All good things sooner or later come to an end, and the same goes for camping. This is a short but important lesson. There are two important things to learn: don't leave anything behind, and don't leave a messy campsite.
Breaking Camp
When it comes time to pack it up and head back to our other lives, consider these tips before departing:
- Stow your gear
Use a whisk broom and/or rags to wipe off gear as you stow it. Try to pack your gear as you had it when you came to the campground. It's also a good idea to separate dirty clothes so that they will be ready to be washed when you arrive home. - Check the cooler
Dispose of any food wastes, empty out excess water, and replenish the ice, as needed, for the trip home. - Dowse the campfire
Make sure the campfire is out. Dowse the area with the excess water from your cooler or another source. - Gather all trash
To state it simply, leave no trace. - Police the area
A broom and a leaf rake come in handy for grooming the campsite and gathering up the last of any litter. Always leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. - Take a potty break
Before leaving, take advantage of this opportunity to take a final bathroom break and to wash up a bit. - Take a final walk around
Time for one last check. Walk around your vehicle and look around the campsite to see if anything was missed. - Say goodbyes
Until next time ...
Checking Out
Be sure to stop at the campground office to let them know you are departing. This way they know the site is available for any arriving campers. Now enjoy the ride home and the memories of your camping trip.