Primitive Camping Hazards in Upstate New York

Camping at BeaverBend involves real risks. This is not an all-inclusive resort with controlled environments. This is primitive camping on 30 acres of natural land with inherent dangers.

Terrain & Environmental Hazards

Shequaga Creek:

• Drowning risk: Creek has variable depths, currents, and slippery rocks

• Cold water: Even in summer, water temperature can cause hypothermia

• Flash flooding potential: Heavy rain upstream can raise water levels quickly

• Underwater hazards: Rocks, branches, holes, and drop-offs not visible

• No lifeguard: You are entirely responsible for your safety and your children's safety

• Bacteria and parasites: Natural water sources contain organisms; do not drink creek water

Hilly, Wooded Terrain:

• Falls and injuries: Uneven ground, exposed roots, loose rocks, steep slopes

• Widow-makers: Dead branches can fall without warning, especially during wind or storms

• Tree falls: Storms can topple trees onto tents, vehicles, or people

• Slippery conditions: Mud, wet leaves, moss on rocks create fall hazards

• Hidden obstacles: Holes, stumps, rocks hidden by vegetation or leaves

• Steep terrain: Some areas of property have significant slopes and drop-offs

Marshy & Wet Areas:

• Unstable footing: Ground can give way unexpectedly

• Hidden water depth: Cannot judge depth by appearance

• Getting stuck: Mud can trap feet, creating fall and injury risk

• Insect breeding grounds: High concentration of mosquitoes and biting insects

Weather Hazards:

• Lightning: Open areas and tall trees both present risks during thunderstorms

• Severe storms: High winds, hail, heavy rain, potential for tornadic activity

• Flash flooding: Low-lying areas can flood rapidly during heavy rain

• Extreme heat: Summer temperatures can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke

• Extreme cold: Spring and fall nights can drop below freezing unexpectedly

• Ice and snow: Early/late season camping includes winter weather risks

Wildlife Hazards

BeaverBend is wildlife habitat. You are camping in THEIR home.

Large Mammals:

• Black bears: Present in the Finger Lakes region

  • Can enter campsites looking for food

  • Dangerous if surprised or if food is improperly stored

  • Can cause property damage and serious injury

  • Most active dawn and dusk, but can appear anytime

• White-tailed deer:

  • Common on property

  • Can carry ticks (see below)

  • Bucks can be aggressive during rut (fall)

  • Vehicle collision risk on nearby roads

• Coyotes:

  • Present and vocal (howling at night)

  • Generally avoid humans but can be aggressive if protecting den or pups

  • Risk to small pets left unattended

  • Most active at dawn, dusk, and night

• Raccoons:

  • Extremely common

  • Clever at getting into food storage

  • Can carry rabies

  • Can be aggressive if cornered or protecting young

  • Active at night

Venomous Snakes:

• Timber Rattlesnakes: Native to the Finger Lakes region

  • Venomous and potentially dangerous

  • Tend to avoid humans but will strike if threatened

  • Found in rocky, wooded areas

  • More active in warm months

  • Bites require immediate emergency medical care

• Copperheads: Occasionally reported in southern Finger Lakes

  • Venomous

  • Well-camouflaged

Non-venomous snakes also common:

• Water snakes (often mistaken for venomous species)

• Garter snakes

• Black rat snakes

• Many others—learn to identify!

Insects & Arachnids:

• Ticks (VERY COMMON):

  • Black-legged (deer) ticks carry Lyme disease

  • Dog ticks carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

  • CHECK YOURSELF DAILY—multiple times daily

  • Long pants, insect repellent, vigilance essential

  • Lyme disease is serious and common in this region

• Mosquitoes:

  • Peak in late spring and early summer

  • Can carry West Nile Virus and EEE (rare but present)

  • Repellent essential

  • Standing water attracts them

• Biting flies:

  • Deer flies, horse flies, black flies

  • Painful bites

  • Active during day in warm months

• Wasps, hornets, yellow jackets:

  • Nests common in wooded areas

  • Aggressive if disturbed

  • Allergic reactions can be life-threatening

  • Bring EpiPen if you have known allergies

• Spiders:

  • Black widows present (rare but venomous)

  • Many harmless but startling species

  • Check shoes, gear, bedding

• Stinging caterpillars:

  • Some species have venomous spines

  • Can cause painful reactions

Other Wildlife:

• Skunks (spray risk, rabies potential)

• Opossums (generally harmless but can be aggressive if cornered)

• Woodchucks/groundhogs (bites, burrows create trip hazards)

• Bats (can carry rabies—never handle)

• Porcupines (quills cause serious injury to pets and people)

Vegetation Hazards

Poisonous Plants:

• Poison Ivy: Very common throughout property

  • Causes severe allergic skin reaction

  • "Leaves of three, let it be"

  • Can cause serious systemic reactions if burned and smoke inhaled

  • Oils remain on clothing and gear

• Poison Oak: Present but less common

  • Similar reaction to poison ivy

• Poison Sumac: Found in wet areas

  • More severe reaction than poison ivy

• Wild Parsnip: May be present

  • Sap causes severe blistering in sunlight

• Giant Hogweed: Invasive but sometimes present

  • Sap causes severe burns and blistering

Toxic Plants:

• Many mushroom species (do NOT eat wild mushrooms unless expert)

• Various berries (never eat wild berries unless certain of ID)

• Other toxic plants throughout property

Physical Hazards from Plants:

• Thorns and brambles (blackberries, roses, hawthorn)

• Sharp-edged grasses

• Irritating plant hairs and saps

Fire Hazards

You are responsible for fire safety:

• Uncontrolled fire can spread rapidly

• Grass fires, forest fires possible especially during dry conditions

• Property damage, injury, death can result

• You are liable for damage caused by your fires

• Burn bans will be enforced—violations result in immediate removal

• See our fire safety guidelines and rental agreement for full details

Human-Related Hazards

Vehicle Traffic:

• Internal campground roads

• Limited visibility in some areas

• Children and pets at risk

• Supervise children always

Crime:

• Theft can occur (secure valuables)

• We are not responsible for stolen items

• No on-site security staff

• Lock vehicles, secure expensive gear

• Use common sense

Other Campers:

• Conflicts can arise

• Property has limited staff presence

• You are responsible for your own safety

• Report issues to management but understand response may be delayed

Medical & Emergency Considerations

Limited Access to Emergency Services:

• Rural location = delayed response times

  • Ambulance may take 20+ minutes

  • Fire department response may be delayed

  • Police response may be delayed

  • Helicopter evacuation may be only option for serious emergencies

• Limited cell service:

  • Cannot rely on cell phone for emergency calls

  • May need to drive to find signal

  • Have emergency plan that doesn't depend on cell service

• Nearest hospital:

  • Not immediately adjacent

  • Know the route before emergency occurs

  • Have address written down for 911

Medical Conditions:

• If you have serious medical conditions, consider whether primitive camping in a remote location is appropriate

• Bring all necessary medications plus extras

• Have emergency plan

• Inform camping companions of conditions and emergency procedures

No Medical Staff On-Site:

• We are not trained medical professionals

• We cannot provide medical care

• Bring comprehensive first aid supplies

• Know basic first aid

• You are responsible for your own medical needs

Children & Supervision

Children are at higher risk for ALL hazards listed above.

You must:

• Supervise children constantly

• Never leave children unattended

• Keep children away from creek unless directly supervised

• Teach children about wildlife dangers

• Check children for ticks multiple times daily

• Ensure children understand fire safety

• Keep children within your campsite unless accompanied by adult

• Warn children about loud train horns (can be startling and frightening)

We are not responsible for children's safety. You are.

Pets

Pets face all the same hazards as humans, plus:

• Wildlife encounters (coyotes, porcupines, skunks)

• Ticks and Lyme disease (vaccinate and use preventatives)

• Snake bites

• Eating toxic plants

• Overheating

• Getting lost

• Train noise can startle and frighten pets:

  • Keep pets secured during day when trains may pass

  • Loud horn can cause panic reactions

  • Ensure pets cannot escape if frightened by train

  • Some pets may be traumatized by train noise

You are responsible for pet safety and liable for pet behavior.