From the article: Camping Checklist
Camping is all about being prepared. I can think of no better device to have for emergencies than your cell phone, but is it really a necessity? We all know there are places where a cell phone can be a real annoyance to those around you: restaurants, theaters, meetings, etc. There are also times when they are hazardous to your health and well being, like when you're driving. But there are times when they provide the only means of communication with the outside world, like when you're camping in the backcountry.
Never Know
- We always take a phone when we go camping and even on the boat because you never know when you could get into trouble. We were out on the boat once when my son called to let us know my mother had been rushed to the hospitol so we needed to get home that night to stay with my dad. You never know when someone may need you.
- —Guest Camp Easier
Beautiful, no service
- Some of the places I would rather be, have no cellphone service. BWCA and some of the most beautiful remote places. It may come in handy for emergencies.
- —Guest ron morris
Cell Phone camping
- Yes I always take my cell phone in case of problems or emergencies. If someone gets hurt, lost or there is a problem at the campground or surrounding areas. vehicle/equipment problems, nasty storms which come in quickly many times as well as concerned friends/family who want to keep in touch and know I am and our group if we're together are ALL OK. In these trying economoical times and stressful species times it is better to have one just in case. Some people have had nasty confrontations at campgrounds, unfortuneately. Also I have elderly family members I try to keep a status check on too, nursing homes and elderly care certainly isn't the best out there either.
- —Guest naturelove
early camping
- I remember a time when my wife and I camped at Beaverkill State Park in New York. It was a beautiful park back then with a small beach on the stream. I could not believe my eyes when I saw a "camper" there sitting in a chair with a laptop computer and talking on his cell phone. What a waste of the scenery and vacation time for him. Meanwhile maybe 20 yards downstream there were a couple of fly-fishermen enjoying what was there to enjoy. A cell phone does come camping with me now, but never at a campfire (unless I'm going to throw it in) the only place I do take it is on the boat when I'm fishing in case my wife needs to get hold of me for something at camp. Otherwise, my camping is what it should be - fun, peace and quiet and more fun and a chance for families to enjoy what God gave them, the great outdoors. God bless you all and enjoy the up-coming season.
- —Guest GGFlytyer
Yes
- We always take our cell when we go camping, for emergency purposes. In case a family member needs to contact us or if we need emergency assistance.
- —mycampingtents
Rescue Purposes
- I think it is very important to take a cell phone with you camping, because from research I have discovered that if you become lost or someone sends a search party looking for you, the rescue crews have equipment that can pick up the signal from your phone that is sent out to find a base station when you do not have coverage and if you do have coverage they can triangulate your phone. Therefore if you have your phone with you even if you leave it on silent, they should find you quicker, and easier.
- —Guest Deklan
Mr Bill
- If you only have a cell phone- no wire phone at home. Traveling over a 12 state area makes cell phone a must!
- —Guest crappieking@graceba.net
A Must With Kids
- Although some places lose their reception (Yosemite), if you have kids and there's an emergency, you must have a phone. Purism be damned.
- —madcampersuz
YES!
- I take it for emergency purposes only. Nothing worse than a bunch of people sitting around a campfire updating statuses, checking emails and chatting on the phone all day and night!
- —Guest MG
Yep.
- I always take my phone with me, but I mostly keep it turned off inside my tent. I don't carry it around with me constantly texting or making phone calls. I go camping to enjoy being outside and enjoying the peace and quiet.
- —Guest Katie
We always take a cell phone
- We not only take a cell phone, we have a broadband card and booster antenna, which enables us to have Internet access just about anywhere. Even though there are a few spots with no coverage, the security of being able to call for assistance, and talk to family when we're on the road for months at a time, is priceless.
- —Guest Daphne Worsham
Necessary!
- I can't stay a day without taking my phone. My friends and I might get lost, if I don't have my phone!
- —Guest nia
Cell Phones
- I don't know where you go in the back country, but there is seldom cell coverage where we go.
- —Guest Graham Gilbert
Yes
- Yes, I would take my phone with me for emergencies, but if you just wanted a day with no fuss then I would turn it off for the holiday. You know that it is there, if you need it.
- —Guest Katie
well..
- Bring it, but leave it alone. Look at it before bed to make sure there were no problems at home or otherwise, then shut it back off. Any electronics are a camping do-not.
- —Guest Rachie
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