Camping Air Quality Guide

Camping Air Quality Thresholds

Extended Exposure Concerns

Why Camping Is High-Risk

• 24/7 exposure: Continuous outdoor air breathing day and night
• Multi-day trips: Cumulative pollutant exposure over days
• Remote locations: Limited ability to escape poor conditions
• Physical activity: Hiking, setup, camp chores increase breathing rate
• Sleep exposure: Breathing elevated pollutants all night

Pre-Trip Planning

Checking Air Quality Forecasts

• Check 7-day AQI forecast for destination
• Monitor wildfire maps if camping in western states
• Have cancellation/postponement threshold (suggest AQI 100+)
• Choose backup dates with better forecast
• Subscribe to AQI alerts for camping area

Seasonal Considerations

• Summer: Peak ozone season, wildfire risk (West Coast)
• Fall: Best air quality in most regions
• Winter: Inversions trap pollution in valleys
• Spring: Generally good, watch pollen if sensitive

Campsite Selection

Best Air Quality Locations

• High elevation: Above pollution and inversion layers
• Coastal campgrounds: Ocean breezes disperse pollution
• National forests: Trees filter air naturally
• Remote wilderness: Far from pollution sources
• Windward locations: Upwind of cities and industry

Locations to Avoid or Monitor

• Valley floors: Pollution traps during inversions
• Near highways: Traffic pollution exposure
• Downwind of cities: Urban pollution drifts
• Industrial areas: Multiple pollutant sources
• Active wildfire regions: Smoke can travel 100+ miles

Wildfire Smoke Considerations

Before Leaving

• Check current wildfire maps for your destination
• Monitor wind direction - smoke travels far
• Have alternative campsites identified
• Bring N95 masks rated for smoke
• Know evacuation routes

At Campsite

• Smoke smell or hazy sky = check AQI immediately
• AQI 150+ from wildfire: pack up and leave
• Don't assume "it's just the campfire" - verify
• Wildfire smoke can arrive suddenly with wind shifts

Activity Modifications

AQI 51-100: Minor Changes

• Normal camping activities OK
• Choose easier hikes over strenuous
• Take more breaks during exertion
• Stay hydrated

AQI 101-150: Significant Limits

• Minimize physical activity
• No strenuous hikes
• Limit to short nature walks
• Spend more time in vehicle or tent
• Consider cutting trip short

Overnight Exposure

Sleeping in Poor Air Quality

• Breathing polluted air 8 hours while sleeping
• RV/camper provides some protection vs. tent
• Car camping allows running AC with recirculation
• Tent camping offers no protection from poor air
• If AQI exceeds 125 overnight, consider hotel

Best Camping Regions for Air Quality

Excellent Year-Round

• Olympic Peninsula, WA: Coastal rainforest, pristine air
• Maine Coast: Atlantic air quality
• Adirondacks, NY: Mountain wilderness
• Boundary Waters, MN: Remote northern air
• Alaska: Cleanest air in nation

Generally Good, Watch Seasonally

• Rocky Mountains: Excellent summer, winter valley inversions
• Sierra Nevada: Great spring/fall, summer wildfire risk
• Cascade Range: Good most of year, wildfire season variability
• Smoky Mountains: Good most times, watch summer ozone

Health Protection

Symptoms to Watch For

• Coughing, especially at night or waking
• Shortness of breath
• Throat irritation
• Eye irritation or redness
• Headache
• Unusual fatigue

When to Cut Trip Short

• AQI forecast worsening over next days
• Visible smoke or haze increasing
• Anyone in group experiencing symptoms
• Wildfire warnings for area
• AQI exceeding 150 for extended period

Group Camping Considerations

Vulnerable Members

• Children: More susceptible, higher breathing rate
• Elderly: Increased health risks
• Pregnant women: Extra caution needed
• Respiratory conditions: Should avoid camping above AQI 100

Group Decision Making

• Set AQI threshold before trip
• Have designated person monitor conditions
• Allow members to opt out without pressure
• Be willing to cut trip short for group health

Alternative Options

Poor Air Quality Weekends

• Cabin rentals: Outdoor experience with indoor shelter
• Glamping: Structures provide better protection
• RV camping: Climate-controlled alternative
• State park day use: Visit during best air quality hours, leave at night
• Postpone trip: Better than risking health

Emergency Preparedness

What to Bring

• N95 masks rated for smoke (not just dust)
• Battery/solar powered AQI monitor (optional)
• Downloaded offline maps showing evacuation routes
• Extra water for respiratory relief
• List of nearby hotels/shelters

Communication

• Cell signal or satellite communicator
• Weather radio for alerts
• Emergency contact plan
• Share itinerary with someone not on trip

Special Camping Types

Backpacking

• Most remote, hardest to escape poor conditions
• Check extended forecast carefully
• Bring lightweight N95 masks
• Plan bailout points along route

RV Camping

• Best protection with AC and air filtration
• Can run climate control overnight
• Still need to minimize outdoor time if AQI elevated
• Can relocate more easily than tent camping

Car Camping

• Vehicle provides refuge from poor air
• Can sleep in car with AC if needed
• Easy to leave if conditions worsen
• Good compromise option