THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Camping season is in full swing. Time to pack up the car and explore some of Utah’s 7,000 campsites—and limitless others if you backpack.

You probably know basic camping safety and have your camping packing lists down pat, but to ensure you’re ready to embark on your best camping season yet in Utah, here are some tips to remember.

1. Tell people where you’re going

Whether you’re venturing into the high Uintas or the southern Utah desert, your cellphone reception might ditch you along the way. That’s why you should always tell friends and family where you’re going, how long you’re camping and when to expect your return.

You can also purchase a Utah Search and Rescue Assistance (USARA) card in case you get lost or injured while camping. These cards support the volunteer search and rescue efforts that are responsible for saving hundreds of people in Utah each year. Plus, these cards prepay the cost of a rescue, sparing you thousands of dollars in bills.

2. Pack enough water

Utah is semiarid, and you can quickly become dehydrated in the dry desert air. If you’re camping in the backcountry and can’t haul the amount of water you’ll need on your trip, bring a water purifier. Utah has tons of mountain streams thanks to snow melt, but many of these can still be unsafe to drink from without proper purification.

3. Be wary of wildfires

Utah gets really hot and dry — the perfect recipe for wildfires. If you go camping and a wildfire breaks out in your area, here are some tips from the National Geographic:

• Don't try to outrun the blaze. Instead, look for a body of water such as a pond or river to crouch in.
• If there is no water nearby, find a depressed, cleared area with little vegetation, lie low to the ground, and cover your body with wet clothing, a blanket or soil. Stay low and covered until the fire passes.

4. Do not enter mines

Utah is mining country, and abandoned mines pose a danger to campers. The Bureau of Land Management says, “The best advice we can give you is stay out and stay alive!” If you see mines, don’t go inside.

5. Watch for wildlife

Luckily, rattlesnakes are the only venomous snakes in Utah. However, there are also black bears, mountain lions, moose, and plenty of other critters that can do you harm if they feel threatened. Black bears are most commonly spotted in the Uintas and higher elevations, while rattlesnakes stay below 8,000 feet and love rocky, dry, sunny spots.

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Stay alert, make noise, and tread lightly when you’re in the backcountry. Bring pepper spray and antivenom with you if you camp somewhere without access to immediate emergency response. Also, keep your food in bear-proof containers to be safe.

6. Read the weather report

Flash floods are the top cause of weather-related deaths in America. Unfortunately, more than 100 people drown each year in flash floods, including 18 in Utah in 2015. Flash floods are common in Utah because the ground is dry and often too compact to absorb sudden rain. Flash floods typically happen within six hours of precipitation and can have the force to move large boulders.

If there’s a chance of thunder or rain (or there has been in the past six hours), do not enter slot canyons or low-lying trails.

7. Check before you bring your dog

Before you bring your furry friend camping, check online to make sure dogs are allowed in that area. While dogs are allowed to hike and camp in Mill Creek and Emigration Canyons, the Uintas and some national park trails, they are not allowed in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and most southern parks.

8. Prepare for extreme temperatures

High elevation and desert temperatures fluctuate drastically from day to night, sometimes going from below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in one 24-hour period. Pack for warmth and heat so you’re prepared for both extremes.

9. Bring cash

Most parks have an entry fee ranging from $2 to $25. While some allow credit cards, others require check or cash to pay for parking or camping spots. Either bring money or buy a Utah State Parks pass, which at $75, will save you a lot of money if you’re a frequent camper.

10. Clean up

Utahns and guests can currently access millions of acres of diverse and awe-inspiring wilderness. Don’t jeopardize this privilege! Clean up your campsite before you pack up to go home. Trash won’t only upset the park rangers, but may also potentially hurt wildlife.

Utah is one of the few places on earth where you can work at a corporate office by day and bike, hike or climb by happy hour. While you’re enjoying nature, remember these tips to make your Utah camping season successful, safe and fun.

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