While some of us have ventured out over the last year to see family and friends, for millions of Americans, social distancing has meant a lot more time indoors with immediate family or alone. But, as the weather warms up, and COVID-19 numbers (hopefully) continue to drop, many are looking for ways to enjoy the weather — safely.
While many state and national parks may be closed or have restrictions on visits right now, camping, hiking and being outdoors is a great way to feel good — both physically and mentally. In fact, ecotherapy is increasingly popular as a way to reduce stress, depression and anxiety. And most Americans — 59% — rank camping (and especially glamping) the safest form of travel.
If you’re thinking about spending more time enjoying the great outdoors, here are a few tips to do it as safely and as respectfully to others as possible:
1. Stay close to home: If you don’t have established camping or hiking locations nearby, err on the side of an alternative close to home instead of travelling hundreds of miles, where the risk of spreading COVID-19 to your community or others is increased.
2. Avoid public amenities: It’s easier to keep your distance in wide-open nature settings but don’t forget to continue doing so when you cross paths with others and avoid using public amenities that other nature lovers may have used or touched. If you do, wear a mask, touch as little as possible and wash your hands. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with you.
3. Keep your distance: If you’re not able to physically distance properly, for instance on a crowded trail, don’t take the risk: leave the park or find a trail with fewer people.
4. Practice Leave No Trace principles. For instance, pack out toilet paper and hygiene products, deposit solid waste in catholes six to eight inches deep and away from water, camp and trails, and wash yourself or your dishes at least 200 feet away from streams and lakes.
As always, remember, stay home if you’re experiencing any COVID-like symptoms or you’ve had contact with someone suspected or confirmed to have the coronavirus in the last 14 days.
Have you camped or hiked recently? We’d love to hear about your experience and your safety tips — share them with Shop Talk blog community members.
Did you know: Camping is gaining popularity
As Americans look for safe activities to experience, one-fourth of campers took their first camping trip during the pandemic. (Source)
The survey was long but it was interesting.
Ok survey
This survey was a bit long however it was totally through all it covered everything it was good though.I will do anotherone in the future I wish there was a way to take a survey to become a test person for products I I definetly think I would be good at that.any it was entertaining.
Hola me siento muy contenta de poder completar este survey, creo debemos estar agradecido de esta
compania big lots muchos anos trabajando para nosotros, gracias por darnos la oportunidad de hacer llegar nuestra voz
Plan on camping in the North woods of WI
We take day trips too a nearby fishing pond, fishing has always been a great way too distance myself from others especially during the pandemic and be close to picnic areas,bathrooms and fishing bait store not far if we aren’t catching anything. We always pick up around the pond leave it better than we found it.
I have never been camping but I hope one day I will.
I just started camping last year for first time. I was concerned about camping this year, but still decided to go last month anyways. I didn’t have any problems regarding covid, There was no problem with other people because camping sites were already spaced out.
I enjoy Shopper’s Voice!
Not interested
We haven’t done any camping or actual hiking, however, we have gone for more walks than in past years. When the weather got nicer so we were able to be outside, we started going for walks every day. We’ve gone to some nature areas for our walks.