While fifth wheels, conversion vans and caravans are laden with plenty of luxuries, primitive camping feels reborn to some. Escape from the hustle and bustle of life and disconnect from technology is something we all need to do from time to time.
However, if you are feeling frustrated by crowded and noisy campsites, consider primitive camping. But what is primitive camping and how do you make it legal?
Today we’re sharing everything you need to know about this essential camping style so you can stay on the right side of the law and have a great time.
What is primitive camping?
Primitive or backcountry camping is where you rely on your survival skills and spend time in remote stretches of wilderness. They usually wander to a certain area and find a place to set up a campsite.
With this style of camping, you have no established campsites or reservations. However, some areas may require you to purchase or purchase a permit to camp.
Since you’ll likely have to wander inside, you only have access to items you can carry. That means transporting your shelter, food, water, and other supplies to where you deploy.
If you’re okay with saying goodbye to electrical outlets, running water, and toilet facilities, primitive camping can be a rewarding experience.
What is the difference between camping and primitive camping?
Camping usually takes place at an established campsite. This means you will likely have access to electricity, water and toilets.
Even if a campground describes a campground as “primitive,” it usually means they have no access to water or electricity on the site. However, there are often water and toilet facilities accessible to campers.
The primitive camping to which we refer takes place in the wilderness. You could camp several kilometers from the nearest toilet or shower house. Therefore, you must carry any equipment or supplies you may need. Those who enjoy primitive camping should improve their survival skills to have smooth primitive camping experience.
Is primitive camping legal?
Primitive camping is legal in many places, but not everywhere. You need to know exactly where and when you can legally camp.
Many national parks allow it and refer to primitive camping as “backcountry camping” or “dispersed camping”. However, you can limit this type of camping to certain areas of the park.
In addition, many national forests and recreation areas allow for scattered camping anywhere within the borders. You must follow certain restrictions regarding the creation of campgrounds based on roads and water sources, but in general this is a legal style of camping.
Make sure you get the necessary permits and check with local authorities for any specific area legislation. And remember to leave no trace and pack what you bring with you.
Advantages of Primitive Camping
There are a few advantages of primitive camping that make it very appealing to some. Let’s look at a few reasons why you should consider this style of camping.
No need for reservations
Tired of fighting for a reservation at your favorite campsite? And it seems that booking campsites is not getting any cheaper.
Luckily, primitive camping doesn’t require reservations, giving you more freedom in choosing your campsite. You can enjoy some pretty epic views and locations.
While most places don’t require reservations, you may need to purchase a permit. Permit costs and availability vary by location. It is best to check with the individual park’s policy regarding primitive camping permits or backcountry camping permits.
Enjoy peace and quiet
Staying at a crowded campground means listening to your neighbor’s favorite 70’s rock playlist until the quiet hours begin. This can get incredibly frustrating, especially when you want to enjoy the sounds of nature while camping.
Luckily, primitive camping lets you delve deep into the wilderness, away from electricity and loud speakers. You can hear the birds singing during the day and the crickets chirping at night. The silence in some of these areas can be almost deafening to ears used to constant noise.
Explore remote areas
Some of the most fun areas to explore are remote areas that are difficult to reach. Access to these places is only part of the challenge.
Exploring the wilderness without hordes of others adds to the experience. You don’t have to worry about influencers ruining your experience by constantly taking selfies for their Instagram or trying to capture the experience hoping to go viral.
Exploring these remote areas can be incredibly rewarding and addictive. You may enjoy the whole experience so much that you swear off camping at established campgrounds. You can try to improve your survival skills to stay in the wilderness as long as possible.
Cons of Primitive Camping
While primitive camping has its advantages, there are also some disadvantages that you need to consider. Putting yourself in a situation without considering the downsides can be extremely dangerous.
Requires autonomy
Primitive camping requires participants to have a certain level of basic survival skills. You need to know how to make a fire, purify water, and protect yourself from potential predators.
And you must have basic first aid skills to keep you and anyone else camping with you safe.
Primitive camping isn’t nearly as easy as regular camping. When something goes wrong, it can quickly become bad. You must be able to provide for your basic needs. If not, you could be in for a disastrous camping experience.
Keep in mind: Before you go camping, prepare yourself with a Campfire Starter Kit that actually works!
Less luxurious
If you are looking for a glamping experience, primitive camping is not for you. The only items you have are the items you are carrying. Even if you have a sleeping pad, it’s not nearly as comfortable as a thick foam mattress.
What you lose in terms of luxury, you gain elsewhere. However, some people value their luxury so much that the lack of some amenities ruins the experience. If you spend all your time complaining or miss toilets or running water, this might not be for you.
Increased danger
Primitive camping takes place in remote sections of national parks and other public areas. This can drastically increase campers’ experience of danger during their trips. When something goes wrong, it can take hours for help to arrive.
Cell phone coverage can be severely limited and your ability to communicate with rangers can mean the difference between life and death in a serious situation.
You never know what can happen in a primitive camping experience. Something as simple as an ankle rolling or a fall can be bad.
In addition, in some areas there are dangerous animals. You must be careful not to be bitten or attacked by any of these animals.
Keep in mind: You never know when you may encounter an animal while camping. So, are bear-proof tents an option to protect yourself?
How to find primitive campsites
The best way to find primitive campsites is to use a resource like Campendium or iOverlander. These resources allow you to apply filters and narrow the results based on your specific needs.
Since these websites and apps have huge databases, you can find some of the best primitive campgrounds in the country.
Another way to find primitive campsites is to contact the local agency that manages the public land. Whether national park, forest or recreation area, an agency looks after you.
They want you to camp just as legally and safely as you do. Contact the relevant authority for the area you plan to go to and ask where they recommend camping.
Get close to nature at Primitive Camping
Primitive camping offers you the opportunity to connect with nature in ways that other types of camping cannot. You will experience the sounds of nature and its natural beauty like never before.
If you are tired of overcrowded campsites or want to change things up, try primitive camping. It might surprise you how much you enjoy it! What are you waiting for?