“Sleep under a blanket of stars, and your heart will forever be kept warm by your love of life.” 
― Anthony T. Hincks

Sep 18, 2021 | by Jessy Desjardins
Weather you're thru-hiking, hitchhiking, or road tripping. They are times when you might need to stealth camp.
You might be stealth camping for avoiding the crowds of campgrounds, to save money, or simply because you didn't make as far as originally planned. Here's a quick guide for stealth camping.  

How to Not Be Caught

  • Camp late (sunset), unmake camp early (sunrise).
  • Make sure your campsite can't be seen from roads or nearby trails.
  • Don't camp on private properties.
  • Don't jump fences or camp pass "Private Property", "Keep Out", "No Trespassing" Signs.
  • Be quiet
  • Don't use your lights they can be seen from afar (except red lights).
  • Have a ninja colour tent or shelter​.

How to Minimize Trace
Not to be caught is only half the work. The other half is making sure no one knows you have camped there in the first place.
  • Don't litter! 
  • Dug a hole for your bathroom calls.
  • Don't camp in high grass (they flatten).
  • No campfire
  • Don't pullout plants
  • Move a minimal of dead branches and rock for your spot.
  • Make sure you don't forget anything.

What if I get caught?
Even if you are extra careful, being caught is part of the risk.
  • Be humble
  • Explain your situation and offer to move right away
  • Accept any consequence or fine that may apply (after all you are doing something you are not suppose to).