Making sure everyone stays safe while camping is a big responsibility for campground owners. Before each season, there are some important things to do to keep the campsite safe. Below are five simple tips for campground owners to make sure they have safe, happy campers.
1. Conduct pre-season inspections
Before each camping season kicks off, conduct a comprehensive inspection of your entire campground. Create a checklist for any potential dangers such as uneven terrain, loose rocks, broken fencing, damage to playgrounds, and any needed restroom maintenance. Address these issues promptly to prevent accidents in the upcoming season.
2. Install, repair, and maintenance signs
Use signs that are easy to see and read around the campground. These signs should communicate important information such as campground rules, where the emergency exits are, potential risks, and a map of the campground. This helps campers know where they can go and what they should do to stay safe. It’s important to check signage often, and make sure they can be easily read and have no impediments, like trees or shrubbery blocking them.
3. Take precautions with campfires
Campfires are fun, but they can be dangerous. Set up specific areas for fire pits with clear boundaries of at least 15 feet. Make sure your campers know not to leave a fire unattended, and to put it out completely before leaving. Not only does this protect your campground, but it also protects other campers. Following these guidelines allows everyone to enjoy the tradition of a campfire without any problems.
4. Know the wildlife
Campgrounds are often surrounded by nature, which means encounters with wildlife are possible. Teach campers about the local wildlife and what to do if they see animals. Provide proper disposal stations far enough away from the campsites, and ask guests to properly store their food to avoid attracting unwanted animals.
5. Water safety
If your campground has lakes, rivers, ponds, or bodies of water, use signs to show where it’s safe to swim. Provide life jackets, post rules for water safety, and consider having a lifeguard on duty. You may decide to also set established swimming hours. Regularly check things like docks and boats to make sure they’re safe to use. If you offer water inflatables for your guests, you can find additional safety tips on our blog.
Camping can be fun for everyone. Keep these safety tips in mind to provide the best camping experience for your guests. For specific risk mitigation and free resources, contact your risk manager.
