Essential Rules When Camping Overseas for a Great Experience

Camping is a skill learned over a lifetime. From our first trip, we learned new things each time about how to do it right and what to do when camping. Camping rules and etiquette are very important, especially when camping overseas or with guests from other countries.

Just as all other aspects of life and society have rules and etiquette to follow, so does camping. Whether bringing some foreign visitors on your next camping trip or camping overseas, respecting specific campsite rules is extremely important.

What Are Some Guidelines When Camping Overseas?

When venturing overseas for your next camping trip, there’s a lot more you’ll have to remember than just packing the right camping gear. We become so used to camping at home that we sometimes forget other countries might have their campsite rules and etiquette. Here are some things to check before going on an overseas camping adventure.

Check Local Laws

Every country, state, and city has laws regarding camping. You’ll need to research the regulations for camping, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Also consider finding out whether or not you can bathe in local water spots, as this is illegal in some countries.

Know The Right Camping Spots

Some countries are relaxed about camping, allowing you to set up camp in almost any area. Others are strict and have set areas for backcountry camping. Anyone going outside of these faces fines and other serious penalties.

Vehicle Rules And Laws

Travelers must remember the country’s driving rules when camping in a car. Some countries forbid international drivers, and other countries might have driving requirements, like France, where you must carry a personal breathalyzer test with you at all times in the vehicle.

Food Storage

Smart campers understand that food storage is everything, but there are actual laws governing it in some countries. Canada, for example, has specific laws about how food is to be stored outdoors.

Keep It Clean

Just as you would at home, you must keep all campsites clean and remove any trace of your presence before leaving. This also refers to not disturbing local wildlife in their natural habitat.

Going Camping With International Campers

When international visitors come to America, they usually do so to witness the amazing natural landscapes this country offers. Therefore, a camping trip is a pretty standard addition to their itinerary.

If you have guests or friends visiting from overseas, you’ll need to tell them about the camping etiquette we adhere to in the United States. Here are some key things they should remember when planning a camping trip.

• Keep your distance – It’s always important to give other campers space when you’re at a campsite, and this is for the benefit of adults and kids. It’s respectful to let others have their privacy and a place that feels like theirs, so leave adequate room between yourself and the next group on the camp site.
• Leave no trace – The most important rule to follow, not just in the US but when camping international, is to leave no trace behind. Clean up your rubbish, make a minimal impact on the environment, and don’t interfere with nature.
• Be respectful – You need to respect the local laws, other campers, wildlife in the area, and future generations who want to enjoy the land as you do.

Safety Tips When Hosting Foreign Campers

When taking international campers along on your trip, keep things as simple as possible for their first local adventure. Avoid going out in extreme weather. Rather, head to locations that will be comfortable and require minimal packing of extra gear.

Another thing to be mindful of is their safety. Visitors to the country can easily misjudge some outdoor activities. The conditions of national parks, hiking trails, running rivers and bodies of water, or the risks involved with activities like mountain climbing or long hikes should all be considered carefully.

Sometimes, it’s better to keep things easy and safe, especially when camping with beginners. Choose an easily accessible and safe campground to visit. Let your foreign guests enjoy their trip without putting anyone in danger of extreme weather or thrill-seeking activities.

Experiencing Camping From Someone Else’s View

Traveling to another part of the world has many benefits, provided you show that country the respect it deserves. Research and education are essential when camping if you’re committed to discovering all there is to know.

Similarly, having international guests enjoy an American camping experience with you means showing them the local rules and etiquette. By sharing this knowledge with them, you’ll ensure they are respectful and smart campers. They might even be able to share what they’ve learned on their adventure with their peers who are also planning to visit the country.

No matter where we visit or the places we camp, respecting the land you’re on is always important. Leave no trace behind and always follow the local laws and regulations to ensure that camping can be enjoyed by all future generations and travelers to our country.

Resources:

TheSimpleDollar
Campfriendship