The Definitive Guide To Stealth Camping
This is an article that describes what stealth camping is and why people do it. Details are provided so you can decide if they might want to try this kind of camping themselves.
Want to camp but don't want to work too hard? Tired of being chased by bears? Is the idea of pitching a tent and pulling out your camp stove and lantern too much of an effort? If so, you may have just discovered something called stealth camping.
So what exactly is stealth camping?
Stealth camping is the practice of camping without permission. This can be done by stealth or deception – essentially, not letting the landowner know you are there. Here's what you need to know about this strangely-named activity.
Stealth camping is when you camp in a place that is hidden or difficult to detect. This can include:
- In a car in a parking lot
- Under the cover of trees and bushes
- In the boughs of a tree
If you prefer, you can use stealth camping for more than just relaxing outdoors. You can use it as a way to save money as well. After all, sleeping outside doesn't have to mean heading out into the wilderness. You can also sleep outside in different spots closer to your home, from private businesses to public parks. Some people might like this idea since it's not only easier but also cheaper than finding a hotel room or renting an apartment for them and their family for the night.
Why Go Stealth Camping?
Stealth camping may not be for everyone, but if you're camping away from a camp site for whatever reason, then you may want to consider going stealth. There are many benefits to doing this:
- You won't have any surprises like finding someone else's gear packed up in your sleeping bag.
- If a ranger does come round, he/she will be more likely to be lenient with you if they don't know how long you have been there or have seen your equipment.
- Fewer people will know where you are so less chance of being disturbed by them.
- If you're looking for privacy in a increasingly private world.
- Stealth camping forces you to be more in tune with your environment.
- If you want to get away from your normal routine and try something new.
- You can camp as cheaply as possible.
- This type of camping helps to avoid hassles.
Here are some tips for stealth camping:
- Be prepared. Have plenty of food and water on hand. Bring warm clothing if you're going to be out in the elements at night, and make sure you have a way to start a fire if it's necessary to keep yourself warm.
- Pay attention to weather forecasts and prepare accordingly. This is especially important in winter months when hypothermia can set in quickly if you don't bundle up properly.
- Know how far your vehicle can take you. Some people like to travel with mountain bikes that allow them to explore trails for miles away from their vehicles.
- Make sure that you research the area in which you plan to spend your nights spent camping beforehand. If at all possible, get someone who knows the area well to guide you around.
- Before you set out, be sure you have plenty of supplies on hand, such as food and water (if there is no readily accessible water source), clothing that can either block the wind or insulate you from the cold, a first-aid kit, and even a bike that allows you to get around quickly if you need to leave your vehicle behind.
- Always know your vehicle’s limits. A mountain bike is a great way to explore miles away from the car.
- Be sure to dress for the weather. The night air can be very cold; even in the summer months, temperatures can drop below freezing.
- Lastly, be sure to check in when you arrive. Even if it is early in the morning, find out where you are so you can plan your way home even after dark.
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Conclusion
This article explains why it is sometimes necessary for a camper to camp in stealth mode. It also sheds light on why camping laws vary from area to area and the things that you need to take into consideration when choosing the right spot (aka making sure the police or other authorities won't be around).
Some people say that stealth camping should only be done when it's raining or at night. This isn't true at all and if you do this, then you're not really going stealth camping at all. Stealth campers will often try to set up camp in locations where they won't be seen or disturbed by other people. If there are no neighbors around that are close by, then they'll just set up camp wherever they want. Some people say that it's okay to leave trash behind but only biodegradable items like food scraps or paper products. This is wrong as well because wild animals will dig through your trash looking for food.