Motorcycle Camping Tips and Motorcycle Campgrounds

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  Posted by RoadCaptain March 5, 2009 - Filed in General - 137,739 views
  

  Motorcycle Camping Tips

   

  Motorcycle camping is one of the greatest ways to get out and enjoy this beautiful country of ours. Riding in the wind on the open road, cooking over an open fire and then bedding down under the stars right next to your bike. What a way to travel! But it can also quickly become a nightmare if you didn't plan properly. We've put together a few tips and resources to help you make sure your dream doesn't become a nightmare.

   

  Planning Your Motorcycle Camping Trip

  There are some key things to consider when planning a motorcycle camping trip vs a motorcycle road trip with hotel stays.

  On a motorcycle camping trip we strongly recommend planning in advance the specific campground you will be stopping at each night and whenever possible make reservations in advance. Unlike when staying in a motel where you simply head for a town and pull in to the first motel, not all campgrounds are conducive to motorcycle camping and many will not even permit motorcycle camping (especially if your bike is any louder then a soft purr).

  Plan on stopping much earlier each night, preferably before dinner time...Most campgrounds start to fill up right around dinner time during camping season, plus you don't want to be trying to set-up camp after dark especially if the only light you have is your bike headlight and the smallest lantern you could find to save room. Also unlike stopping at the motel where you throw your bags in the room and head to the restaurant next door, when camping, you normally need to start a fire or setup your small camp stove before you can sit down to dinner. 

   

   

  Packing for Your Trip

  Like every motorcycle road trip, it is important to pack as efficiently as possible to ensure you have everything you need in as little space as possible.  However there are a couple things you will want to do a little different when packing for a motorcycle camping trip.

  Pack the clothes you need upon arrival at the top with each easy access (i.e. shorts, comfortable shoes) so you can get to them before your tent is even up. 

  The same hold true when loading the bike.  Pack your tent so you can get it off the bike without removing all of your gear.  This way you can set up your tent and then unload the rest of your gear directly into the tent.

  Also remember to have light on hand as you may need it if you're setting up camp at or near dark. 

  Depending on how primitive or comfortable you decide to camp will determine the camping gear you bring, however there are a few items you should always have with you on any camping trip, extra rope, duct tape, lighters, quality knife, extra light, batteries and a first aid kit. Did we tell you to bring light?  

  Selecting a Campground

  Of course, the ideal campground is a motorcycle only campground or a campground that prides itself in being motorcycle friendly. These are still a rarity but as the sport of motorcycle touring becomes more and more popular, so do specialty businesses like motorcycle only campgrounds.

  Some of the best deals on the road are state run campgrounds. Normally they cost around $5 to $10 per night and most of them allow motorcycles (as long as you follow the rules). Many state parks have camping facilities, bathrooms and showers.

  Commercial places like Kampgrounds of America (KOA) are great too. They cost a bit more than a state campground, but they offer more amenities (like laundry facilities and pools) and they're typically kept clean. You're most likely to see them advertised on billboards when traveling on interstate highways. 

  Much of motorcycle camping involves prior planning, or the purposeful lack of it. If you know where you're heading and when you'll be there, you can reserve something in advance at one of the bigger state parks or a KOA. Or you can just head for a campground that you know will suit your needs. Be sure to arrive before dinnertime when most places start to fill up. The other alternative is to find a suitable site of any kind before the sun goes down.

   

  Motorcycle Camping Equipment

  Typically the best equipment for motorcycle camping is the type of camping equipment used for back-packing and climbing since this is normally very lightweight and packs very small and can be found at camping and outdoor adventure stores.

   

   

   

  Motorcycle Friendly Campgrounds & Lodging

   

  Alabama

  Little River Adventure Company - Fort Payne

  Alaska

  Thompson's Eagle Claw Motorcycle Park - Tok, AK

  Arkansas

  Lazy Acres RV Park & Campground - Rudy, AR

  Shadow Mountain RV Park & Campground  -Mena, AR

  Wolfpen ATV Campground & Cabins - Mena, AR

  California

  Big Sur Campgrounds & Cabins - Big Sur, CA

  Florida

  Cacklebery's Campground - New Smyrna Beach, FL

  Crazyhorse Campground - Daytona Beach, FL

  Moonshine Campground - Ormond Beach, FL

  Nova Camp - Port Orange, FL

  Georgia

  Copperhead Lodge - Blairsville, GA

  Jenny's Creek Campground - Cleveland, GA

  Two Wheels Only Campground - Suches, GA

  Louisiana

   

  Maine

  Bentley's Saloon & Campground  - Arundel, ME

  Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort - The Forks, ME

  Michigan

  Cycle-Moore Motorcycle Campground - Interlochen, MI

  North Carolina

  Deal's Gap Resort - NC/TN border

  High Country Motorycle Camp - Ferguson, NC

  Iron Horse Motorcycle Camp & Cabins - Stecoah, NC

  Kickstand Lodge Motorcycle Resort - Stecoah, NC

  Rider's Roost - Ferguson, NC

  Two Rivers Lodge & Cabins - Brysin City, NC

  Oklahoma

  Washita Hideaway - Davis, OK

  Oregon

  Log House Campground - Enterprise, OR

  Pennsylvania

  Steel Steeds Biker Campground - Lewisburg, PA

  South Dakota

  Buffalo Chip Campground - Sturgis, SD

  Creekside Campground - Sturgis, SD

  Glencoe Campground - Sturgis, SD

  Hog Heaven Campground - Sturgis, SD

  Katmandu Campground - Sturgis, SD

  Tennessee

  Bobarosa Saloon Campgound - Newport, TN

  Cherohala Motorcycle Resort - Tellico Plains, TN

  Hunt's Lodge  - Tellico Plains, TN

  Trials Training Ctr M/C Resort - Sequatchie, TN

  Punkin Center Motorcycle Resort - Maryville, TN

  Texas

  Neal's Lodges - Concan, TX

  Tailgate Ranch - Walnut Springs, TX

  Virgina

  Willville Motorcycle Campground - Meadows of Dan, VA

  Wisconson

  Edge of Dells Resort - Wisconsin Dells, WI

   

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