What Is Dispersed Camping And Is It Safe?
Dispersed camping is slowly becoming more and more popular each year. There are a number of reasons as to why some campers prefer this type of trip. For example, many enjoy and seek out that feeling of spontaneity and adventure that comes with dispersed camping.
With all of this being said, there are also a few reasons why experts recommend avoiding this type of camping trip. In this article, we will be discussing exactly what dispersed camping is and a few of the problems that come with it.
What Is Meant By Dispersed Camping?
Camping is slowly becoming one of the most popular forms of vacationing. Not only do people get to visit unique places and see parts of the world that cannot be seen from busy tourist destinations, but they also feel a sense of solitude when on these trips. More so, camping is much cheaper and more realistic than staying at fancy hotels.
With this being said, some campers even avoid paying the small fees set by designated camping grounds. In order to do this, they search for off-the-map locations that can be used to set up their tent and other camping essentials. In this way, they can avoid other people, camping fees, and mask-wearing.
Dispersed Camping
This is where dispersed camping comes into the picture. In short, this type of trip refers to camping in any location that is not a designated campsite. Contrary to popular belief, this is completely legal and becoming more and more popular.
One of the most significant advantages of dispersed camping is that you won’t have to compete for camping spots whenever you want a quick getaway. More so, your trip will never be ruined by crowds of people and loud neighbors. Instead, you can simply show up, set up, and enjoy your time off.
This type of camping is ideal for outdoorsy people who love adventure. For example, if you enjoy hiking, you can simply set up your tent and call it a day whenever you feel tired. While you may not have any resources, like bathrooms, water, or electricity, you will feel a sense of freedom that is much harder to find at planned campsites.
Is Dispersed Camping Popular?
As we have already mentioned, dispersed camping is slowly becoming more and more popular. This is especially true since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. Families all over the world are not earning as much money as they were before the virus hit - for this reason, staying in fancy hotels and traveling the world simply isn’t realistic anymore.
However, camping is a different story. This type of vacation is much more affordable. In fact, after purchasing the necessary camping equipment, the only fee will be your campsite rental. With that being said, dispersed campers have nothing to lose financially on their trips.
How Safe Is Dispersed Camping?
Even though dispersed camping is becoming popular, there are a number of things to consider before planning your first trip. For example, many camping experts will recommend against this type of trip due to the fact that your safety is never guaranteed.
Regular campgrounds are often fenced off in order to keep criminals (or wild animals) out. More so, your camping fee usually goes towards paying for a security guard, meaning that you have extra protection during your trip.
However, dispersed camping is different. There are no fences to keep people or animals away from your tent. More so, you will not have a security guard or fellow campers nearby in order to monitor the situation or provide help when necessary. In this way, you will truly be on your own when camping in the middle of nowhere.
With that being said, there are a number of ways in which you can make your dispersed camping trip safer.
Tips For Your First Dispersed Camping Trip
If you have decided to go dispersed camping, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure a safe and fun trip.
Avoid Going Alone
When planning your first dispersed camping trip, it is essential that you always invite at least one other person to tag along. You never know what could happen while out in nature. If you were to find yourself in an emergency situation, having someone with you will always make the situation slightly more manageable.
Prepare For No Cell Service
It is likely that your dispersed camping trip will include no cell service. For this reason, it is vital that you plan ahead in case of an emergency. Make sure that you tell someone exactly where you will be going and how long you will be there for. If you do not return by the time you said, they should realize that there is a problem and that you could need help.
Bring Emergency Resources
Nobody expects to find themselves in an emergency situation while camping. However, it is important that you plan ahead. For this reason, bringing a first aid kit and extra food is always a good idea. More so, packing certain weapons (such as pepper spray) can come in handy.
Build Your Fire Responsibly
When camping out in nature, you will not have a designated fire pit. For this reason, you should be very careful when it comes to starting and putting out your fire. Make sure that there is sand or water nearby in order to kill the flames quickly if necessary. More so, building a temporary pit with rocks and sand is also a good idea. Make sure that you always put the fire out before going to bed.
Conclusion
Dispersed camping is slowly becoming more and more popular. This type of trip does not involve planned campsites - in other words, campers simply set up their tents wherever they feel comfortable. It is important to note that dispersed camping is much less safe than regular camping. When planning your first dispersed camping trip, ensure that you have company and prepare for emergencies.