How To Keep Your Food Safe From Animals While Camping
One of the quickest ways to ruin a camping trip is to have your food ransacked by animals. Whether it's raccoons in the woods or bears in the mountains, wildlife has a sharp nose for unattended snacks. And it's not just your food at risk, leaving it out can be dangerous for both you and for the animals. However, with some mindful planning, you can keep your food safe and enjoy your trip more. Here's what to do.
Choose the Right Storage
Regular coolers won't stop curious animals. Use a hard-sided cooler with strong latches or a bear-resistant container approved by the local park service. These are designed to keep animals out. Avoid soft coolers entirely, since even small animals can tear them open. If you’re backpacking, bear canisters or hanging bags are better suited. At night or when you leave camp, always secure your food in these containers, even if you’re only stepping away for a short time.
Know the Rules of the Area
Different parks and regions have different guidelines. Some require bear canisters, while others have metal food lockers. Know what's expected before you go. This isn’t just a suggestion, it’s often enforced with fines. But more importantly, the rules are there because certain animals in the area have learned to associate people with food. Following local guidance helps you avoid trouble, avoid danger, and supports wildlife conservation.
Store Food Away From Your Tent
Never store food inside your tent. Not snacks, not wrappers, not even toothpaste. Animals don't know the difference, and you don’t want them trying to find out while you’re asleep. Keep all food, trash, and scented items in a container at least 200 feet away from where you sleep. This reduces the chances of any animals wandering into your sleeping area in the middle of the night.
Hang It If You Have To
If bear canisters aren't an option, learn how to hang your food properly. Use a tree at least 12 feet tall and hang the bag 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk. Don’t hang it too close to camp, and make sure the bag is sealed tight. It takes some practice to get the hang right, especially in forests with few sturdy branches, so plan ahead and bring the right cord.
Don't Forget the Trash
Garbage is often just as tempting as fresh food for wild animals. Treat your trash the same way you treat your meals, seal it up and store it safely. Double-bagging will help with smells. Some campers even bring an airtight container just for garbage. Never leave trash in the firepit or buried in the woods. It won't stay hidden for long, and animals can get sick or injured digging it up.
Cook and Eat Smart
Prepare and eat your meals away from your sleeping area, clean up as soon as you're done, wipe down cooking surfaces, and pack up food scraps immediately. If you spill something, clean it up thoroughly. Even a few drops of soup or a sticky marshmallow can attract animals overnight. Keep your cooking space tidy and your gear clean, especially if you’re staying more than one night.
Think Beyond Bears
By the way, bears aren't the only potential problem when you leave your food out. Mice, raccoons, squirrels, and even birds can cause trouble. Smaller animals are faster and harder to catch too. They’ll chew through bags, sneak into tents, and make a mess if given the chance. This is why sealed containers matter quite a bit, even if you’re not in bear country. Don’t assume you're safe just because there aren’t big predators nearby.
Keeping your food safe is about more than saving your dinner. It protects wildlife from becoming dependent on human food and helps keep everyone safer, campers and animals alike. With some planning, the right gear, and good habits, you can enjoy your time outdoors without unwanted visitors at your table. Respect the wild, and it will usually leave you alone.