You are looking for the ideal camping spot. Suddenly you see through a clearing in the trees a beautiful babbling brook. All you need to do to complete the campsite is clear a few small trees along the stream, and… Wait! Is that really the best idea? While camping next to the water may provide beautiful views, it can be terrible for water quality. The plant’s roots help to hold in the soil, keeping it out of streams and lakes. Otherwise, that loose soil would reduce water clarity and smother the eggs of fish and other aquatic life.

“What I witness often when people choose their own campsites [rather than use one set aside specifically for that purpose], especially near waterways, is an area cleared of vegetation next to the water,” said Dale Ronk, a forester at Bald Eagle State Forest. “The sites usually have multiple stone fire rings and almost always have garbage and materials left behind. Ideally after primitive camping, it should be hard to tell that the area was even used, and people should pack out everything that was packed in.”

 

 

That includes items campers bring that can be damaging to water quality, like soaps, detergents, and toothpaste.

“That these items are harmful to the aquatic environment and easily make their way into the waterway is often overlooked,” added Ronk. “Proper disposal of these items at least 200 feet away from a water source or packing out ‘gray water’ are best practices.”

Other useful suggestions for camping to protect water quality can be found on the Tread Lightly website, such as:

• Whenever possible, use existing campsites so you don’t disturb new ground. Never remove vegetation to make a new campsite.
• Set up camp at least 200 feet from the water.
• Bring a trash bag with you, packing up anything you brought, as well as any litter left by others.
• In places without toilets, use a portable latrine if possible, and pack out your waste. If you must bury your waste, dispose of it in a hole six to eight inches deep that is at least 200 feet from water sources.

 

 

“My husband and I are volunteer campground hosts, regularly hosting at Fowlers Hollow State Park,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “In addition to encouraging low-impact camping to protect water quality and the overall environment, we urge all campers to refrain from removing live trees for firewood and to thoroughly extinguish campfires.”

Now, you know how to go. Where can you find the ideal water-view campsite? Check out https://www.dcnr.pa.gov and search for a camping opportunity near a lake, stream, or river near you!

 

Written By Jessica Aiello, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

You can find the original publication from Angler and Boat Magazine, May/June 2024 Issue here: https://www.fishandboat.com/About-Us/Angler-and-Boater/Angler-and-Boater-2024/Documents/MayJune2024_cleanwater.pdf