Your first steps into the wild, simplified and unforgettable.
Have you ever wanted to escape the noise, breathe in fresh pine-scented air, and sleep under a sky full of stars? If so, backcountry camping might be calling your name.
But where do you start?
Backcountry camping can sound intimidating. There’s no car nearby. No running water. No cell signal. But that’s exactly what makes it so special.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down. Easy steps. Real advice. No fluff. Just the essentials to get you safely and confidently into the backcountry.
What is Backcountry Camping?
Let’s clear this up right away.
Backcountry camping means camping in remote, undeveloped areas—usually far from roads and other people. You hike in. You carry everything. You camp in wild places.
There are no picnic tables, no fire rings, and no bathrooms. It’s just you, your gear, and the great outdoors.
That’s the magic.
Why Try It?
People turn to backcountry camping for all kinds of reasons:
- To disconnect from screens and stress.
- To find peace, quiet, and solitude.
- To test themselves in nature.
- To explore areas few others ever see.
There’s something deeply rewarding about carrying your world on your back and finding your own place to sleep in the wilderness.
But Is It Safe?
Yes, it can be very safe—if you’re prepared.
We’ll show you how to plan, what to pack, and how to make smart decisions. Backcountry camping isn’t about danger. It’s about self-reliance, awareness, and respect for the wild.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
For your first trip, don’t overdo it. Start small. Think of this as your training hike into the wild.
Great beginner options:
- National parks with backcountry sites (many have marked trails and ranger support).
- Local or state parks with designated wilderness areas.
- Short loop trails where you’re never too far from a trailhead.
Look for:
- Easy to moderate terrain.
- Reliable water sources.
- Trail maps with mile markers.
Tip: Call the park office and ask, “I’m a beginner. What backcountry routes do you recommend?” They’ll be glad to help.
Step 2: Know the Rules
Backcountry camping often requires a permit. These are used to control how many people are in the area and help protect the land.
You might also need to:
- Camp in designated zones.
- Use bear canisters.
- Follow fire restrictions.
Always Leave No Trace. This means:
- Pack out everything.
- Camp on durable surfaces.
- Respect wildlife and other visitors.
Step 3: Gear Up (But Keep It Light)
This is where things can get overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ll simplify it.
Here’s your basic gear list for your first overnight:
Shelter & Sleep:
- Lightweight tent or tarp
- Sleeping bag (rated for the temps you’ll face)
- Sleeping pad (insulation + comfort)
Clothing (no cotton!):
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Warm layer (fleece or down jacket)
- Rain gear (jacket + pants)
- Hat and gloves (yes—even in summer)
- Wool or synthetic socks (2 pairs)
Cooking & Water:
- Small backpacking stove + fuel
- Pot or mug + spork
- Lightweight food (dehydrated meals, trail mix, energy bars)
- Water filter or purifier
- 2 liters of water (minimum)
Safety:
- Map + compass (and know how to use them)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Multi-tool or knife
Extras:
- Backpack (fit is crucial—try before you buy!)
- Trekking poles (optional, but great for stability)
- Ziplock bags for trash
- Toiletries (toothbrush, TP, trowel)
Try to keep your full pack weight under 25–30 pounds.
Step 4: Learn Basic Skills Before You Go
You don’t need to be a wilderness expert—but you do need to learn a few things ahead of time.
Top skills for beginners:
- How to read a map and follow a trail.
- How to filter water from a stream or lake.
- How to stay warm and dry, even when it rains.
- How to set up your shelter before dark.
- How to keep food safe from animals (hint: never store it in your tent!).
Practice these in your backyard or a local park. Set up your tent. Cook a meal on your stove. Test your water filter. You’ll feel so much more confident.
Step 5: Plan Your Food and Water
You’ll need more calories than you think, but nothing fancy. Keep it simple and pack things that:
- Are high in energy (fat + carbs)
- Don’t need refrigeration
- Are easy to cook or eat cold
Sample Day Plan:
- Breakfast: Oatmeal + dried fruit + instant coffee
- Lunch: Tortilla + peanut butter + trail mix
- Dinner: Dehydrated meal or ramen + hot cocoa
- Snacks: Granola bars, jerky, nuts
Water is even more important. Never assume it’s safe to drink from a stream or lake—always filter or purify.
Step 6: Start Early and Keep it Simple
For your first trip, choose a trail that’s 3–6 miles to your campsite. Arrive early. Hike at a comfortable pace.
On the trail:
- Take breaks. Eat snacks. Drink water.
- Enjoy the silence.
- Use a map to track your location.
- Watch for trail markers.
Once you reach camp, find a good spot:
- Flat ground, away from cliffs or dead trees
- 200 feet from water sources
- Sheltered from wind
Then, set up your tent first. It’s easier while there’s daylight.
Step 7: Night in the Wild
This is what it’s all about.
As the sun sets, everything slows down. The forest gets quiet. The stars come out. You hear things—a breeze, a distant owl, a rustle in the brush.
You’ll feel it.
The peace. The freedom. The simplicity.
If you feel nervous, that’s okay. Everyone does. But remember—you’re prepared. You’re not alone. You’re doing something that connects us to our ancestors, to the earth, to ourselves.
Bonus Tips From the Trail
Let’s run through a few real-world pointers that beginners often overlook:
- Pack your backpack right—heavy items in the middle, close to your back.
- Check the weather before you go and be ready to adjust.
- Bring a small notebook—jot down what worked, what didn’t.
- Avoid cotton—it soaks up sweat and keeps you cold.
- Don’t overpack—you don’t need that extra pair of jeans.
- Tell someone your plan—where you’re going, when you’ll return.
- Be flexible—nature doesn’t always follow the plan. That’s part of the fun.
What Comes Next?
After your first backcountry trip, you’ll probably feel two things:
- A huge sense of accomplishment.
- A hunger to do it again.
Maybe you’ll hike a little farther next time. Maybe you’ll explore a new mountain or learn how to navigate with just a compass.
Backcountry camping opens doors. It teaches you to slow down. To pay attention. To trust yourself.
It might change how you see the world—and yourself.
Go Wild, Stay Smart, and Enjoy the Journey
The first step is the hardest. But once you take it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Backcountry camping doesn’t require fancy gear or years of experience. It starts with a little curiosity, a good backpack, and the courage to step into the unknown.
So lace up your boots. Load your pack. And take that trail into the wild.
We’ll see you out there.