How to keep bears away while camping

Well, you can't. If a bear wants into your campgrounds, he's gonna come in. But there are some things you can do to not make it attractive to a bear.

Make sure no one is menstruating when you go camping.

Always keep a clean camp.

Use a designated camping area.

Don't leave food out when not in use. Store it in bear-resistant storage unit, hard shelled vehicle or car trunk.

Use bear-resistant trash receptacles.

Set up tents with space between them.

Keep pets on a leash.

Keep your sleeping area, tent and sleeping bag free of food and odors.

Don't sleep in clothes you wore when you prepared or cooked food.

Keep a flashlight and bear pepper spray readily available.

Select a campsite away from berry patches. spawning streams and animal trails.

Store all food, pet/livestock feeds, odorous items and garbage by hanging at least 10 feet from the ground and 4 feet from top and side supports.

Strain food particles from dishwater. Pack everything out never bury or burn garbage.

Don't leave your packs, food or beverages unattended; even food or beverages stored under water may attract bears.

Leave foods and beverages with strong odors, scented deodorants and lotions and other odorous items at home. A bears acute sense of smell can detect odors from great distances. Dry foods are both lighter and less smelly.

Talk, sing or clap your hands to let a bear know of your presence. Don't rely on bells, usually they are too quiet. Shout often, especially when traveling upwind, near streams and waterfalls, or when you cannot see the path ahead. (avoid thick brush).

Select food in individually sealed packages. Plan meals carefully to prevent leftovers.

Store personal items (such as deodorants, toothpaste, soap and lotions) with food and garbage when not in use. Any odorous product may attract bears.

When walking in a campground at night, always carry bear spray, use a flashlight and stay alert.

Talk, sing or clap your hands to let a bear know of your presence. Don't rely on bells, usually they are too quiet. Shout often, especially when traveling upwind, near streams and waterfalls, or when you cannot see the path ahead. (avoid thick brush).

Be Alert: Watch for bear sign such as tracks, droppings, diggings, rocks rolled over, scratch marks on trees and logs torn apart. Carry binoculars and scan ahead periodically.

Don't Hike Alone or at Night: Bears and cougars are most active at dawn, dusk and night, but can be encountered any time. Groups of three or more people tend to make more noise and appear more formidable. This makes groups safer than solo hikers.

Don't leave your packs, food or beverages unattended; even food or beverages stored under water may attract bears.

You cannot outrun them. Bears can run up to 30 mph, up and downhill, while cougars are known for their powerful sprints and jumps. Climb a tree only if it is near and the animal far away. Keep in mind that all black bears and some grizzlies climb trees.

Select food in individually sealed packages. Plan meals carefully to prevent leftovers.

If a bear enters your campsite or your sleeping and cooking areas seeking food, it is acting in a predatory manner. Group together and retreat to a place of safety. If your attempts from a distance of yelling and throwing things does not cause the bear to retreat, leave the area immediately. Report the incident to the wildlife management agency and retrieve your personal belongings with their assistance.

If a bear attacks you or a companion in your campsite or eating area, either during the day or night, consider it a predatory confrontation and aggressively fight back with everything possible.

And consider investing in a camper. 

Very good answer Bones...thumbs up!

If I go camping, I will have Bones along or stay at a Comfort Suite.

Another JGGS.

Keep food stored up in a tree or in a bear proof container away from your tent or camper.  Never leave food out and remember to use scent free toothpaste, lotion, soap, etc.