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.
Share Your Thoughts
Share Your Thoughts
Good & Bad
- I have observed that people take more "risks" when they have a cell phone and coverage - they push the truck a little farther through the mud all with the idea they can "call for help" if needed. We have actually observed some "resource damage" of people being more "daring" and there have been some lives saved because they did have cell phones. Having an ATV in the back of the truck also produces a similar attitute to go where you wouldn't (shouldn't) go before. Unfortunately, this "push on" attitude is contributing to the call by many for greater restrictions. So things can be good and bad!
- —Guest L
Yes, but...
- I'd take at least one cell phone, but leave it off and stored for emergency use only. The last thing I want to hear while camping is mine or someone else's cell phone going off with some lame ring tone.
- —Guest Rufus8600
Cell Phone
- A ringing cell phone is no different than a barking dog or having to remind them to cleanup after the dogs, Leave both at home.
- —Guest JOHN ELDREDGE
Taking a cell phone camping
- I would take a cell phone with me camping. Never know when there may be an emergency on the way, while there, or heading home. This is also a good way for others to get hold of me if there is an emergency. Otherwise, let me enjoy myself.
- —Guest Eileen
Yes
- I take a cell phone and can generally get or find service with Verizon. As with my GPS, I program in the names of Vets near campgrounds I'll be staying at just in case I need them. As a reminder, if you have Verizon, once a month you should dial *228, choose option 2 to update the tower coverage. While traveling I do it once I get to a new area, as well. I have hit places with no coverage, but I have also had coverage when no one else does.
- —hobopals
Yes, take the cell
- I dont often use a cell phone while camping and often have no service, but I keep one handy in case of emergnecy and to direct someone else to our campsite, if necessary. If I have no reception, I will go each day to a location where I can check for urgent or emergency messages. Its the responsible thing to do. I did not see an ax, hatchet or saw mentioned. I never camp without them.
- —Guest Showtime
Yes
- I take my cell phone just in case of an emergency. I feel more safe and secure, if I bring mine.
- —Guest jojo21
No celly!
- I don't know where you guys camp, but eveywhere I go there's no way you can use a cell, no reception.
- —Slyone0615
Mobiles and camping
- I take mine, but I leave it on silent and only would use it in an emergency. Responsible!
- —Guest mr magoo2009
No.
- Though my mother often takes her cell phone on camping trips, I never do. I consider camping to be a chance to connect with the wild, and in the wild there are no cell phones. If I feel I'm in danger, I'll fight. And if there's an emergency...well, I'll use my mum's. But if you're going out alone in a high-risk place, I'd advice bringing one along just in case. Not everyone is as wild-at-heart as I.
- —Guest Sora
Blackberry is a must
- I always take my Blackberry for emergencies. I don't leave it on, but I have my GPS and Internet for emergencies. I think if you have a cell phone and don't take it with you, you are not being responsible. You don't have to use it, throw it in the glove box of your rig, just in case.
- —Guest Kristie
Tracfone worked for me!
- I knew that my children were going away on a giant camping trip and last year we went through the huge problem of Verizon dead zones and we were unable to get in touch with them the entire time! As scary as it was for us parents, we felt worse for our kids who didn't have a way of contacting us in case of emergency. This past trip we decided to buy them the prepaid cellphone Tracfone. They were able to keep their cellphone contracts, but now we were able to get their phones connected with Tracfone. The amazing thing about Tracfone is it has amazing national converage, and we were able to be in touch with them the entire time. They had strong signals, and it just made everything so amazingly safe. We were never locked in a contract like most major networks, and I was able to leave without a cancellation fee. I recommend trying out Tracfone. It was worse every penny!
- —Guest constance
NEVER Take a Cell!
- Where we go they would never work anyway and who wants to be tied to a stupid phone ringing all the time when you are relaxing! It would be faster to use a land line before we got back into cell signal.
- —Guest EverSoSweet
Do yo take a cell phone when camping?
- It would come in handy in case of an emergency and if there is an accident.
- —Guest Karen
Yes always
- I always take my cell phone just in case of an emergency. It is a necessity, if there is any kind of camping mishap.
- —Guest Mark
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