Back country camping

[Raptor 6]

So im looking to do more back country camping this year (hike in hike out) and figured some of you guys could give me input on places to go.

Im looking at spending a minimum of three days out, most likely more than that.

I would prefer to go someplace in the Midwest but I would like to hear any suggestions, so I can keep them in mind for the future.


I spent a couple of days in wind cave national park in SD last year and had a blast and then a few more in labontee (SP?) canyon in WY (not hike in hike out but very primitive none the less)

I found a couple of online resources to aid me in my search but none have been very descriptive on their definition of back country so im not sure if it will be as "extreme" as im looking for

[CryHavoc]

Starved Rock is down Rt.39 and about 10 or so miles east on I-80. That would be a close one for you. I don't think it's the kind of camping you're looking for, tho.

I think what it sounds like you are looking for is called Class C camping areas in Illinois. Class A is usually a structure like a small log cabin, Class B is a designated area with a set fire pit or fire grate and maybe a picnic table (although I've seen some without a table), and Class C I believe is what's considered 'primitive camping' - you make your own camp including fire pit, but it might be a set area that you have to schedule. In other states, I think it's called dispersed camping.

So what's your definition of 'backcountry'?

[Raptor 6]

I have heard it called class D before. Im looking to hike in several miles (how far we go depends on who goes with me), setup camp where i feel is a good spot to spend the night and do it all over again the next day.

Basically i want to get as far out away from other people as i possiblly can for several days bringing with me only what i can carry. The less restrictions on where i can go and do the better (obviously i dont intend to do anything illegal or stupid) I want to test out some of the new skills i have learned over the past year to see what works for me and what doesnt.

When i was in Wind Cave we set up camp on a large hill, there was nothing man made to be seen in any direction other than us and that is what appealed to me.

We registered with the Ranger station before heading out. We then got a tag for or vehicle with our expected to be out date and parked along the dirt road that winds thru part of the park got out and started walking.

[Tater Raider]

Boundry Waters Canoe Area would be an excellent place to look at if you are willing to anoe instead of hike. I'm sure there are hiking trails up there as well and the area is something else as far as primitive goes. If you get the chance to go over the border into Canada it gets even better.

Hiking... not so much into that myself. Having said that, there are some multi-use trails (bicycle, horse, hiking) in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin worth checking out. Google will get you started there.

[pahwraith]

I've heard good things about the Porcupine mountains and Hoosier National Forest. Actually, I've been to HNF and it's nice, but I haven't camped there.

[Arcott Ramathorn]

If anyone in the PA area has info on good places to go, i would appreciate any input. Most of the places i have come across are for car camping, with neat little plots every 20 feet apart. Which is perfect when at 2 in the morning someones car alarm goes off and ruins your innawoods feeling. Anyway, im looking for a nice deep woods experience where i wont be elbow to elbow with tons of people, i can start a fire,i can camp where i see fit and i wont be trespassing.

[bacpacker]

I went up to the Porcipine Mtns in the UP of Mich last year. Nice place and looked to be some good hiking.

Red River Gorge in Ky is very nice, may be too far east for you.

Great Smokey Mtn's and Big South Fork in east Tn has tons of places to go. Again maybe too far south.

[Blackdog]

Might be out of the way, but that's kind of the point right?

Southern Utah, too many places to name.

Here is a start, some of my favorite places by the way.

"The Swell is a serious and demanding place. There are no trail signs, established trailheads, campgrounds or reliable water sources (with the exception of Goblin Valley State Park). You are on your own. Rescue and assistance are far away. Bring plenty of water. Do things within your competence."

http://canyoneeringusa.com/utah/swell/

"he Escalante is spread out. It often takes an hour or more to drive to your trailhead from the main road. Be sure to plan your travel, and have enough water, food and fuel to avoid emergencies. No water is available outside of town and a few key spots. This is a big, wild place - treat it with respect."

http://canyoneeringusa.com/utah/esca/index.htm

"Facilities

Fuggetaboutit. There ain't any. Fill up on gas in Green River or Hanksville, and carry everything you need, including water. The roads are surprisingly good, though some areas experience blowing soft sand from time to time that makes 4WD useful. Severe washboarding sometimes makes the roads unpleasant, and there are sharp rocks in places that are hard on tires, so be sure your spare is pumped up."

http://canyoneeringusa.com/utah/roost/