Here is a quick, to-go list. Respect is the most important thing for the wild, don’t forget it.

1. Pack Out What You Pack In: Always take all your trash with you, including food wrappers, bottles, and microplastics.
2. Use Biodegradable Products: Opt for biodegradable soap, toothpaste, and other hygiene items to avoid polluting natural water sources.
3. Minimize Campfire Impact: Use established fire pits when available and keep fires small to reduce impact on the area.
4. Completely Extinguish Fires: Douse your campfire with water, stir the ashes, and repeat until cold to the touch.
5. Avoid Cutting Wood: Use only fallen branches for firewood and never cut down live trees or branches.
6. Stick to Designated Campsites: Use established campsites to avoid damaging pristine areas.
7. Follow Local Fire Regulations: Check fire bans or restrictions before lighting a campfire.
8. Leave Natural Items in Place: Resist the urge to take rocks, plants, or other natural souvenirs home.
9. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all waste, including food scraps, which can harm local wildlife.
10. Bury Human Waste: Dig a 6–8-inch hole at least 200 feet away from water sources to dispose of human waste.
11. Carry a Trowel: A small camping trowel helps with burying waste or creating drainage ditches.
12. Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance, and never feed or approach them.
13. Secure Food Properly: Use bear-proof containers or hang food to prevent attracting animals.
14. Keep Noise Levels Low: Avoid loud music or shouting, as it disturbs wildlife and other campers.
15. Stick to Trails: Stay on designated trails to minimize erosion and damage to vegetation.
16. Avoid Sensitive Areas: Stay away from fragile ecosystems, such as meadows, wetlands, or newly planted areas.
17. Camp 200 Feet from Water Sources: This ensures you don’t disturb aquatic ecosystems.
18. Repack Food to Reduce Waste: Remove unnecessary packaging before your trip to minimize trash.
19. Don’t Burn Trash: Burning trash releases toxins and can harm the environment.
20. Control Pets: Keep pets leashed to prevent them from disturbing wildlife or other campers.
21. Respect Cultural Sites: Avoid climbing on or altering historical or sacred sites.
22. Use Renewable Energy: Bring solar-powered lights or chargers instead of disposable batteries.
23. Avoid Non-Stick Cookware: Use cast iron or stainless steel to prevent chemical residue from entering the environment.
24. Carry a Repair Kit or Take Broken Things Back to Repair at Home: Fix torn tents or broken gear instead of leaving them behind as litter.
25. Limit Group Size: Smaller groups create less impact on the environment.
26. Educate Yourself: Learn about the area’s flora, fauna, and geography before your trip.
27. Leave It Better Than You Found It: Take a moment to clean up additional litter you find, ensuring the site is pristine for the next visitor.