Why Stealth Camping is Not a Good Idea

a typical stealth camp (photo by JHY)

by JHY

Most of us long-distance hikers have done it: stealth camping- the practice of sneaking off into a corner of a fencerow, a woodlot, or some other spot where we are pretty sure we won't be discovered overnight, even though we know it's illegal to camp there. "What's the harm," we ask. Most of us practice leave-no trace camping. We pitch a small tent, light no fire, break no branches, and are gone in a few hours. If we are careful, no one will ever know we were there.

But, stealth camping has the potential to cause lasting consequences for hikers who will come after us, if not for ourselves.

Personal Consequence
Let's say that you are illegally camping on public land. For example, in Michigan you can't camp in State Game areas in the summer. If you are caught there, you are likely to get a hefty fine. If you are illegally camping in a wildlife preserve, not only might you get a fine, but the rule was probably set in order to not disrupt wildlife. You've challenged the entire reason that the land was set aside in the first place. If you are on private land, you could be subject to criminal trespass law.

Consequences for the Trail
If enough people (and this might only be one person) camp illegally, there is the chance that the trail would lose the privilege of crossing that land. This is particularly true in New York along the Finger Lakes Trail, and Minnesota along the Superior Hiking Trail. Agreements with many private landowners have created continuous portions of off-road trail, but usually with the stipulation that no camping is allowed. Your one night of enjoyment might remove miles of off-road trail from the North Country Trail system. If the lost section is between a couple of other pieces needed for connections, if a road walk must be substituted, it might be much longer than the piece lost from one owner.

If public land is involved, consider how significant the ramifications might be. In Pennsylvania, you can't camp in State Game Lands at any time of year. Think about what the states might do if a lot of people were caught camping in State Game Lands. The North Country Trail is there at all by permission. Those lands were not set aside for hikers, but for hunters. The trail is a guest. Think of all the years of work creating routes and building trail that could be lost if a few people decide that they think the rules are silly, and the NCT would be asked to leave.

Don't Ignore It
Bragging about stealth camping to our friends should not result in smirks and knowing nods in commiseration of the difficulty of backpacking along the entire NCT at this point. It should result in worried looks and admonitions. People who are friends of the North Country Trail for the future will not stealth camp, or encourage it in others.

Look for ways to get involved and promote the creation of legal campsites at appropriate distances along the trail. . Farmers are often willing to let you camp in their fencerow if they are asked. Nature preserves' rules should not be challenged by a flippant hiker. Planning ahead well can often solve the logistic problems. I now try to avoid the practice... Let's look ahead to a great completed trail, not just to our own personal pleasure for a weekend.

Michigan to Close Two Campsites Important to the NCT

sandhill cranes displaying at Big Lake (photo by jhy)

based on a news release of the Michigan DNR

Cara Boucher, assistant chief of the DNR's Forest Management Division, said, "Given the long-term trend of declining use and the inability to raise camp fee revenues, the only way to absorb the current cut in General Fund support is to close some campgrounds."

The order to close the 23 campgrounds will be submitted as a proposal at today's Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting in Lansing, and will be eligible for action by DNR Director Rodney Stokes at the NRC's May 12 meeting in Flint. If approved at the May meeting, the closures would be effective on May 19, 2011.

Two Upper Peninsula State Forest Campgrounds on the list are ones which can be used by hikers of the North Country Trail. Having places where camping is allowed is important for long-distance hikers.

Most surprising to me is Big Lake in Baraga County. This is a botanical treasure. When I was there in July of 2005, the beach edge was covered with several species of rare plants. We were serenaded by the Sandhill Cranes.

Reed and Green campground in Luce County is a tiny site which adds a key camping location between Culhane Lake and Muskelonge State Park.

Can the costs of servicing a latrine and a hand pump twice a year be so burdensome that even though these sites aren't used very much, everyone who does use them needs to be punished?

These sites are on NCTA maps MI-09 and MI-13

Good News for Tahquamenon Hikers

locations of two new backcountry campsites

by Joan H. Young

Rumors were rumbling about new backcountry campsites being prepared at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. A quick call to Craig M. Krepps, Park Manager, confirms that good news.

Two new sites will be ready for the 2009 hiking season. One of these is on the North Country Trail, and the other is near Clark Lake, which will make Tahquamenon a nice destination for a loop hike. Reasonable hiking distances for a loop, allowing time to see the upper falls, might include a night in the Lake Superior State Forest. See information below.

Camping opportunities until now have been at the Rivermouth Campground (off the map to the right), and at the Lower Falls Campground, both of which are established sites with RV hookups. Although these work fine, they are less appealing to backpackers than more primitive locations. Our wishes are coming true!

Tahquamenon Falls State Park plans on requiring pre-registration with contact/payment options for the transient hikers, and sites being first come/first serve. Each location will have two tent sites, a fire ring, one bear pole, one privy, and natural seating. If these sites receive moderate to heavy use they will consider creating more sites in the future.


Old Stove Road Campsite This site is located at an abandoned canoe/boat access location near the Tahquamenon River. The actual campsite is 200 ft. from the river and 700 ft. from the NCT. The forest in the campsite area is a mixture of Hemlock/Spruce and Birch. This location is very secluded and will also be an excellent location for NCT hikers, canoeists wanting to layover for the night, and hike in campers. It is approx. 3 miles to the lower falls from this site. The GPS coordinance is N46--34.110, W085--10.658. This campground is about 10 trail miles west of the Rivermouth Campground, a reasonable day's hike for most any backpacker. Previously one would have to hike about 14 miles to make the Lower Falls Campground, which can be a stretch for some people.

Clark Lake Campsite: This site is located in a natural bowl in the hardwood hills 300 ft. south of Clark Lake, and 200 ft from the Parks Hiking Trail (Clark lake Loop). The forest in this area is a mixture of Oak and Pine. This site is very secluded with easy access to the picturesque Clark Lake. Park hiking trail users will be able to park at the upper falls, hike 8 miles on the northern trails to this location, and return using the southern trails, 6 miles to the upper falls, at the end of their stay. The Clark Lake Road provides vehicle access within 1/2 mile of this location. GPS coordinance is N46--36.979 W085--14.442. While this site is not on the NCT, it will provide a very nice option for hikers who want to make a loop hike.

Long distance hikers continuing on to the west can easily make Lake Superior State Forest on the following night. Dispersed camping is allowed in Michigan State Forests, but the camper is supposed to display a free permit which must be obtained in advance.

Buy NCTA Maps, Tahquamenon Falls is on MI-09.
See Tahquamenon Falls State Park
See Dispersed Camping on Michigan State Forest Property
Email Craig Krepps