What is Backcountry Camping?

There's nothing quite like backcountry camping. It's where you go to find peace, live out of your backpack, cut out the noise of the technological world, and connect with nature in a way many can't comprehend. There are various types of camping, but backcountry camping is certainly my favorite.

If you are ready to rough it up, use a tree instead of an ablution block, wash in a river, use the fire's smoke smell to dampen your own, and hike to and from your car to get to the campsite, then backcountry camping may be what you're looking for. To understand more about this form of adventure, what to expect, need, and where to go, keep reading.

Defining Backcountry Camping

If you've been frontcountry camping many times and are looking for more of a challenge, backcountry camping is your next big step. Like frontcamping, Backcountry camping typically has a designated camping site; however, that's where the similarities end, offering no other amenity.

A backcountry campground is typically in a relatively hard-to-reach area that requires a bit of backpacking to get into because cars can't drive there. It's designed to be camped in, but there won't be a camp host, running water, power, designated campfire areas, bathrooms, or cooking supplies. You might be lucky and find a bear box to store your food in. Due to the effort required to reach these areas, it's vital that you pack enough warm clothes, plenty of water or a water filter, food, and all the gear you'll need for a safe, dry camp.

Pros and Cons of Backcountry Camping

Pros

If peace is what you're after, backcountry camping will give it to you in abundance. Because this form of camping requires experience and much more effort, fewer people will be booking up the spots. In fact, you won't have to deal with bookings at all as no reservations are needed. You can come and go and wake up or sleep as you please without distracting noise or radios from other campers.

If you do happen to camp alongside other campers, they'll most likely be there for the same reasons as you. For peace, appreciation of nature, and a good adventure - making them the best neighbors to have because they'll be mindful of you and the environment around them. With that being said, it's your responsibility to be mindful of other campers and the environment too. Make sure not to make a lot of noise, and always try to minimize your impact on the area.

Without a car and only a backpack, you'll have the freedom to explore and hike for as long as you like. No matter the length of your journey, you can find a place to set up camp along the way. Backcountry camping sites can be located in national parks or forests. You may not always know what to expect once you get there, but one thing that is for sure is that it's going to have a beautiful view.

Buying all the gear needed may be quite pricey, but exploring and camping won't be. You won't be using much fuel or spending money on campsite fees or cabins.

Cons

The downside to such an adventure is that you need to have the experience for it. You'll also be far away from transport or hospitals if anything were to go wrong for you healthwise. Danger is always close by with the challenges of backcountry camping because you'll be facing wild animals, poisonous creatures, unpredictable weather, and rocky or bumpy terrain.

You'll need to have all of the necessary backcountry camping gear and basics with you at all times because you'll be far away from supermarkets, your car, or friends to drop off the things you've forgotten. A few basics you must have with you are water, food, a tent, cooking supplies, and clothes. The type of terrain and climate you're camping in will determine the rest of the gear you need. Make sure you know first aid, how to start a fire, avoiding wild animals, and what to do in worst-case scenarios.

To be honest, one point that many people don't realize before going on their first challenging camping trip is the loneliness they may face. I've found myself feeling so alone in the wilderness, even though I was with a group of friends. The isolation, self-reliance, and change of reality can play on your mind and be a struggle.

What You'll Need

Before starting out on your backcountry camping trip, you need to research the area, know the rules and regulations around the site, plan properly and be prepared. You may need a permit to camp in your desired location, so find out beforehand and get one if it's required.

Shelter

Camping requires a tent or some form of shelter from the elements and animals. Depending on the type of shelter you have, you need to make sure the area accommodates it. If you have a tent, you'll need an area with flat ground. If you are hammock camping, you'll need strong, thick trees to attach to. Make sure there are trees or shrubs near your camp to block out wind and provide a bit of privacy.

Food and Water

You won't get far without food and water. Make sure to bring enough water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. If you know that there is a river or stream nearby, take a water purifying device, such as a LifeStraw or some iodine tablets to cut back on weight and save space.

You'll need to bring the food you're going to cook too. It's important that you don't pack in food that'll go bad quickly. Potatoes, cereal, rice, tinned tuna, crackers, and powdered milk are a few long-lasting foods that are easy to pack and carry with you.

Some areas don't allow campfires, so make sure that you know what the rules are before planning all your meals around a fire. Sometimes the conditions aren't right for a campfire either, so plan for wind or rain too. Many campsites have fire rings, but always be prepared for ones that don't. Once you're done with your fire, make sure that it's completely dead and leave as little trace of it as possible.

Essentials

A few other items that'll help you have a pleasant trip and increase your levels of survival are:

• First aid kit
• Sunblock
• A map of the area
• Toilet paper
• Pocket knife
• The correct clothing and sleeping gear
• Cooking utensils
• A flashlight
• A raincoat (if expecting rain)
• Hiking boots
• A portable stove
• Matches or a lighter

Once you're at the site, make sure to set up camp on durable, flat ground that isn't too close to a river or in a channel. Always prepare for rain, regardless of what the weather looks like.

Where to Go

When you're looking to break away from the stresses of life and experience the joys of nature, paying for your campsite takes from that. There may be times when paying a campsite fee is necessary but finding campsites that are completely free with no hidden fees is that much more rewarding and easy on your wallet. It also allows you to stay longer and explore more.

Here are some incredible spots in the US that you can explore and camp at:

• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: You'll have a lot to see on this gorgeous trail. Look out for the waterfalls, lake, and forest as you make your way to Andrews Creek campsite.
• Half Dome and Little Yosemite Valley, California: This popular destination sees many hikers, and it's for a good reason. The campsite on the way to Half Dome has bear boxes and campfire rings. You can also leave your tent up while you hike.
• Zion National Park, Utah: If you're planning on camping here, you'll need a permit, but it's all worth it to see the famous Kolob Arch, which is one of the largest natural arches in the world.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado: Take an adventure through some of the tallest dunes in America but be sure to start the hike early in the morning to avoid the summer's heat.
• Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska: This spot is one for the experienced, and precautions should be taken. You'll be blown away by the magnificent beauty of the blue water, wildlife, and rocky shoreline.

Final Thoughts

So, if you want to go on a camping adventure that is a lot more challenging than the standard frontcountry camping that most people are used to, consider doing a backcountry camp. You'll get to test your survival skills and appreciate nature in its purest form.

For some spectacular views and raw backcountry camping, make sure to visit the spots mentioned above. If you're fairly new to this activity, check out our complete guide to planning your first backpacking adventure here.