Tropical Camping

You don’t have to lease out an island villa for two weeks, spending upwards of $6,000 USD to rent someone else’s property.  Instead, why not gather up some quality camping supplies, pack some non-perishable goods, and head out to a scenic camping resort?  Not only can you save a bundle of money, but you’ll also have a lot more fun setting up your own home place in the wilderness, in a tropical camping paradise.  Imagine being within a short hike of a crystal blue ocean lined with white sandy beaches and gently lilting palm trees, with little grass thatched huts giving you shade.  What could be better, you ask?

Well, there are some very special consideration when one is tropical camping.  For one things, mosquitoes in tropical regions tend to be a bigger problem than and some inland areas of the country.  There can also be other kinds of wildlife that might pose a concern, such as black bears, alligators (and rarely, crocodiles), and poisonous snakes.  The kind of tent and equipment that would keep you protected from the trials of the great north woods might not be suitable here in the warmer, more humid climes.  There are some types of fabrics, for instance, that you would want to avoid for your sleeping bags in tropical weather.  Sleeping bags designed to keep you toasty and warm at sub-zero temperatures obviously would not be a most excellent choice for a good night’s sleep in the Florida everglades in July.

A good insect repellent is recommended, and the most safe and effective ones on the market today are those containing DEET.  DEET is useful for repelling biting pests like mosquitoes and ticks, and this includes the kinds of ticks that may carry Lyme disease. Each year, approximately one-third of the U.S. population will likely use DEET. Products on the market that contain DEET presently are available to consumers in a variety of liquids, lotions, sprays, and other wearable materials like wrist bands. Formulations approved for direct application to human skin contain between 4 and 100% DEET. With the exception of a few veterinary uses, DEET is registered and approved for use by consumers.

When sleeping in tents in tropical climates, keeping the tent zipped tightly at night is the most effective way to prevent the entry of snakes and biting insects into the sleeping area.  This practice may also help to deter small animals from seeking entry, although they are of lesser concern than snakes.  Many of the most poisonous species of snakes are extraordinarily small and can wriggle through even a small hole or gap in the tent material.  As cold blooded reptiles, they are attracted to warmth at night and will seek opportunities to get close to anything that generates heat.  This includes you and your camp-mates, so keeping yourself unavailable is the best bet.  The less chance you give snakes to reach you, the better off you will be.

Another important consideration in avoiding encounters with snakes during the night is to be sure you have done everything outside the tent that needs to be done before you zip it up for the night.  Many of the most poisonous tropical snakes are more active after sundown, and each time you exit the tent after going inside for the night exponentially increases the likelihood that you will run afoul of one of these creatures while trying to make your way across the campsite in the darkness, even when you are using a flashlight.  It is best to stay in the tent until morning whenever this is possible.

Those are some helpful tips on tropical camping!  Check back next week for more campground advice.