Clandestine Camping

Clandestine Camping

            In this article, Colin Angus asks the question whether or not it is better to ask permission or beg forgiveness while setting up camp. He weighs the pros and cons of what he calls "stealth camping", and explains his point of view using several anecdotal examples, which not only further his case, but also provide entertainment value, as they are interesting stories.

            Angus explains that he prefers free-camping: setting up your tent wherever you like, as opposed to on a campsite, where you might be annoyed by other campers, vehicles, and other such distractions. He says that it really is a hassle to track down landowners to ask permission, so it's wiser to follow a few guidelines and go unnoticed. For example, he stresses the importance of leaving absolutely no trace of your stay. This could mean picking up trash, not setting up a fire, and not disrupting the land in anyway. He has camped in farmers' fields before, and mentions how important it is to watch out for crops. By following these rules, he and his wife have tented in many locations, such as fields, forests, riverbanks, a military firing range, and even inside a restaurant.

            I gave this article five stars because it was very interesting to read, and sparked an interest in this kind of camping for me. It is very well written, and I hope to hear more about Colin Angus's adventures in the future.

Rating: *****

Angus, Colin. "Clandestine Camping." Explore Spring 2013: 36.