You’re out in the wilderness, surrounded by the beauty of nature, and you want to make sure it stays that way for others to enjoy. That’s where responsible RV camping comes in, and it’s all about the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles.

 

It works for any outdoor adventure, helping us leave nature as we found it – untouched and pristine. The best part is we do it together, taking care of our planet like a team. Let’s dive into each principle and see how we can protect our environment while having a blast.

 

If you’re all about responsible outdoor fun, Adventure in Camping is here to make it simple for you. Rent one of our awesome trailers and explore the best campgrounds we recommend. Contact us at (844) 385-1863 or drop us an email at reservations@adventureincamping.com. We’re here to make your camping dreams come true!

 

What Is ‘Leave No Trace’?

‘Leave No Trace’ (LNT) is a helpful set of rules for outdoor fun while being kind to nature. It was developed to teach us how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably.

 

The primary goal of LNT is to keep nature safe and beautiful. It guides us to be mindful of delicate ecosystems, wildlife, and the environment whenever we go on outdoor adventures. The rules are based on scientific research about how people and nature interact.

 

Why Is Leave No Trace Important?


Most people who enjoy the outdoors, approximately 90%, lack awareness about Leave No Trace and how it helps nature. With over 13 billion outdoor trips happening every year in the United States alone, folks are unintentionally causing significant and avoidable harm to the environment, and this can add up over time. But there’s good news: the Leave No Trace movement is working hard to change this.

 

At its core, the Leave No Trace organization believes that even small efforts from each person can make a big difference for nature and everyone who enjoys it. When we practice Leave No Trace, we’re essentially becoming environmental ambassadors. By being mindful of where we step, how we dispose of waste, and how we interact with wildlife, we’re playing an active role in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

 

Leave No Trace isn’t just a set of guidelines; it’s a call to action for each of us to be accountable stewards of the Earth. Whether we’re exploring a dense forest, a serene lakefront, or a rugged mountain trail, our collective commitment to Leave No Trace ensures that these natural wonders remain unspoiled for current and future generations. So, every time we venture into the outdoors with the principles of Leave No Trace in mind, we’re contributing to the larger effort of safeguarding our planet’s beauty and diversity.

 

The Seven Principles of ‘Leave No Trace’

At Adventure in Camping, we encourage our customers to embrace these principles during their camping trips. By incorporating them into your outdoor adventures, you become a source of inspiration for others, fostering a shared commitment to preserving and sustaining the precious natural wonders of our planet.

 

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Getting all set for a fantastic and eco-friendly RV camping adventure starts with good planning.

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Familiarize yourself with the regulations and specific concerns of the area you plan to visit.
  • Be prepared for any extreme weather, potential hazards, and emergencies that may arise.
  • Consider scheduling your trip during less crowded times.
  • If you’re going with a group, opt for smaller gatherings or split larger groups into smaller ones to reduce your overall impact.
  • Minimize food packaging to reduce waste.
  • Instead of painting or leaving marks, use a map, GPS, or compass to find your way.
  • Choose appropriate camping gear and clothing.

 

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

When you’re out exploring and camping, make sure to stay on strong surfaces to preserve nature’s charm for generations to come.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Pick durable spots like maintained trails, designated campsites, rocks, gravel, sand, dry grass, or snow to walk on or camp.
  • Don’t camp too close to lakes or streams — give them at least 200 feet of space to stay healthy.
  • Respect the existing campsites and trails; don’t make unnecessary changes.
  • Stay away from fragile places with sensitive plants and wildlife homes to keep the land from getting damaged.
  • In busy areas, concentrate your activities on the established trails and campsites.
    • Stay on the marked paths and campsites.
    • Walk in a line, even if it’s wet or muddy.
    • Keep your campsite small and use areas without plants.
  • In places that are more remote and untouched:
    • Spread out your activities so new paths and campsites don’t form.
    • Stay away from spots that are just starting to show signs of wear and tear.

 

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Taking care of waste is super important when you’re out having fun in nature. It helps keep everything clean and safe.

Here’s how to do it right:

  • “Pack it in, pack it out”: Before you leave, check your campsite, cooking areas, and resting spots for any trash or food scraps. Take everything with you — garbage, leftover food, and any litter.
  • Use designated toilet facilities if available. If not, dig small holes, about 6 to 8 inches deep, for solid waste, at least 200 feet away from water sources, campsites, and trails. After using the hole, cover it up.
  • Carry out toilet paper and hygiene products.
  • Take your used toilet paper and hygiene products with you – don’t leave them behind.
  • When washing yourself or your dishes, carry water at least 200 feet away from streams or lakes. Use small amounts of biodegradable soap and scatter the strained dishwater.

 

4. Leave What You Find

When you’re exploring the great outdoors, you’ll come across amazing things like rocks, plants, and old artifacts. It’s tempting to pick them up, but it’s best to leave them where they are. This way, you’re showing love and respect for nature.

Here’s what to do:

  • Look, don’t touch. When you see cultural or historical structures and artifacts, admire and capture them in photos without touching or moving them. Let them stand as witnesses of the past.
  • Leave rocks, plants, and other natural treasures where they belong – don’t take them home as souvenirs.
  • Don’t build things or dig holes — nature’s beauty lies in its natural state, and it’s best to let it be.

 

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfires bring warmth and cheer to RV camping trips, but we must be careful with them. According to the National Park Service, a staggering 85% of wildfires are caused by humans. You need to know how to handle fires so they don’t get out of control.

Here’s how to be fire-smart:

  • Use lightweight stoves for cooking and lanterns for light — they’re safer.
  • If campfires are allowed, use the fire rings or places set up for fires.
  • Keep fires small and use only wood that’s already on the ground and easy to break by hand.
  • Burn all wood and coals to ash, and make sure the fire is completely out before leaving. Spread the cool ashes around.

 

Remember, campfires are fun, but they need a watchful eye. If you’re not sure, it’s better to skip the fire and choose a safer way to stay warm and have light. This way, you can enjoy the great outdoors without accidentally causing harm.

 

6. Respect Wildlife

Sharing space with wildlife is one of the delights of RV camping. To keep this harmony alive, we need to treat our furry and feathered friends with respect and care.

Here’s how to be a considerate camper around wildlife:

  • Watch animals from a safe distance; do not follow them or get too close.
  • Never feed animals. It messes up their health and behavior, and makes them dependent on humans.
  • Keep your food and trash safe from wildlife by storing them securely.
  • If you bring pets along, make sure they’re well-behaved and under control. Consider leaving them at home if it’s better for the wildlife.
  • Be extra careful during sensitive times like mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. Avoid disturbing the animals during these important periods.

 

7. Be Considerate of Others

When we’re out in the wild, we’re all part of the same big outdoor family. Let’s make sure we treat each other with respect and thoughtfulness.

Here’s how to be a thoughtful camper and make the camping experience better for everyone:

  • Be courteous and give way to others on the trail.
  • When you meet pack animals, step aside to the downhill side of the trail.
  • Choose spots away from trails and other campers when you take breaks or set up camp.
  • Let the natural sounds shine by keeping your voices and noises down.
  • Honor the ancestral lands and communities of indigenous peoples, who often rely on these areas for their traditional ways of life.

 

Leave No Trace: Our Commitment to a Greener Future

In the end, the power to create positive change rests within each of us. By embodying the seven principles of Leave No Trace, we become champions of a better way, leaving a legacy of respect, stewardship, and appreciation for the outdoors.

 

Let’s wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of ‘Leave No Trace’ on our RV camping journeys, ensuring that our RV camping journeys are both enriching and environmentally considerate. And above all, let’s work together so that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of nature in all its glory.

 

Ready to embark on an earth-friendly RV camping adventure? Rent a trailer from Adventure in Camping and experience the beauty of the outdoors while following the principles of Leave No Trace. Book your trailer today, and let the journey begin!