You want every camper to have a great experience at your campground, which is why it’s crucial to consider the safety of your guests — and staff — above all else. In fact, Public Risk Management (PRMP) — an initiative by the National Park Service (NPS) — states that “...safety is a shared responsibility between park staff, park partners, and park visitors.”  

By taking campground safety seriously, you will gain the trust of your visitors and build your reputation as a safe, reliable business. Here are five camping safety tips to keep the well-being of everyone prioritized and minimize avoidable harm. 

1. Remind Your Guests To Come Prepared

There is nothing as disappointing as having to cancel your plans because you forgot to bring the camping gear or equipment necessary to safely participate in an activity. 

To avoid the temptation of carrying out plans without the proper items, remind campers to bring necessary gear such as:

• Proper footwear
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Durable tents
• Toolkits and cooking utensils
• First aid kit
• Appropriate clothing

If you have space, you can offer equipment rentals for campers who forgot to bring their own. If viable for your business, you can also have gear and equipment available for sale. This is a great opportunity to increase your revenue while also giving campers safe options to improve their stay. 

2. Have Well-Trained Staff On-Site

If you offer activities, such as bonfires, or amenities, like outdoor grills, it’s best to hire on-site trained staff who are knowledgeable in fire safety and first aid assistance. 

If having staff always on-hand is not feasible for your property, you may be able to use the online communication features of reservation management software to educate campers on how to safely use outdoor equipment.

Guided Hikes to Maximize Campground Safety

Experienced staff members can lead guided tours or hikes in or near the campground. This expert-led activity can help inform guests about specific potential dangers on the trail such as:

• Poisonous plants
• Bears
• Snakes
• Beehives
• Loose rocks, steep hills, or other potentially dangerous hiking conditions

If campers are aware of potential safety concerns, they will be less likely to be caught by surprise. You may also want to prepare your staff to answer any potential questions or concerns campers may have. A confident team with the right answers can provide your guests with certainty that they’re staying at the right campground. You can also consider utilizing an expert guide specifically available to help newer or less experienced guests navigate camping safety concerns with confidence. 

Protect Your Campers and Your Business

Regardless of whether or not you have safety-savvy staff, it’s important to keep your campers protected and aware. 

Requiring signed liability waivers during the contactless check-in process can ensure your guests are informed while helping keep your staff and property legally protected during an unexpected situation, such as a camper injuring themselves at your campground. To further mitigate risk, you may wish to add warning signs throughout your campground to indicate dangerous areas that campers should avoid.

3. Have Emergency Procedures in Place

The saying “There’s no such thing as a bad camping trip — only unprepared campers,” really could apply to the campgrounds themselves as well. To prioritize camper safety, ensure that you have basic first aid kits in stock, accessible, and ready for use. 

Additionally, you can email your guests a checklist before they arrive that includes your emergency plans, campground evacuation routes, and a list of nearby hospitals. 

Safety information may also be a very useful addition to your website. Campers can double check the information any time before, during, or after their reservation to make sure they’re prepared. This is also a great opportunity to show your website visitors that your campground puts safety first.

By being proactive with your emergency procedures, you can help keep your campers safe from the moment they arrive.

4. Warn Guests About Food Safety

Even if you don’t have food trucks or snacks available for purchase at your property, it’s safe to assume that most campers are going to prepare and eat meals during their visit. To avoid hungry bears roaming your campground, remind visitors to remove their leftover food items from picnic tables, fire pits, and other areas.

You can let your campers know that they can — and should — store their food in bear-proof containers, a storage locker, or in their vehicle to avoid attracting bears, insects, and other critters. 

5. Prepare Your Campers Ahead of Time

Giving your campers — especially families with younger guests — time to discuss safety and potential issues before they arrive is a smart way to ensure that every visitor is mindful of their own well-being.

Prior to their arrival, let guests know about:

• Potential bad weather
• Natural disasters
• Nearby wildlife

The more they know, they can prepare accordingly to easily avoid certain accidents and injuries. Warning them ahead of time may also make it easier for campers to reschedule or adjust their plans should a serious weather concern be on the horizon.

Create a Memorable Experience for Every Camper

Safety should always be a priority, but there is more to making the most of the visitor experience than simply avoiding harm. First-time campers, in particular, may need a little extra care during their stay — and there are strategic ways you can turn these new campers into experienced, repeat visitors.

Learn more about preparing first-timers for an amazing visit to your property by downloading the First Time Camper Guide today.