Florida, with its beautiful scenery and thousands of camping sites, is an ideal place to vacation with family. Camping offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, bond with loved ones and create unforgettable memories under the stars. However, a safe and enjoyable camping trip with kids requires preparation and awareness. To help you make the most of your Florida camping experience, we’ve compiled essential camping safety tips to keep your family protected while you explore the great outdoors.

Camping Preparation

• Before you go camping, share your travel plans with a close friend or family member. Include details such as the make, year and license plate number of your car, who else is going and when you plan to return. Provide any contact numbers, such as your cell phone or campground number.
• Know the emergency contact numbers and familiarize yourself with local law enforcement rules and regulations for the areas you plan to visit. Additionally, stay informed about any active emergency orders or advisories that may affect your plans.
• The U.S. Forest Service recommends not camping or hiking alone, emphasizing that there’s safety in numbers. Camping with friends is not only safer but also more enjoyable, as it allows for shared experiences, teamwork and mutual support in case of emergencies.
• When camping, always keep young children within arm’s reach to ensure their safety. If you’re tent camping, plan for an adult to sleep near the tent entrance for added security. To prepare, consider practicing the tent camping experience in your backyard beforehand.
• Don’t rely on cell phones for communication. Family members can stay connected with handheld radios, as cell service can be poor at remote or rural state or federal campgrounds. Kids love using Walkie Talkies—they enjoy the fun and excitement of communicating with others

Fire Safety

Educate children about the dangers of fire and teach them how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.

When building a campfire, keep these fire safety tips in mind:

• The smaller the fire, the easier it is to contain.
• Build a campfire at least 25 feet away from tents, dry grass, overhanging branches camp stoves, fuel bottles and vehicles (anything that can burn or is flammable).
• Never leave a campfire unattended, and keep an ample supply of water and a shovel nearby to douse the fire in case it gets out of control.
• At the end of the night, pour water over the fire and stir with a stick to ensure all embers are out.

First Aid Essentials

The American Red Cross considers a well-stocked basic first aid kit to be an essential part of your camping gear in order to be prepared for the inevitable burn, scrape or cut. Beyond these common injuries, it’s also crucial to prepare for environmental risks such as insect bites, dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion. Staying hydrated, using sunscreen and insect repellant and wearing clothes appropriate for the climate are extremely important in Florida.

If there is an emergency, it can be difficult for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to reach campers in certain situations. Poor road access, lack of cell service, remote locations or weather hazards can all play a part in that, so have a plan and the supplies you need if something happens. 

Wildlife Safety

A crucial part of camping safety tips involves learning how to minimize risks and peacefully coexist with the wildlife around you. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, bears are most commonly found in Florida’s forested areas, such as national and state parks. It is recommended to never feed any wildlife especially if they seem to be asking for a handout. It’s dangerous for wild animals to associate people with food because they can become aggressive. 

Campers can avoid attracting bears and other wildlife by:

• Keeping a clean campground site by properly disposing of food scraps and garbage.
• Storing food and garbage inside a vehicle or camper trailer, never in your tent.
• Wiping tabletops clean after eating.

If a bear is observed nearby, pack up your food and trash immediately.  If one approaches you, move away slowly and get into a vehicle or secure area.

Weather Safety

Staying aware of the weather is important when camping. Check the forecast before heading out and monitor conditions throughout your trip using a weather radio or mobile app. Be prepared for rapid changes by bringing extra clothing. Pack waterproof gear, including tarps, rain jackets and dry bags. Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S. so if you hear thunder, seek shelter immediately and avoid open areas, water and tall objects. And, while flash floods aren’t common, they can be destructive. Be cautious when camping in low-lying areas prone to flash flooding, especially after heavy rain. The best place to pitch your tent is on dry, flat ground.

Theft Protection

Although theft may not be top of mind when enjoying the great outdoors, these camping safety tips will help you to relax and enjoy your adventure with confidence.

• Do not leave valuable items such as electronics, cash or jewelry visible in your tent; store them in your locked vehicle instead.
• Choose a well-lit campsite that is easily visible from other areas. If possible, camp near other people or in places with higher foot traffic.
• Avoid displaying expensive gear openly to deter potential thieves. 
• Do not leave valuable items outside, especially when you’re away from the campsite.
• Locking your tent while you’re inside might seem like a good idea for security, but it’s a fire risk. Tents can catch fire quickly, and you don’t want to make it harder to escape if something were to happen. It’s better to leave it unlocked for safety.
•  Stay vigilant and be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night. 

Be Prepared

As you and your family explore all that Florida has to offer, stay safe and prepared with these camping safety tips from the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA). Stay ready for the unexpected, be aware of your surroundings and always put safety first. To quickly access help in an emergency, bookmark our sheriffs directory on your cell phone or dial 911.

For over a century, FSA has been dedicated to protecting Florida’s citizens and visitors. Today, we remain committed to helping you stay informed and safe. You can read more crime and public safety tips here.