Are You A Crummy Neighbor?

My biggest gripe about camping in campgrounds are not the bathrooms, or the mosquitoes..........it's crummy neighbors.  You know, the people who blare their car stereos and drink and get rambunctious way into the wee hours of the morning.  These people seem to have no regard for others.  I seek the far out of the way places, just because of these types.  They are typically lazy and won't go as far as I will.  Please don't be one of these.  Be a good camping neighbor, for everyone's sake.  

• Do not run generators late into the night.  
• Do not bring music into the woods (if you do, do it quietly).  
• Keep your children involved and under control (Kids will be kids, but there are varying degrees).  
• Dispose of trash in collection facilities, or pack it out if not provided. 
• Put toilet seats down, especially in pit toilets (they will smell up the room and attract insects).  
• Lastly, DO NOT FEED ANIMALS (especially Chipmunks and Squirrels). Commando Chipmunks can ruin a trip, trust me!

Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is a real threat, especially in the deserts of Nevada.  But Heat Stroke & Sun Stroke can happen anywhere (especially at high elevations where you have less atmosphere to absorb and disperse the sun's rays).  Wear Sunscreen/Hats to avoid severe burns and use ointments after a burn to preserve your body's moisture.  Dehydration is quite common and drink plenty of fluids.  It is said that you are near dehydration by the time you realize you are thirsty.  Dehydration will lead to heatstroke and this can cause your body to reduce blood flow to the brain.  If affected, stop and rest, seek shade.  Drink plenty of fluids and immerse yourself in water or wet towels, if available.  Seek medical attention in severe cases or if loss of consciousness.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition where your body's core temperature falls to a dangerous level.  This is very serious.  Campers are at risk any time of the year, not just winter.  You never know when a freak thunderstorm can pop up.  In a summer thunderstorm, the temperature can drop 40 degrees in minutes.  And the water temperature can be 32 degrees.  Always keep a source of warmth near you.  Always keep dry clothes available (use ziploc™ bags if you are away from your car).  This is rarely a problem for car campers, but your cars give many a false sense of security.

Beware of the Water

Most ground water sources in Nevada are contaminated with Giardia and/or Cryptosporidium.  The most pristine streams are likely to be contaminated.  Reason is that cattle, deer and other mammals (even other campers) are up stream contaminating with their waste.  Cattle can be found way over 10,000' in Nevada.  Even if the place looks totally deserted, who knows what is a mile up stream.  Pack in water, or if you cannot, use filters or water treatment tablets, or boil the heck out of it.

Snakebites

The only poisonous snake found in Nevada is the Great Basin Rattlesnake.  If you are invading it's space, it usually will warn you with it's rattles.  If you encounter one, back away slowly and leave it alone.  It will most likely leave you alone, they are quite scared of humans.  If you get bit by one, get away from the snake and seek immediate medical attention (do not let the possession of a snake venom extractor give you a sense of security, many are practically worthless and waste valuable time).

Ticks

These little blood sucking creatures are not uncommon, especially in the brush.  I found the best way to deal with these guys is with repellent. Use liberal amounts on exposed legs and pant legs.  Repellent usually won't keep them off you totally, but they won't bite right away.  They'll search around for a place with no repellent then bite, but this can give you some time and maybe you can identify them and flick them off before biting in.  Better yet, wear long pant legs and tuck 'em into your socks.  If you get one, it's best not to yank it out.  If you are confident in your ability to remove it, it is best to do so.  Otherwise, seek medical attention.  If you break the head off inside you can get blood poisoning as a result.

The Plague

This is a real threat, but not extremely common.  There are warnings in effect in the Modoc, Lassen and Plumas Forests.  It is carried by rodents (another reason not to play with squirrels and chipmunks).  Make sure to keep your pets away from these varmints.  Of course, seek medical attention if you become ill after coming into contact with rodents in a plague warning area (signs are posted in campgrounds in plague areas).

Hantavirus

Though a camper is not likely to encounter this problem, nothing is an absolute.  This is a very serious and unusual illness and the proper precautions need to be taken.  Hantavirus is spread in dry Deer Mice droppings.  If you come across Deer Mice, find another area (one or two, you can try to scare them away).  Absolutely do not pick up droppings or try to clean up dropping piles (sweeping is a serious no-no).  The problem is when the droppings dry and are stirred up and the Hantavirus gets airborne (and inhaled).  If you come in contact with Deer Mice and start to become ill, seek immediate medical attention.

• Stove
• Fuel
• Food/Ice Chest
• Beverages/Water
• Charcoal (opt.)
• Waterproof Matches
• Spatula
• Can Opener
• Pot
• Plates
• Cups
• Utensils
• Coffee
• Salt/Pepper/Spices
• Tablecloth
• Dish Towel

• Ground Tarp
• Tent
• Sleeping Pad
• Sleeping Bag & Extra Blankets
• Pillow
• Dry Clothing
• Jackets/Vests
• Hat/Sunglasses
• Bathing Suit (opt.)
• Lip Balm
• Toilet Paper
• Toothbrush/Paste
• Camera & Film
• First Aid Kit

• Hatchet
• Insect Repellent
• Fishing Supplies
• Chairs/Tables
• Compass
• Backpacks (Hiking)
• Firewood
• Flashlights

• Biodegradable Soap
• Paper Towels
• Garbage Bags
• Storage Bags (Ziploc™, etc.)
• Sponge/Scrubber
• Lanterns
• Maps

• Anti-Bacterial Ointment (Neosporin™)
• Band Aids™
• Burn Ointment (Aloe Vera)
• Calamine Lotion (Bites, Poison Oak)
• Elastic Bandages (Sprains, Support)
• Gauze Pads

• Medical Tape
• Moleskin (Blisters)
• Pain Reliever (Tylenol™, Aspirin)
• Sunscreen
• Thermometer
• Tweezers