North Carolina is home to endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in scenic public lands, parks, and backcountry. As travelers, we all must do our part to protect the places we visit. Being a responsible, respectful traveler is crucial for minimizing the negative impacts while instead maximizing the positive contributions we can make to local communities and the environment. Before you travel, plan and be prepared. Learn about the location and destination you are heading to and be familiar with any local regulations and safety needs. Poor planning may result in a bad outing at worst, and a dangerous situation at worst.
In Camden County, NC we want to ensure our visitors have the most enjoyable adventure possible. There are steps we can take, especially when recreating in the outdoors, that ensure a safe but fun experience, by being prepared and getting educated. By following the Know Before You Go checklist, you’ll be fully prepared for a memorable time in the outdoors. We also encourage you to learn about and follow the 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles to help preserve the natural beauty of our state, but also so you can connect with nature like never before
Are you a responsible traveler?
Being a Responsible traveler means making conscious choices about your interactions to minimize your impact on the environment, be respectful of local communities and cultures, and make a positive contribution wherever you go.
A Responsible Traveler is…
Discover Our Destination: We invite you to connect deeper and appreciate what makes our region special and unique. Become educated about the history of our communities by visiting museums and visitor education centers. Enjoy local flavors and cultures through our dining and cultural arts. Marvel at our natural environment, flora and fauna, and North Carolina scenic landscapes.
Spend Local: By enjoying our unique restaurants and dining, tasting our fresh produce at local farmer’s markets, staying in our locally owned and operated lodging and accommodations, and buying crafts and souvenirs in our boutique retailers and gift stores, your dollars support our economy and provide locals with jobs.
Consider Your Environmental Footprint: Consider ways to reduce trash and minimize your footprint. Reduce your plastic usage by bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it at safe water sources. Dispose of your trash properly and look to recycle where available. Pick up your dog poop and always dispose of it with care. Consider parking the car and instead walking or taking a bike when you can. Conserve our precious resources by minimizing water and energy usage when in accommodations.
Kind to the community and other travelers: Let our culture and our locals become part of your journey by connecting with the people you meet along the way. Participate in community events and activities, ask locals about their favorite trails or places to visit, and even favorite dining spots. Be kind to frontline workers who are there to serve and help enhance your experience. A smile goes a long way.
Eager to give back: Voluntourism is a way for travelers to give their time supporting local non-profit organizations in our region on environmental stewardship or other impactful community projects. You can become a destination steward during your visit by participating in or donating to a local conservation or outdoor stewardship organization.
Leave No Trace
OUTDOOR NC LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
When you follow the principles of Leave No Trace you can connect with nature like never before. In Camden County we welcome you to explore our outdoor spaces while making it your nature to protect North Carolina’s outdoor spaces.
Plan Ahead & Prepare
• North Carolina is home to endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Before you travel, learn about your destination, its regulations, and safety matters.
• To reduce your impact, choose lesser-known areas and times of high use.
• Have a backup plan in case your chosen destination is crowded or parking areas are full.
• Pack food, water, and the right clothes to protect you from the elements.
Stick To Trails & Overnight Right
Trash Your Trash
Leave It As You Find It
Be Careful With Fire
Keep Wildlife Wild
Be Considerate Of Others And Share The Outdoors
Know Before You Go
We want you to have a safe and enjoyable visit by checking the most up-to-date travel resources:
• Check for any adverse weather conditions or weather warnings whatever season you are traveling.
• Get local transportation information and stay up to date on North Carolina Department of Transportation traffic conditions.
• View the most up-to-date transportation information including electric vehicle charging stations
• Find more information at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center.
• Looking for inspiration? Check out our favorite ideas on our Destination Tip Trips page!
Important Emergency Contacts
In an emergency or to report a wildfire, call 911 immediately.
NC Forest Service: County Ranger Steve Sutton, 252-336-4332
US Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, 757-201-7606
Dismal Swamp State Park, 252-771-6593
Camden County Parks & Recreation, 252-338-1919
Local Outfitters:
Albemarle Guided Fishing Charters: 252-333-6524
Native Girl Kayaking: 252-404-2266
Ten Essentials for Safe Outdoor Recreation
We keep the Ten Outdoor Essentials ready to go in our backpack and we’ve used all of them at some point! Other must-haves to carry with you for safe and enjoyable recreating: appropriate footwear so that you can stick to muddy, rocky, and/or rough trails, a trash bag for waste, and a leash for your fur baby to keep him and wildlife safe.
1. Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger
2. Headlamp or flashlight: plus extra batteries
3. Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and SPF sunscreen
4. First aid including foot care and insect repellent (as needed)
5. Knife plus a gear repair kit
6. Fire matches, lighter, tinder, and/or stove
7. Shelter carried at all times (can be a light emergency bivy)
8. Extra food beyond the minimum expectation
9. Extra water beyond the minimum expectation
10. Extra clothes beyond the minimum expectation
Camden County is a proud partner of the Outdoor NC Alliance and we’re thrilled to share our commitment to stewardship of our shared outdoor spaces with you. We have joined the Outdoor NC movement to preserve and protect our cherished outdoor spaces for future generations to enjoy. Our goal is to actively promote stewardship and responsible recreation in the outdoors, which will ensure our state is the world-class destination we know and love, forever. Find out more here.