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Post by trojanmichael5 on Mar 1, 2017 21:58:55 GMT -8
This may be a dumb question, however I have never done an over-night backpacking trip. I was wondering what are the restrictions or laws of any which dictate where you can camp while on a trail. I'll be using a hammock if that makes a difference and live in Northern California!
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Mar 2, 2017 6:36:34 GMT -8
That depends on what sort of place you decide to backpack in. Some National Parks have designated campsites where you are restricted to when you get a permit. National forests typically allow dispersed camping, which basically means anywhere you like.
However, there are some guidlelines about how close to water or the trail itself. Camp out of sight from the trail, preferably in a spot already used by others to minimize the impact on the land. This will keep others from seeing your campsite, which helps them feel like they are in the wild. Camp at least 200 ft from water, which does 2 things. It allows the creatures to gain access to the water, and it helps prevent you from causing pollution of the water.
As for the hammock itself, use tree straps at least 1" wide, preferably 2", to keep from damaging the tree.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Mar 2, 2017 9:13:26 GMT -8
Like Zeke says, you have to check regulations where you are going. Most of Lassen NP, for example, allows dispersed camping, in keeping with the rules he outlines (distance from water and trail, BTW, should be adhered to everywhere, though there are times and places when it's not possible). Sequoia NP, where we went last summer, has designated sites at some popular spots, and dispersed camping elsewhere. Of course, your hammock limits you--you have to have trees. Me, I like to get above treeline  |
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Post by trojanmichael5 on Mar 2, 2017 10:45:55 GMT -8
Thank you both so much! I can't find too much information on either of the trails I plan on doing the overnight hikes on. Which are: American canyon loop, in Auburn California and pyramid peak in California!
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Post by Dave Ayers on Mar 2, 2017 16:50:30 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2017 20:41:48 GMT -8
Thank you both so much! I can't find too much information on either of the trails I plan on doing the overnight hikes on. Which are: American canyon loop, in Auburn California and pyramid peak in California! In my old age, I prefer to go to places that require no permits and have few rules. Close to here in Auburn is the Tahoe National Forest which well meets all of my requirements. Camp almost anywhere overnight. Go anytime, no permit required. However, I only recently bought this house here in Auburn and I have not checked out much around here, but I soon will. -Don- Auburn, CA |
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Mar 2, 2017 21:09:02 GMT -8
The main thing I know about the Desolation Wilderness is that it is very popular, which means that permits may be hard to get. Those are good links, Dave Ayers -- thanks for taking time to find and share. |
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Post by trojanmichael5 on Mar 4, 2017 20:37:56 GMT -8
Thank you all again! Especially for the links! They were very helpful, we have decided to hike the Palisade Creek trail, which is in the Tahoe national forest, which means no permits as previously mentioned! Plan to do pyrramid peak soon though! I'll update and post pictures!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2017 21:06:13 GMT -8
Thank you all again! Especially for the links! They were very helpful, we have decided to hike the Palisade Creek trail, which is in the Tahoe national forest, which means no permits as previously mentioned! Plan to do pyrramid peak soon though! I'll update and post pictures! In the dryer part of the year, they want you to have a fire permit just to light up a backpacking stove. But it is NBD, get it on-line right here before you go. That should be all you need for the permit. The odds of anybody asking to see it, is around zero percent, so even if you don't have it, I would not worry much about it. You might want to read my message here, down around six messages, with more info WRT the Tahoe National Forest. -Don- Auburn, CA |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2017 19:42:35 GMT -8
Thank you both so much! I can't find too much information on either of the trails I plan on doing the overnight hikes on. Which are: American canyon loop, in Auburn California and pyramid peak in California! I took a short one mile hike down this trail today, just to check it out. I got a late start and I didn't have any of my hiking gear with me. Some of the area is flooded out. There are some creeks that would be very difficult to cross on the main trails, so I didn't try. I will check the area out better in a week or so after we get some dry weather. I will be sure to get an earlier start and next time I will have hiking stuff with me for a longer hike. The above place has cell phone coverage (V/WL), but not a strong signal. But there, it is rather difficult to find a good spot for a GPS signal. If you check the satellite view on the above Spot map, you will see what I mean. The vegetation is very thick, a lot of tall trees and not many clearings. BTW, most of the places I have been in the Tahoe National Forest have no cell service at all. Some exceptions, such as taking a hike to the top of Grouse Ridge at 7712' elevation and in the clear. -Don- Auburn, CA |
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herm
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Post by herm on Mar 12, 2017 22:00:50 GMT -8
If backpacking in an area in which a permit is required, it is my experience that the permit will spell out requirements for selecting a camp site. Zeke's post generally describes those requirements.
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whistlepunk
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Post by whistlepunk on Mar 15, 2017 13:48:44 GMT -8
In general, the more popular an area the more regulations. Less popular areas have fewer restrictions. Like Lassen NP mentioned above, dispersed camping allowed almost anywhere, off trail travel is relatively easy over most of the Park (eastern half especially) and permits are available on line or sign a backcountry register at a ranger station or kiosk. No quotas, no limits. Best part is you will most likely have the place to yourself, gets little use. Many times I have paddled the length of Butte Lake to camp on the south end, I was the only one on the lake, and did not see another person for 2-3 days.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Mar 15, 2017 16:42:49 GMT -8
Less popular areas have fewer restrictions. However, distance from water is always a restriction (with a very few exceptions), and even little-used areas may have fire restrictions that must be obeyed. |
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Post by Coolkat on Mar 15, 2017 18:32:08 GMT -8
however I have never done an over-night backpacking trip. I'm not trying to stick my nose where it doesn't belong but since you said you were a first time hammock backpacker I thought I might say something. Two years ago in the fall I was hiking in the Manistee National Forest and I ran in to another backpacker and we got to talking. The night before was his first time ever out and he used a hammock and practically froze to death. He didn't realize how cold he'd get. Not knowing what to do earlier in the morning he had hiked back into town and purchased one of the silver windshield protectors for cars. We only hiked together for a few miles before he stopped to go fishing so I'm not sure how it turned out for him. Anyway... you've probably done your due diligence on this but I thought I'd give ya a heads up. |
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Post by cweston on Mar 15, 2017 18:33:31 GMT -8
Another basic principle I try to observe is to think about where another party would camp if they arrive after me. I want to choose the best possible camp for myself, but also don't want to unduly limit other BPer's choices, or make it so that another party would have to set up camp too close to mine, or so that my camp is blocking their view of the scenery.
Now, sometimes I'm off-trail a million miles from anywhere and I don't worry about it too much, because it's not too likely that anyone else will arrive there.
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