Cook Away from Your Tent Site
You should set up your kitchen about 100 feet from your tents, especially in bear country. The cooking smells will linger around the area for some time, and animals will be attracted to the kitchen site. Don't take the risk of a raccoon--or a bear--rustling against your tent.
Pay Attention to Cleanup
Washing dishes in the backcountry is a chore, especially because you need to take extra precautions about where you pour waste water. Use only hot water; or if you must use soap, use only biodegradable camp soap. Wash your dishes 100 feet from your tents, as with your kitchen area, and 100 feet from any water source. If you plan to use the dishes again with 8 hours or so, use treated water to wash.
Secure Your Food
Hang or stuff your food in bear-proof canisters to protect it from wildlife. Include anything with food smells in this bag, including wrappers, dishes and utensils, and stoves. In grizzly bear country, you should also hang the clothes you wore to dinner. Check with local regulations before choosing between hanging and canning your food, as some parks require one method.
