Wilderness Camping Essentials

You’d think that building a campfire would be as simple as putting a match or lighter to wood but that’s just not true. In fact, the way you build your campfire will determine how much heat it gives off and how long it lasts. First you need to gather tinder, which can be leaves and other light material that will easily catch fire. Next grab the kindling, which is small pieces of dried wood that will get the fire started.

After that it’s the big logs that provide the long lasting fuel for the fire. Make sure you give lots of room for your wilderness camping fire and then put the tinder and kindling in the middle with a loose construction so air can get in there and fuel the flames of the fire. That’s when you light it. As the fire grows you should add the bigger pieces of wood, starting small and building to the largest. Instead of merely placing the big logs on the fire you could try to build a pyramid or log cabin to help it burn longer and hotter.

In many wilderness camping areas bears are a very real problem. They live in nature all over the country and world and they are hungry creatures that have no problem coming up on humans (see the movie Grizzly Man for an example of that). That’s why you need to first look into the presence of bears in whatever wilderness camping area you’ll be in and then take precautions to prevent them from visiting your campsite. First and most important of those precautions is ensuring that your food is tightly sealed after you’re done with it. Special containers can be purchased for this and a plastic bag isn’t going to do it. If the bear can smell it he’s going to come and find it. You should also make sure you don’t toss any uneaten food aside. That must be packed away or eaten. Anti bear sprays exist but they’re not as effective as you might think so make sure you’re very careful about your food.

There are so many things you should bring with you when you go wilderness camping but you might want to put bug spray at the top of that list. There is nothing more annoying than spending all night slapping mosquitoes off your skin or waking up to find that your face is covered in bites and swollen. If you’re allergic you might find that you get ill from all the bug nibbling.

With the proper bug spray you’ll find very few mosquitoes buzzing around you and nibbling on you. If you’ve ever been on a trip where one silly person forgot their spray and everyone else remembered you’ll see how miserable he is before someone loans him a little spray to help him out. Also remember that in certain areas you should get a spray that also deters ticks since you don’t want to end up with Lyme disease.

The national parks of the United States offer some of the most amazing opportunities for wilderness camping you’ve ever experienced. If you really want to get away from it all then a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana is an absolute must. With more than a million acres of beautiful protected land you have lots of choices for where to pitch a tent, including beside all kinds of breathtaking lakes or at the food of a mountain.

For a good time in the forest try Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. There are three unique forest areas to camp in so depending on your preference you can be with the spruce, the Ponderosa pines, or the Pinyon pines. You can camp where you want or use the predetermined campsites for $15. If you want wilderness camping with a beach flavor then try Assateague Island in Maryland to camp on the ocean’s shores.

One of the best things about wilderness camping is that it feels like you’ve withdrawn from the world a little bit and you’re just out on your own being at one with nature. However, the world doesn’t quite work that way so before you take your adventure you need to get a permit in almost every state or country. Part of that is because they want to know where you’re going to be in case you get lost and part of it is the government wants to make a little money off you. It’s not a problem though. The permit process is generally very simply and low cost. All it takes is a little bit of time on your part and when you consider the many benefits of wilderness camping that shouldn’t be too big an issue. If you don’t get a permit and you’re spotted out camping by a ranger or questioned upon your return you will likely be subject to a fine, which would be a shame.

Sometimes you just want to get away from it all and there is no better way of doing that than wilderness camping. It’s a different kind of camping than heading to a campground and bedding down with people in tents just 20 yards away. This is just you and whoever you’re camping with alone in the wilderness with the animals and the night sky. That’s precisely what makes wilderness camping such an amazing treat though.

Off in the woods you’re free from the sounds of cars and whatever bustling area you came from. The air is clean and crisp, the trees are vibrant, the woods are teeming with life and you’re at one with nature. You’ll find a babbling brook and be at peace as the sound tickles your brain and calms your senses. You’ll see a deer drinking from it and barely noticing you. This is why you go wilderness camping.

There are lots of places in the US to have a great time wilderness camping but few are as amazing as Maine. The state is full of beautiful forests and features a rather small population so you’re largely going to be alone as you’re out there hiking and enjoying nature. Acadia National Park is as good a place as any to start with some of the most beautiful vistas and wooded areas you’ve ever seen! There are beautiful state parks to check out as well and it’s easy to get a camping permit and have a good time for as long as you want. You might also consider the coastline where you can find lighthouses to camp by or to simply appreciate the beauty of the ocean and the many craggy cliffs. Wilderness camping is one of the best things you can do in Maine!

There’s a handful of items that you absolutely must have when you go wilderness camping. First among them is a tent or protective covering of some kind. If you want to go really simple you can just grab a tarp but a tent offers greater protection from bugs. A sleeping bag is also essential as it will keep you warm and protect you during the night.

A utility knife has all sorts of uses and is essential. You’ll need lots of water to keep you hydrated. It’s useful to have a means of starting a fire when you’re wilderness camping as it can often be essential to preparing food. An axe or hatchet will be helpful and a source of light – battery powered or hand pumped – is essential for those dark nights under the tree canopy. Make sure you bring along toiletries as well.