Camping rules

I'm planning my first week long trip for next summer and I've been reading a lot of ride reports. I see in a number of reports people seem to just go and "find" a place to camp out of the way where they won't be seen. Does anyone have any insight on the rules or legality of something like this?

[image: View Post]danmurphymn, on 08 October 2010 - 09:51 AM, said:

I'm planning my first week long trip for next summer and I've been reading a lot of ride reports. I see in a number of reports people seem to just go and "find" a place to camp out of the way where they won't be seen. Does anyone have any insight on the rules or legality of something like this?


The (MY) rule of thumb is if it doesn't have any posted signs I'm good to go..... Warning..... Don't pull off into the spot/path if there's someone that can see you do it (chances are the place you see will be as you fly by anyway, which will give you time to scout what's near-by before going back) .... afterwards be sure it(bike/camp) can't be seen from road....... No fires and keep the flashlight pointing at the ground.......... I did this for about a year traveling all over the U.S.(back in the 70's).......
This is just how I did it........ If they don't know you're there they won't bother you.........

You didn't happen to live in Denver back in the 80's and throw darts did you?

A lot of folks refer to this as "stealth" camping and there have been some long threads on this on a variety of boards.

Private land - ask permission; public land check local ordinances. I've camped on someone's front lawn in the middle of small town nowhere Utah before. Generally speaking campgrounds aren't that expensive, and can be found almost anywhere. Often at national parks as a lone rider staff will give me a "hiker/biker" site if I ask - they don't have regular parking and are half the cost. I don't take up a lot of space.

Most national parks allow you to camp for free within the park as long as you follow certain rules. Check their websites to verify necessary information.

Myself, I have no problem contributing to an established camp ground because I can safely have a camp fire and not have to worry about breaking the law in some way that could earn me a fine and such. And I abhor camping right next to any road because of safety and noise issues. But that's just me.

[image: View Post]danmurphymn, on 08 October 2010 - 09:51 AM, said:

I'm planning my first week long trip for next summer and I've been reading a lot of ride reports. I see in a number of reports people seem to just go and "find" a place to camp out of the way where they won't be seen. Does anyone have any insight on the rules or legality of something like this?

Have you decided where your going yet Dan?

95% sure that I'll be heading west through the badlands, out to yellowstone and then down to see my sister for a day in northern Utah. Then back up to Glacier and then East home. I'm tenatively planning on June 2011. This is a 30th birthday present, my birthday is in July but I don't want to ride in the heat of July. The Wyoming route is still in question. I may head from the badlands to yellowstone and down south to UT, or I may head from the badlands down to UT and then up to Yellowstone on the way to Glacier. Not sure yet...

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Have you decided where your going yet Dan?

In this area State parks have some of the most well maintained sites and they're fun to get to. In Ky I went to Twin Knobs and Zilpo campgrounds in the Daniel Boone Forest. Awesome roads even in my motorhome :-) Getting to Mt. Magazine in Arkansas was cool too (motorhome again...)The side affect of campgrounds is that there are some good folk to be found and some good meals too. You should look up some campgrounds on Google Maps and see if they are around your path. Every other night or so you can catch a good shower at one. Then again, you're going to be in a great part of the country and may just wanna concentrate on the scenery.

Camping of the cheap can be more fun than anywhere else, especially if you are running solo and like peace and quiet. I like to start hunting for a spot early in the day so I know there will be no issues when the sun goes down. My rule, ................"It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission"

[image: View Post]vanion2, on 08 October 2010 - 12:12 PM, said:

Most national parks allow you to camp for free within the park as long as you follow certain rules. Check their websites to verify necessary information.

Myself, I have no problem contributing to an established camp ground because I can safely have a camp fire and not have to worry about breaking the law in some way that could earn me a fine and such. And I abhor camping right next to any road because of safety and noise issues. But that's just me.

I think this is most "national forest" areas vs. "parks" that allow you to camp anywhere for free. Still there are restrictions or bans on fire if you pick your own spot in a forest area, no water, toilets, etc. Again, check each area for regulations.

if your in the DC /balt area you can camp in my living room.. if your in the philly area my sister will know a place or two. :fing02: