How to Keep Animals Away From Tents

When you're camping, it's important to be mindful of your neighbors, including all the animals who might want to visit your tent. Despite common worries about unwanted visits from bugs, raccoons or bears, the fact is that most animals are more afraid of you than you are of them. If you don't give them any incentive to check out your tent, they'll stay away. With some easy precautions, you can enjoy your park's wildlife at a comfortable and appropriate distance.

Things You'll Need

  • Food storage container
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Instructions

    • 1
      You know your toothpaste isn't food, but a raccoon doesn't.

      Keep anything smelly out of your tent. Bears, mice, raccoons and other animals are attracted by anything that smells like food, even if it's just toothpaste! To be on the safe side, keep all food and toiletries out of your tent at all times.

    • 2
      Cook away from your tent and clean up everything when you're done.

      Clean up thoroughly after every meal. Nothing beats a delicious meal cooked outdoors, but animals will be attracted to any bits of food you leave. Pick up your garbage, wash your dishes at an established dish washing area, and store your remaining food in a safe place. If your campsite has a food storage locker, use it. If you're in the backcountry, you might need to keep your food in a "bear bag." In some areas, it's OK to leave food in your car. Consult a park ranger or check the park's website for the safest food storage strategies.

    • 3
      Keep your woodpile away from your tent.

      Don't stack wood next to your tent for long periods of time. Woodpiles provide a place for spiders and snakes to hide. If you plan to keep your woodpile around for a while, build it next to your fire ring or in a safe storage area.

    • 4
      Zip up your tent after you enter and exit.

      Keep your tent zipped up. Unless you're entering or exiting, there is no reason to leave your tent open. An open flap lets bugs and other small critters come inside. Most modern tents have mesh over the door and window flaps. This allows you to air out the tent without leaving it open.

    • 5
      Leave your hiking boots outside your tent.

      Don't wear shoes inside your tent. Shoes pick up small rocks and sticks, and over time, these can tear holes in the bottom of your tent, providing easy access for critters. Keeping shoes outside the tent also helps keep it clean.