Bandit Camping 101
Bandit camping. Stealth camping. Ninja camping.
There are myriad ways to describe what we’re talking about and it all boils down to spending a night outside NOT in a designated campground or sleeping somewhere you’re not suppose to. If you’re a seasoned bikepacker/cyclotourist you have undoubtedly found yourself in a situation where you have reached the end of the day and found yourself without legitimate accommodations.
For many, this can be a very stress inducing time. For others, this situation is a nothingburger because they’ve planned for the eventuality. Have no fear, fellow adventurers, this stress can be avoided with a little knowledge and some creative thinking. The photos attached below are all examples of places I’ve bandit camped in the past.
First of all - and this is really just a very strongly held opinion based on years of sleeping outside, if you’re traveling-by-bike you are almost always granted a free pass from anyone that sees you, so long as you’ve made an effort to be out of the way. Locals aren’t looking for banditcampers and generally speaking most folks aren’t interested in confronting you - especially if there is no serious reason for them to do so. If you’ve made the effort to stay out of their way - they will likely stay out of yours.
Try To Be Invisible
The best option is always to try and setup somewhere where nobody will be see you. The number one rule of #banditcamping is don’t give anyone a reason to question what you’re doing. Keep your headlamp use to a minimum and consider getting a lamp with a red light option as they are not as bright to passersby.
Also, midweek is often better for banditcamping than weekends - for obvious reasons.
Don’t Wait Too Late To Pick A Spot
If you know you’re likely to end up banditcamping the night, don’t wait too late into the day to pick an ideal spot. The last thing you want is to be setting up in the dark as it makes it much harder to find a good spot and to assess whether you’re hidden from sight. Earlier in the day, consult your maps/routes and start scheming where you think you can post up for the night.
Setup Your Shelter AFTER Sundown
Seems obvious but it might be the most important rule. Most locals will be tucked away in their homes after dinnertime. Sure, the odd runner, dog walker, or evening cyclist might be cruising by, but by and large, most folks will be home for the night. On a trip in Idaho a few years ago I arrived so late to my destination that the only place open was a gas station - with a deep fryer. With chicken fingers and fries consumed I I walked around the small town - that had no streetlights - looking for a place to stealth camp for the night. I settled on sleeping beside a library that had an overhang so no need for a tent if it rained. I slept on the ‘highway’ side which was opposite the neighbourhood and passing cars headlights did not illuminate my home for the night. A good nights sleep was had and I was up and packed by the time the first local stumbled upon me eating my breakfast. He was walking his dog and was not at all upset to know I had posted up there overnight.
If you are in a spot with a particularly high “heat score” rating and you are expecting people to be around early in the morning, prepare yourself to get up early, pack up your gear, and head down the road aways before having your breakfast in a more suitable location.
No Fires, Usually
Your goal is to not be disturbed overnight and to not disturb others - even after you’ve moved on the next day. This rule does not necessarily apply everywhere. If you’re in the middle of nowhere and have axes/saws to harvest firewood, well sure, but be aware if there are open fire restrictions in effect and choose a suitable area on dirt/rocks to build a rock fire ring.
To Put a Fire Out (AB Parks)
Thoroughly soak the entire fire pit with water.
Scrape all charred ground at the pit's edge toward the center, cutting out any charred root ends.
Heap the mixture of ashes and soil into the centre of the pit and soak with water.
To determine if the fire is completely extinguished, carefully place your fingers into the coals
If you’re not in the middle of nowhere, open fires are definitely not recommended. Cook your supper on your stove and enjoy a quiet evening.
Never Sleep On Private Land
Unless you’ve received permission from the land owner. The potential for a dangerous encounter with a yard dog - which are never small and cute - or an irritated farmer is significant.
Avoid National And Provincial Parks
Park Rangers and Conservation Officers are trained to look for bandits like you. They know all the best spots better than you too. On top of that, fines, especially for national parks can be scary high. Best to avoid parks, especially on weekends.
Leave No Trace
Pack out what you pack in. Rule #1 for bikepacking in general, right?
Nature As your Bathroom?
Stealth camping adds some complexity to bathroom breaks. If you’re a morning pooper, you’ll need to factor that into your bandit spot. Is there a place to poop? Did your bring supplies? Do you know how to poop in the woods?
Food Safety In Wild Places
If you’re freecamping in areas where large carnivores like bears live, be sure to practice safe food storage by bringing gear to set up a “food hang” away from your campsite. Place anything that has an odour in that overnight: Food, powders, toiletries, dishes, etc.
Public Lands Are Best
Crown land, provincial parks, and municipal lands are always the best choice. As mentioned earlier, when you’re traveling-by-bike and just passing through, most people will pay you no mind, especially if you don’t give them reasons. I’ve slept beside libraries and train stations, beside random municipal infrastructure buildings (seen below), in city parks, ball diamonds, and along bike paths in communities with no issues using these simple strategies.
Banditcamping Is A Skill
Being comfortable ninja camping can open up more areas for you to explore by bike. It can allow you to ride further on a given day. Being a confident stealth camper helps reduce any worry you may have about a route you’re riding, especially new-to-you routes. That confidence can feed your adventurous spirit and inspire you to more challenging routes.
Happy #banditcamping!
