If you’re looking for an adventure, desert camping is for you. Here’s what you need to know to make your trip a success.
Table of Contents
Pitching the tent
Pitching your tent in the desert can be challenging. The best way to do it is to find a spot that’s already been used by other campers. Look for a piece of level ground that’s clear of rocks and cactus. If you can find a spot with some shade, that’s even better. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, stake your tent down with some guy lines. This will keep it from blowing away in the wind.
What to bring desert camping? The essentials are water, food, shelter, and clothing. Beyond that, it depends on what kind of camping you’re doing. If you’re car camping, you can bring all the comforts of home. But if you’re backpacking, you’ll need to pack light. Choose gear that multi-functions whenever possible. For example, bring a towel that can also be used as a pancho or sleeping pad.
Water & Food
Water is critical for survival in the desert. You should plan on bringing at least one gallon per person per day. And even more if it’s hot or if you’re doing strenuous activities like hiking. Be sure to pack extra in case of emergencies too. It’s also a good idea to treat all your water before drinking it. There are several ways to do this including boiling, filtering, and using chemical treatments..
Food storage for desert camping is important because food attracts animals. If you’re car camping, store your food in a cooler inside your vehicle or hung from a tree away from your campsite.. If you’re backpacking, bear canisters are required in some areas and recommended in others – check the regulations where you’ll be camping.. Another option is to pack all your food into bags and then tie them up high in a tree away from your campsite.. Whichever method you choose, make sure your food is out of reach of animals..
Staying safe while desert camping
The first step to staying safe while desert camping is understanding the risks involved.. Deserts are hot during the day and cold at night. There is little or no shade from the sun and very little natural shelter from the wind.. And because there’s often no water available, dehydration is a real danger.. That’s why it’s so important to carry plenty of water with you (at least one gallon per person per day) and know how to conserve it.. It’s also important to wear appropriate clothing (lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabric) and have emergency supplies on hand in case something goes wrong..
How to not get lost in the desert
Another danger in the desert is getting lost.. Because there are few landmarks and no cell phone service in most deserts, it can be easy to lose your way.. That’s why it’s important to let someone know where you’re going before you head out into the wilderness and always carry a map and compass (or GPS device) with you.. Finally, be aware of wildlife when hiking through deserts as snakes and scorpions are common inhabitants. If possible, try to hike with someone else so there’s always someone around in case something happens.