Leave No Trace in Plain Words

Leave No Trace sounds like something for backpackers in the wilderness, but it applies to every campsite: the state park, the national forest pull-off, and the RV park. It's a set of seven principles from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Here's what each one means in plain words.

011. Plan ahead and prepare

Know the rules before you go: fire bans, campsite limits, permits, quiet hours. Bring the right gear for the weather so you don't end up cutting branches to stay warm. Repackage food to cut down on trash.

022. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

Stick to trails and established campsites. Set up your tent on bare ground, gravel or a tent pad, not on plants. In dispersed areas, use a site that's already been used rather than creating a new one.

033. Dispose of waste properly

"Pack it in, pack it out." Everything you bring in goes home with you, including food scraps, peels and shells. Orange peels and sunflower shells take a long time to break down, and they attract animals.

For human waste where there's no toilet: dig a cat hole 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet (about 70 big steps) from water, trails and camp. Cover it when you're done. Pack out toilet paper in a bag, or use the trash. Some areas require you to pack out all human waste.

Wash dishes at least 200 feet from water, use a small amount of biodegradable soap, and scatter the strained dishwater.

044. Leave what you find

Leave rocks, plants, antlers and artifacts where they are. Don't build structures, dig trenches or carve trees. Take pictures instead.

055. Minimize campfire impacts

• Use existing fire rings.
• Keep fires small.
• Burn only dead and down wood you find on the ground, and don't bring firewood from far away. Moving firewood spreads invasive insects; buy it near where you'll burn it.
• Burn wood to ash, then put the fire out completely: drown it with water, stir, and drown it again until it's cold to the touch.
• Follow fire bans. In dry conditions, a camp stove is the better choice.

066. Respect wildlife

Watch from a distance. Never feed animals; it's bad for them and teaches them to come into campsites. Store food, trash and scented items in your vehicle, a bear box, or a bear canister where required.

In fall, wildlife is busy getting ready for winter, and it's also hunting season in many areas. Give animals space.

077. Be considerate of other visitors

Keep noise down, especially at night. Keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them; see camping with dogs. Take breaks off the trail so others can pass. Let nature's sounds win.

08Teach the kids

Kids love having a job. Give them a trash bag and make a game out of leaving the site cleaner than you found it. It's the easiest way to raise the next generation of good campers.

09Why it matters

Popular camping spots get worn out fast: trash, fire scars, bare ground, bold animals. Campsites and dispersed areas get closed when they're abused. Leave No Trace is how they stay open.

Learn more at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

Photo: Leave No Trace, campfires by BLMUtah, Public domain.

Related: Fall Camping: How to Stay Warm When Nights Drop Below 40