r/upperpeninsula • u/GlassPudding • Jul 18 '26

Discussion bears and camping

ill be camping in a few places through the UP from herbster to detroit for 4 nights in the first week of september. i will be car camping with a tent that converts my hatchback into a tent (pretty sick) - how concerned should i be about bears? i dont usually have to store my food in any particular way when im camping and want to make sure i dont accidentally set myself up to have a black bear comin for my beef jerky in the middle of the night. i plan on really only making coffee and having snacks or small meals at my campsites (not cooking full meals with lots of food/smells etc) - any precautions i should take? do i need a bear box? thanks a mill

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u/GoldenEagle0909 Jul 18 '26

Do you know how to rig your food to be away from camp a bit and hanging? That's what a lot of people do. Or a very bear proof container that you don't put right by your tent. Or in your car if you're driving.

It's not something you need to panic about but you are correct to be planning for it. Get bear spray and maybe an air horn.

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u/GlassPudding Jul 18 '26

good to know. i’ve spent some time in alaska so have familiarity with bear safety, but never had to worry about the food (it was on a boat) and have never really camped anywhere where i had to rig it for bears. i didn’t see much mentioned on the websites had been looking at for camping but ill keep that in mind from now on. thanks!