Where can I camp / pitch tents on a cross-country bike tour?

tents for camping wa image

Alex

I'm graduating high school in a few weeks and since I'll be taking an infamous 'gap year' between high school and college, I've been planning on biking across the country â my parents are willing to fund the tour as my graduation gift.

I know that most people do these kinds of tours as part of a group but I have heard of others my same age (~18 years old) who complete this on their own; I think doing the trip solo will be a fulfilling challenge and, not to be cliché, but it will also be good for 'self-discovery'. I'm not oblivious to the dangers of doing this on my own, however.

I don't plan to stay at hotels/motels every night so I am wondering where I might be able to camp. I do plan on using campgrounds, but since they may be hard to find at times (and potentially expensive), are there any alternative locations where I would I be able to set up a tent free and legally?

The side of the highway? The middle of a park? Someone's backyard if I ask for their permission? (Couch-surfing may also be part of my plan). I won't be making campfires or anything, I probably won't even 'pitch' the tent (as in nail it to the ground), I simply plan to sleep in a 1-man backpacking tent for a few hours before hitting the road again.

Being honest with myself, a full coast-to-coast tour might be a little ambitious since my funds may be limited, but at the very least I'd like to be able to make it from my hometown of Seattle, WA to Austin, TX â and then back again.

The camping question is the main thing I'm wondering about (I'm researching all other aspects of the tour as well), but if you can offer any answers or advice at all, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

Answer
You should probably check with the various states that you plan to traverse, some allow roadside camping and some do not. As a general rule, roadside rest areas are a viable option, although they may not be the safest place.

Anyone know of a Secluded FREE place to camp in Port angeles, WA?

draco611

I am looking to get out in the woods for 3 day camping trip. It will only be a tent no vehicles. Needs to be secluded and free. Want to be able to have a small fire. Does anyone know of such a place? It CAN be campgrounds i don't mind other ppl as long as i have my own spot.. Any info or ideas would be appreciated Thanks.

Answer
Heart 'O the Hills is just south of Port Angeles and has camp spots, but not free. If you hike up to Lake Angeles from where you enter the Park (near Heart 'O the Hills) it is free. Also you might consider the nearby Heather Park Trail. But... you need to hike a few miles (up hill) to get away from people. It is all popular around that area. You cannot camp at Hurricane Ridge unless you make arrangements with the Ranger to take you up and back, which they will do for free. That is in Olympic National Park. If I had three days I'd hike up the Quinault, Hoh or Queets rivers to some of the best wilderness places in the park (or anywhere!). You also might consider the wilderness beaches hikes. But if it is good weather and a weekend, expect people. good luck.

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