Camping while touring

[canamjhb]

More than 25 years ago I set out to do a little annual camping motorcycle trip. This became a ritual for me for many years. I packed a tent, sleeping bag, blow up mattress, etc. and set out for my solo 10 day journey. I toured the entire west coast and enjoyed it a lot. After doing this for 5 or 6 years, and NEVER pitching the tent or using the sleeping bag, I gave the tent away to a couple of little girls playing in the Motel parking lot at South Tahoe NV. I use to camp a lot when I was younger and liked it a lot. But, as I got older, I got over it. Motels are not that much more expensive and an individual hot shower and comfortable bed are worthwhile.....


BTW I still have the unused sleeping bag








R

 

[Crisis]

More than 25 years ago I set out to do a little annual camping motorcycle trip. This became a ritual for me for many years. I packed a tent, sleeping bag, blow up mattress, etc. and set out for my solo 10 day journey. I toured the entire west coast and enjoyed it a lot. After doing this for 5 or 6 years, and NEVER pitching the tent or using the sleeping bag, I gave the tent away to a couple of little girls playing in the Motel parking lot at South Tahoe NV. I use to camp a lot when I was younger and liked it a lot. But, as I got older, I got over it. Motels are not that much more expensive and an individual hot shower and comfortable bed are worthwhile.....


BTW I still have the unused sleeping bag








R

I went to the REI warehouse sale last year in Feb. and stole (got a great deal) on a tent, sleeping bag, air mattress etc. (2 man tent). I went to Americade last year and it rained for 2 days. Then there were the showers, that refused to accept my quarters...... get undressed get dressed, try another shower etc. etc. etc. finally the forth shower worked, cold water. I came home and put everything I bought on eBay and made money. Motels and hotels for me. I used to love camping........ Why is it always sunny in camping pictures?:banghead:

 

[Fatcycledaddy]

We will then look at the route we are taking, stop at about 2pm we stop for lunch, look at what campground are close by the route we are taking, looking them up on the phone, computer, or GPS, and then book the site for that night.

Joe,

Kind of surprised that no one mentioned typing in state parks/campgrounds into your GPS. Will locate what is available in the area, select it as your new destination and viola you're there. State and national campgrounds are usually the cheapest and KOA is usually your most expensive and most times the noisiest because everyone and their spawn stay there. JMO FWIW

Al

As mentioned above, you can use your GPS. However be aware that most of the road information is what is updated on your GPS with each update, not always places of business. I have had my GPS route me to campgrounds, gas stations, and other things that are not longer there. It sucks when you are dead tired, then rode out of your way for a place to stay only to find it closed. That is why we use the phone or computer also. We verify that the place is still in business, then call for reservation before we route ourselves to the campground.pps:

For the people who have had bad experiences camping and gave up because of it, just a quick question. Have you ever ridden in the rain, strong winds, or excessive heat and been miserable while doing it? Do you still ride or did you give up and sell the bike after the first rainstorm you rode in? :hun:

When camping we have many people stop and talk to us about our Spyder, the camper, and just set and chat. We have met some great people and became good friends with them, that seldom if ever happens when staying in a hotel.

All you are correct, camping is not for everyone, but my wife and I sure enjoy it.:thumbup::yes::yes:

 

[easysuper]

We pull our camp trailer with the intent on using it most of the time as it gives us the freedom of stopping and camping where you could never find a hotel anywhere close.
If the weather gets real bad we book a room and hunker down. It seems to me that the trips we remember most are the ones that we spent camping , we have had some great times with total strangers we have met at campgrounds and made some lifelong friends. We stop and set up camp and 9 out of ten times someone stops by to check out our setup.

 

[UtahPete]

Why camp while touring?

I've enjoyed reading the comments on this thread, even though some, while amusing, are a little off topic. The fellow who started the thread was asking for advice on finding camping spots while touring. It's a good question, one Jane and I will have to deal with when we start camp-touring beyond the western third of the country.

Out west, we are blessed with so many public lands, some developed as Parks and others left in their 'natural' state. We have national forests, BLM, monuments plus all the regional and state parks scattered throughout the West. It's rarely an issue finding a place to throw down a sleeping bag for the night. Plus, except for certain times of the year, or in really wet regions like Seattle, mostly there isn't much reason to fear a drenching rain ruining the experience.

But, outside the west, we are expecting un-developed camping spots to be pretty nonexistent and developed ones (public) to be sparse. Plus, torrential rains, bugs, humidity and the occasional tornado make us a little apprehensive about the prospect of camp-touring by motorcycle for a month or more at a time. So, we're thinking we may just have to bite the bullet and do motels instead. We're not softies; we enjoy the challenge and exhilaration of adventure. But we want to be realistic about it.

I'd love to get some thoughts on that from those east of the Mississippi who do extensive camp-touring. Thanks.

 

[Bob Denman]

Sorry, can't let this go. I think you mean 'voila', not 'viola'..

You misunderstood his intent: he was serenading us... with a fiddle!! :roflblack:

 

[asp125]

Problem with the Spyder, even though it can haul lots of gear, is you can't really get away down rutted dirt/gravel roads to the really good isolated campsites (Well, at least not easily). Camping at a KOA in a tent next to ma and pa Kettle in their Winnebago and their six screaming kids is not my idea of a relaxing time.

My idea of camping is building your own fire, digging your own pit toilet, and bearproofing your food. Unfortunately the better half's idea includes hot and cold running water and down pillows.

 

[UtahPete]

Problem with the Spyder, even though it can haul lots of gear, is you can't really get away down rutted dirt/gravel roads to the really good isolated campsites (Well, at least not easily).

Very good point!

 

[Fatcycledaddy]

I've enjoyed reading the comments on this thread, even though some, while amusing, are a little off topic. The fellow who started the thread was asking for advice on finding camping spots while touring. It's a good question, one Jane and I will have to deal with when we start camp-touring beyond the western third of the country.

Out west, we are blessed with so many public lands, some developed as Parks and others left in their 'natural' state. We have national forests, BLM, monuments plus all the regional and state parks scattered throughout the West. It's rarely an issue finding a place to throw down a sleeping bag for the night. Plus, except for certain times of the year, or in really wet regions like Seattle, mostly there isn't much reason to fear a drenching rain ruining the experience.

But, outside the west, we are expecting un-developed camping spots to be pretty nonexistent and developed ones (public) to be sparse. Plus, torrential rains, bugs, humidity and the occasional tornado make us a little apprehensive about the prospect of camp-touring by motorcycle for a month or more at a time. So, we're thinking we may just have to bite the bullet and do motels instead. We're not softies; we enjoy the challenge and exhilaration of adventure. But we want to be realistic about it.

I'd love to get some thoughts on that from those east of the Mississippi who do extensive camp-touring. Thanks.

We have toured and camped up the east coast from Savanna GA to Wilmington NJ. Then down from the top from Nova Scotia back through Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, over to New York, down through Ohio, and back into Michigan.
Yes there are many many more developed campsites east, if that is what you are looking for, yet there are also a lot of state forest, state campgrounds, and national forest that are less developed if that is what you are looking for.
The developed campgrounds usually have some sort of bug control so they are not bad. The only place bugs were too much for us was waiting on the ferry to get to the barrier islands in North Carolina, and the salt water gnats were small enough to come through the screens and eat us alive.


We have now started treating the tent camper with Permethrin before we go each year. Permethrin is an insecticide that bonds to the fabric, killing insects that land on it, including ticks and mosquitos.
It works GREAT. Below is some info on it.

Permethrin is an insecticide in the pyrethroid family. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals that act like natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower. Permethrin is used in a number of ways to control insects. Products containing permethrin may be used in public health mosquito control programs. They may be used on food and feed crops, on ornamental lawns, on livestock and pets, in structures and buildings, and on clothing. Permethrin may also be used in places where food is handled, such as restaurants. Permethrin was first registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) in 1979, and was re-registered in 2006.

 

[UtahPete]

The developed campgrounds usually have some sort of bug control so they are not bad. We have now started treating the tent camper with Permethrin before we go each year. Permethrin is an insecticide that bonds to the fabric, killing insects that land on it, including ticks and mosquitos.
It works GREAT. Below is some info on it.

Permethrin is an insecticide in the pyrethroid family. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals that act like natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower. Permethrin is used in a number of ways to control insects. Products containing permethrin may be used in public health mosquito control programs. They may be used on food and feed crops, on ornamental lawns, on livestock and pets, in structures and buildings, and on clothing. Permethrin may also be used in places where food is handled, such as restaurants. Permethrin was first registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) in 1979, and was re-registered in 2006.

Great info. Thanks!
Do you have a favorite resource for finding campsites while you're on the road (i.e. wherever night-time finds you)?

 

[Fatcycledaddy]

Great info. Thanks!
Do you have a favorite resource for finding campsites while you're on the road (i.e. wherever night-time finds you)?

Post #3 and #23.

Spent 2 weeks last year in Utah and loved every minute of it. You have some great places to see and ride!

 

[UtahPete]

Serendipitous touring

Several ways to find campsites, one way is to go to a KOA and get their book, or log into KOA.com and looking at their nation wide map. We like KOA campgrounds because they are motorcycle friendly.

... if you are like we are where we have a set destination in mind, but it may vary a little on when we arrive. This way leaves us more at liberty to stop and see things, drive a road some local told us about, or not pay for something we can't use due to inclimate weather. We will ... stop at about 2pm ... for lunch, look at what campground are close by the route we are taking, looking them up on the phone, computer, or GPS, and then book the site for that night. We love being free to stop when we want and wherever we want without having to push through rain, wind, tiredness, or golden opportunities just to have to make it to the next location.

That's pretty much our style of touring also. Just wasn't sure how feasible it would be in the eastern states. Thanks.

 

[UtahPete]

We verify that the place is still in business, then call for reservation before we route ourselves to the campground.pps:

For the people who have had bad experiences camping and gave up because of it, just a quick question. Have you ever ridden in the rain, strong winds, or excessive heat and been miserable while doing it? Do you still ride or did you give up and sell the bike after the first rainstorm you rode in? :hun:
All you are correct, camping is not for everyone, but my wife and I sure enjoy it.:thumbup::yes::yes:

Yup, camp-touring is an adventure and a challenge. Not for everyone.

 

[Air Force PAO]

Camping...

Wow. Great ideas.

1. If I were you, I would get together with "Navydad" in Chillicothe, Ohio. He just gave me a lot of great ideas.
2. I saw you were in Vietnam. If you still carry a "military ID", look for military family campgrounds at bases. For safety and security, they can't be beat -- just enjoy the bugle calls.
3. I made a 5,000-mile, 30-day, motorcycle camping trip in 2011 pulling an Aluma trailer. I carried all my camping equipment -- Coleman campstove, air mattress, pillow, sheets, light blanket, clothes, medicine, maps, tent, etc.
4. When I do it again, I am going to include a cot to sleep on because getting down to the ground and back up won't happen anymore.
5. I was told by a campground manager outside of Cody, WY that "No state parks in Wyoming have showers." (I hope they have now.)

P.S.

Camp uphill so rain runs away from your tent. Lock up your cooler so "kids" won't search for beer. :clap:

John

 

[UtahPete]

Military campgrounds and state parks in the west.

2. I saw you were in Vietnam. If you still carry a "military ID", look for military family campgrounds at bases. For safety and security, they can't be beat -- just enjoy the bugle calls.

5. I was told by a campground manager outside of Cody, WY that "No state parks in Wyoming have showers." (I hope they have now.)

John, I was 10 years Navy, including a tour in-country (brown water navy), but I never retired or got disability. So, I don't qualify for the military facilities facilities unfortunately.

I can't speak to the state park facilities in Wyoming, but those in Utah and Nevada I know have showers.

 

[Fatcycledaddy]

John, I was 10 years Navy, including a tour in-country (brown water navy), but I never retired or got disability. So, I don't qualify for the military facilities facilities unfortunately.

I can't speak to the state park facilities in Wyoming, but those in Utah and Nevada I know have showers.

All of the state park and state forest campgrounds I have stayed at out east or west have had showers, with the exception of the "very rustic" sites. Those sites are usually clearly marked and also noted on the website.

We like the KOA campgrounds because of the guide you can get showing all campground, they usually treat us great, and they can provide a ton of local information on fun roads in the area that they have gleaned from other bikers staying there. I love getting the locals input on out of the way places and fun routes to ride.

I did hear that KOA has changed this year. We have always stayed at a tent site with our little camper, it is cheaper, the sites are more isolated, and you are then driving your hod down stakes into soft ground. I was told by our local KOA that this year KOA is starting a policy that "If it has a license plate it has to go i an RV spot". I hope this is not true, I don't need a 30 amp service, water, or sewage, so I don't want to pay that price.

I will know when we make our first reservation on our trip this year.

 

[IGETAROUND]

spelling and grammer

Sorry, can't let this go. I think you mean 'voila', not 'viola'.

Could you possibly not use all 'bold' font in your posts? I'd much appreciate it. Thanks.

Yes utahPete spelling and grammar do count; spell checker got me again. And yes I meant 'voila'.

As to the bold, I use it because I find its much easier for my old eyes to read; so sorry, it's going to continue. However I'll try a softer blue rather than black to ease your misery.pps::yes::yes:

 

[UtahPete]

One trick I use if there are no camping areas around or they are all full and it is getting late is to find a country cemetery and spend the night at the rear of the cemetery. I'm always respectful and stay in the wooded area away from folks final resting spots. For some reason it is usually very quiet and no visitors at night.

I have asked farmers if I could pitch a tent in a corner of a field and have had luck with that, sometimes that comes with an invite for a nice home cooked supper or breakfast. There really are still plenty of good folks out there. I have slept in some really strange places over the last 40 years including on a picnic table, under a picnic table (raining), on a church bus parked beside a church, and probably the best spot was in an old caboose at a small train museum in Alabama. I had taken the train ride and when we got back it was storming big time and also getting late. The manager offered me the caboose and I took him up on it.

Be creative, don't be afraid to ask someone about camping, and most of all have fun. As I said, there are still good people in this country and they enjoy talking and sharing their area's history with a old nut who is traveling on a motorcycle. Folks ask me how I can afford to take off on my bike and be gone for 6 weeks or more at a time, now you know my secret. Look at what hikers and bicycle riders use for camping. I have a nice dry tent, air mattress, and warm sleeping bag and they ALL will fit in one saddlebag on my RT.

Some great ideas and comments. Thanks.