The Beginner’s Guide to Camping

If you have experience with camping, you might be accustomed to the convenience of campground facilities that make nature more comfortable. It is fair to consider any method of getting away from the pressures of life, correct? However, have you considered pushing the boundaries of camping further and truly disconnecting?

When considering it, one can observe that the majority of camping trips include elements that counteract the intended aim of unwinding, such as charges, bookings, and large groups of people.

What is Backcountry Camping?

Backcountry camping is when one camps in the wilderness, or backcountry.

Backcountry campers carry all necessary belongings and set up campsites at a significant distance from roads and urban areas.

There are several ways in which individuals can partake in the enjoyment of backcountry camping.

Backpacking or hiking
Paddling by canoe, kayak or raft (think multi-day float trips
Horse Packing
Llama packing
Cross-Country Skiing

How to Start Backcountry Camping

Backpacking, like many other outdoor adventure hobbies, can be quite expensive, regardless of that, it should not deter you from giving it a try at the beginning.

If you have never experienced rustic camping before, my suggestion is to start with a guided trip in order to determine if it is an activity worth pursuing.

There exists a wide range of resources and local organizations, such as the Sierra Club, Meetup groups, and retailers like REI, that provide opportunities for overnight trips and equipment rental.

Is Backcountry Camping Safe?

Backcountry enthusiasts often say that the journey to the trailhead is the riskiest aspect of their trip.

It is indeed true that backcountry camping can be a safe and enjoyable experience if you follow the necessary precautions.

To ensure your safety, it is important to consider the weather and wildlife when visiting an area. Therefore, it is recommended to gather information about the location and acquaint yourself with the proper wilderness guidelines.

To maintain a clean camp that won’t attract bears while backcountry camping in bear country, it is necessary to take additional measures. It is always important to practice bear safety.

When dealing with weather, it is important to obtain a precise forecast and understand the necessary actions to take during lightning or flash floods, as these are two frequently encountered hazards.

Is Backcountry Camping Free?

In addition to buying equipment, it is feasible to engage in backcountry camping without any cost.

When considering the best location, it is evident that our National Forests offer more flexibility compared to state parks or national parks.

Typically, fees are minimal in most cases, even if they are mandatory. For instance, a permit at the Grand Canyon costs $10, along with an additional $8 per person per night.

When it comes to backcountry camping, the primary cost will stem from acquiring the necessary equipment and transportation to reach the starting point of the trail.

Once you find yourself in the backcountry, there is absolutely no requirement for any money!

What is Dispersed Camping?

One way to camp is by setting up a campsite in remote areas and public lands outside of designated campgrounds. This can be accomplished by either hiking with a backpack or driving on forest access roads to locate a secluded spot.

Essentially, when camping off the grid, you are relying on yourself for everyday needs, enduring a technology-free experience. Dealing with maintenance problems is a normal part of life’s anxieties, so disconnecting from technological comforts temporarily will provide a well-deserved respite.

Benefits

In addition to providing a complete break from life’s stresses, dispersed camping offers several advantages. One of these is the freedom from making reservations or budgeting for camping fees.

If you enjoy star-gazing and desire privacy and solitude, dispersed camping is the ideal choice for you, as it offers unobstructed views of the sky without any city lights and the absence of crowds.

By camping off the grid and relying on basic needs, you are essentially roughing it without technology to assist you. Dealing with maintenance problems is a normal part of life, so taking a break from technological conveniences will provide you with the necessary relief.

Benefits

Besides completely disconnecting from the stresses of life, dispersed camping offers several advantages. Setting up reservations or budgeting for camping fees is not required for this type of camping!

If you are in the backcountry, where there are no city lights to obstruct the sky, you can enjoy clear views for star-gazing before going to sleep. In addition to the absence of city lights, there is also a lack of crowds. Therefore, if you desire privacy and solitude, this type of camping known as dispersed camping is suitable for you!

Dispersed Camping in National Parks

Whether or not backcountry camping (a more specific term for dispersed camping) is allowed in a national park largely relies on the park itself, as some parks permit it to prevent the landscape from being affected by tents.

Dispersed camping is allowed in national parks such as Joshua Tree and Death Valley, but certain regulations must be adhered to. These regulations include setting up campsites at distances of 100 feet to one mile away from water sources and acquiring a permit at no cost.

Before embarking on your trip, ensure to verify whether the park you plan to visit permits this form of camping by contacting the park’s visitor center or conducting thorough research. It should be noted that other parks strictly prohibit this type of camping.

Is Dispersed Camping Free?

Dispersed camping is usually free, although the cost may depend on the type of land you are looking for. Certain lands may impose fees and require permits for this camping style, but the charges are reasonable.

If you are considering visiting specific areas within the BLM, it is important to note that there may be fees associated with these locations. These fees are typically utilized for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing the visited lands. To ascertain whether the destination you have chosen necessitates any fees, it is advisable to reach out to the BLM office.

If you are camping in a national forest, you do not need to pay fees or obtain permits. However, in certain wildlife management areas of some states, you may be required to pay permits fees for day-use or for a specific season. It is advisable to contact the wildlife manager to discuss any expenses associated with camping in these areas.