Camping In BC - Okanagan Campgrounds

Outdoor & Camping Safety Tips

Camping in BC and the Okanagan Valley, can be very beautiful.

Whether you're roughing it in a tent, or staying in private campgrounds & RV parks, or in the Okanagan BC Provincial Parks or BC Forest Service areas, there are many ways to ensure your experience is fun and safe.

Consider the following camping safety tips:

Plan ahead and have enough daylight to check over your entire site and to set-up camp.

Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check your campsite thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, ant beds, poison ivy, bees, and hazardous terrain. I have to say that our private campgrounds RV parks, provincial campsites and forest service camping areas are very well maintained, and make for some of the best camping in BC.

Bring a first aid kit. And know how to treat a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, bug spray, a snake bite kit, insect repellent and pain relievers. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.

Bring emergency survival supplies. If you are camping in BC and you plan to explore the wilderness/backcountry, in addition to a first aid kit, an emergency wilderness survival kit should include a map, compass, GPS device, a flashlight, waterproof fire starter, knife, personal shelter, a thermal blanket, a whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, and insect protection.

Know the weather forecast, especially if in a backcountry campground. In inclement weather, find shelter until the worse passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss. Keep sleeping bags and important gear, dry at all times. Check the current weather forecast now.

Build campfires in a safe area. Check campgrounds RV parks and Provincial Park bulletins for current campfire bans, which are common during the summer. Open fires and camp stoves should be far enough away from your tent or camper to prevent it from catching fire from a spark, flames or heat. After a camp fire is extinguished the embers remain dangerously hot for hours later. Know how you will put out a campfire before you build it. Be aware of open campfire bans in the Okanagan. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Never leave a campfire unattended.

Dispose of trash safely and properly. Most campgrounds RV parks and Provincial campsites have recycle and/or bear proof trash bins, and these should be used to prevent attracting bears. Habituated bears can be very dangerous, and ultimately end up being destroyed. If you're in the backcountry BC campsites, or Provincial Parks, never leave garbage or food out, nor bury it.

Be aware of poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous and poisonous plants, that are common to the area such as Poison Ivy, poisonous mushrooms and Datura and know what to do in an emergency.

Never hike alone, or wander away on your own; always hike with a friend or group. Tell someone of your plans. Be prepared.

Supervise your children. Instruct them to stay within your sight and don't allow them to wonder off. Give them each a whistle to wear around their neck to be used only in an emergency. Agree on a location to meet. Consider ID bracelets. Keep a picture of your children with you in case they get lost.

Be careful around water. Beaches in the Okanagan are NOT attended by lifeguards. Watch your step and don't take chances. Watch your children closely and consider life jackets for small children swimming. Everyone should know how to swim.

Know campgrounds RV parks security policies.

Closely supervise your pet around children, other visitors and other pets. Dogs should always be on a leash. Consider leaving pets at home if you plan to be in the backcountry or wilderness. Pets can easily attract and aggravate wildlife and cause an attack.

Please report ALL sightings of dangerous wildlife to the Conservation Officer Service call centre at 1-877-952-RAPP(7277), or #7277 on the TELUS Mobility Network.




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