How To Stay Clean While Camping: Easy Hygiene Tips

Are you wondering how to stay clean while camping? This guide provides easy camping hygiene tips for maintaining hygiene while camping. We’ll cover everything from wilderness sanitation to portable camping showers and using biodegradable soap camping. Staying fresh outdoors doesn’t have to be hard!

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Camping: Why Camp Cleanliness Matters

It’s easy to let personal hygiene slide when you’re enjoying the great outdoors. However, camp cleanliness is important for your health, the environment, and your overall camping experience. Practicing good backcountry hygiene protects you from illnesses and prevents polluting natural areas.

The Risks of Poor Camping Hygiene

• Spreading Germs: Poor hygiene allows germs to spread easily among campers. This can lead to colds, flu, and other infections.
• Contaminating Water Sources: Improper disposal of human waste and wastewater can pollute streams and lakes, making them unsafe for drinking and recreation.
• Attracting Pests: Food scraps and unwashed dishes attract insects and animals to your campsite, increasing the risk of bites and diseases.
• Environmental Damage: Using non-biodegradable products and not following Leave No Trace principles can harm the environment.

Essential Gear for Staying Clean Outdoors

Before you head out, gather the right supplies. Having the necessary tools makes camping personal care much easier.

Basic Hygiene Kit Checklist

• Biodegradable Soap: Choose a soap that is safe for the environment and can be used for washing your body, hair, and dishes.
• Hand Sanitizer: An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is essential for killing germs when soap and water are unavailable.
• Toilet Paper: Opt for biodegradable toilet paper or pack out your used toilet paper in a zip-lock bag.
• Trowel or Shovel: For burying human waste properly.
• Quick-Drying Towel: A lightweight and absorbent towel for drying off after washing.
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Don’t forget to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Wet Wipes: Useful for quick cleanups when you don’t have access to water.
• Trash Bags: For packing out all your trash, including food scraps and wrappers.

Options for Showering

• Portable Camping Shower: A simple bag or container that hangs from a tree and provides a stream of water for showering.
• Solar Shower: A portable shower that heats water using solar energy.
• Pressurized Camp Shower: A more advanced shower system that uses a pump to create water pressure.
• Sponge Bath: Using a wet cloth or sponge to wash your body without rinsing.

Crucial Camping Hygiene Tips for a Clean Trip

Now, let’s get into the specific things you can do to stay clean and healthy while camping.

Mastering Hand Washing Camping

Hand washing camping is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.

• When to Wash: Wash your hands frequently, especially before meals, after using the toilet, and after handling garbage.
• How to Wash:
  1. Wet your hands with clean water (if available).
  2. Apply biodegradable soap.
  3. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, making sure to scrub all surfaces, including between your fingers and under your nails.
  4. Rinse your hands thoroughly.
  5. Dry your hands with a clean towel or let them air dry.
• No Water?: If water is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Proper Toilet Practices in the Wilderness

Proper waste disposal is critical for wilderness sanitation.

• Dig a Latrine: Dig a hole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites.
• Do Your Business: Use the latrine for both urination and defecation.
• Cover and Conceal: After using the latrine, cover your waste with soil and pack out your toilet paper (or bury biodegradable toilet paper deep). Disguise the site to make it less visible.
• Pack it Out: In sensitive areas (like alpine zones or near water sources), pack out your waste using a WAG bag.

The Wonders of Biodegradable Soap Camping

Using the right kind of soap is essential for protecting the environment.

• Choose Wisely: Select a biodegradable soap specifically designed for outdoor use.
• Wash Away From Water Sources: Wash yourself, your dishes, and your clothes at least 200 feet away from any water sources.
• Dispose of Wastewater Properly: Strain out any food particles from dishwater and scatter the wastewater over a wide area. Do not pour it directly into lakes or streams.

Taking a Portable Camping Shower

Showering can help you feel refreshed and clean while camping.

• Set Up Your Shower: Hang your portable camping shower in a sunny spot to heat the water.
• Shower Efficiently: Wet your body, turn off the water, lather up with biodegradable soap, and then rinse off thoroughly.
• Conserve Water: Use water sparingly to minimize your impact on the environment.

Food Storage and Camp Cleanliness

Keeping your campsite clean helps prevent pests and illnesses.

• Store Food Properly: Store all food in airtight containers or bear-resistant canisters, and hang them from a tree or store them in a vehicle overnight.
• Clean Up After Meals: Wipe down cooking surfaces, wash dishes immediately after eating, and dispose of food scraps in trash bags.
• Pack Out All Trash: Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it by packing out all trash, including food wrappers, bottles, and cans.

Maintaining Feminine Hygiene

• Pack Out Sanitary Products: Pack out all used tampons and pads in zip-lock bags. Never bury them.
• Consider a Menstrual Cup: A reusable menstrual cup is an eco-friendly and convenient option for camping.
• Wash Regularly: Use biodegradable soap and water to wash your vulva regularly, especially during your period.

Dealing with Specific Camping Hygiene Challenges

Camping presents unique challenges to staying clean. Here’s how to deal with some of them.

Insects and Bug Bites

• Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin to prevent bug bites.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, pants, and a hat to minimize skin exposure.
• Check for Ticks: After spending time in wooded or grassy areas, check your body for ticks.
• Treat Bites Promptly: Clean bug bites with soap and water and apply an anti-itch cream to relieve itching.

Sun Exposure and Heat

• Wear Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin and reapply every two hours.
• Wear a Hat and Sunglasses: Protect your face and eyes from the sun.
• Drink Plenty of Water: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Seek Shade: Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day.

Cold Weather Considerations

• Dress in Layers: Wear layers of clothing to stay warm and dry.
• Keep Extremities Warm: Wear a hat, gloves, and warm socks to prevent frostbite.
• Melt Snow for Water: If water is scarce, melt snow for drinking and washing.
• Insulate Water Bottles: Prevent water from freezing by insulating your water bottles.

Creating a Camp Cleaning Routine

Establishing a routine helps ensure you stay on top of your camp cleanliness.

Sample Daily Schedule

Time of Day	Activity
Morning	Brush teeth, wash face
After Toilet	Wash hands
Before Meals	Wash hands
Evening	Wash body, wash dishes, clean campsite

Weekly Cleaning Tasks

• Empty and clean out the cooler.
• Wash sleeping bags and bedding.
• Organize and restock your hygiene kit.

Fathoming Leave No Trace Principles

Leave No Trace is a set of ethics for minimizing your impact on the environment.

The Seven Principles

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll be visiting.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established trails and campsites.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, human waste, and toilet paper.
4. Leave What You Find: Do not remove natural objects or artifacts.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use a camp stove for cooking and avoid building large campfires.
6. Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and do not feed animals.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Minimize noise and respect the privacy of other campers.

FAQ About Camping Hygiene

• What is the best biodegradable soap for camping?
  There are many good options available. Look for soaps labeled “biodegradable” and “phosphate-free.” Popular brands include Dr. Bronner’s, Campsuds, and Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash.
  

• Can I just bury my toilet paper?
  It’s best to pack out your toilet paper, especially in sensitive areas. If you must bury it, bury biodegradable toilet paper deep in the latrine.
  

• How can I shower in cold weather?
  A sponge bath with warm water is a good option for cold weather. You can also heat water over a stove and use it to rinse off quickly.

• What do I do with used sanitary products?
  Always pack out used tampons and pads in zip-lock bags. Never bury them.

• Is it safe to drink water from streams and lakes?
  No, it’s not safe to drink untreated water from streams and lakes. Always purify water by boiling it, using a water filter, or using water purification tablets.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Outdoors Responsibly

Staying clean while camping is not only important for your health and comfort but also for protecting the environment. By following these camping hygiene tips and practicing Leave No Trace principles, you can enjoy the great outdoors responsibly and leave a positive impact on the places you visit. Remember, good backcountry hygiene ensures everyone can have a clean and enjoyable experience. Now get out there and enjoy staying fresh outdoors!