Camping in National Parks

A Park Ranger at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colo.
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A Park Ranger poses for a portrait at Great Sand Dunes National Park in San Luis Valley, Colo.

National parks are great places to get back to nature and flex your pioneering prowess. Parks have different camping areas ranging from recreational vehicle (RV) sites with water and electrical hookups to primitive camping sites which might include a fire circle, a bench and a place to pitch a tent. Many parks also have backwoods areas that must be hiked to and take no reservations. Some areas are known as national recreational areas. Many of these have places where camping, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting and other sports are allowed. These parks will often provide equipment rentals or
special guides.

Adventurers interested in backcountry wilderness hiking and camping should abide by a few safety rules. First, always tell park rangers that you're heading into the wilderness, the areas you expect to explore and how long you expect to be gone. Even more importantly, tell your friends and family. Many rescue teams won't assume that you need help until someone close to you reports that you've been away longer than expected. Another safety tip is to always camp on high, level ground away from water sources. A rainstorm upstream from you, for example, can cause a flash flood along a river with no notice -- even if the weather is perfect downstream. Also, remember to hike and camp only to your abilities. For example, if you're experienced only at RV camping, then maybe heading out to the Alaskan wilderness to try and trap your own food and survive on nuts and berries isn't the best idea.

Hey, Boo Boo!
There are plenty of animals who'd be more than happy to steal your picnic basket. Depending on where you are, raccoons, armadillos, opossums, foxes, monkeys and bears have all been known to get into campers' food. Just be careful about where you keep your food and understand the wildlife you might be attracting. You don't want to become a snack, too.­
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Making fires in a national park is a sensitive­ topic. If you're camping in a more populate­d area, fires are permitted only in designated grills or fire areas. If you're camping in the back country, you should make fires only in wind-sheltered areas with water or sand nearby so that you can remain in control. Make your own fire ring with rocks and sand or moist earth to prevent spreading, and never make fires near dry grass or wood. While natural fires caused by lightening can rid the area of dead or diseased trees, fertilize the soil and encourage growth of certain plants, one careless match by a human in the wrong place can wipe out entire ecosystems and species

National Parks belong to the national governments of the countries where they're located. This means that the national parks belong to the citizens of those countries. It's the responsibility of the governments and of the citizens to use these parks respectfully and not to abuse the privilege of these lands. While every park varies in its rules and regulations, there is one prevailing rule of respect: Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.

If you'd like to learn more about national parks, then follow the links on the next page. They'll provide you with lots more information.

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