals aren’t available in your area, consider renting at your destination. Failing that, buy the best gear you can afford while keeping things simple. We love solar-powered camp lights or rechargeable modular head lamps for their durability and longevity.
If taking your own gear into the backcountry, be sure it’s clean and free from seeds that could spread invasive species. Cleaning your boots, backpacks, groundsheets and poles after every trip can help prevent spread.
Defer to wildlife.
While it goes without saying that the wilderness is home to a plethora of wildlife that deserve our respect, we’ll say it anyway. Tripping in the backcountry makes you a visitor in a landscape inhabited by countless species. Encountering wildlife can be awe-inspiring, uplifting, or scary, depending on the situation. Know before you go which species you’re likely to meet and how to act when you do.
If you visit an area that bears frequent, further minimize your impact by storing food securely in bear-proof containers or hanging it out of reach. Avoid feeding animals at all times, and keep a safe distance away. Observing animals quietly and without disturbing their natural behaviors helps maintain their safety and nesting habits. It also reduces the likelihood of human-wildlife conflicts. Any animal that comes to associate humans with food faces the harsh reality of its own destruction.
Frequently asked questions.
hikers fording stream
How can campers reduce impact on water sources?
As noted above, set up camp at least 200 feet away from lakes, rivers, and streams. This helps protect aquatic ecosystems, prevents contamination, and ensures that wildlife relying on these water sources are not disturbed. While biodegradable soap is nice in theory, don’t put any soap in waterways. Wash dishes in a bowl or basin, and dispose of wastewater 200 feet away from the water’s edge and your campsite.
How can I manage waste sustainably while camping?
Campers should take all trash, leftover food, and litter back with them. Using reusable containers and minimizing packaging reduces waste. Additionally, properly disposing of human waste by using established facilities or digging a cathole 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from water, trails, and campsites, is crucial.
What about pets? Can I take dogs into the backcountry?
Bringing a dog along isn’t permitted in many backcountry areas for the safety of your dog and local wildlife. Where dogs are permitted, keep them on leash to prevent harassment of wildlife, landscape disturbance, and the possibility of contaminated drinking water. Pack out or bury their waste at least 6 to 8 inches deep and (you guessed it) 200 feet away from waterways.
Where’s the best place to locate a campsite?
Always camp in designated areas to minimize disturbance to the surrounding area. Most parks today offer tenting platforms and other designated areas to put your tent. In wilderness areas where suggestions aren’t given, choose an open, level, and durable surface away from waterways and wildlife corridors. Avoid fragile environments such as wetlands, meadows and soft vegetation, which can be easily damaged by foot traffic. Windbreaks are great options when the weather is iffy, but avoid camping under old or decaying trees that might lose branches.
Back to nature
While we can’t prevent all the impacts from our nature visits, we can minimize harm by taking a few, thoughtful steps. Wild spaces are a gift that we can help maintain together.
