Motorcycle Camping 2024: Tips, Gear, + How To Guide
Motorcycle camping combines the freedom of the open road with the opportunity to explore new places and connect with nature.
And because we travel light as motorcycle campers, we are able to camp in places that are inaccessible to cars, RVs, and trailers.
Whether it’s riding through winding mountain roads or along deserted stretches of beach, motorcycle camping provides an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure.
We went on a crazy awesome motorcycle road trip, traveling over 10,000 miles through 9 countries from North Dakota, USA all the way down to Panama.
Motorcycle camping was a great way for us to save some money so we could continue traveling and riding through some beautiful places.
In this post, I’ll share some tips for motorcycle camping, as well as a gear guide to help you get started.
Best Motorcycle Camping Gear
When it comes to motorcycle camping, having the right gear can make all the difference. A good tent is important, of course, but there are a few other items that can really come in handy.
A tarp, for example, can be used to create a makeshift shelter in case of rain or to provide shade during a long day of riding.
While a sleeping bag that is rated for cold weather will help to keep you warm during those cold nights.
Inflatable sleeping pads and small air-up camping pillows can make a huge difference in your sleep quality during the night after a long day of riding.
And a small stove can be a lifesaver if you find yourself camped in an area with no restaurants or stores with ready-to-eat food nearby.
You can pack more or less than these items, but these are truly the bare essentials when camping with your motorcycle.
The best part? Everything should fit in your motorcycle’s bags.
Best Motorcycle Camping Tent: ALPS Mountaineering Tents
The best tents for motorcycle camping should be:
- lightweight
- free-standing
- water resistant
- and have a vestibule
The ALPS Mountaineering Backpacking Tent is an easy setup and is free-standing. Free-standing is important because it means that you can set your motorcycle camping tent up basically anywhere, which is important.
The tent packs up small and is lightweight for easy backpacking, hiking, and strapping to your motorcycle without overly weighing you down.
Great ventilation prevents condensation buildup, and a waterproof rain fly protects against bad weather.
Most importantly, this tent has a vestibule proving plenty of storage for storing your motorcycle gear.
Having that extra space outside your sleeping area is so important, especially after a long day’s ride.
You don’t want your sweaty, muddy boots or other riding gear stinking up your tent while you sleep. But you also want it to stay protected from the outside. The vestibule is non-negotiable for a motorcycle camping tent.
You can also find the ALPS Mountaineering tents in larger sizes if you are traveling as a couple or group rather than motorcycle camping solo.
How Do You Carry a Tent on a Motorcycle?
Since it is important to keep your motorcycle tent dry while you drive, you should store it in your roll bag or tank bag.
In addition to keeping it away from the elements, these bags have more storage space.
Make sure that your bag is securely fastened to your motorcycle. Use tie-downs or bungee cords to secure the roll bag. Good quality dry bags work great as well.
Make sure the ties are strong and won’t come loose during your journey.
➡️ ROK Straps are also a great quality option for securing motorcycle camping gear to help prevent gear and bags from shifting or bouncing around while riding.
Sleeping Gear
When it comes to sleeping gear for your motorcycle camping trip, I recommend:
- a sleeping bag
- inflatable sleeping pad (a.k.a. air mattress)
- inflatable camping pillow
The sleeping bag will keep you warm and dry at night, while the sleeping pad ensures you have a more comfortable sleep without hurting your back.
Make sure your sleeping bag keeps you warm enough in colder weather at night. Sleeping bags should also be as lightweight as possible to avoid overloading your motorcycle.
I absolutely love inflatable motorcycle camping gear. It is ultralightweight and takes up very little space.
We rode 125cc motorcycles from North Dakota to Panama, and we did not have too much space on those tiny bikes. Our main focus was to pack lightweight so as to not weigh down our bikes. Or slow down our small motorcycle’s speed.
I cannot recommend inflatable camping gear enough.
Traditional pillows take up tons of valuable space in your motorcycle’s bags, so an inflatable camping pillow lets you blow it up and shrink it down as needed.
The sleeping pad I use for motorcycle camping is also inflatable.
Best Camping Sleeping Pads: Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro
By far my favorite sleeping pad I have used so far is the Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro.
It is super lightweight and takes up barely any room at all when it’s packed away.
I have personally tested out the durability on our long-distance motorcycle trip through the U.S., Mexico, and Central America. And I have to say, I am beyond impressed.
After a solid year of sleeping on it, along with packing and unpacking, and repacking it, it is still in great shape. The quality is great and it will last you a long time.
I much prefer this sleeping pad over others that roll up bulky, take up more room, and need to be replaced more often.
We haven’t had to replace our sleeping pad yet in over 10,000 miles of moto travel.
How Do You Carry Sleeping Gear on a Motorcycle?
Use your motorcycle roll bag to pack your sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and inflatable camping pillows along with your tent. I recommend using your motorcycle panniers if you don’t have a roll bag or good dry bag to strap on your motorcycle.
We also found it easy to pack up more bulky items into a backpack or dry bag and then strap it down on the rear bike racks on the back of your bike.
Food-Related Gear
Sometimes you find yourself lucky enough to travel on a motorcycle through some amazing countries with unbeatable food options that you have the opportunity to stop and try.
However, on a camping trip, you will be responsible for making your food, so a camp stove and motorcycle cooler bag are important for heating and keeping your food cool. Especially when long-distance motorcycle touring.
For easy, healthy meals that will provide sustenance while you hike, I recommend bringing beans, tuna, bread, pasta, vegetables, and fruit.
This cooler is also a great way to keep water and other beverages cold. (You can even bring along a six-pack of beer.)
Sometimes it isn’t easy to find enough space for all that extra food. During our travels, we find that it is easier to carry dehydrated backpacker meals with us so we can simply add hot water.
My favorite brand is the Mountain House Adventure meals because they have gluten-free options! They are also delicious and filled with tons of varieties to choose from.
Best Camping Stove: MSR WhisperLite
We have always used the MSR WhisperLite gasoline-fueled backpacking stove while motorcycle camping.
It is lightweight and easy to pack away. The MSR stove also is powered by easy-to-use, no-spill gasoline bottles. So we kill two birds with one stone by having the extra fuel bottles packed along for the ride.
Those fuel bottles for the stove have saved us more than once when we were running low on fuel for our bikes during long-distance rides! Especially while riding through Mexico.
How Do You Carry Food-Related Gear on a Motorcycle?
The best way to transport a cooler on a motorcycle is by strapping it on top of a pannier or other storage container on the side of your motorcycle. This will work best with small, plastic coolers.
On my small Honda Monkey motorcycle, I strapped a soft shell cooler to my front rack and it worked out great.
Whether you use hard luggage or soft luggage really depends on your personal preference. Both types are a good choice depending on your preference.
You’ll also want to invest in a small, lightweight camping stove for easy transportation on your bike. This should fit easily in your panniers or saddlebags.
How to Go Motorcycle Camping in 2024
It’s time to hit the open road! Look for scenic routes down unpaved roads that will take you through beautiful countryside and small towns.
Talk to other motorcycle campers to get their recommendations on the best spots to camp.
And most importantly, have fun. Motorcycle camping is a great way to see the world at a slow pace and discover amazing hidden gem locations that you might not have found otherwise.
These are our best tips and steps to go motorcycle camping in a way that’s safe, easy, and fun.
Step 1: Pick Out Your Tent and Gear
The size of your motorcycle camping tent depends on your goals for the trip. If you are traveling with a close group, a larger family tent may be better.
If you are going by yourself or with just one other person, a small hiking tent is an ideal option because it will take up less space on your bike.
Be sure you have the gear listed above. You may also choose to bring other camping items depending on your interests while camping, such as:
- A swimsuit
- Sandals
- A hat
- A laptop
- A fishing rod
- A folding camp chair
- First-aid kit
- Bike-specific tools
- Rain gear
- Motorcycle camera
Step 2: Research Camping Sites
Figuring out where to sleep is your top priority. If you’re an experienced motorcycle camper, the world is at your fingertips.
The best part about riding is the fact that you can find some beautiful hidden gem campsites that other vehicles may not be able to get to. Especially when you are exploring new countries!
However, if you are a beginner at motorcycle camping and/or riding in general, you may want to start by selecting a campsite within an hour or two away.
Pro Tips: If this is your first-time motorcycle camping, I highly recommend bringing an experienced motorcycle camper with you if you can. They can show you the ropes and help you prepare to camp by yourself next time.
Many campsites around the country allow free camping, including national parks. However, you should still double-check to make sure it is allowed at your desired campsite.
My favorite resource for finding the best motorcycle camping spots is iOverlander.
We used this app religiously while on adventure rides through the U.S., Mexico, and Central America.
It is extremely helpful in finding highly recommended camping locations and amenities. As well as hidden gem wild camping spots.
Step 3: Figure Out YOUR Best Practices for Motorcycle Luggage
Figuring out your motorcycle luggage depends on the size of your motorcycle, how much gear you plan to bring, and the length of your trip.
You can choose between soft and hard motorcycle luggage bags depending on how much you’re bringing.
Hard bags are generally more expensive but are more protective of your luggage. Soft bags aren’t as protective of your motorcycle luggage but can be a safer choice in case of an accident.
You also have the option to strap some of your motorcycle bags directly to your bike or on top of your other luggage. Play around with what weight works best for your needs.
Step 4: Hit the Road
Once your motorcycle luggage is packed and you have a campsite picked out, you’re ready to hit the open road!
Pro Tips: Be sure to keep your cell phone on you in case of emergency and that you have enough gas to reach your destination. Bring along a portable solar charger so that you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet while camping.
The best way to make sure you have everything you need is to put together a list of the best things to bring for your trip to ensure you don’t forget anything.
Need-to-Know Tips
You know the basics. Now it’s time to learn some insider tips when it comes to moto camping.
Tip 1: Plan a Practice Trip
If you are brand new to motorcycle camping, you may want to ease into it by first planning a trip on your motorcycle to a location not too far away.
While the packing and planning aren’t as extensive as camping, it will still help you get used to strapping your motorcycle luggage to your bike, riding with luggage, and preparing for a trip on your motorcycle.
It can take a little practice to get used to riding with that extra weight strapped down to your bike. As well as repacking and strapping it all down again the same way in the morning.
Tip 2: Use an App to Find a Campsite
As I mentioned earlier, my favorite app to use to find a campsite is iOverlander. This app gives you real-time reviews from people motorcycle camping just like you.
Apps can help you weigh the pros and cons of public lands or private campgrounds available near you.
Other recommended apps for finding campsites include:
Tip 3: Know Basic Bike Knowledge
If you are new to motorcycling, be sure to brush up on your knowledge of bike maintenance.
It’s a good idea to know about your vehicle’s tires, oil, brake fluid, and controls. You don’t want to be stuck in the wilderness if your bike breaks down or you get a flat tire.
Having some basic motorcycle know-how will come in handy if you have any mechanical issues during your trip.
Tip 4: Pack Safely
If you are packing flammable items such as fuel canisters or gasoline, pack them far away from your motorcycle’s exhaust.
Also, be sure not to overload your bike with too much weight. You should also distribute the weight of your luggage evenly across your motorcycle.
This can be tricky when learning to pack your bike for motorcycle camping.
Practice packing up your motorcycle and riding it around before you set out to go camping. This should get you used to the extra weight and then you can make adjustments as needed.
Tip 5: You Need Water, Get a Hydration Pack
If you do not have a way to purify the water you find on your camping trip, you should bring water.
Water can be heavy, but it’s important to stay hydrated during your trip. Especially if you are traveling in an area without potable water.
I would recommend using a CamelBak backpack made for bikers or another hydration pack that you can easily throw in your bag.
Tip 6: Stay Warm
Even if you camp in a warm climate or season, it will probably be much colder at night while you try to sleep.
Be sure to pack a good sleeping bag rated for cold weather, a hat, gloves, and warm clothes so you don’t freeze at night.
When riding through chilly weather on your way to your favorite camping spot, make sure you layer up to protect yourself from the wind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to your most frequently asked questions about motorcycle travel and camping.
How Far Can You Go on a Motorcycle in a Day?
Most experienced motorcyclists can ride around three hundred miles in a day. If you are a new rider, you should plan on starting with a shorter distance and working your way up to 300 miles per day.
The farthest I have gone on my motorcycle in one day was 1,007 miles in 23 hours of straight riding. This was when we dominated the Iron Butt Saddlesore challenge on 125cc Honda Monkeys.
I definitely recommend preparing your bike and butt for a journey like that well in advance.
How far you travel on a motorcycle per day, especially when going motorcycle camping, is completely up to you and your preference in riding style.
Some people like to go as many miles away as quickly as they can. Others enjoy the slow ride and make stops to smell the roses to enjoy their time on the journey.
How to Pick the Right Campsite
When planning a motorcycle camping trip, one of the most important decisions is where to pitch your tent.
The perfect campsite should be flat and level, with plenty of space for your tent and all of your gear. It should also be well protected from the wind, sun, and rain.
If possible, choose a spot that is near a source of water, such as a lake or stream.
Using an app is a great way to pick out a campsite. Often, these apps will list features of the campsite, photos of the area, and maps to show you where motorcycle camping is allowed there.
How Do You Stealth Camp on a Motorcycle?
Stealth camping, (or wild camping as I like to call it), involves sleeping outside of a designated campsite. If you are interested in stealth camping with your motorcycle you will need to find a safe location to camp without being noticed.
Unlike a car or van, motorcycles don’t have an enclosed carriage for you to shelter in.
The good news is, your motorcycle is a beast at reaching places that other vehicles can’t. Finding wild camping spots away from crowds or other people is a breeze when you can ride anywhere.
You’ll need to be inventive and careful when parking your motorcycle and pitching your tent outside of a campsite.
Talk to locals to figure out the best camping spots or use a campsite app that lists wild camping from users.
Be confident in choosing your spot for setting up camp while riding. The more you practice finding spots you could potentially sleep for the night, the better you will get at finding them.
Stealth camping is the budget traveler’s best friend while motorcycle camping. We stealth camped more often than not during our travels down the Pan-American highway on motorcycles.
Not only did it save us tons of money, but it helped us discover beautiful hidden gem nature spots we may not have seen otherwise.
How Do you Secure Your Camping Gear on a Motorcycle?
Use panniers, racks, or bags to store your items, and then secure any loose items with bungee cords, ropes, or tie-down straps.
👉 ROK Straps are an excellent choice for great quality straps that secure your motorcycle luggage tight enough so that it doesn’t bounce around during the ride.
Make sure that your rear and front racks are GOOD quality and won’t break or bend with the extra weight.
Wrapping Up
There’s something about being on a motorcycle that makes the world seem more expansive. The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, the open road stretched out before you.
Motorcycle camping is a great way to see the country and experience all that nature has to offer. You can camp in state parks, national forests, or even right in your own backyard.
All you need is a tent, the proper motorcycle camping gear, and a sense of adventure.
Research motorcycle-friendly campgrounds in your area or along your route if you are taking a long-distance ride.
You should also develop basic camping and motorcycle maintenance skills so you can take care of yourself and your motorcycle.
Since motorcycles are relatively small and easy to maneuver, you can get off the beaten path and explore places you might never see otherwise.
Whether you’re looking for an escape from the everyday grind or just want to see some new sights, motorcycle camping is one of the best ways to get out there and explore the world. So jump on your bike and hit the open road!
Happy travels…
And keep the rubber side down. ✌️