Go Prepared for Desert Camping

Desert campers tend to be a hearty and adventurous sort who know how to deal with the harsh temperatures and the sometimes-challenging terrain. They go prepared, knowing that if they become stranded in some remote location, help may not be coming soon. They are alert to the dangers that might arrive unannounced.

Many experienced desert travelers choose the winter months when temperatures are not so extreme. But they know that desert nights can be surprisingly cold. Prudent desert visitors carry plenty of water - gallons and gallons, not pints and quarts.

They are prepared for the sun with wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeve shirts that offer UV protection. Their vehicles are stocked with emergency supplies, enough to survive for days if stranded in some remote spot. Four-wheel vehicles are always preferred, along with a full tank of gas. Satellite based emergency communication systems are an extra layer of safety that many always have with them.

The danger of flash floods must not be ignored in the desert. Dry washes and canyons can fill with water without warning. The sun can be shining and the ground dry where you are, while at the same time a thunderstorm is dumping water a hundred miles away. Wise desert travelers avoid danger areas and have planned escape routes to high ground. Never try to drive through flood waters.