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.

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.

Fires and Cooking

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