Backcountry Campsite: How Do You Get There From Here?
Have you ever dreamed of leaving the world behind and camping in the great outdoors? You may be dreaming of that right now.
Have you ever dreamed of leaving the world behind and camping in the great outdoors?
You may be dreaming of that right now. Having camped before, you well know that you also want to leave your vehicle behind and completely disconnect from everything except amazing views.
Backcountry camping is an incredible experience that can’t be equaled by anything else. Hike to your campsite and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and explore remote places surrounded by barely touched terrain. Feel your spirit soar while taking in breathtaking views of nature all around you.
With our guide to backcountry camping, we’ll provide some tips on how to find your perfect spot, what to bring with you, the “Leave No Trace” philosophy for hiking to a campsite, and advice on ways to make sure everyone stays safe during this adventure.
Going off-grid like this does require some knowledge to be able to navigate to your destination, but the payoff is well worth the effort. Come along with us as we walk through the basics of finding a great backcountry campsite.
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Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping, backpacking, or primitive camping, is a type of outdoor adventure that allows you to explore remote wilderness areas, away from the crowds and comforts of civilization.
It involves camping in an isolated area where there are few if any amenities such as running water, electricity, or toilets. You must have all of your supplies such as food, water, cooking utensils, and tents with you at all times.
As backcountry camping can be challenging even after hiking to campsite, it’s important to plan ahead before venturing out. Make sure you have the right gear and know what supplies you need for the duration of your trip. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with local regulations and check in with state park officials if necessary.
Additionally, what are the environmental factors where you are camping? Is it at high altitudes where the nights are cold and storms can rush in very quickly? With proper preparation, backcountry camping can be an amazing experience full of exploration and discovery.
Where Do You Find Campsites You Hike To?
We strongly suggest that you do not pack up your gear and start backpacking west to the Rockies without a bit of planning. There are some things to “pre”search before the trip. The biggest most obvious information you need to gather is what your destination campsite is.
One of the best ways to find backcountry campsites is to use a phone or computer app like AllTrails. This app allows you to search for nearby sites with GPS coordinates and information about the features and amenities available in each location such as a water source like a lake or river, where the designated sites are, where to pick up the trail, and if there are fire rings.
Additionally, the National Park Service website has a plethora of information on backcountry camping opportunities in parks across the country. You can also check out a local state park or state forests for more options. Some states even have an app like our home state of Colorado with the COTREX app that is downloadable to your phone along with being viewable on your computer. A good old-fashioned topographical map is not a bad idea either. Just make sure you have waterproofed it and actually know how to read it with your compass.
Before heading off for your wilderness adventure, make sure to research any permits or regulations you need to be aware of when venturing into certain areas. With these online tools and many others available, you should be able to find a backcountry campsite in the area you want to hike or explore.
How To Pick a Good Campsite
Choosing a good backcountry campsite can be a challenging task, but it is an important task. There are several factors to consider when selecting the best site for your overnight stay, all of which must be taken into account to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Previously Trod Terrain
The first and most obvious place to look once you determine it is time to camp. This, by the way, is generally two hours before sunset and sunset is different if you are in the mountains because of the mountains. Look for fire rings and flat spots that are already worn a bit to camp on. They will likely be the best spots anyway.
This reinforces the Leave No Trace policy when it comes to where you pitch your tent. Alpine tundra specifically takes a long time to recover from such trauma. And besides, others may have already cleared the rocks out for you.
Trees and Dead Trees
One of the most important things to look for is trees or sometimes, more importantly, dead trees, as they provide both shelter from the prevailing winds at night and privacy from other campers. Do not hide out under a tree when there is lightning. Dead trees should also be avoided due to their potential to fall unexpectedly.
High Ground
Higher ground is another factor to think about when choosing a good campsite. Not only can it give a greater view of the surrounding area providing better picture opportunities, but camping up higher can help prevent danger from flash flooding during an overnight rain storm.
Other Campers
Other campers are another thing to keep an eye out for. They are there for the same reason you are, to get away from it all (including people). Try to camp away so as not to disturb their privacy. Also, consider their view of any of the sites or surroundings so you do not pitch your tent exactly in their line of site.
Shelter
Natural formations like rock walls or overhangs can offer plenty of sheltered space from wind and rain, providing additional comfort during inclement weather.
Water
If there is a stream or lake nearby, it may be tempting to set up right next to the water’s edge. Especially if you are accustomed to having your phone with nature sounds on while you sleep. This is surely better than that! However, the guideline from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is to camp no closer than 200'. Just remember, wildlife doesn’t carry water bottles, they need the stream or lake because they are wild…
Get your free downloadable BLM guidelines here!
Taking all these environmental factors into consideration when searching for the perfect backcountry campsite will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Remember: safety should always come first!
More Details
Keep in mind that campfires are often prohibited in certain areas so make sure you are familiar with the fire regulations for wherever you are camping whether backcountry or in state parks.
To get a good night’s sleep while camping, orient your sleeping bag so that your head is uphill from your feet. It can also be helpful to pack some earplugs to cancel out any loud noises at night such as coyotes or other animals howling or people talking loudly.
Having an established morning routine can greatly enhance the quality of your camping experience. Start each day by drinking plenty of water, stretching, doing some yoga poses and other relaxation techniques. And don’t forget to have fun while you’re outdoors! Plan activities such as fishing, swimming, star-gazing, and exploring nearby trails and landmarks if possible.
Practice pitching tents before leaving home so that when the time comes for setting up camp in the great outdoors, everything runs smoothly. Last but not least, take responsibility for your camping outcome; practice Leave No Trace principles including disposing of all trash properly and packing out anything that was brought in so that the land remains intact for future generations to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Finally, backcountry camping is a fantastic way to build deeper connections with those you adventure with while leaving the stress of day-to-day life far in the rearview mirror where the traffic is only other hikers on the trail. When making such a trek, proper planning and preparation are paramount. Pack by weight and size, adhere to Leave No Trace guidelines, and, always plan for a long day and contingencies.
You never know when an unexpected challenge may present itself! With these few tips in mind, nothing will stand between you and your rugged backcountry camping outing. From sunrises over distant mountain ranges to meals cooked on an open fire and conversations shared while watching the stars in silent stillness, backcountry camping is an opportunity unlike any other on Earth.
Appreciate its mesmeric beauty; learn from its force of nature; conquer its adversity and feel empowered living within it unabashedly! If a primitive outdoors experience beckons your spirit then answer it today-it just might be your most unforgettable adventure yet.
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~ Ron
Originally published at https://www.outdoorverified.com on March 22, 2023.
