Where can i find parks that allow primitive camping?

camping backpack list image

Mike

I am looking for national, state, or other parks that allow tent camping without set "campsites". I want to be able to go in, hike and find a place to set up camp wherever I want. I would prefer lakes and rivers, but this is not crucial. Solitude and relaxation is what I am seeking. Does anyone know of any such parks? Does anyone know of a place online to search for this kind of camping? Thanks.

Answer
What you're referring to is what's commonly known in the US as "backpacking" and it is permitted in all sorts of areas in the US, from National Forests to State Parks and especially in National Parks and designated Wilderness Areas inside National Forests. Backpackers load up everything they'll need to survive on their own, leave their cars and hopefully other people behind, and either follow a trail or follow a compass or GPS cross country to their goal, usually a secluded lake, with often a secondary goal to fish, take photos, or summit a nearby mountain peak.

The primary method of locating such areas is to utilize the internet to locate parks in your state, and to visit the government websites for those parks to determine if they allow backcountry camping. The next step is to purchase a trail map and/or guide book for the area, in which you'll find direction to the trail heads where one parks one's vehicle and enters the wilderness on foot, and directions for the trail, which often include recommendations for lakes, mountains and campsites. Many wilderness areas require permits, either to stay overnight or to have a fire, which must be obtained from the nearest ranger station.

Purchasing gear for your backpacking adventures is probably the most important step and backpackers spend a lot of time perfecting their gear lists, with an emphasis balancing between lightness and comfort. Out in the woods, miles from any road you'll be at the mercy of the elements, and without the proper gear, you could die, so it's important to take it slow, learn as much as you can, read as much as you can, and find your own path.

Here are some sites to get your started: http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/finder.shtml
https://www.backpackinglight.com/

And I recommend this book: http://www.amazon.com/Lighten-Up-Complete-Ultralight-Backpacking/dp/0762737344/sr=8-1/qid=1168796878/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0601339-3354515?ie=UTF8&s=books

It looks like you might live in Missouri and if so here's a site for that state: http://www.motrails.com/trails.html

What are some helpful things to bring for camping?

Jacinda

I am going to Yosemite to camp for the first time. I have the usuals like a tent, sleeping bag, insect spray, sunblock, flashlight - but what are some other things I should bring?
Oh yes, FOOD! ;)

Answer
These are my check lists i hope you can make use of it and see what you might find needed in your camping trip.
take care...

Gear Checklist: Mountaineering
Clothing
Outerwear
waterproof/breathable jacket
waterproof/breathable pants
insulated parka
fleece jacket or wool sweater
fleece pants
waterproof gaiters
synthetic hiking pants
synthetic shorts
Base Layer
midweight long john top
midweight long john bottoms
long sleeve T-shirt
synthetic briefs
synthetic sports bra
synthetic T-shirt
Accessories
wool or fleece hat
balaclava
midweight wool or fleece gloves
synthetic liner gloves
waterproof overmitts
Footwear
waterproof hiking boots
camp footwear
wool or synthetic socks (3)
liner socks (2)
Extras
sun hat
bandanna
single long whistle: stop
two whistles: resume hiking
three whistles: emergency Gear

Mountaineering Specific Gear
internal frame pack
mountaineering boots
hinged 12-point crampons
mountaineering axe (70cm)
climbing harness
climbing helmet
belay/rappel device
prussik slings or mechanical ascenders
sewn runners
daisy chains
avalanche probe
lightweight avalanche shovel
climbing ropes
protection hardware (nuts, screws, etc.)
ski goggles
glacier glasses
avalanche transceiver
Other Gear
Internal or external frame backpack
convertible or four-season tent
down sleeping bag (-30° to 20°F)
inflatable sleeping pad
closed-cell foam sleeping pad
trekking poles
white gas stove and fuel bottles
lighter and waterproof matches
cookset
eating utensils, bowl, and insulated mug
headlamp w/extra batteries and bulb
32 oz. water bottles (2)
water bottle parkas (2)
water treatment (filter, tablets, or drops)
pocket knife or multitool
compass
sunglasses
first-aid kit with personal medications
chemical heat packs
stuff sacks
assorted zipper-lock bags
bear-bagging rope (or canister)
insect repellent
mesh head net or suit
sunscreen (SPF 15+)
lip balm (SPF 15+)
toilet paper and trowel
pee bottle

Hiking-Mountaineering-Camping Checklist
Target Weight for fully-loaded pack ("every ounce counts!"):
<20 pounds: summer up to 3 overnights
<30 pounds: winter up to 3 overnights

Clothing
hiking boots
socks (2 pair; wool/synthetic, not cotton)
sock liners (personal preference)
long pants
shorts (or zip-off pants)
t-shirt (2; synthetic, not cotton)
underwear (2; synthetic, not cotton)
long sleeve shirt
camp shoes (e.g. sandals)
hat (wool for winter)
bandana
Hiking Gear
backpack
webbing/straps for attaching gear to backpack
trekking or ski poles
whistle
Dog Gear
water bottle
Food
towel/blanket for sleeping
brush

Camping Gear/shared
tent or tarp/ground cover
camp stove
fuel for camp stove (incl backup)
matches (waterproof)
cooking utensils (pot/pan)
water filter
Iodine tablets
watch with altimeter and/or GPS
clothes line
duct tape
multi-tool (e.g. Fisherman's)
camera
cell phone
2-way radios (only if expecting to split groups)
bear spray
Food/shared
dinner (freeze-dried, e.g. pasta, sauce)
breakfast (e.g. oatmeal)
coffee (instant) & creamer
Personal Items
sunglasses
medicines (cold, aspirin, etc)
sleeping aid (e.g. Xanax)
First aid (bandaids, polysporin, needle)
toiletries (tooth brush/paste)
moleskin
knife/scissors (e.g. small Swiss Army)
towel (small, quick-dry)
ear plugs/eye shield
sunscreen (SPS 15+)
Lip balm (SPS 15+)
bug repellant
toilet paper (with extra zip-lock bag)
wipes
map
compass
book
flashlight/headlamp w/ extra batteries
mirror (for signaling)
Camping Gear/individual
sleeping bag (down; light/compressible)
sleeping pad
eating utensils (bowl, mug, spoon)
garbage bag
emergency space blanket
camp chair
pillow case (use filled with clothes)
Food/individual
water bottles/bladder (bladder not when below freezing)
electrolyte replacement (Cytomax, Gatorade)
trail mix or power bars
beef jerky or dried steak nuggets
Lunch (e.g. sandwich)
Medical/shared
medical gloves
SAM splint
Benedryl (for allergic reactions)
Sawyer Extractor (for bites/stings)
Tincture of benzoin (skin disinfectant)
Bloodstopper (to control bleeding)
Roll tape
triangular bandages (cravats)
4"x4" sterile dressing
CPR shield
single long whistle: stop
two whistles: resume hiking
three whistles: emergency

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