Extreme Stealth Camping Tips
August 15, 2009 by Darren Alff
The August issue of XSport Magazine features a short 2-page piece I put together on the logistics of stealth camping.
For those who don’t know, “stealth camping” refers to the act of quietly finding a place away from people where you can camp for the night and then quickly slip away in the morning without being detected. It’s about creating a private campground of your own, located anywhere you please, remaining hidden at all times, and leaving no trace of your existence after your departure from the site.
I’ve been told that stealth camping is not for everyone, but I believe that those who dare to try it will find it both challenging and extremely rewarding.
If you’re new to wilderness adventure, stealth camping may take a little getting used to. It’s illegal in many places around the world, encouraged in others, and simply frowned upon in most. If you’re afraid of Bigfoot, bears, or encounters with police, then stealth camping may not be for you. But for those brave enough to give it a try, it’s an incredible way of spending your nights while out on the road.
Visit the link below to download your free copy of XSport Magazine (my article on stealth camping starts on page 16):
http://www.xsport-magazine.com/magazine/XSportInternational_Aug09.pdf
Great article and tips. You’re a very talented writer. My wife and I recently did a good portion of the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway and found ourselves a few dozen miles short of our planned stop at a campground one evening. A park ranger actually suggested a good spot to stealth camp for the night. He pointed out the private property to avoid and showed us a nice well hidden area just a few yards off the parkway. You’re right, it never hurts to ask.
Thanks for the free download,
Jack
I’ve heard of some countries that give every citizen the right to camp on private land as long as their camp is out of sight from the house (perhaps this is more difficult than it sounds in an older country with denser settlement than the US?). That would certainly shrink the nervy little ball that forms in my stomach when I try to pull this kind of stuff!
In Alaska you can camp anywhere you want as long as it isn’t in someoes yard, and then you can if you ger permission. Any rest area, or great spot by a lake, or where ever. The most important thing to do is learn how to avoid problems with bears by not having food or food smells in and around your camp site. I have always enjoyed the ability to just pull off the road and set up a camp and not be worried about the police coming and waking me up and making me move. BUT, if you have never camped in Alaska, LEARN how to do it safely and correctly befory trying it!
[...] Over the last ten years or so I’ve amassed 4,000+ miles of bicycle touring experience and over 3,200 miles of hiking experience. Most of the nights I’ve spent traveling involved camping – and a large portion of those nights required that I partake in what is commonly referred to as “stealth camping”. [...]
Stealth Camping ist “true” camping!
Camping at a commercial campsite ist often boring (and costly)!
[...] Extreme Stealth Camping Tips [...]
I have never done “stealth camping” in connection with a bicycle tour.
I always choose to “stealth camp” for hiking, unless I am in a “campsite” in a paid campground. However, I try to avoid paid campgrounds because they are like “backyard camping” in the suburbs and are not at all authentic overnight camping in a natural environment.
That is what is extremely rewarding: overnight camping in a natural environment.
It is a natural experience, involving coping well with a cycle of the seasonal natural light and dark, and weather conditions. Is it too cold or wet? Do I have what I need?
Even more, if a truly natural environment and not man-made at all, it is a spiritual experience. Once I stood in a stand of “old growth” Redwood and it was comparable, but different, and much better, than standing in the best cathedral.
This is the experience I have of “stealth camping” away from towns and away from an environment modified by the incursions of “city” people.
I do plan to stay overnight with people, participating in the “warmshowers” and the “couchsurfing” organizations you have mentioned elsewhere on your website. This will let me know people living in different circumstances than myself.
However, I have planned the bicycle tour to keep away from rural towns, as well.
I do not see this as “dangerous”. If well provisioned, and the gear is all worked out, I think this is the best experience outdoors.
I am looking forward to “stealth camping” hidden from the rural road or single track, with my folding bicycle to carry more provisions.
I have not previously done a bicycle tour. This bicycle tour plan is the inspiration I have from your website, Darren.