Caroline Sunderland on National Park Best Practices
Caroline Sunderland at work and play with Talus Expedition Gear
Caroline Sunderland gave us all a good primer on best practices for our next outdoor adventure. At We Do This For Fun we offer you tips and tricks for getting out into nature and thought some more detail from Caroline’s brilliance was in order.
Caroline mentioned the concept, Leave No Trace which includes 7 Principals:
Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.
Caroline spoke to quite a few of these principals. We suggest that all campers, hikers or anyone who enjoys the outdoors become familiar with the principals and all they detail- these principals aren’t just respectful, they could save you or your loved ones life.
Types of camping
For our purposes, there are two types of camping: dispersed and designated. Designated camping is camping that has some amenities like a toilet, water, a table and maybe a fire ring. Dispersed means camping outside of designated camping areas. This type of camping is more secluded and service/amenity free (MAYBE a toilet). It also requires you to commit to extra responsibilities as a camper (see Leave No Trace Principals).
Know where you are
Caroline walked us through the various places you might find yourself as you adventure outdoors. Her insights were extremely helpful as we hadn’t realized the vastly different rules and expectations for visitors varying from place to place. Rules pertain to pets, collecting natural items, picking flowers, length of stay, etc. Please note, we’re highlighting the most generally used outdoor spaces by Americans, not covering everything that might be available to you.
National Parks
National parks are managed by the U.S. Department of Interior and are vested in preservation. They are the most sophisticated in terms of booking, the most expensive and are often booked in advance (but not always). Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but be there before 11 a.m. checkout for a chance to snag a site that’s being vacated. We learned how competitive the process can be in both Montana and New Mexico (and not in peak season!). Cars circled like vultures trying to get any spot that became available and people can get aggressive. Check out the campground’s website ahead of time to learn how they handle bookings and first come first serve sites. To book: Recreation.gov.
State and Local Parks
State and local parks are usually easier to get a designated site ahead of time, as well as to get a first-come, first-served site. Again, check the website. Book a campsite in a state park here.
National Forests and BLM Lands
I used the term BLM land this year and shocked my friend. In this case, BLM stands for the Bureau of Land Management. This type of land is managed by the U.S. Department of Interior and is used for a variety of purposes, one of which is camping. BLM land tends to be rangeland and desert. National Forests are managed by the USDA Forest Service and managed for various purposes, like recreation, but also timber, grazing, wildlife, etc. This land tends to have trees and green space. Dispersed campers find great opportunities in National Forests and BLM land. Some locations have designated campgrounds as well. If you see a sign that says, “Closed to Camping” it means it’s closed and there’s a good reason why you shouldn’t camp there. It could be dangerous or maybe sustainability is being considered. Just be a good person and follow the rules.Again, check out your desired location’s website…oh, and consider your vehicle’s ability to get there.
Private Lands
Private land can offer you a world of options and the rules will be defined and enforced by the owner. This could be a private campground like national chain KOA or a smaller campground circling national parks thankfully adding to camping inventory. These types of campgrounds can be quaint or behemoth. Be sure to check out sites like Tentr and Hipcamp which are the Airbnb of campsites and offer you a great variety of fun choices and amenities. For example, I stayed in a converted school bus in Vermont and it was heavenly!
Other considerations?
If you have a dog, check the websites of the campgrounds, trails and parks you are visiting. Different rules apply at every location for your little buddy. You don’t want to get stuck leaving that sweet thing in a hot car ruining your day with worry.
Because many sites are first come, first serve, ALWAYS have cash. Don’t miss your chance to snag the perfect campsite. Many sites ONLY accept cash.
ALWAYS buy firewood near where you camp. Wood carries insects and disease. Don’t be the cause of an infestation that destroys forests and trees.
Got a truck that needs outfitting? Caroline’s rig is the stuff of dreams. Check out Talus Gear and drool like I did in New Mexico.
Trail blazer: Emily Ford
There is so much to say about Emily Ford and many profound nuggets in our conversation with her. One in particular that stood out was, “Don’t underestimate your impact.” This stuck with me for a variety of reasons.
We live in Minnesota. It’s been a tough year for us not only because of COVID, but because we are a flashpoint in our nation’s history. We are the place where Derek Chauvin, a police officer, murdered George Floyd at 38th and Chicago in broad daylight. We are the place where rioting and looting and curfews and unrest changed our state forever. We are the place where some felt paralyzed and many felt compelled to action. Emily Ford, from this place, felt the urge to make a statement, but wasn’t sure how. She took it upon herself to take action, but in her own unique way. She found it inside herself. She decided to make a statement about equality during this powerful period of history and hike the 1200 mile Ice Age Trail in the dead of winter (listen to the podcast to hear the details of the trek, it’s insane!).
This statement she made? That inclusivity is Emily Ford’s right. That a black, LGBTQ+ woman belongs wherever the hell she chooses to be. One more thing. Only one other person has EVER done this thru-hike in the winter. For this contribution, she’s been embraced as an outdoor adventurer, athlete, ambassador and role model. She seized her moment as the country and very specifically, her state, reckoned with racism and made a black woman visible in the wilderness. One person. One hike. Huge impact. The world noticed.
Seems like many of us are pondering the meaning of life, the dysfunction of society and how we might make an impact. It’s cliche, but true. You can make a difference any day. Emily may not have made her statement had her family not shared their outdoor passions or her childhood best friend’s parents not taken her to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. You may inadvertently be a reason someone achieves great heights. Share your wisdom, your gifts, your passions- you might just spark something incredible in someone to help them find the “thing” that challenges notions, moves others to action or just helps with overall happiness and well-being.
At We Do This For Fun, we bring you fire starters like Emily Ford and itty bitty sparks like Lynn and I- we believe we all have the opportunity to blaze a trail. Go big or small, but do something, someone will notice. Follow @emilyontrail. Who knows what she’ll do next?