Who hasn’t been even a bit concerned about being able to wild camp safely in a place where you don’t know if you suppose to? Isn´t there always a voice inside your head asking a million questions challenging your decision of setting up your tent in the place you did?
I have to say, some nights either Dace or myself haven´t been able to sleep properly as we were busy with these thoughts popping up in our heads from time to time.
Stealth camping, or sometimes known as wild camping, is setting up your tent somewhere, either private or public, with the intention of overnight and move on the next morning. To be stealth or wild camp, it doesn´t have to be any transaction of any kind between you and the landowner. That means that you are secretly camping and hoping that everyone is ok with it.
Isn´t that great?
Well, for some people is not all that great, as the fear of the consequences of getting caught and the anxiety of imagining what would happen to outweigh the advantages.
That´s why we bring you some of the practices we do when we are intending to do some stealth camping to minimize getting caught, so you enjoy it a little bit more safely.
Be aware of the regulations concerning stealth camping of the country you are
In some countries or states, stealth camping is legal, whilst in some is illegal. Sometimes is consented to do when following basic rules, and sometimes they are even some grey areas. There is always good to know the legislation of the country or state you are visiting, as sometimes the consequences can be too off-putting to even try.
For example, in Europe is not legal to wild camp in most of the countries as a general rule, (apart from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Scotland and Wales).
Some countries, like Denmark or the Nederlands, have areas where free camping is allowed, and in Spain, there are conditioned areas over 3000 feet where you can overnight.
Choose your spot carefully
Sometimes it doesn´t have to have a scenic view to be a great spot. There are some basic considerations of shelter and comfort that come first. A good is flat, dry, and sheltered from the wind, even if it is less photogenic.
Look for a fairly sheltered spot
This is so you are not exposed to the weather from all sides.
Always be nice if caught
If you are caught, play dumb if you have to. You can pretend you didn´t know the rules, be apologetic, explain who you are and what are you doing there… I have practised stealth camping in most of the European countries and never had a problem with the authorities, even when spotted. Although that doesn´t mean I can have in the future. If you are spotted, always be nice to them, and offer the possibility of leaving.
Be polite and let go
If you run into a situation when either the neighbours or the authorities catch you overnighting somewhere you shouldn´t and ask you to leave don´t fight back. You are probably tired and it is a bummer, but let it go and move on. Creating conflict is always going to escalate into something worst. Always be willing to move on if asked to.
Try to camp on higher grounds
If you camp on higher grounds you normally avoid being seen, as you will be above everyone else who could eventually spot you. If there is no option, for example, if you are on the beach, try to hide in a corner or cave area.
Try not to camp nearby houses
If you have the option, don´t camp nearby a house. If they don´t know you, they might think you are a threat, and that can be trouble.
Sometimes if we don´t have a better option available, we knock on the door and ask for permission to camp on their land or nearby, so they know us and in most cases, they even offer us a spot in their garden and something to eat or drink!
Even in countries like Norway, where you can camp freely, you have to be aware of being over 50m, or 54 yards from the closest house. Try to camp somewhere where they cannot spot you.
Try not to camp next to a road
Sometimes there are small maintenance places next to roads that seem a good idea to camp on. Try to avoid those, especially when an inhabited area is nearby. No matter how isolated it seems. Sometimes those sites can be good meeting spots for young people of nearby villages.
Consider having a green or brown tent
If you have a tent that which colour can camouflage with the surroundings, is better to use for this case than a vivid colour tent, like red. The trick is trying not to draw any attention to it.
Consider bivouac whenever you can
You would be able to hyde yourself better if you sleep in a bivi bag instead of a tent whenever the weather allows it, of course. Also, the times of setting up and moving on the next morning are much quicker if there is no tent involved.
Another advantage of sleeping without a tent is that you can count stars, which is one of the nicest rewards after a day of cycling.
Don´t leave any trails behind
Do not alter any aspects of your surroundings when you stealth camp. If you have to make a hole on a tree to put a clamp to set up something or mark it anyhow… Just don´t. Do not cut anything from the trees and don´t leave any paper, or rubbish behind.
This can seem clear, but I still see people doing it and is not a nice thing, as authorities and neighbours are getting more strict because of some bad practices.
Deal with your waste
If you have to urinate, do so at least 30 metres away from open water and streams. If you’re using toilet paper, you must carry it away in a resealable bag or container. Toilet paper takes a long time to break down and might harm wildlife. I carry a small roll of toilet paper in a zip lock bag to make sure it stays dry.
If you have to defecate, do so as far away as possible from buildings, open water and streams, and also away from wildlife. You must bury your business in a shallow hole and cover it up with turf. Bring a small shovel for this purpose.
Don´t miss the opportunity of using toilets when you can before camping
There is always more difficult to “go to the toilet” at night when you have to crawl out of your tent at night and find a suitable place. Plus the chances of getting seen are bigger.
Sometimes there are toilets or composting toilets nearby before we set camp. Try not to miss out on those.
Pack out everything that came in. Including the toilet paper
Toilet paper should always be packed out. Buried toilet paper has a tendency not to stay buried for long, leaving unsightly “paper trails” in popular camping areas. Always bring an extra zip-lock bag to pack out toilet paper, baby wipes, and feminine hygiene products.
Don´t make fire
Some countries and areas have a clear not fire policy under any circumstance and it´s strictly forbidden. Also, by making fire you will be attracting undesirable attention. Also, fires leave trails behind, being a way to alter the environment around you.
Don´t cook anything where you camp
This tip links with the one above. But besides, if you cook something on a camping stove or an open fire, you will be attracting undesirable attention not only from humans but from any wildlife that can be around you. And I´m telling you, they all would want to have what you are having!
Know your neighbours
Sometimes there would be wild like where you camp, that can vary between some mosquitoes and bugs, to Moses, wolves or bears. Sometimes you can gather information about your surroundings by any prints on the soil, droppings, or checking for general information on the internet.
Don´t try to leave this for the last moment, as if dark, you probably won´t see your surroundings much and mistakes can be made.
For example, avoid putting your tent over ants nests or an ants “path”. Waking up in the morning with your tent and panniers full of ants is not nice, and some species could be annoying.
Always seal your food containers
Even if you have just dry food or you think that your food doesn´t smell, make sure to seal everything you can. It´s not the first time that I have to awaken to a procession of ants and bugs going through our food. This normally happens if you set camp on the top of their house, but also if they are nearby. And they are “always” nearby. You don´t want to have some extra protein in your food
Also, you can attract other bigger wildlife than bugs, such as mice, bears, raccoons, foxes, wolves, monkeys, snakes, etc.
Hang your food if you think that bears and other wildlife are there
You don´t want to wake up to see that the bear has eaten all your food, or having an uninvited visit.
Never leave your shoes outside the tent
It is surprising how much nasty scorpions, huge spiders, snakes etc. like your shoes and kit. Unfortunately, wild camp spots will often be alive with creepy crawlies
Avoid camping directly under some large trees, like Gum tree
Try to avoid setting your tent under these large trees, as some species are susceptible to dropping large branches at any time. The last thing you want is a branch dropping on top of your tent in the middle of the night.
Avoid camping in creek beds and over ditches
When the terrain is uneven, don´t camp in the lowest part. If that night downpours, the water will go towards the bottom part, or in the creek.
Avoid camping on the inside of rivers and in estuaries
Be aware of floods. Some rivers´ flow might get bigger because of some circumstances, such as a big rainstorm, or just when they open the gates. You can easily wake up in the middle of your very own private island.
Try to avoid camping next to active railroads
Sometimes it looks quite deserted, but there could be traffic during the night. When a train passes next to you in the middle of the night it can be quite a scary experience. Sometimes I have woken up with my heart in my mouth after a train passed next to me in what looked like a good camping spot to spend the night.
You can check if is active or not by the vegetation that is around. If there is overgrown vegetation on the actual rail track, chances are that not many trains will pass through there and you might be fine.
Dirt trails will be muddy
Also of not camping at the bottom part of a river creek, be aware that in an event of a downpour everything will be muddy, so take special consideration if you are camping low or in the middle of a dry river bed.
Make sure you have plenty of water and food
Consider if you have enough water before you set up camp in the evening. You might need it to drink, wash, make breakfast the next morning, for first aid purposes, etc.
Limit the use of your light
When stealth camping, try to limit the use of your light, as you could be visible if you are nearby an inhabited area and you will give your position away.
Have your first aid kit with you
Planning for everything includes you having access to your first aid kit quickly and without having to spend big time looking for it in the panniers. This might attract some attention for curious passers nearby if they see a light moving for quite some time.
Also, many of the places you will be camping on might be quite remote, so medical aid might be quite far away and difficult to access at night. It´s always a good idea if you know some basic First Aid yourself (or someone in your group if you like to share the experience)
Always know where you are
In the case of an emergency is always good to have an evacuation plan. Also, if you have to call for help, is always desirable to be able to indicate to someone where you are, just in case they have to rescue you.
For that, you would need to be able to call someone, so you will need a cell phone with some battery juice left in it, or to be able to signal to others.
In this situation, you don´t need to be discrete. If you need help you need to get it in.
Have an evacuation plan
In some places in certain seasons you will need it more than in others but always bear in mind a possible escape route if a dangerous or life-threatening event is ought to happen. I´m talking about a wildfire, a flood, etc.
You don´t want to be trapped in a situation you can´t get out from. You will increment your chances in any adverse situation by acting quickly and decisively.
Make sure you can get out through when you came in
This goes together with the previous tip. Try to always know where you came in through. There can be situations that can lead us into confusion, like for example, if the previous night we were late coming into the spot and was dark already. Something you can do is point the bike in the direction you have to go and check for references that can help you find your way out.
Also, the landscape might have changed in the morning due to heavy snowfall at night. This might make it difficult to return to the path or road. Make sure you plan for this, for example, using some references, like trees, rocks, etc. If you have a GPS, make sure you save the coordinates to be able to retrace your steps if you have to.
Beware of the rapid changing of weather conditions on the mountains
Weather can change fast and get super dangerous overnight while you’re happily asleep, so always have a plan for what could happen. In this case is even more important to have in consideration rivers and camping next to lakes, as if there is a big rainfall, even in upper hights, the rivers and lakes tide might grow rapidly.
Look above you and see if the slope is likely to have rocks falling
Especially when it is frozen and thawing. Try to avoid camping where rocks have been falling, or there is a big accumulation of them above you.
Beware of the tide if you are camping next to the sea or in a fjord
In some cases, the tides are quite evident, but sometimes it could be more dangerous, as it might grow quite fast quite quickly. I recommend checking some hours before set camp how the tides develop in that area to avoid being surprised.
Protect your tent from the wind
Sometimes you don´t have another option but to camp on a surface which can be very exposed to the wind, as there is not another option around.
In that case, how you set the tent can make a difference in the quality of your night. In windy weather pitch your tent facing in the direction that offers the most protection and stability – this usually means directing the lowest and narrowest parts towards the wind. Try pitching at an angle to the wind so the force of the gusts is spread more evenly over the tent. Pitch with the main door facing away from the wind, if you can, especially in a tunnel tent, otherwise, you could find your tent taking off like a huge kite when you open the door.
Also, the Guylines are quite important in these cases, so make sure you use all of them. Some tents have more than a dozen guylines and it can be time-consuming to deploy them all. But as tempting as it might be just to use the corner lines, spending that extra time pegging them all out will be worth it. Try to get them as taut as possible to prevent the tent from moving in strong gusts and ensure they are of a similar tension all around the tent.
Pegging down your tent properly is always important, but even more so when the wind is strong and there’s increased pressure on the pegging points. Make sure you use good strength, steel pegs in windy weather – you can buy grooved, wind-resistant stakes specifically for those conditions – and always drive them right into the ground. Don’t hammer the pegs into the ground straight, though, always drive them in at a 45-degree angle. It makes them more rigid and it’s easier to get them into the ground that way.
If there is extra windy, try to build a barricade that breaks it a bit behind the tent (where the wind comes from) If there are no rocks you can put your bike or even your panniers if they are heavy enough. Be aware if you build a barricade, it needs to be solid. You don´t want it to collapse on the top of your tent.
Be ready to repair your tent in an emergency
Also, if finally, the wind breaks something on your tent, it might be a pole. If this happens you need to be prepared to maintain the structure of the tent, otherwise, if you are in the middle of a storm where in addition to the heavy wind there is some rain, the water will come in (as the outer layer would be touching the inner layer)
By having an emergency section you could quickly repair the broken one by linking two of them. Also, I advise putting all the panniers you have inside and set them by the walls to protect the structure and alleviate pressure from the stressed pole.
Respect private property
We are all about respecting others, right? Do not challenge the signs of “Private property” or “do not trespass”. In many places, you can look for serious trouble if you do so.
It´s always better to ask if you can camp on someone´s property rather than just jump the fence and do so. People usually are more accepting when you ask them first.
Try not to camp where kids might play
Kids are quite curious people by nature, and they love to explore. Also, if they spot you, there is a big chance they might run back and tell on you, so adults might follow.
Beware of hunters
Be aware of the hunting season and try not to get mistaken by a deer, a bear or whatever your spirit animal is. In some countries, the hunting area is marked by signs, which are easy to spot.
If you find yourself in the woods at dawn and you hear gunshots nearby that are not coming from a shooting field, just stay in your tent for a couple of hours or until you don´t hear anything. You shouldn´t worry if you’re reasonably well-hidden. Early morning is an active time for wildlife, therefore also for hunters. Although, their activity usually slows down by mid-morning.
When you do move, wear bright colours, preferably an orange vest. This is to avoid being mistaken for wildlife.
Avoid areas frequented by geocachers
Some areas are often frequented by geocachers, who intend to find the coordinates of a spot in their GPS. You might have a virtual treasure under your tent without knowing it! So people will appear looking for it.
If you want to avoid these areas, you can check www.geocaching.com.
Avoid camping in places where there are cattle or on farms
You will know it because, even if you don´t see the animals, there are large amounts of poo all over the place. Just avoid it, it´s just not worth it. The cows will surely spot you quite easily.
Also, where there is poo, there are flies, and sometimes quite annoying ones that can ruin a chance of good night sleep.
Besides, the farmers always wake up very early to start their tasks, and you might just be surprised by a tractor going about spraying anything.
In these cases, do not be afraid of asking the farmer for permission to camp on the night before. There are big chances he will allow you even to use the facilities!
Beware of high and humid grass
These areas might be infested with mosquitoes and lots of bugs, including tics. Check out your vaccination calendar for tics. In some countries, it was part of the “obligatory” vaccination group, but not in others. There are countries with a high risk of tics. There is a good practice of always check yourself for ticks before you go to bed.
And don´t worry if you see one, most of the times it has to be there for quite a while (over 24h) to be able to have any effect on you. If you spot it, remove it carefully with a set of tweezers. Try not to break the head when you do it!
Beware of areas where there are landmines
This looks quite old, but they’re still lots of areas around the world where antipersonnel landmines are buried in the field. Usually, in many areas, there is a sign or plaque cautioning people about it, but to be on the safer side it is good to check for countries and areas where there are still there. You can check http://www.the-monitor.org/en-gb/our-research/interactive-maps.aspx
Check for animal traps
Be aware there might be animal traps in the spot you would like to set camp, so inspect it closely.
If there is snow, pay attention to the overhead trees
Snow weighs down tree branches, causing them to drop. If a tree’s branch shows signs of disease, decay, scars, or has hanging limbs, avoid sleeping underneath. Assess a tree’s overall health. Does it look healthy? Is it a dead tree? If a tree doesn’t look healthy, avoid setting up your camp in its fall zone.
If you are in winter, assess the snow conditions of your campsite
Look to nearby snowbanks and ensure you are not camping in an area with avalanche risk. If there are water sources near your camp, know their location, and ensure there is no risk of accidentally walking on snow bridges or ice in the direct vicinity of your camp.
Keep your waterproof gear ready at all times
One of the biggest keys to success in staying dry, especially in the wintertime, is to be proactive with your waterproof layers. It is much easier to avoid getting wet than recovering from it. When it is actively snowing or raining, have your waterproofs on until it stops.
A dry body is a warm body! Always keep waterproof gear handy, hoods up, zippers up, and clothing tucked in! There might be situations when you will have to get out of the tent.
Dry damp clothes in your sleeping bag
Did you know you can dry damp clothes with your body heat?
Simply place your damp socks or sweaty t-shirt in your sleeping bag overnight and they will be dry the next morning.
This doesn´t necessarily apply to soaking wet clothes unless you can produce the heat of a flaming volcano. My wife swears I´m close to that point.
Use your water bottle as a hot water bottle to stay warm at night
Try to stay warm at night, especially when cold weather. You can use your water bottle as a hot water bottle and take it into the sleeping bag with you!
Get over the fear of the dark
There are lots of people who are scared of the dark, the unknown, werewolves, bats, spirits (not the ones you drink though), serial killers, etc. And sometimes the forest is not the quietest place in the world, but sometimes focusing on the fact that you are surrounded by lots of different beings helps.
Sometimes what scares us is the fact of being there under the immensity, the unknown, the night and everything that lives in it… Sometimes it helps me to restrict myself to the confinements of my tent and make it a bubble.
Practice makes perfection
The important part of all this is to have fun. Definitely, the more you stealth camp, the more your mind and body will get accustomed to the sensations and the less scared you will become. After all, that´s how we build up experience.
Wait until is getting dark to get to your spot to set camp. Don´t set it straightway.
But not dark enough that you don´t see where are you going through. The darker it gets, the fewer chances to be spotted getting in and followed you have, but remember that it´s also important to recognise the terrain and surroundings of the place you are camping in, especially if nearby an inhabited area.
If you get there early, you can get dinner somewhere else, recognise the area, etc, and wait for the dusk to set up where you are going to camp.
Don´t camp in the same place for long (or twice)
Try to leave in the sunrise. Normally there would be fewer people who could wander around and spot you, and also they are more understanding if you camp from sundown to sunrise and move on.
People might start to get uncomfortable or suspicious if you camp for over a night in a place they can see you.
Be aware of the cameras
Sometimes there might be some security cameras, especially nearby buildings, gas stations, private property… or even in some national parks. Also, some countries like the idea of surveillance, making it a bit far.
Try to be aware of those and don´t camp where you can be spotted, as you can find yourself in trouble!
Attach the bike to the tent poles
Sometimes there is not much space where to lock the bike. In that case, I always try to lock it and attach the bike frame or wheel to one of the tent poles using the flies.
I do not do this always, but in that way, I can see if anyone is messing with the bikes from inside my tent.
If they spot you, talk to them and be nice
This goes with tip number 2. Be proactive and talk to your neighbours if they have spotted you, so they can be at ease. The chances are that if they see how nice you are, they will almost always try to help you. Sometimes even offer you breakfast in your tent. Camp only in places that the people wouldn´t mind you even if they spot you.
Always have any form of Identification with you
There is nothing more stressful for the authorities than not being able to know who you are. In case you get a visit from the police, they might ask you for some kind of ID. Chances are that, if you are nice and you don´t offer difficulties, they will just go about their business.
Put your mind at ease
Most of the times, people and authorities tolerate stealth camping unless there is a sign or a national park strictly forbidding it. Remember why are you there. You are just wild camping in an area without fences trying to get some rest after a hard day cycling. You can put your mind at ease. The goal here is to have fun and camping in nature.
Be bothered
Have a “Can do” attitude. This will make a difference in the whole experience. Sometimes, when we get cold, or tired after cycling for the whole day, we tend to get lazy. If you’re getting cold or tired, you might find yourself saying that you “I can’t be bothered” to put on that extra later. You’re hungry, but you “can’t be bothered” to take your hands out of your pockets to have a snack. As soon as you feel like you can’t be bothered, you have to be bothered. “I can´t be bothered to seal the food”, or “I can´t be bothered to put the pegs of the tent properly”.
Reciting a “Be Bothered” mantra throughout the day and night will alleviate unnecessary shivers. Simple choices make a big difference. If a layer has gotten wet, be bothered to take it off and put on something dry. Or be bothered to change your clothes into a dry and warm one after a day´s ride.
Enjoy it
There are more chances you will repeat the experience if you enjoy it. Most of these tips come from experience and common sense. The possibilities of camping in the middle of nature and the sense of self-sufficiency are great.
What´s next?
Did you like this tips? Do you have any other or any relevant experience you would like to tell us about regarding Stealth or Wild camping?
check out our tips on beginners mistakes when touring on your first month.
