Safety Camping

Camping is a great way for families to experience our state parks and many remote areas. Enjoy the wonderful smells of nature; the sound of the wind in the trees, birds singing, and other creatures; spend your days hiking, swimming, boating, or exploring; and have fun around a campfire. By taking a few precautions you can ensure a fun and exciting outting with your family or friends.

Fires and Cooking

Be aware of fire regulations. In drought conditions, fires may be prohibited and you may only use a camp stove. In extreme drought conditions, even camp stoves are forbidden.

Build fires in a safe area. Open fires should be far away from your tent to prevent ignition. Never use a flame or other heating device in a tent. When camping in a Montana state park or fishing access site, fires are permitted only in designated fire rings.

Keep a shovel even a small camp shovel near the fire so it's available to use to throw dirt on the campfire. Keep a bucket of water near the fire to help extinguish it when necessary.

Know where the nearest water faucet is located to refill the bucket after use. Supervise children at all times when fires are burning or grills are in use. Do not allow children to run or play around the fire ring, even when the fire is not lit.

When near campfires, wear snug fitting clothing and be sure everyone knows how to put out a clothing fire stop, drop and roll. Thoroughly extinguish all fires. More Info...

Lightning

Electric storms can also develop in the middle of the night. To lower your odds, don't pitch your tent near the tallest trees in the vicinity.

Things To Be Taken While Camping

What you take with you on your camping trip will depend on where you're going and how long you plan to be away. If you plan to use a new tent or you have not used it for a while, set the tent up completely to make sure all the stakes and poles are included and look for any rips or separated zippers. Several Montana State Parks offer camping equipment, including tents, for rent.

We all think of the obvious gear we need to go camping, but remember to take these essentials to make your trip safer and more comfortable.

Backcountry Camping

• Plenty of water (and purification tablets or filters for the backcountry)
• First aid kit
• A whistle (in case you get lost, it's easier than calling for help)
• Any needed medications
• Sunscreen
• Radio with extra batteries
• Pocket knife
• Signal mirror
• Cell phone
• Candles
• Matches (in a waterproof container)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection
• Insect repellant
• Extra clothing, like extra socks (to prevent blisters, avoid cotton socks)
• Rain gear
• Trail or topography maps and compass
• Extra food
• Nylon filament
• Extra pair of prescription glasses
• Space blanket
• Trash bags (which can be used as ponchos or ground cover)

Front Country Camping

• Matches
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• First aid kit