Suggestions for Camping in desert type areas

Fayborg · 06-14-2013, 06:40 PM

After trading PM 's with inmate Brajole. It was decided to post a request for suggestions and/or recommendations for tent camping in the desert. I am planning on a trip to Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.

What precautions, tips or suggestions do you inmates have for tent camping and traveling though those areas? I would be staying on mainly paved roads and staying in campgrounds. Basically wondering and taking in the various sites of the southwest. This would be in maybe October, November time frame.

I know it is important to stay hydrated, but what about scorpions, snakes, spiders. Is gas available during the day time or would you carry a gallon? Is water available in most campgrounds along paved roads?

Hopefully this makes some sense. Any thought would be appreciated for this Midwest country boy. Thanks

lightcycle · 06-14-2013, 07:39 PM

We camped in the states that you mentioned last year in late October/November. It does tend to get cold in the desert that time of year, so I'd get a sleeping bag that's good to below freezing. We stayed mainly in US National Parks (a bit pricey), State Parks and some National Forests. For the most part, the campsites in these areas are well groomed and the only dangerous wildlife you'll be seeing are animals scurrying out in front of your motorcycle in the dark.

Amenities in those parks are all over the place. Some have hot running water showers, potable water and flush toilets, electric outlets to plug in your razor, etc. others have the bare necessities - a hole in the ground and a hand sanitizer dispenser. Best to be prepared for the worst case and bring your own TP, a large supply of potable water and lots of bug spray/bug shirt/net. Don't forget your reading light for the tent, helpful to find your way to aforementioned hole in the ground in the middle of the night.

There's gas everywhere in those parks. Even in Death Valley National Park, you'll pay $6.00 a gallon, but there's gas there. I wouldn't worry about that. To save some money, bring your empty water jug to any restaurant (Subway, McDonalds) and they'll fill it with drinking water for you before you hit the campsite. Free!

Flashmo · 06-14-2013, 08:35 PM

Dont set up your tent in a "wash" (a dry creek bed) storms many miles away can cause a flash flood without notice.

Zip the two door zipers on your tent so that they meet somewhere atthe top to keep critters out...and dont ever leave the door unziped.

Check your boots before putting them on.

Okie Preacher · 06-15-2013, 06:37 AM

It takes more water than you will expect. I like these bags...tough and high capacity (I have the 6 Liter bag). And, they pack down well when empty.

http://www.backcountry.com/msr-dromedary-bags

nwpa · 06-15-2013, 06:56 AM

I'm an east coaster, but I learned to roll up my sleeping bag when not in use due to the fine sand filtering through my tent mesh, filling the tent and bag with gritty sand.

hugemoth · 06-15-2013, 09:55 AM

Shake out anything that has been outside before bringing it into your tent to remove spiders, scorpions and other critters. Dor mice and kangaroo rats come out at night and will chew through nylon packs and such while looking for food. Also the ravens in Death Valley have mastered the art of opening zippers on panniers and tank bags to look for food. Rattlers will probably be hibernating at that time but be careful where you step and put your hands just in case.

Fayborg · 06-16-2013, 04:41 PM

Thanks everyone for the info about the parks, wash areas, mice and rats along with the fine sand blowing into the tent. We have chipmunks and racoons that are pretty crafty but the most part don't chew your stuff up.

Okie Preacher thanks for info on the MSR dromedary bags. Are they pretty bomb proof. I am interested in getting a couple sizes. Do they come with a shower type hose/nozzle?

Okie Preacher · 06-16-2013, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fayborg

Thanks everyone for the info about the parks, wash areas, mice and rats along with the fine sand blowing into the tent. We have chipmunks and racoons that are pretty crafty but the most part don't chew your stuff up.

Okie Preacher thanks for info on the MSR dromedary bags. Are they pretty bomb proof. I am interested in getting a couple sizes. Do they come with a shower type hose/nozzle?

There is an optional lid/valve that will serve those purposes.

Fayborg · 06-16-2013, 06:55 PM

Thanks Okie for the info

06-14-2013, 06:40 PM	#1
Fayborg ^OP Adventurer Joined: Oct 2010 Oddometer: 20	Suggestions for Camping in desert type areas After trading PM 's with inmate Brajole. It was decided to post a request for suggestions and/or recommendations for tent camping in the desert. I am planning on a trip to Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. What precautions, tips or suggestions do you inmates have for tent camping and traveling though those areas? I would be staying on mainly paved roads and staying in campgrounds. Basically wondering and taking in the various sites of the southwest. This would be in maybe October, November time frame. I know it is important to stay hydrated, but what about scorpions, snakes, spiders. Is gas available during the day time or would you carry a gallon? Is water available in most campgrounds along paved roads? Hopefully this makes some sense. Any thought would be appreciated for this Midwest country boy. Thanks

06-14-2013, 07:39 PM	#2
lightcycle Nomad Joined: Mar 2006 Location: No Fixed Address (originally Toronto) Oddometer: 332	We camped in the states that you mentioned last year in late October/November. It does tend to get cold in the desert that time of year, so I'd get a sleeping bag that's good to below freezing. We stayed mainly in US National Parks (a bit pricey), State Parks and some National Forests. For the most part, the campsites in these areas are well groomed and the only dangerous wildlife you'll be seeing are animals scurrying out in front of your motorcycle in the dark. Amenities in those parks are all over the place. Some have hot running water showers, potable water and flush toilets, electric outlets to plug in your razor, etc. others have the bare necessities - a hole in the ground and a hand sanitizer dispenser. Best to be prepared for the worst case and bring your own TP, a large supply of potable water and lots of bug spray/bug shirt/net. Don't forget your reading light for the tent, helpful to find your way to aforementioned hole in the ground in the middle of the night. There's gas everywhere in those parks. Even in Death Valley National Park, you'll pay $6.00 a gallon, but there's gas there. I wouldn't worry about that. To save some money, bring your empty water jug to any restaurant (Subway, McDonalds) and they'll fill it with drinking water for you before you hit the campsite. Free! __________________ Gene · www.RideDOT.com · R1200GS Ride Reports: Ride The World! · Indian Himalayas · Iceland · Europe · New Zealand

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06-14-2013, 08:35 PM	#3
Flashmo Whatever... Joined: Dec 2008 Location: Vagabond Hippie Oddometer: 2,503	Dont set up your tent in a "wash" (a dry creek bed) storms many miles away can cause a flash flood without notice. Zip the two door zipers on your tent so that they meet somewhere atthe top to keep critters out...and dont ever leave the door unziped. Check your boots before putting them on.

06-15-2013, 06:37 AM	#4
Okie Preacher Studly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2010 Location: In the middle... Oddometer: 576	It takes more water than you will expect. I like these bags...tough and high capacity (I have the 6 Liter bag). And, they pack down well when empty. http://www.backcountry.com/msr-dromedary-bags

06-15-2013, 06:56 AM	#5
nwpa Generally amused Joined: Feb 2013 Location: Along the Great Lakes Oddometer: 246	I'm an east coaster, but I learned to roll up my sleeping bag when not in use due to the fine sand filtering through my tent mesh, filling the tent and bag with gritty sand.

06-15-2013, 09:55 AM	#6
hugemoth Beastly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Bend, Oregon summer, Snowbird in winter Oddometer: 2,103	Shake out anything that has been outside before bringing it into your tent to remove spiders, scorpions and other critters. Dor mice and kangaroo rats come out at night and will chew through nylon packs and such while looking for food. Also the ravens in Death Valley have mastered the art of opening zippers on panniers and tank bags to look for food. Rattlers will probably be hibernating at that time but be careful where you step and put your hands just in case.

06-16-2013, 04:41 PM	#7
Fayborg ^OP Adventurer Joined: Oct 2010 Oddometer: 20	Thanks everyone for the info about the parks, wash areas, mice and rats along with the fine sand blowing into the tent. We have chipmunks and racoons that are pretty crafty but the most part don't chew your stuff up. Okie Preacher thanks for info on the MSR dromedary bags. Are they pretty bomb proof. I am interested in getting a couple sizes. Do they come with a shower type hose/nozzle?

06-16-2013, 06:55 PM	#9
Fayborg ^OP Adventurer Joined: Oct 2010 Oddometer: 20	Thanks Okie for the info