CampingATV.net
Useful Information about ATV Camping
Hunting Season
Aug 31st
With hunting season starting for most states September 1, 2010, hunters are getting prepared for for their scheduled hunt. All hunters should check the state regulations for hunting season date exceptions. Each state has different standards and paperwork requirements for getting a hunting license. These includes the areas, time periods, harvesting techniques, distinctions between species, and a hunting safety course.
If hunting on private land this hunting season, always ask in advance. Hunting licenses do not allow the hunter permission to trespass on private land. Hunting big game typically requires a tag for each specie of animal hunted. Big game is typically defined as dear, elk, moose, bear, bison, mountain goat, and caribou. Tags are purchased in addition to the required state hunting license.
Due to the number of hunters typically out numbering the allocated number of game available, tags are usually issued by a lottery. Having your hunting license and tag for big game does not guarantee a kill. Hunting is a skill for the true sportsman and responsible hunters do not take unfair advantage of game animals, this is called “Fair Chase”.
Fair chase, as defined by the Boone and Crockett Club, is the ethical, sportsmanlike, and lawful pursuit and taking of any free-ranging wild, native North American big game animal in a manner that does not give the hunter an improper advantage over such animals.
Not sure what the dates are for the hunting season in your area, Click Here for a listing by state. Make sure your hunting gear is in good shape and plan your trip. The true hunter loves nature and just being outdoors enjoying the earth is all part of the hunting experience.
ATV Trails Camping
Aug 30th
ATV Trails Camping – So you have purchased a utility 4×4 ATV, some ATV accessories and some camping gear, now where can you find some trails and go ATV camping? Well more and more ATV trails and camping areas are getting difficult to find and sometimes you may find a place to ride but camping is not allowed or vise verse.
Anti-motorist groups are convincing local governments to shut down more and more public lands to to motorized use. They are obsessed with this belief and wont stop. I was wondering how does one keep up-to-date on public land access.
I thought it would be nice to have a list of ATV camping areas organized by state, so I started doing some research and making some inquires on some forums and was able to put together a pretty good list of ATV camping areas by state. I am continually updating the list adding new areas and deleting areas that no longer allow ATV camping.
I am constantly getting emails from around the country informing me of new changes and new areas not yet listed. If you are aware of a great spot for ATV camping that is not on the list or have new information about existing areas on the list please contact me and I will update the list.
Off-Road Motorcycle Camping
Aug 27th
Motorcycle camping is a lot like ATV camping but you have a little less space for carrying camping gear. The advantage of motorcycle camping is that you can get to even more remote camping spots using single track trails with a dual-sport motorcycle. Off-road dual-sport motorcycle camping is the type of motorcycle camping I enjoy most.
Off-road motorcycle camping is essentially a split between backpacking and ATV Camping. You can carry a little more gear than backpacking but not as much as ATV camping. Therefore, packing lightweight camping gear and the bare necessities is key to enjoying a motorcycle camping adventure.
It is important not to overload a motorcycle when packing your camping gear. With a dual-sport motorcycle your options for packing are limited to:
- Set of saddle bags
- Tank bag
- Small fender bag
- Tail bag
- Small backpack
There are specialty bags for dual-sport motorcycles available also. Pack only what you need for your trip. After packing your gear always test drive the bike to get accustomed to the difference in handling the extra weight has caused. Reposition or repack some of the gear if necessary. Try to keep the center of gravity as low as possible.
Off-road motorcycle camping has become very popular in the last couple of years. Mainly due to the improved designs of the dual-sport motorcycles available now. Better suspensions, bigger more refined engines are the biggest improvements. Plus there are many accessories available to equip your bike for camping.
As stated earlier a dual-sport motorcycle can get to some remote campsites via the many single track trails available. Single track trails are off-limits to 4-wheel vehicles including ATVs. So if you prefer two wheels over four and primitive camping give off-road motorcycle camping a try, you will be glad you did.
Survival Kits
Aug 25th
As a continuation of our ATV Camping Survival series we will discuss being prepared for a mishap or the unfortunate event of getting lost in the back country. Because ATV camping allows us to get to some very remote campsites, the potential of getting lost or having a breakdown are increased.
If someone does gets lost while on an ATV camping adventure a personal survival kit and an ATV survival kit would be essential in helping the individual survive and find their way back to safety or be found by others. A personal survival kit need not be big and bulky, it just needs to have some basic survival items like the following:
- Compass
- Signal Whistle
- Aluminum Foil
- Magnifying Lens
- Multi-Tool w/Knife Blade
- Waterproof Matches and/or Lighter
- Magnesium Stick
- Fire Starter
- Water Purification Tablets
- Small First Aid Kit
- Drinking Container
- Map of the area
- Nylon Cord
- Emergency Blanket or Poncho
- Trail Mix or Granola Bars
All of this should be kept in a waterproof container (which can double as the drinking container) or bag. When put together this basic kit is very small and compact. Once put together this kit should only be opened when absolutely needed, put it in your rack bag and leave it alone till needed. This ensures everything stays together.
The ATV survival kit is the set of basic ATV tools and any serious ATVer who has broken down in the middle of nowhere knows the value of this kit. The following is a list of recommended items for your ATV survival kit:
- ATV Insurance
- Adjustable Wrench
- Open/Box Wrenches (specific to ATV)
- Combination Screwdriver
- Hex Key Wrench Set (specific to ATV)
- Spare Spark Plug(s)
- Spark Plug Wrench
- Pliers or Small Vise Grips
- Multi-Tool w/Knife Blade
- Tire Repair Plug Kit
- Air Compressor or CO2 Cartridges
- Electrical Tape
- Safety Wire & Pliers
- Nylon Zip Ties
- Nuts, Bolts, Washers Assortment
- Hose Clamps (1 small & 1 large)
- Spare fuses (specific to ATV)
- Tow Strap
- Jumper Cables
- Rain Gear
- Rack Bags or ATV Luggage
- Winch w/Accessories (Highly Recommended)
- Extra Fuel
- Water
Properly assembled your personal survival kit and ATV survival kit should all store easily in your ATV bags. These survival kits will help you maximize your chances in the event of a mishap or getting lost in the back country. Stay tuned for more posts on ATV Camping Survival.
ATV Camping Survival
Aug 23rd
ATV Camping Survival does not need to be rocket science but like everything else not being prepared can ruin a great adventure. Unfortunately life is full of surprises, some good and some not so good. So the more prepared we are for life’s little mishaps the better. ATV camping is no different and proper preparation is essential to a carefree adventure.
If you want to ATV Camp in the wilderness and want to maximize your chances of making the best of a bad situation, you need to have a properly equipped 4×4 utility ATV and the right survival gear. We will cover some basic camping survival items in future posts that could be very helpful if a mishap occurs while on a camping adventure.
Basic camping survival starts way before you even leave on your adventure, always plan your trips in advance and make sure everyone in your group is familiar with the area or has a good map of the area and aware of the campsite location. Everyone should have a basic understanding of how to use a map and a compass.
Before starting your adventure always make sure someone you trust is aware of where you are planning to camp and how long you will be gone. Make sure they are aware of what agencies to contact (and when) to initiate a search-and-rescue operation. Valuable time can be saved if the right agency is contacted immediately.
To help in preparation for a camping adventure in the wilderness is a good understanding of the “Rules of Three” for survival. Ignore them at your peril.
- 3 Minutes – The human body can not survive much more than three minutes without air.
- 3 Hours – The human body can not survive much more than three hours from a loss of body heat.
- 3 Days – The human body can not survive much more than three days without water.
- 3 Weeks – The human body can not survive much more than three weeks without food.
Have a checklist of necessary items for your journey and have enough food for three meals a day plus snacks. Food should be kept in seal tight containers (preferred) or zip-lock bags, if the animals can’t smell it then they are less likely to come looking for it.
Have enough water for 4 quarts per person per day. Pack extra clothing for the worst possible conditions the camping area is known for. If camping for several days make sure provisions have been made for extra fuel for the ATVs. Check the other fluids and make sure they are at the proper levels.
Stay tuned to our next post for more on ATV Camping Survival.
Ammo Reloaders
Aug 20th
Ammo Reloaders are individuals that for one reason or another reload their own ammunition for their firearms. Care and attention to detail is required for reloading ammo. Reloading can be very rewarding and safe if you are patient and study the reloading guides and books.
Reloading Press
So why do people become ammo reloaders?
- Saves Money – Reloading can save about 1/3 the cost of purchasing factory loaded ammunition.
- A Enjoyable Hobby – It’s fun and enables you to shoot more.
- The Ability to Fine Tune Ammo – Create custom ammo for each of your firearms to improve accuracy or for a special application.
There are many other reasons but these are the most common. It started out that only hunters were ammo reloaders but attendance at shooting ranges has increased significantly over the last couple of years, so target shooters and individual gun owners have now gotten into reloading for the same reasons stated earlier.
Some believe it is very expensive to start reloading and yes the equipment can get expensive. But if you start out with the bare necessities, your initial investment will pay for itself in no time and as you get more proficient you can start to add some specialty tools and equipment specific to your needs.
There are two basic types of ammo reloading:
- Metallic Cartridge Reloading – Rifles and pistols
- Non-Metallic Cartridge Reloading – Shotgun
The metallic cartridge reloading process starts with an empty brass case and involves removing the spent primer (depriming), installing a new primer (repriming), adding some powder and then setting the bullet all using specialized reloading equipment.
To get started in reloading at a minimum investment, the recommended items required are:
- A Reloading Guide (Preferably two) – Required reading before attempting any reloading.
- A Single Stage Press – Preforms a specific action with each pull of the handle.
- A Set of Dies (Specific to your ammo) – Dies preform the actual work in the press on the cartridge case.
- A Shell Plate or Shell Holder – Holds the cartridge in place on the press.
- A Powder Measure – Measures and dispenses the required charge of powder.
- Powder, Primers, Cases and Bullets – Specific to your ammo
There are some basic reloading kits available that contains some of these items and more except for the dies, always buy your specific dies separately. You will also need a small dedicated space for your reloading supplies and press. Keeping this area clean and organized will help in maintaining consistent, safe loads.
If ammo reloading is something you want to pursue, it’s important you become a Student-of-the-Trade. That is, read and study every piece of reloading information specific to your firearms as possible. The satisfaction of improving the accuracy of your shooting with your own custom loads that you developed is beyond words. So join the many ammo reloaders already reaping the benefits of reduced shooting costs, a great hobby and custom loads.
12V Portable Air Compressors
Aug 18th
A 12V portable air compressor is a must-have accessory for almost any vehicle, but is especially useful for off-road vehicles and ATV campers. Flat tires are just part of the territory when riding in the back country. Getting stuck in the back country with a flat or under inflated tire can really ruin a good ride.
12V Portable air compressors have a number of uses, not the least of which is an emergency air supply for tires with slow leaks or for re-inflating flat tires that have been patched on the trail. For campers, having an air compressor to inflate air mattresses can be very useful. For fisherman, having an air compressor for float tubes and inflatable boats means getting out on the water quicker.
There are different sizes of compressors available, so you will want to get one that will handle the tasks you need it for. I actually have two, a small one that I carry on my ATV and a larger one I carry in my truck. When deciding on the right air compressor there is a term you need to understand and that is Duty Cycle.
Duty cycle refers to the amount of time a compressor can be operated in a given time period, at 100 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch), at a standard ambient temperature of 72° F. Duty cycle is commonly expressed in percentage format as:
Compressor On Time ÷ (On Time + Off Time) = Duty Cycle %
For example, a compressor that is rated for 25% duty cycle means that the unit can be operated for:
10 minutes on and 30 minutes off =
10 min. ÷ (10 min. + 30 min.) =
10 min./40 min. = 25% duty cycle
The duty cycle of a compressor is assigned at the factory and is the factory recommended operating parameter for the unit. Continuous operation above the recommended duty cycle will shorten the life of the unit. Trying to inflate large truck tires with a small unit with a 10% duty cycle will either take all day or overheat the compressor.
Air Compressor Duty Cycle Reference Chart
| Duty Cycle: 100PSI @ 72°F | Max. Run Time / Min. Rest Time |
| 10% Duty Cycle | 3 Min. On / 27 Min. Off |
| 15% Duty Cycle | 6 Min. On / 34 Min. Off |
| 20% Duty Cycle | 8 Min. On / 32 Min. Off |
| 25% Duty Cycle | 10 Min. On / 30 Min. Off |
| 30% Duty Cycle | 13 Min. On / 30 Min. Off |
| 33% Duty Cycle | 15 Min. On / 30 Min. Off |
| 100% Duty Cycle | Continuous Duty @ 100PSI @ 72°F |
It is recommended that you always operate 12V portable air compressors within the factory recommended parameters and with a vehicle’s engine running, providing charging voltage to the compressor for best performance.
Check out the line of quality Viair air compressors at CampingATV.com and select the 12V portable air compressor that is right for your application. Don’t get stuck under inflated again.
ATV Regulations
Aug 16th
With so many great areas to go ATV camping, one must make sure they are in compliance with the local ATV laws and regulations. It is the responsibility of each and every owner/operator of an ATV to understand and comply with State Laws and Regulations pertaining to the use and operation of ATVs. Being in compliance helps ensure that we can continue to ride and have fun with our ATVs. Non-compliant operation of an ATV hurts everyone and gives the sport a bad name.
Many states now require that ATVs be registered and helmets to be worn when operating an ATV, some states require ATV insurance. One regulation that is being adopted by more states is any rider under the age of 16 must pass a state approved ATV safety course and carry a card stating their completion.
Each state has created these ATV laws and regulations in order to regulate ATV use and promote safety. Make sure you read and understand these ATV regulations because they differ from state to state. By complying with the requirements helps protect our right to ride. Click Here to find a table of all the states in the union and click on your state to see the current requirements. Operate your ATV in compliance and encourage others to do the same. Properly Equip Your ATV and enjoy the sport and ATV camping for generations to come.
Gun Cleaning
Aug 13th
Gun cleaning is just a necessary task for the gun owner. Owning a gun means protecting your investment. Neglecting your firearms will mean corrosion and fouling. Eventually, the accuracy, reliability, safety and lifespan of the firearm will be affected. Ideally a gun should be cleaned after every use.
Every time a gun is shot deposits from gun powder and metal fouling are left in the throat and barrel of the gun. Repeated use causes these deposits to build up and when stored this build up attracts moisture, which can lead to corrosion in the form of rust. This build up also causes drag when the gun is shot effecting the accuracy.
Purchase a good gun cleaning kit because if you use your firearm a lot you will be using your gun cleaning kit a lot. Make sure your kit is designed for your size(s) of guns. If you have had your gun cleaning kit for some time verify the contents are in good shape and there is plenty of solvent, lubricant and patches.
Before cleaning a gun always verify it is unloaded and there is no round in the chamber. There are many accidents caused by skipping this simple step. Always follow the gun manufacturers recommendations on how to clean, lubricate and inspect the gun. A thorough cleaning requires some dis-assembly of the gun and close attention has to be made in order to re-assemble the gun properly.
Some prefer to take their gun(s) to a gun shop for cleaning. While this is fine for a thorough cleaning and inspection, every gun owner should know how to preform a basic cleaning and lubrication of the barrel and action of the gun. A gun should last for years, protect your investment.
After cleaning store your gun in a gun case or safe. If you live in a humid climate invest in some desiccants. Desiccants remove moisture from the air and trap it, keeping that moisture away from your stored firearms and preventing rust. If a gun has been in proper storage for a long period of time then a basic cleaning, lubrication and inspection is recommended.
Game Cameras
Aug 11th
With hunting season around the corner, understanding the movement and behavior of your game improves your chances as a hunter. This is where game cameras have become very popular especially with property owners. Game cameras provide the necessary information to track specific animals and offer several other advantages.
As a hunter, a game camera can help you can determine what food plots are working for what animals and when is the best time to to hunt and where. As a property owner, a game camera can help you determine what animals and people frequently visit your land.
I am guilty of visiting some private property behind my house on a regular basis. I enjoy cross country running and every morning I jog the private property behind my house and have been doing it for years. One morning while jogging I noticed a salt lick block that I had never seen before. Curious I went over for a closer look and as I am bending down to look at it I looked up and there was a game camera strapped to a tree.
Realizing I had been caught on film and that the owner was preparing for hunting season I avoided that area completely on my next run. The following week there were “No Trespassing” put up on the property. I have since respected the owners wishes.
The point is game cameras can be very useful. When selecting a game camera the are five factors you need to understand:
- Flash Type – Incandescent Flash or Infrared Flash
- Flash Range – The range at which a camera’s flash is able to effectively illuminate an object at night.
- Trigger Time – The time elapsed between when the camera first detects motion and when the camera takes the picture.
- Detection Range – The furthest distance at which a game camera is able to detect motion.
- Setup/Programming – How easy is the camera to setup and program.
The most popular flash type is the invisible infrared flash as it does not spook the animals and uses very little energy thus prolonging battery life. For security reasons infrared flash will not draw the attention of someone who might want to steal the camera.
Do your research before buying a game camera and after you have seen some of the reviews check out the game cameras and hunting gear at CampingATV.com for you next ATV hunting trip.
