Leave No Trace is a set of seven principles for enjoying the outdoors without damaging it: plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. In practice it means camping on established sites, packing out everything you bring, and keeping fires small and legal.
- Use established campsites and trails whenever they exist.
- Pack it in, pack it out, including food scraps.
- Use existing fire rings, burn small, and put fires out cold.
- Give wildlife space and never feed animals.
1. Plan ahead and prepare
Most problems start before the trip. Check the rules for where you are going, including fire restrictions, permits, and group size limits. Plan meals to cut down on packaging, and pack for the weather you could see, not just the forecast.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Durable surfaces are established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grass, and snow. Walk single file in the middle of the trail even when it is muddy, so the path does not widen. At camp, pitch your tent on a site that is already bare rather than creating a new one.
Field tipGood campsites are found, not made. If you need to dig, trench, or move rocks to make a spot work, choose another spot.
3. Dispose of waste properly
- Pack out trash and leftover food, including peels and shells, which take a long time to break down and attract animals.
- Bury human waste in a cathole 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) from water, trails, and camp, unless local rules require you to pack it out.
- Wash away from water. Carry water at least 200 feet from lakes and streams to wash dishes, and scatter strained dishwater.
4. Leave what you find
Leave rocks, plants, antlers, and historic artifacts where they are so the next visitor can see them too. Avoid building structures, carving trees, or moving rocks into new fire rings.
5. Minimize campfire impacts
Campfires can scar the land for years. Use a camp stove for cooking, and where fires are allowed, use an existing fire ring or a raised fire pit, keep the fire small, and burn only dead and down wood you can break by hand. Burn wood to ash and make sure the fire is completely out.
Safety firstFire restrictions change quickly in dry weather. Check current restrictions before every trip; a wood-burning fire pit is usually treated like a campfire.
6. Respect wildlife
Watch animals from a distance and never feed them, since human food harms their health and teaches them to approach people. Store food and scented items securely, using bear canisters, lockers, or hangs where required.
7. Be considerate of other visitors
Keep noise down, give others space on the trail, and let quiet places stay quiet. Yield to uphill hikers and to horses, and keep pets under control.
A few good questions.
What are the 7 Leave No Trace principles?
Plan ahead and prepare; travel and camp on durable surfaces; dispose of waste properly; leave what you find; minimize campfire impacts; respect wildlife; and be considerate of other visitors.
How far from water should you camp?
Common guidance is at least 200 feet, about 70 adult steps, from lakes and streams, unless you are using a designated site that is closer.
Is it okay to burn food scraps in a campfire?
No. Food rarely burns completely and leftovers attract animals. Pack out food scraps with your trash.
Who created Leave No Trace?
The principles are maintained by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, a nonprofit that publishes outdoor education resources.
Gear that helps.
Fortus Flame 6 Series Compact Smokeless Fire Pit
Best forCar and RV campers who want a full-size wood fire pit that folds down for vehicle storage
We recommend the Fortus Flame 6 Series Compact for drive-in campers who want a 24-inch square fire pit but need it to pack flatter between trips. The six-panel design folds to 24 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall; the tradeoff is a still-large package and no clearly identified net carry weight.
Save about $30.00 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 16, 2026 · Fortus Flame US store · Current sale price; confirm destination taxes and any shipping charges at checkout.
Fortus Flame Grill Enthusiast Bundle
Best forVehicle campers who want a 6 Series fire pit paired with its matching grill top
Choose the Compact 24-inch or XL 30-inch Fortus Flame 6 Series fire pit, paired with the matching stainless grill top. The product image shows a carry case, but the bundle options name the pit and grill only.
Save about $34.00 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 25, 2026 · Fortus Flame store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
Caravan & Camping Cookware 6 Piece Campstone Series – Cream Edition
Best forSolo campers and couples who want a compact set of nonstick cookware for a caravan or vehicle kitchen
We recommend the Campstone Cream set for solo campers and couples who want three useful cooking vessels that nest into an included carry bag. Its cast-aluminium bodies, stainless-steel base, and detachable handle suit a compact camp kitchen; the one-handle, one-lid setup is the tradeoff.
Save about A$9.45 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 16, 2026 · Australian store · Current sale price; tax included and free standard shipping listed.
Fortus Flame 6 Series Open Fire Grill
Best forOwners of a Fortus Flame 6 Series pit who want to cook over the fire
A 304 stainless steel grill top made in the United States that turns a 6 Series Compact or XL smokeless fire pit into an open-fire cooking surface, with locking tabs and a fire guard shown in the gallery, from $59.99.
Save about $6.00 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 18, 2026 · Fortus Flame US store · Store price for the Compact size; the XL size was $79.99. Tax and shipping shown at checkout.
Our approach
Written by Outdoor Gear Verdict Editorial. Grounded in the seven principles published by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Always follow local regulations and the manufacturer instructions for your equipment. Read our editorial standards.
