4 Tips for Motorcycle Camping – Updated for 2023
Updated for 2023
The freedom of the open road connects you with nature and inspires you to explore more of the land around you. You can spend more time on the road and in the great outdoors when you take a motorcycle camping getaway. In fact, camping has been a part of motorcycle culture since Harley-Davidson created a brochure for riders traveling across the country in 1915. Before you hit the road, check out Cycle Trader’s four tips for motorcycle camping.
1. Choose Your Tent
When packing your camping gear, you have to remember that everything will need to fit on your back or on your bike. Hiking equipment is a good option since it is lightweight and designed to be carried on your person. You might even have room for a slightly larger two- or three-man tent. That way you’ll have plenty of space to keep yourself, your riding gear, and all of your other belongings dry and safe at night. You certainly don’t want to wake up and find that a wild animal has made its home in your helmet because you left it outside.
2. Pack the Essentials
In addition to a dry, sturdy tent, there are a few other essential items to add to your packing list when you go camping with your motorcycle.
- A quality sleeping bag that can keep you warm when it’s cold, or you could simply sleep on top of it if the weather is too hot.
- Similarly to your sleeping bag, a comfortable mattress and pillow can provide a good night’s rest so you aren’t too groggy and sore when it’s time to ride home the next day.
- Keep your items out of the elements with a waterproof bag. Whether you’re camping by the water or you get stuck in a storm, you’ll want to keep your belongings clean and dry.
- Clean drinking water is a must for camping. The last thing you want is to be dehydrated and miles away from any clean water. You also shouldn’t count on being able to boil water.
- Keep your cookware simple with cutlery, a heat-proof cup, tin mug, and plastic plate to eat almost any meal with.
- You should also pack a small sponge, small bottle of environmentally friendly dishwashing liquid, and a microfiber towel for your cleaning tools.
For more items to add to your packing list, read our previous article about motorcycle camping 101.
3. Load Your Bike Strategically
One of the most important things to remember when loading your motorcycle for a camping trip is to keep it balanced. Place the heaviest items as low and close to your bike as possible so you aren’t top-heavy when you’re riding. Whether you have a larger bike or a sleek sportbike, you’ll want to keep your motorcycle’s center of gravity low when you’re navigating paved and unpaved roads.
4. Set Up Your Campsite
When you arrive at your campsite, utilize the amount of daylight you have to get your tent set up. You certainly don’t want to be fumbling around at night. Find a flat area of ground to pitch your tent.
If there’s any rain in the forecast, you might want to place something large and sturdy underneath your bike’s kickstand. This will keep it from sinking into the wet ground. You should also angle your bike away from your tent in case strong winds knock your motorcycle over.
Motorcycle camping requires a bit more planning than traveling by car, so it’s important to be prepared. With these tips, you’ll be ready for a camping getaway anywhere. And, if you’re looking for a bike to take on a camping trip, browse the nationwide inventory of new and used motorcycles on CycleTrader.com.
Arielle Patterson
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