How I Combine Biking with Camping in the Great Outdoors
There’s something deeply liberating about biking through the wilderness, setting up camp beneath a star-filled sky, and waking up to the songs of birds with the scent of pine in the air. As someone who’s always had a love for both cycling and camping, I’ve spent years perfecting the art of combining the two into a seamless, exhilarating adventure. If you're based in the U.S. or planning a biking-camping trip across the States, this guide is packed with my real-life experiences, practical tips, and some unforgettable stories along the way.
1. Choosing the Right Bike for the Journey
When I first started combining biking and camping, I made the rookie mistake of taking a road bike onto a gravel trail in Colorado. The result? A flat tire and a bruised ego. Over the years, I’ve learned that the type of bike you choose is critical. For mixed terrain — which is common on camping trips — a touring bike or a gravel bike offers the perfect balance of comfort and durability. If you’re planning to stay primarily on paved trails or park roads, a hybrid bike works well too.
Don't forget to outfit your bike with a sturdy rear rack and front fork mounts if possible. You'll need these for panniers and gear. Suspension is optional, but if your route includes a lot of rough or unpaved trails, it can be a knee-saver.
2. Planning Your Route Around Campsites
I usually begin my trip planning with a map in one hand and a list of National and State Parks in the other. America is home to thousands of bike-accessible campsites — from the rugged Pacific Northwest to the rolling hills of the Ozarks. I personally love biking through the C&O Canal Towpath in Maryland or pedaling along the Pacific Coast Highway in California. Both offer stunning scenery and ample camping options.
When plotting your route, make sure to verify which campsites allow hiker/biker access. Many campgrounds, like those in Yellowstone or Acadia, have special spots reserved just for cyclists. Apps like Komoot and Ride with GPS have become my best friends for elevation data and user reviews.
3. What to Pack When Biking and Camping
Packing smart is key. The goal is to strike a balance between minimalism and survival. Here's my go-to list:
- Lightweight tent or bivy sack
- Sleeping bag rated for the season
- Portable stove and fuel
- Dehydrated meals and snacks like trail mix, jerky, and energy bars
- Multi-tool, bike repair kit, and spare tube
- Water purification tablets or filter
- First aid kit and insect repellent
- Weather-appropriate clothing and compact rain gear
I once underestimated the weather in Montana and paid the price with soaked gear and a miserable night. Since then, a compact tarp and dry sacks have become my must-haves.
4. Staying Safe on the Road and in the Wild
Safety comes in layers: road safety, bike maintenance, and wilderness awareness. I always wear a helmet, use high-visibility lights (even during the day), and keep a printed map as a backup. Cell service can be unreliable in remote areas, so don't rely solely on GPS.
Wildlife encounters are real — I’ve come face-to-face with a curious black bear in Shenandoah National Park. A bear canister for food storage is non-negotiable in bear country. Learn the basics of animal safety, know how to hang your food, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect both yourself and the environment.
5. Biking With Friends or Going Solo?
I’ve done both — solo rides through the Appalachian Trail corridor and group rides across the Dakotas. Solo trips offer a meditative rhythm, a kind of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. But they also require extra vigilance. I always share my itinerary with someone I trust and check in via satellite tracker when I’m off-grid.
Group biking trips, on the other hand, are rich with camaraderie. There's nothing like gathering around a campfire after a long ride, sharing stories and warming sore legs. If you're new to this, consider joining a local cycling club that organizes camping rides. Many cities across the U.S. have robust biking communities, especially near National Forest areas.
6. Finding the Best Biking-Camping Destinations in the USA
Here are a few of my personal favorite routes and destinations:
- Pacific Coast Route (California to Oregon) – Perfect for ocean views and hiker-biker campsites.
- Great Allegheny Passage (Pennsylvania to Maryland) – Car-free rail trail with rustic camping.
- White Mountains, New Hampshire – Stunning backcountry rides with wild camping options.
- Grand Teton National Park – Scenic paved paths and established campgrounds.
- Lake Superior Circle Tour – A challenging but rewarding loop with abundant natural beauty.
If you're looking for curated recommendations or route planning help, I highly recommend checking out Pine Cliff Resort. They specialize in outdoor adventures and know all the best local spots for a seamless biking-camping combo.
7. Real-Life Lessons Learned From the Trail
I’ll never forget the time my bike chain snapped 20 miles from the nearest road in Utah. I had just enough tools and duct tape to limp my way to a ranger station. That trip taught me resilience and the importance of preparation.
Another memorable trip was along the Blue Ridge Parkway where a sudden storm forced my riding buddy and me to take shelter under a rock overhang. That night, we made camp beside a waterfall and shared a simple meal of ramen and peanut butter. It was one of the most peaceful nights of my life — and the view the next morning made every soaked sock worth it.
8. Tips for Making Your First Trip a Success
If you’re just getting started, keep it simple:
- Choose a short route with clear campsites
- Test your gear on a weekend trip
- Pack light but don’t skip essentials
- Bring a bike lock and keep valuables secure
- Document your trip — journaling makes the memories last
And above all, be flexible. Things will go wrong. Weather changes. Flat tires happen. But that’s part of the adventure. Every challenge you overcome makes the trip more memorable, more personal, and more rewarding.
