*Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this article is not intended to give medical advice on COVID-19. This article has affiliate links and I may receive compensation if you click on it and take action.
Are you wondering how to stay safe and protect your family from COVID-19 while camping?
Do you still want to go camping this year? Like me, some of you may live with someone immunocompromised, or maybe you live with an older family member, or maybe you just want to reduce the risk of you or a family member from getting sick.
Here are the tips I came up with in my research on how to camp safely in the age of COVID-19.
1. Adhere to Social Distancing when you can – Camping is pretty safe on the scale of activities that spread infection. Firstly, because it is outside and the virus can only hang in the air for so long, and secondly because people are fairly spread out in a typical campground or outdoor environment.
However, it’s still a good idea to stick to the 6 feet rule of social distancing. We love to camp with other families but we might just stick to our own family at this time, just to play it safe.
2. Bring your masks – We are all used to it by now. Bring your masks and keep yourself safer by wearing them when you can’t avoid being close to others and in the restrooms.
3. Hand Washing – Hand washing is always a good idea, but it’s especially important during a global pandemic.
Things to look out for at campgrounds that may harbor germs are: water spouts, trash can lids, public restroom door handles and faucets, and any other surfaces that many people touch. You can use disinfecting spray or wipes on these surfaces and be sure and wash your hands often while camping. You can set up a Hand Washing Station at your campsite like this.
4. Stay away from Public Spaces that are enclosed like Visitor Centers and Camp Stores. If someone sneezes or coughs the virus can hang in the air for much longer in enclosed spaces, as opposed to outside in the fresh air. If you must visit an enclosed public space at a campground, wear a mask and be sure to wash your hands after. You may also wish to visit at non-peak hours, when other activities are occupying most other campground residents.
5. Public Restrooms – Many campsites have public restrooms and these can harbor a lot of germs. We are planning on bringing a portable toilet for our campsite. Here are links two different portable toilet options:
This one…
Or this….
The other option we have done in the past with public campground restrooms is to bring Clorox wipes and gloves and literally wipe down the public restrooms. Seems a bit overboard, but if it’s not that much trouble then why not? Just keep in mind that Clorox wipes should not be flushed, or discarded inside of pit toilets. Use the trash, and the park rangers will be grateful.
6. Have Fun! – Be safe but find ways to relax and de-stress while you are camping. Even though our lives are all much different now, having fun and enjoying life is so important. Do the best you can to keep yourself and family safe and make sure to make fun a priority!
Do you have any other tips for camping safely? If so, I’d love to hear them! You can follow us on and message me there, or leave a comment here.
