WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

With individual states starting to reduce travel restrictions, there are a lot of people who are itching to get outside and go camping. However, there is a lot of conflicting information out there about what to do and what not to do. Do you wear a mask, or not? Are you at risk? The best course of action is to know how to proceed and how to navigate camping and outdoor exploration during this pandemic. 

As always, abide by your state laws and relevant travel restrictions. While we endeavour to bring you the most up to date advice, make sure you check with your local authorities before you get lost!

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

STATE GUIDELINES

Each state has its own travel restrictions and varying degrees of stay at home orders. But, how do we know each and every state? The Kaiser Family Foundation has a handy tool that you can use to see if each state has “stay at home” orders or social distancing requirements in effect. You can find it HERE.

NATIONAL PARKS

The National Park Service has a real handy tool that lets you choose a park by state and you can get more info for that particular park. Each park in the state is different and may not be all open at once. So, it’s best to check this website to make sure your destination is open. Click here to find a park by state.

CAMPSITES

Reserve America has a great tool to reserve campsites across the US.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

CHECK YOUR CAMPING GEAR STOCK

Do you have everything you need? Utilise a camping equipment checklist to ensure that you have everything you need to get lost (and find your way back). This includes making sure that you have each item, checking that each item is working, is charged, and you have all of the pieces. Everyone’s camping setup is different, which is why you need to create your own camping gear checklist, or register. Pull your gear out box by box, ensuring that you tick everything off the list and clean it out at the same time.

ORGANISE YOUR GEAR FOR A QUICK GETAWAY

Once you have everything, you can organise these items so that they are ready to be packed into your tow vehicle or camper trailer at a moment’s notice. If you have a camper trailer, you can utilise Flat Pack Storage Boxes to organise and store these items. If not, clear plastic containers are also a good alternative to keep gear clean and organised. 

While waiting for restrictions to ease, set up camp in the backyard to make sure you have everything. Each member of the family is responsible for their own belongings, plus one area of the campsite (kids included if they are old enough).

CONSIDER THESE ADDITIONAL ITEMS

Before you pack up and take off you might want to consider packing a few extra items that you may have not thought about before. 

• Hand sanitizer: It’s top of the list. Some of you already take this while camping, but post Covid-19 this is essential when heading out into the wilderness. 
• Gloves: you might want to bring along a pack of latex or vinyl gloves with you. You will be in nature most of the time, but there are still the grocery store runs, gas station fuel-ups, and other miscellaneous stops to your destinations. Gloves can be a useful tool in fighting the infection if used properly. 
• Face Mask: As stated above, you never know where your trip may take you. It’s possible you find yourself in a crowded grocery store picking up supplies for the week. 
• Anti-bacterial Wipes with Alcohol: These wipes are handy for wiping down gas pumps, grocery carts, or anything else that others have come into contact with. 

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

Follow these guidelines to stay safe during your travel

• Clean your hands often. If you can wash with soap and water do so, but alcohol based hand sanitizer will do if that is unavailable.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. The membranes on these particular parts of your bodies can transfer germs into your body and make you sick.
• Avoid close contact with others. The CDC recommends keeping a distance of 6 feet from others
• The CDC also recommends wearing a cloth face-covering in public
• If you cough or sneeze, make sure to cover it
• If you end up going out to eat. Choose to go through a drive-thru, or opt for the curbside service if they offer it. 
• Avoid public transportation