{"id":1180,"date":"2023-03-13T17:10:45","date_gmt":"2023-03-13T17:10:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.interactcp.com\/blog\/okrvscom\/?p=1180"},"modified":"2023-03-13T17:10:46","modified_gmt":"2023-03-13T17:10:46","slug":"leave-no-trace-7-rv-tips-for-more-environmentally-friendly-camping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.interactcp.com\/blog\/okrvscom\/leave-no-trace-7-rv-tips-for-more-environmentally-friendly-camping\/","title":{"rendered":"“Leave No Trace:” 7 RV Tips for More Environmentally-Friendly Camping"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019ve all seen those three little words in campgrounds, national and state parks, and more: Leave No Trace. <\/em>But what do those words mean? Basically, it\u2019s the ethical standard for camping in a way that allows you to enjoy the environment without leaving it affected or harmed by your presence. Take a look at our RV tips for Leave No Trace camping success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Leave No Trace Principles<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leave No Trace<\/a> is based on 7 principles that allow the fun in camping to intersect with protecting the environment and treating it with responsible care. These principles are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Plan ahead and prepare<\/li>
  2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces<\/li>
  3. Dispose of waste properly<\/li>
  4. Leave what you find<\/li>
  5. Minimize campfire impacts<\/li>
  6. Respect wildlife<\/li>
  7. Be considerate of other visitors<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    You can read a more in depth explanation of each principle in the LNT guide here<\/a>. Let\u2019s take a look at each one of these principles and how you can abide by them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Plan Ahead and Prepare<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Being spontaneous can be fun, but it can also end up being costly and irresponsible. By not thoroughly preparing for your travels, you can end up wasting resources and leaving behind garbage. Plan ahead, make thorough preparations, and pack accordingly. Make sure to check the weather forecast as this will inform your packing choices for gear, clothing, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you pull into the campground you\u2019ll be staying in, make sure to park your new or used RV exactly where it\u2019s intended to be parked. Parking spaces, campsites, trail paths, and more have been created to accommodate visitors. Use them! Parking elsewhere or hiking off the path can be destructive to the natural forestry, vegetation, and soil. These habitats are fragile and once disturbed, may be abandoned by the critters who live there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Think of it this way: you wouldn\u2019t want someone driving their dirt bike through your living room, would you? The surrounding environment has its own habitats. Keep to the beaten path and don\u2019t <\/em>take the road less traveled. (Sorry, Robert Frost.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Dispose of Waste Properly<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When it\u2019s time to do a black tank dump and flush, only <\/em>do so at the designated dumping station \u2013 period. Don\u2019t dispose of grease or food scraps by tossing it to the edge of your campsite. And don\u2019t toss Styrofoam cups into the campfire to burn when you\u2019re done with them. If you pack along granola bars for your afternoon hike, bring the wrappers back and dispose of them where they belong \u2013 don\u2019t litter. Instead, opt for common courtesy. It\u2019s better for your environment and better for you! (Manners look good on everybody.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Leave What You Find<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We get it. There\u2019s a draw to collecting seashells, picking up a cool rock, feathers, fossils, and more. But try to think of your landscape as a phenomenal piece of artwork for you to discover, explore, and enjoy \u2013 as well as for others behind you to discover, explore, and enjoy. Pieces of the natural landscape should be left where they are. Take a picture of that pretty flower instead of picking it to press and save (it\u2019s food for another critter). Look, but don\u2019t take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Minimize Campfire Impacts<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Campfires are fun and iconic camping trip luxuries, but most of the time they\u2019re not necessities (unless you\u2019re enjoying off-the-grid camping). If you do build a campfire, do so responsibly. Ask the campground for all campfire rules and regulations, and follow them. Never burn plastic, metals, or Styrofoam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Respect the Wildlife<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can\u2019t stress this one enough. Wild animals are wild animals. They\u2019re not for touching, holding, coaxing, or feeding your leftover food to. This is for your safety as well as theirs. When wildlife gets too comfortable with the presence of people, it can result in aggressive behavior. When this happens, park rangers have to put the animal down. Respect the wildlife by enjoying it from a safe viewing distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Be Considerate of Other Visitors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Show other visitors the consideration you would like them to show you (you\u2019re also a visitor). Obey campground rules and hiking trail etiquette. Keep a low profile right down to the colors you wear (nothing bright or flashy) and the noises you make (turn that radio down!). The colors and sounds of nature are what other visitors are there to enjoy. Let them have a great experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    By following the 7 principles of Leave No Trace, you can enjoy camping trips in your new or used RV<\/a> that are more peaceful, fun, and conscientious to those around you. Another way you can minimize your environmental impact is with some RV service<\/a> before you go. Fresh oil and clean filters can help reduce your carbon foot print. We can help. Contact us<\/a> today!<\/p>\n

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