One of the most important things to consider when camping is how to store your food safely. You might be dreaming of toasting marshmallows under the stars or waking up to fresh coffee in the morning, but the last thing you want is to share your snacks with uninvited wildlife guests.

Whether you’re camping in the backcountry or at a developed campground, knowing how to store your food properly can help keep animals away, protect you and your gear, and ensure the animals stay wild and safe. After all, no one wants a raccoon raid or a bear wandering into camp.

In this guide, we’ll go over everything first-time campers need to know about storing food safely to avoid attracting animals. We’ll cover the types of wildlife you need to be mindful of, the best food storage methods, and some helpful tips and tricks to keep your food and campsite secure.

Why Proper Food Storage Is Important

Before diving into specific methods, it’s helpful to understand why storing food safely is so crucial when camping. When food or scented items like toothpaste or soap are left out, they can attract animals, both small and large. This includes everything from ants and squirrels to raccoons, bears, and even larger predators like mountain lions in some areas.

Animals that get used to human food can become a danger to campers, and it’s bad for the wildlife too. Once an animal gets a taste for human food, it might keep coming back, which can lead to dangerous encounters and may result in the animal being relocated or even euthanized. That’s why we say, “A fed animal is a dead animal.”

Proper food storage isn’t just about keeping your food safe — it’s about protecting the animals too. Plus, it helps keep your campsite cleaner and less stressful. No one wants to wake up to a mess of torn bags, missing food, or worse, an unexpected animal visitor.

Types of Wildlife You Might Encounter

Different types of wildlife might be interested in your food depending on where you’re camping. Knowing what kinds of animals you might encounter can help you prepare.

Small critters: These include ants, mice, chipmunks, squirrels, and birds. They may seem harmless, but they can be relentless in their search for food and can cause quite a mess if they get into your supplies.

Raccoons: Raccoons are notorious food thieves and are very clever. They can open coolers, rummage through bags, and will take any food they can find.

Bears: If you’re camping in bear country, you’ll need to be extra careful with food storage. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and can be attracted to even tiny crumbs or leftover scents.

Coyotes and foxes: While they’re generally more wary of humans, coyotes and foxes can still be drawn to food left out at a campsite.

Bigger predators: In some areas, larger predators like mountain lions or wolves could be present. While these animals are less likely to come into campsites, it’s still important to store food safely.

Methods for Storing Food Safely

There are several effective methods for storing food while camping, each suited to different camping environments and wildlife concerns. Let’s explore some of the most common and practical methods for first-time campers.

1. Bear-Resistant Food Containers

If you’re camping in bear country, the gold standard for food storage is a bear-resistant food container. These hard-sided, lockable containers are designed to keep bears from getting into your food, even if they try to smash or claw them open.

A) How Do They Work?

Bear-resistant food containers are made from durable materials that are nearly impossible for animals to break into. The latches or locks are often designed in a way that requires human dexterity to open — something that’s difficult for animals, even clever ones like raccoons or bears.

Pro tip: When using a bear canister, place it at least 100 feet away from your campsite. This way, even if a bear is curious, it won’t associate your tent with food.

B) Where Can You Get One?

In some areas, you can rent or borrow bear canisters from ranger stations, especially if you’re hiking in national parks. If you’re car camping, some campgrounds provide communal food storage lockers that are bear-resistant.

C) Using the Canister Correctly

Remember that bear-resistant containers are only effective if used properly. Always make sure the container is fully latched and locked. Store not only food but also anything scented — like toothpaste, sunscreen, or soap — inside the canister, as these smells can attract animals too.

2. Hanging Your Food (Bear Hang)

Another popular method for keeping animals out of your food, especially in the backcountry, is to hang your food from a tree. This is often called a bear hang because it’s commonly used in areas with bears, but it’s effective for keeping out other critters too.

A) How to Hang Your Food

To hang your food safely, follow these steps:

Find a sturdy tree: Look for a tree with a branch that’s at least 15 feet off the ground and 10 feet away from the trunk. This prevents bears from reaching your food by standing up or climbing the tree.

Use a rope and bag: Pack all of your food and scented items into a sturdy, durable bag (a dry bag works well). Tie a length of rope to the bag, then toss the rope over the branch.

Hoist the bag: Pull the rope to lift the bag at least 15 feet into the air. Tie off the rope securely to the tree trunk or another anchor point.

B) Why Is Height Important?

Bears can reach high up when they stand on their hind legs, and they’re excellent climbers. By making sure your bag is both high and far from the trunk, you reduce the chance of a bear or another animal getting to it.

Pro tip: Practice your bear hang at home! It can be tricky at first to find the right branch and hoist the bag correctly, so it’s worth a trial run before you’re out in the wilderness.

C) The PCT Method

For extra security, many experienced campers use the PCT method (Pacific Crest Trail method) for hanging their food. This technique involves using a carabiner and a small stick or rock to create a pulley system that’s even harder for bears to defeat. It’s a bit more complex, but it’s one of the most effective ways to hang food.

3. Use a Cooler for Car Camping

If you’re car camping at a developed campground, a cooler can be a practical and easy way to store food. However, it’s important to keep in mind that coolers are not animal-proof, so additional precautions are needed, especially if you’re camping in bear country.

A) Storing the Cooler Properly

Don’t leave coolers out overnight or when you’re away from camp. Many animals, especially raccoons and bears, can easily open an unsecured cooler.

If possible, store the cooler in your car with the windows up and doors locked when you’re not using it. This prevents animals from smelling or accessing your food.

B) Bear-Proof Coolers

Some manufacturers make bear-resistant coolers, which are designed to be more secure than traditional coolers. These have locking mechanisms that require tools to open, making it difficult for animals to access your food.

4. Food Lockers at Campgrounds

Many campgrounds, especially in bear country, provide food storage lockers for campers. These are metal boxes that are securely anchored to the ground and designed to keep animals out.

A) How to Use Them

Place all of your food, toiletries, and any other scented items inside the locker when you’re not using them. Don’t forget things like wrappers or snacks in your pockets or backpack.

Close and latch the locker tightly every time. Some animals, like raccoons, can be sneaky and may find their way into a locker that isn’t fully closed.

B) Convenience of Food Lockers

If your campsite offers food lockers, they’re a great, no-hassle option. You don’t need to worry about hanging food or carrying a bear canister, and your food stays safe from animals.

5. Scent-Free Strategies

In addition to storing your food properly, it’s important to minimize food smells around your campsite. Here are some simple strategies to keep your camp less appealing to animals:

A) Cook and Eat Away from Your Tent

Keep cooking and eating areas at least 100 feet away from where you’ll be sleeping. This helps prevent animals from associating your tent with food smells.

Personal story: On one of my early camping trips, I made the mistake of cooking dinner right next to my tent. Later that night, I heard rustling outside. It was just a curious raccoon, but I quickly learned the importance of keeping the food area separate from where I sleep!

B) Clean Up Thoroughly

Dispose of food scraps and trash properly. Never leave food out or toss scraps on the ground. Use bear-proof trash bins if available, or pack out all trash if you’re in a more remote area.

Wash dishes away from your campsite, using biodegradable soap and water at least 200 feet from water sources or your tent.

C) Don’t Store Food in Your Tent

Never keep food in your tent, no matter how small or well-sealed the package is. Even things like gum, snacks, or cosmetics can attract animals.

Scent-proof bags can help reduce odors, but they should still be stored properly in a bear canister or hung away from your tent.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Outdoors with Confidence

Learning how to store food safely while camping is an important skill that helps protect both you and the animals in the area. By using bear-resistant containers, hanging your food properly, and keeping a clean campsite, you can enjoy your camping trip without worrying about attracting unwanted wildlife.

Remember, it’s all about preparation and respect for the environment. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to have a safe and fun adventure in the great outdoors. And who knows? After a few trips, you’ll be the one giving food storage advice to other first-time campers!

Happy camping!