16 Sep Leave No Trace: Responsible Camping Tips When Travelling | Patto’s RV Centre
There’s nothing quite like waking up surrounded by nature, listening to the birds and spending a few days in your RV away from the everyday noise. But part of enjoying these places is doing our bit to look after them too.
Responsible camping doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small habits – from thinking about what you bring and what you use, to making sure you take everything home with you – can make a big difference.
Here are some simple ways to enjoy your next camping trip while helping to keep our favourite spots looking great for the next camper too.
What does “Leave No Trace” camping mean?
Leave No Trace is a simple approach to enjoying the outdoors while minimising your impact on the environment. In other words, when it’s time to pack up and head home, you want to leave as little evidence of your stay as possible.
Here are a few practical ways to do it.
1. Plan your trip ahead
One of the easiest responsible camping tips is to think about what you’re taking with you before you leave home.
Pack reusable water bottles, food containers, cutlery and coffee cups instead of relying on single-use alternatives.
It might not seem like much, but less packaging in your van or camper means less rubbish to deal with while you’re away.
Pro Tip: Save the campground or park rules on your phone before you leave. That way, you can quickly check things like fire restrictions, waste facilities, pet rules and where you’re allowed to camp.
2. Follow the “pack it in, pack it out” rule
This one is pretty simple: if you brought it in, take it out with you.
My Eco Bag rubbish bags are one option for keeping rubbish contained while you’re travelling. Keep a bag somewhere easy to access in your RV or campsite so wrappers, food packaging and other waste don’t end up on the ground.
Try this: Before packing up, take a quick walk around your campsite. Check underneath tables, around your RV and near the fire pit for anything you might have missed.
3. Choose your camping products thoughtfully
The right products can make life easier when you’re travelling. Particularly when they’re designed to work with your RV or caravan setup.
If your RV or caravan has a cassette or portable toilet, Thetford Aqua Soft Toilet Paper is designed to dissolve quickly in water. It helps to reduce the chance of clogging your waste-holding tank.
For washing dishes and general campsite cleaning, Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash is a concentrated, biodegradable option, so you only need to use a small amount.
Even with biodegradable products, it’s important to keep soaps and wastewater away from rivers, lakes and streams.
Water-Saving Tip: Wash at least 60 metres away from waterways and use as little water and soap as you need.
4. Stick to existing tracks and campsites
While it can be tempting to find your own little spot when things are busy, stick to established tracks and designated camping areas wherever possible.
Driving or parking off established tracks can damage vegetation and disturb the ground, while creating new tracks that other visitors may then follow.
Looking for somewhere different to stay? Take a look at our 5 lesser-known campsites near Geelong.
5. Give wildlife plenty of space
Spotting wildlife is one of the best parts of getting out into nature, but it’s best enjoyed from a distance.
Avoid feeding wildlife and leave plants, rocks, shells and other natural features where you find them.
And if you’re planning on sitting around the campfire, check the local rules before you go.
In Victorian national parks, you can’t collect firewood, including fallen or dead wood, as it provides important habitat for native wildlife. Firewood rules can differ in other parks, reserves and camping areas, so check the requirements for your destination and bring your own firewood where required.
You can check Victorian firewood collection rules here and find more information about using firewood in Parks Victoria-managed areas here.
6. Leave nothing but good memories
When it’s time to head home, the goal is pretty simple: leave your campsite ready for the next person to enjoy.
Take your rubbish with you, pack away everything you brought, check that your fire is completely extinguished where fires are permitted, and give the site one last look before you pull away.
Responsible camping doesn’t mean taking the fun out of getting away. It’s simply about making a few thoughtful choices so we can all continue enjoying these places for years to come.
Ready to get out there?
Whether you’re heading away for a spring weekend or setting off on a longer RV adventure, keep these responsible camping tips in mind when you’re planning your trip.
And if your caravan, RV or camper trailer needs a service before you hit the road, the team at Patto’s RV Centre in Geelong is always happy to help.