9 Tips for Wild Camping

Posted by M Jay on February 3rd, 2021

There comes a time in every cyclist's life that either evolves towards what some call credit card cycling, spending the night in hostels and hotels, or tends towards the opposite, self-sufficiency cycling that includes one of the great beauties of this sport: camping outdoors.

Camping outdoors, either with a tent (if you are looking for a tent, look at this post ) or what is known as a bivouac, that is, sleeping in the open air, is one of the best experiences that accompany any multi-day bike trip, especially If you are camping it is in the middle of nature.

Those who have already tried it will agree with me on this, and once you try it, you will do everything possible to avoid campsites, hostels.

The problem is that wild camping is not always legal. In fact, in Spain, it is practically illegal throughout the territory except in controlled camping areas.

Because of this, every time we go wild camping, we throw a ball on the wheel of luck, and we may get a fine. All I can do is give you a series of tips so that fate works in your favor and you free from being fined.

9 Tips for Wild Camping

1. If you are going to put up a store, make sure it is only ONE and small. A better green or brown tent will blend in better with the surroundings and attract less attention.

2. Try to camp in the last sunny hours of the day and vacate at dawn.

3. If you are going to camp inside a town or city, it is advisable to ask the police for permission and explain to them that you will only spend the night, if you don't, you may be scared in the middle of the night.

4. If the police wake you up in the middle of the night, explain to them that you are traveling with your bicycle and that you will leave at dawn the next day. The usual thing is that they are understanding and even offer you a better place to stay.

5. In small towns, especially in the mountains, it is an excellent option to ask neighbors for a place to camp to sleep. Many times they will offer you a garden or orchard, or even hopefully their own house.

6. Be respectful of the environment and leave the place as you found it or if you can even better. We cyclists have a reputation for not leaving a trace where we pass; let us all maintain that reputation.

7. Be very careful if you are cooking with gas, especially in times of fire risk. The wisest thing to do is avoid it.

8. Do not camp near rivers or ravines in times of rain. As well as not in the middle of a road or vehicle passage areas. Never camp on the banks of a river or stream; what is now dry can turn into a torrent in a few minutes, depending on the area.

9. If you are going to camp near a mountain road, try to do it from the road "up" and always at a distance greater than 50m. Drivers usually tend to look further down. Likewise, if you camp near a curve, try to do so on the inside side to avoid the vehicles' lights.

Checkout OutdoorTag for camping guides to take your camping adventure to next level.