A Guide to Setting Up Temporary Drains While Camping

Camping in the great outdoors is an exhilarating experience, offering a chance to reconnect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, with this adventure comes the responsibility of managing waste and water effectively. One essential aspect of camping, especially in remote or rugged areas, is setting up temporary drains to deal with wastewater. In this guide, we will explore why temporary drains are important, the types of drains you can set up, and a step-by-step process for creating effective drainage systems while camping.

Why Temporary Drains Are Important

When camping, particularly for extended periods or in large groups, managing wastewater can become a significant challenge. Temporary drains serve several essential purposes:

Hygiene: Effective drainage helps prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, which can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. It also minimizes health risks associated with contaminated water sources.
Environmental Protection: Improperly disposed waste can seep into the soil and nearby water bodies, harming local ecosystems. Setting up temporary drains allows you to manage your waste responsibly.
Comfort: A well-implemented drainage system keeps your campsite cleaner and more comfortable, allowing you and your fellow campers to enjoy your surroundings without unpleasant odors or unsightly messes.
Regulatory Compliance: Many camping areas have regulations regarding waste management. Understanding how to create temporary drains can help you adhere to these guidelines and protect your camping privileges.

Types of Temporary Drains

There are several methods for setting up temporary drains while camping, depending on your specific needs and the environment you are in. Here are some common types:

1. French Drains

A French drain is a simple yet effective method used to redirect surface water away from your campsite. This drain consists of a trench filled with gravel or rock that allows excess water to flow through it while filtering out debris.

2. Contour Drains

These drains follow the natural contours of the land and help direct water downhill away from your campsite. They can be created by digging shallow trenches along the contour lines.

3. Soakaway Pits

Soakaway pits are essentially holes dug into the ground filled with rocks or gravel that allow wastewater to percolate into the soil gradually. They are particularly effective for managing gray water from cooking or washing.

4. Silt Fences

For more complex campsites or when dealing with larger volumes of water, silt fences can be set up to control erosion and sediment runoff while allowing for proper drainage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Temporary Drains

Setting up temporary drains requires planning and physical effort but can be accomplished by following these detailed steps:

Step 1: Assess Your Campsite

Before setting up any drainage system, assess your campsite’s topography and existing water flow patterns.

Identify Low Points: Locate areas where water tends to collect after rain or melting snow.
Observe Natural Water Flow: Look for the paths taken by any nearby streams or rivers.
Examine Soil Type: Understanding whether you’re dealing with sandy, clayey, or rocky soil will affect how quickly water drains.

Step 2: Choose the Right Drainage Solution

Select one of the drainage solutions mentioned earlier based on your site assessment:

If there’s a lot of surface water, consider a French drain.
For minor pooling issues, contour drains might suffice.
If you’re dealing with gray water from cooking or washing, soakaway pits are ideal.

Step 3: Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

You’ll need some basic tools and materials for setting up effective drains:

Shovel: For digging trenches or soakaway pits.
Gravel/Rocks: To fill the bottom of trenches or soakaway pits.
Landscape Fabric (optional): To line soakaway pits and prevent soil from clogging them.
Rake: For leveling out surfaces after digging.

Step 4: Dig Your Drainage System

Follow these procedures depending on your chosen drainage type:

For French Drains:

Dig a trench about 12 inches deep and 6 inches wide.
Line the bottom with landscape fabric (if using).
Fill the trench with gravel or small rocks, leaving enough space at the top for more rocks if needed.
Gradually slope the trench away from your campsite towards an area where it can safely drain without causing erosion.

For Contour Drains:

Use a shovel to create shallow trenches that follow contour lines of the land.
Make them at least 6 inches deep; ensure they slope downhill gently.
You may want to incorporate small berms on either side to further direct runoff away from your camp.

For Soakaway Pits:

Dig a pit about 3 feet wide and 3 feet deep.
Line it with landscape fabric if desired.
Fill it partially with gravel or rocks before covering it again with soil—this allows wastewater to percolate slowly into the ground.

Step 5: Direct Wastewater into Your Drainage System

Once your temporary drain is set up:

If using gray water from dishes or washing, pour it directly into the soakaway pit or designated area near your drainage system.
Avoid dumping excess food waste directly into the pit; use composting methods instead.

Step 6: Monitor and Maintain Your Drainage System

Throughout your camping trip:

Regularly check your drainage systems for clogs, erosion, or overflow issues.
Adjust as necessary; if one area becomes too saturated, redirect flows accordingly.
Be prepared to dig new trenches if conditions change (e.g., heavy rainfall).

Tips for Effective Drain Management

Positioning: Make sure all drains are positioned well away from sleeping areas and cooking zones to prevent contamination of food sources.
Adaptability: Stay flexible; campsite conditions may change over time due to weather or foot traffic.
Leave No Trace Principles: Always aim to leave nature as you found it—properly dismantle any drains before leaving and fill in holes or trenches you’ve dug.

Conclusion

Setting up temporary drains while camping is crucial for maintaining hygiene, protecting the environment, and keeping your campsite comfortable. By understanding various drainage solutions and following systematic approaches to assess your site and implement effective systems, you’ll enhance not just your experience but also that of fellow campers who visit afterward. Remember that responsible camping goes hand in hand with sustainable practices—so take care of nature as you enjoy its beauty!