Tips for Camping in the Desert

With all the hustle and bustle of modern living, life can get stressful. Sometimes you just need to get away from it all, and the desert is a perfect place to do so. Completely devoid of any human affect, the desert is a starkly beautiful and serene location for a camping trip. It can also be an incredibly dangerous and intimidating place if not properly prepared, so make sure you are ready for what nature might throw at you.

Water: It’s the essence of life, essential to the proper functions of the human body. It’s also heavy. Common sense dictates to bring a lot of water, but make sure you do so. In fact, bring more than you need. Hydration is essential to maintaining proper bodily functions, especially so in the desert.

Make sure you bring the proper clothing with you. Although it may be hot, wear long sleeves and pants. There isn’t anything much worse than sunburn in the desert. Additionally, it can get cold in the desert when the sun goes down, be sure to bring warm clothes to combat this. A good pair of hiking boots go a long way, as proper ankle support will prevent any sprains or breaks, something to be completely avoided out in the desert.

Be aware of the weather. During peak sun hours, take it easy: Relax in the shade, take a nap and cook some food. Make your most active hours in the mornings and afternoons. Also, be aware of rain and floods, especially in the winter months.

While camping and hiking, don’t stray off the beaten path. The desert looks quite similar from place to place, and getting lost can be quite easy. Stay near known trail markers and campsites. Also, make sure to tell a friend where you are going before setting off.

Following some of these tips, while quite basic, can make your camping trip more comfortable and enjoyable and reduce the risks inherent in spending extended periods of time in nature. Now get out there!