If you love riding a motorcycle and you love camping, have you ever thought about combining the two? That’s right—motorcycle camping is a popular way to see the outdoors and sleep under the stars while hitting the road on your bike.
Curious about motorcycle camping and where to start? This guide will help you understand the basics of motorcycle camping–from choosing the right camping site to packing your gear the right way, to taking care of all of the little details.
Choosing a Motorcycle Camping Site
Choosing a campsite is something to do long before you leave. Those who are new to motorcycle camping should choose a spot that’s relatively close to civilization or at least one which offers amenities like toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. Motorcycle camping in the backcountry can be tons of fun, but it makes it harder to get help when you need it, and basic amenities can make all the difference for your enjoyment of the trip when you’re just starting out.
When you arrive at your campsite, look for a flat place to pitch your tent that has natural windbreaks such as trees and that isn’t located at the bottom of a hill. This will help protect you and your bike from wind and water. Also, make sure to arrive early enough that you won’t have to struggle to find your campsite in the dark.
Recommended Gear
What should you pack on your first motorcycle camping trip? Everyone’s kit will be slightly different, but the general rule is to pack light. You don’t want to overload your bike’s capacity, and you’ll probably be able to buy some things you need while you’re on the road. Here’s a list of basic camping essentials to bring:
- Tent: You’ll want a tent that’s relatively lightweight and packs small for easy transportation on your bike. A tent is one thing you definitely shouldn’t skimp on, so look for a model that has a rain fly and can accommodate two or three people. Even if you’re camping alone, the extra space can be really helpful for sorting out your gear–especially if it rains.
- Sleeping Bag/Sleeping Pad: Consider the temperature range of where you’ll be camping and then select a sleeping bag rated for those temperatures to ensure that you’ll be comfortable. A sleeping pad can help give you a much better night’s sleep, and lightweight foam and inflatable models pack down surprisingly small.
- Clothing: Pack light layers that can be added on if the temperature drops, and don’t forget an extra pair of shoes so you have something to wear other than your riding boots. Although ideally, you’ll have everything in rain-proof containers, clothing is the #1 thing to make sure you keep dry, so consider an extra rain-proof bag to hold your clothes.
- Food and Cooking Gear: If you’re okay with eating out during your trip, you can save some space by leaving cookware at home. But for those who will need to cook on-site, bring a camping stove and a water-boiling system such as a JetBoil, plus non-perishable food.
- Water: Make sure to have a plan for how you’ll stay hydrated. Most popular campsites will have clean water available from a spigot, in which case a water bottle will suffice. If you’re in the backcountry, bring water purification tablets or a portable purification system like the Lifestraw.
- Charger: If you’re navigating via a mobile phone or other GPS systems, you’ll need to ensure you have somewhere to charge it. Solar chargers are one option, but the most reliable choice is to have a charger port added to your bike. If you’ve got a little bit of technical know-how and some basic tools, it’s definitely doable.
- Miscellaneous Camping Gear: Other essentials in your kit should include a multi-tool, bug spray, sunscreen, a roadside repair kit, first-aid kit, lighter, camp chair, toilet paper, LED headlamp and Bungee cords.
Packing Your Saddlebags
Of course, you still have to haul all of that gear to the campsite, so it’s important to have a plan of attack for packing your saddlebags. While everyone will do it a little differently, the key is to get your saddlebags’ weight distribution relatively even so as not to unbalance the bike.
You may be able to slim down what goes into the saddlebags by getting creative. For example, you might carry a Camelbak or similar water storage device on your back, or you might turn the saddlebags/panniers themselves into camp chairs if they’re sturdy enough. Motorcycle camping is all about figuring out how to do more with less, making it rewarding for the clever and resourceful.
Other Important Tips
Some other tips that will help keep your motorcycle camping trip safe and enjoyable include:
- If you’re going with a group, a motorcycle communication system is a great idea to help everyone keep in touch and communicate throughout the ride.
- Your bike should be in tip-top shape before going camping as you want to reduce the possibility of a breakdown as much as possible when you’re out in the wild. Taking a good test ride the week before you leave can help you spot potential issues as can taking it into your mechanic.
- Check your exhausts to make sure they’re clear of any gear that you’ve attached to the bike. This is especially important if you don’t normally ride with saddlebags.
- Let friends and family know where you’re headed on your camping trip and make a plan with them for what to do if they’re concerned about you.
- It might seem obvious, but: Check the weather. It’s a simple oversight that anyone can make, and your camping trip won’t be nearly as much fun in the rain.
Motorcycle camping is tons of fun when done right, so make sure to slow down and double-check your preparations to ensure that everything’s in order. Then, it’s time to take it on the road and start making memories!
About the Author
Andrew Moore is the marketing coordinator for Cardo Systems, the world’s market leader in Bluetooth, DMC, and entertainment systems for motorcycle riders. Formally, Andrew was a professional Motorcross racer and has spent the past 12 years travelling on his bike. On weekends, you can find him mountain biking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter with his two sons.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media