Safety Tips

 

If you plan on camping, dispersed/wild camping, or stealth camping, here are some tips:

  • Check the weather at the start of the day. If it is going to be cloudy or raining, set up camp earlier to ensure you have enough daylight.
  • Check sunrise and sunset as you are checking the weather. There’s nothing like running out of daylight and trying to set up camp in the dark. If you plan on going dispersed/wild or stealth camping, remember that you will need at least an hour to hang your food, 30 minutes to dig/prepare your bathroom, and time to set up your tent.
  • During the holidays, avoid established campsites run by the State, County, or local municipality. These sites are typically not staffed after certain hours per day. Thus giving rise to rowdiness, theft, and other unwanted problems.
  • If camping on the Application Trail, Pacific Coast trail, etc., avoid sleeping in shelters as they attract nuisance critters and bears.  Additionally, you may find another inhabitant who has questionable traits. 
  • Other than the mice, spiders, ticks, and bears, another reason to avoid shelters is that norovirus quickly spreads in such enclosures.

 

Stealth Camping

  • You want to avoid cooking and using lights at your stealth site. Therefore, if you know the time you are going to your site, prepare your dinner along the way. Some riders cook meals at local parks an hour before getting to the campsite.
  • When approaching your stealth camp, it is a good idea to look for the following signs:
  • Scavengers flying overhead. Dead animals could indicate predator activity.
  • If you see berries near your site, it is best to avoid such areas because of bears.
  • If you see beer bottles strewn about, the location will likely be a local partying spot. It is best to avoid such areas as those who frequent such areas will arrive later in the day.
  • If you should see a fire pit, you should also avoid this area. It is an indicator that the area is frequented by those who will come by later in the day.
  • If you see a path, whether an animal or a human created, it is best to move 200 feet (61 m) away. You could be in the path of a predator out looking for food.
  • Stay 200 feet (61 m) away from the water. Animals will seek out water during sunset, night, and sunrise. Again, it could be a predator who comes upon your campsite. Also, mosquitoes tend to live near water.
  • Avoid setting up your campsite at the bottom of the valley, regardless of how shallow it is. The cold air will sink to the lowest part of the depression. Also, if it rains, the water will travel down into the valley.
  • If you want water, consider traveling upstream to collect it. As the water moves down its path, it collects more and more contaminates.

 

The Homeless
I dislike singling out any specific group, but the homeless need to be addressed. Many of the homeless you will meet are just down on their luck and are decent people. However, there are others who you will wish to avoid.

  • If you should see any homeless individual or a camp, consider going five miles down the road.
  • Keep going if you find a liquor store within three miles of your camp. Those who have an addiction will stay close to the source of their devices.
  • If you see people sleeping in parks, along the sides of buildings, or other uncommon areas, go down the road about five miles. People experiencing homelessness will sleep during the day to avoid being victimized by other homeless individuals during the night.
  • If you should see someone on a bicycle that doesn’t quite fit, they are not wearing a helmet, wearing clothes that either do not fit well or are not clean, and if they are wearing a backpack, avoid camping next to them. I am sure they are fine, but it is best to be safe.
  • If you are nervous about a camping site, set up two camping chairs. Those that pass your site will think that there are two people camping there.

 

Most Importantly
And, most importantly, trust your gut. If something feels off about your selected site, move on.