Camping and exploring America is a blast! You should have a plan however, encouraging safety at all times. (The App will have some ideas already built in).
I know stories of people falling off cliffs, getting seriously lost, not staying hydrated, approaching wild animals, or running out of gas. I personally spent 4 days and nights in below zero conditions in the middle of a canyon when my car got stuck in mud on a Spring Break. I had a friend with me who took two days to reach a wench to pull the car out. I nearly froze to death.
If you follow the app, some of this can be avoided.
- Have water in a thermos. Always, always have drinking water readily available.
- Take a compass. Your cellphone can easily be off-grid or out of power.
- Always travel with a knife. Think of taking a hatchet for fire. Pepper Spray may come in handy.
- Keep an eye on your gas especially in the West, or in desert conditions. These heat areas can also play with your car's condition. Don't push it too hard.
- If you are lost many plants are edible, but I don't recommend eating foraged mushrooms.
- Weather conditions don't mean you shouldn't camp, but know what your equipment can sustain.
- Travel light -- you may be sleeping in your car, and it makes things easier to find.
- Do not leave food out -- animals can smell it from miles away. Lots of critters like nuts more than anything, so that goes for trail mix too.
- Do not get too close to wild animals. They have their own processes, and what we think is good connection, could mean too close for their comfort. That includes small guys like, chipmunks, skunks, etc. Have your pets on leashes!
- Speaking of chipmunks, they like eating the cables under your car's hood. You may want to spread black pepper around your car and under the hood to keep them away.
- Know what your car is capable of. For example: driving to Chaco Canyon is a 20 mile, dirt/gravel road that will test your car's suspension. Can you car do 100 miles or more at 110 degrees?
- Many campsites fill early due to the "reserve online" process now being used by many National and State parks. If you know your night's destination, get an early jump on reserving. You may need to chose another location. I have found however, I've often camped in parks without anyone but me.
- Keep your i.d.s safe, as well as insurance and registration material, wallets, credit cards and a 2nd set of keys. The glove compartment my not be the best place.
- For folks who want to take picture of every moment, look where you're stepping. Too many people fall off cliffs, down ravines, backwards into holes, places they didn't see because they were taking pictures.
- And finally for the ladies: carry a knife and be aware of your surroundings. Take an interest in where, when and who you are with. I've never had a problem, but there seems to be a trend called, "Alpine Divorce," or, "Missing White Woman Syndrome." My feeling is it's always good to believe in your own instincts, and actions on your own behave. Be your own best leader. You can often put these skills to the test when traveling the road.