What is Stealth Camping

What is stealth camping

Stealth camping is the act of secretly camping in a public or private area (sometimes legally – sometimes illegally) and moving on the next morning without being detected.

Stealth Camping could also be living temporarily in a location, usually for recreation, in a covert or secretive fashion.  Stealth camping is also referred to as wild camping, ninja camping, or free camping.   Stealth camping is often practiced by hikers, cyclists, and kayakers.

Stealth camping should be done without any intention of harm and so no law is being broken.   Stealth camping is intended to allow camping in the wilderness, while ensuring future generations a similarly free wilderness experience.

Tips on finding locations for stealth camping.

Finding the right spot is the most difficult part.

Should be

                 - out of sight of housing

                 - not on developed (cut grass, landscaped) land
                 - not on land that is fenced or marked 'No Camping' or 'No Trespassing'
                 - away from roads or paths

Where NOT to Stealth Camp

Any place public is not a good stealth camping site. There are still many places that are good potential sites but are security concerns. When I'm looking, I check the ground first. Not for rocks or water, but for signs of garbage or other litter.

Any worn area on the ground or between trees means it might be a path. Camping too close to water can mean you visited at various times (usually early morning or late evening) by a variety of fauna. You might think this a charming feature until you are woken by a bear sliding under your hammock on the way for a drink.

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And remember survival is not a choice but a right earned at birth.

Be the Wolf!