One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors is to RV. Camping is always fun and RVing can add an extra layer of comfort to your experience. There are some RV campgrounds that are more luxurious and offer the best amenities for modern camping, but you may find sometimes you want to kick it old school and find a more remote place to camp.
The more outdoorsy your trip is going to be, the more seriously you’ll want to take safety. Safety is always a priority, but as access to help grows increasingly scarce, you’ll want to be able to rely on yourself as much as possible, which means the right kind of planning and preparation. RV Station Colbert has provided a list of tips for staying safe outdoors. If you need additional advice, come talk to our experienced staff at our location in Colbert, Oklahoma, near Sherman and McKinney, Texas.
Packing the Right Gear
Think about where you’ll be and what kinds of activities you’ll be doing. If it’s going to be cold and wet, then maybe leave the summer clothes at home. Then again, you won’t need as many coats for a place that’s experiencing a heat way. Also, if you plan on going hiking, you’ll want comfortable and durable boots and the right kind of hiking gear.
For most, appropriate gear will change depending on where you’re going and what your camping party needs, but everyone should make sure they have certain basics, like first aid and plenty of water. This is especially true the more remote your camping area is. Even if you think you’ll have access to clean water, consider packing extra bottled water and have a water filter handy.
Check the Weather
Also before you head out, you’ll want to check out what the weather forecasts for the area you’ll be camping in is. This will not only help you plan what gear you bring, but also help you plan your schedule. You won’t want to plan lots of hiking on a stormy day. If you can, try to look up the daily weather forecasts every morning as well.
Tell Someone Your Plans
Again, this is going to be especially important the more remote your camping location is, but informing someone back home of your plans can help you avoid a worst case scenario. Should something terrible happen and you can’t seek help or inform someone you’re in peril, letting another person know where you’ll be and how long you’ll be there can act as a safety net. If you don’t check in or make it home, they can call for help. This person can either be a friend, family member, or even a park ranger. Also consider letting them know when and where you’ll be hiking, if that’s on your itinerary.
Altitude Changes
In the grand scheme of things, Colbert is pretty close to sea level. If you live in the area (or somewhere else that’s at a low elevation), then your body isn’t used to the atmosphere of higher elevations, like you might find in the mountains. Keep this in mind when you’re planning your destinations and stopping points. Higher elevation will mean thinner air and it can be harder to breathe. Daily tasks may be tiring, but extraneous tasks can be challenging and you’ll want to give your body some time to adapt or risk suffering a scary medical incident.
As a final tip, we highly recommend looking into all local regulations, particularly fire safety and any dry camping regulations (if that pertains to you).
This information is for educational purposes. VIARV shall not be responsible nor retain liability for RVer’s use of the provided information. Prior to making any RV service decision, you are advised to consult with an RV professional.