Canoe Camping Standards


Nearly a decade ago we came up with these guidelines to promote safe canoe-camping with minimum impact on the environment and a maximum amount of enjoyment by all participants. They are reproduced here for newer and prospective members who haven't seen them yet.
HUMAN WASTE- To dispose of human waste bury it 4-12 inches deep, 100 feet or more from the river. Where possible, waste should be deep enough that animals won't dig it up, but shallow enough to decompose quickly.
GARBAGE- All garbage, including bio-degradable garbage, should be packed out. If you can carry in a package of food, you can easily carry out the lighter-weight empty package. Cans can be 'burned out' in a campfire, but the remains should be packed out. Do not dispose of even small amounts of food near the campsite; it will teach animals to associate humans with food. A chipmunk will chew holes in expensive tents and packs; a bear will do even more damage. Also, don't dispose of food in Park Service latrines; bears will upset latrines to get at the food buried in the waste.
GLASS BOTTLES- Glass bottles have no place in the woods. They are heavy, fragile, and fragments of broken glass have injured many paddlers.
LOUD RADIOS- Loud radios are not welcome in the woods; if you can't do without, use headphones or stay home.
ALCOHOL- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on many public lands and drugs are prohibited virtually everywhere. Even when and where allowed, alcohol should not be consumed before or during river trips. Save the alcohol for dinner where it can safely be enjoyed.
SOAPY WATER- Soapy water should not be dumped into waterways; biodegradable products do less damage but should still be used with care.
TREES- If you must hang things on trees use cord, not nails. Never hang a lit lantern on a tree; the heat damages the growth layer an can easily kill the tree.
CAMPFIRES- In areas where permitted, campfires should be no larger than necessary. A large fire uses more wood, produces more smoke and sparks, and forces you to sit further away. Under no circumstances should a campfire be left unattended. When leaving a campsite, campfire ashes should be cool enough to stir with a finger.
CAMPSITE- The campsite should be left at least as clean and natural as it was when you arrived, preferably cleaner.