How to Recreate Responsibly During COVID-19

The health and safety of our community is our top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. With that, we’ve created guidelines for safe Hipcamping during COVID-19 that reflect the latest health and safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S., Health Canada, the Australian Government Department of Health, outdoor recreation industry leaders, and our partners in rural communities.

We remain committed as ever to expanding access to the outdoors. Research shows that spending time outside has significant, positive effects on our immune systems and that enjoying nature is a key component of human health and wellness. As we adjust how we travel during COVID-19, it’s important that if you are able to venture outdoors, you do so responsibly.

Guidelines for Hipcampers

Check local requirements

Be sure to consult safety directives from your local and state/provincial health departments, as the impact of the virus varies considerably by locality. You should be familiar with and follow guidelines prescribed by public health authorities, including shelter-in-place directives, nonessential travel restrictions, border closures, and group size restrictions. Always use your best judgment.

Be mindful of the local community

Drive slowly, be mindful of neighbors, and enjoy some quiet time in nature.

Practice physical distancing when needed

It’s best to keep at least six feet (1.5 metres) away from other groups. Be sure to read directions, check-in instructions, and expectations from your Host before arriving, as some Hosts have updated their rules and best practices to ensure proper physical distancing.

Take care of your health

Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available at your Hipcamp, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Be sure to dispose of your tissue in a sealed personal container (to pack out) or a designated trash can. Finally, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.

Be fire safe

Be aware of all of your Host’s rules relating to campfires—some Hosts don’t allow them! Read our fire safety guide to brush up on how to build and extinguish campfires safely and take our quiz to ensure you’re doing your part to prevent wildfires.

Leave it better

In addition to following the 7 basic principles of Leave No Trace while camping, we encourage you to go a step further to Leave It Better. If you find trash or something out of place while camping and exploring, please pick it up and pack it out. When we work together as a community with this mindset, every little action to leave a place better than you found it can have an incredibly positive effect on our shared natural environment.

Adjust bookings as needed

Before booking your next Hipcamp, be sure to confirm that there are no local travel restrictions for either your trip origin or your destination. Please do your part to limit the spread of the virus by staying home if you or someone you live with is sick. Review our COVID-related cancellation policies and know that our support team is always here to help with any necessary booking adjustments.

We hope you find yourselves outside soon. Let us know how we can help!