Camping the backcountry involves exploring remote locations and using your outdoors skills to set up camp. Many backcountry excursions involve backpacking to your location, so keep your load light yet take the essentials. Having everything you need readily available is essential for a successful camping experience.
Equipment
Start with a good lightweight tent. If you are traveling in warm weather, choose a summer tent. A summer tent is generally lightweight, typically under 5 lbs., making it easy to carry and transport. If the ground may be cold or the weather unpredictable, choose a three-season tent. This type of tent can handle most types of extreme weather conditions including freezing rain, wind, below-freezing temperatures and snow. Include basic camping supplies such as a lightweight backpack stove, backpack, sleeping bag, water canteen, food, first aid kit, compass, portable radio, walkie-talkie, rubber mallet and Swiss Army knife. The America's Wonderland website provides both a checklist for backcountry camping equipment as well as resources to be able to find additional supplies.
Permits
If you are preparing a backcountry camping trip, you will need to know what areas allow this type of camping in what locations are off-limits. The backpacking.net website explains that if you want to camp on private property, you will need to have permission. Setting up camp in the backcountry of a national park or state park often requires having a permit from the park ranger. You can inquire about a permit as you enter the park. Most backcountry camping permits are low cost or free.
Impact
Avoid a lot of digging or physical rearranging of the area. Leave the area the same as it was when you first arrived. Plan the route of your trip and where you are setting up base camp. Let a park ranger or someone else know exactly where you are going in the event of emergency. A topographical map is essential to choosing your camping site. This will also help you to identify landmarks, bridges and bodies of water that may not be located on a regular map. The National Park Service website is a valuable resource for campers trekking out into the backcountry.
Safety
Consider safety issues pertaining to weather, terrain, medical emergency and animal attacks. Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared in the event of an emergency by using a first aid kit or your two-way radio. Avoid diving and swimming in areas that are unmanned. Avoid taking motor vehicles down unmarked roads. Be aware of flash floods and use extreme caution when starting fires.
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