No Place for My Tent

I really loathe places like GSMNP or the Tetons that have designated campsites – but understand why they do it, with the amount of hikers on the trails everyone making their own sites wherever they wanted would be a nightmare for the ecosystem.

If I’m in a situation where I can’t find a site someone has probably used in the past in a Wilderness area or off trail somewhere, I have no hesitation to clear off (remove any surface rocks, tree branches, pinecones, etc)  a small footprint for my tent, trying to keep my impact as minimal as possible.  In my opinion, if I’m in an area where I can’t find any previously used campsite or anywhere cleared that looks like it could have been used as a campsite, there isn’t enough human traffic for it to make a difference.  If it’s an area that sees much use, there are already established sites as people all tend to gravitate to the same sorts of things – flat ground, reasonably close to water, sheltered from bad weather – or have a great view, etc.  that sort of funnel people to the same areas.

I’m not saying don’t try to minimize your impact – by all means do, but by clearing pokies, sticks, etc from a small 2′ x 7′ area for your sleeping pad in an area where you can’t find any signs of previous camping, you’re not significantly impacting the area – no more so than an elk, deer, bear, etc bedding down.

Plus in the morning you can always replace those sticks, rocks and so on.

I usually pick up most of my trash. It’s not LNT, but I can’t get every cigarette butt. I got permission on the internet, so it’s okay.

I considered a bottomless tent with a lightweight cot for this area. Maybe like one of the older Zpacks models that had only mesh on the bottom.

You don’t need a shovel. Just push aside the sticks and pine cones with your feet. Then when it’s time to leave, push them back. I’ve never had trouble finding a site eventually. Sometimes you have to go another 4 miles or so but there will always be something eventually. You increase your chances by filling up your water bottles in advance and thus are not dependent on camping by water, but usually on various trails, there will be a campsite near the water already.

I’d consider a cot with a tarp. Then you can camp anywhere. Personally I don’t want to always camp in the same area.  I have a thermarest cot that I really hate. I don’t know if the Helinox cot is worth the cost or not. It may be in your case.

I usually pick up most of my trash. It’s not LNT, but I can’t get every cigarette butt. I got permission on the internet, so it’s okay.

I found some of your long underwear and a big steel can at my last campsite in the Zirkels. They are in the mail.  ;-)

Thank you. That’s why I always put my name and address on them. It also helps when I get lost.