Hiking

Check for unhealthy trees and examine overhead branches to avoid any accidents or injuries due to fallen branches.
Keep drainage in mind, and avoid setting up campsites in areas prone to flooding. Mud may be inevitable after rain, but it’s best to minimize collected water that could enter tents or ruin gear.
Beach camping is nice, but sites should be at least 200 feet away from rivers and streams to avoid contamination, stay away from tide lines, and give wildlife a clear path to waterways. Higher ground also helps minimize issues in cases of bad weather.
Look out for the little guys. Wildlife and pollinators may be active in certain areas on your property—they’ll appreciate it if they can remain undisturbed by campers.

Be choosy about where campers are allowed to set up camp.
Whether you offer designated campsites or dispersed camping, you’ll want to do your part to ensure no one sets up camp anywhere that could be hazardous.

Create and maintain a safe campground
Camper safety is a top priority for us, and we know it is for Hosts, too. Nothing ruins an outdoor trip like an accident that could have been easily avoided. Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure your guests have a good time while staying safe on your property.

Becoming a Hipcamp Host to host campers on your land is an incredible way to share your love of the outdoors with new people. Whether you have a small sustainable farm or a wild ranch bordering a national park (or neither—excuse us while we daydream), there are a lot of things you’ll want to consider doing to make your land safe for campers. Read on for our insider tips on getting your land guest-ready with campground safety considerations.

10. Find a hike-in camp for ultimate satisfaction
Every good hike leads somewhere awesome, and there’s nothing more satisfying than hiking all the way to your camp for the night. Hipcamp offers all kinds of hike-in spots to rest your head after a long day of Check out a hike-in Hipcamp near you!

9. Remember to pace yourself
It’s the journey not the destination, right? Racing through the hike to get to the waterfall, vista, summit, etc., could take away from your hiking experience. Moving at a pace you’re comfortable with, soaking in the scenery, and stopping for breaks when you need them will ensure you actually enjoy the hike. Plus, once you get to where you’re headed, you’ll still have enough energy to celebrate!

8. Bring a friend (or friends!) along
Once you get some experience under your belt, you can begin to explore solo-hiking. When you’re just getting started, it’s best to always bring a friend or two who can help you navigate the trail, assist in case of any injuries, and of course, make the hike more fun! You can also earn $10 Hipcash for each friend you invite to join Hipcamp.

7. Read up on basic first-aid
It’s important that every hiker has some basic knowledge of first aid to help keep your group healthy and comfortable in the event of any type of injury, minor or serious. Here’s a basic first aid kit to have on hand during any hiking trip.

6. Always carry a source of light
You should always plan to arrive at your destination with plenty of time before dark. If your hike takes longer than expected, getting caught in the dark without a light could put you in a bad situation, so carrying one at all times is a must! We recommend a head-lamp for a hands-off approach, so you can focus on balance and getting to your final destination. Make sure to bring something other than just your phone flashlight, which could drain your battery and turn off unexpectedly.

5. Pack your phone, and make sure it’s charged
You should always start your trip with a fully charged battery in case of an emergency. You’d be surprised how much service you can find way up on the top of a mountain if you need it. Not to mention, it’s nice to have a camera on hand! Make sure to follow Hipcamp on Instagram, and share your adventures with and 🙂

4. Choose the right shoe/sock combo
Blisters will ruin an otherwise perfect hike, and they’re likely to occur if your shoes and socks aren’t right for the trip! We recommend visiting your local outdoor shop, and being fitted for boots that are right for you. Ideally, they should be snug but not tight, and match your unique fit and use-case. Similarly, the sock can make or break the hike, so it’s important to think about the proper length in conjunction with your boot. Typically, a merino wool crew-length sock is the standard general-purpose hiking sock, and a good pair is definitely worth the investment!

For a day-hike, its best to bring high energy food that doesn’t need refrigeration or heating. Common choices include jerky, dried fruit (we love mangoes!), trail mix, or energy bars! You don’t need to over-do it on the food, just make sure you’ve got enough to fuel you on your journey. Then throw in another granola-bar for good measure.