Spread out tents, avoid repetitive traffic routes and move camp every night. Wear soft-soled shoes around camp, and watch where you walk to avoid crushing vegetation. Take alternate paths to the river and between tent sites. Protect riparian areas. The riparian zone is the fragile, green area along the banks of the river or any side streams.
Wildlife depend on the riparian zone for food, water, cover and shelter.
The riparian area is also a natural travel route for migratory birds and animals. This will help protect the fragile riverside ecosystem. Naturalize your site when breaking camp. Covering scuffed up areas with native materials, such as pine needles, brushing out footprints, and raking matted grassy areas with a stick will help the site recover. This extra effort also helps hide any indication that you camped there, and makes it less likely that other river travelers will camp in the same spot.