>>1117217The best time to find and set up a stealth campsite is just before it gets dark. If you set up camp too early you might be discovered by people who are still out for the day. If you set up too late, on the other hand, you could find yourself trying to pitch your tent in the dark.
Avoid pitching your tent in the dark. Not only can you not scout out the location of your campsite as well when it is dark, but any flashlights or headlamps you might use will give away your location.
Break camp early. Wake up, pack your gear and hit the road before most people are even awake or outside.
The harder it is for you to get to your campsite, the less likely it is that other people will find you. People are generally lazy and will usually give up before navigating to difficult locations.
Don’t camp on the other side of large fences or gates. Even though it's open now, it might be locked in the morning. You don’t want to get trapped inside a fence or gate and then be unable to escape.
The best stealth campgrounds aren’t always the most scenic. The goal is to blend in – not to stand out.
Don’t use lights at night unless you absolutely have to. If you must use your light, use it for only short periods of time and in short bursts (like a firefly).
Sometimes (but very rarely) the best hiding spot is right out in the open where people passing by will think, “I guess you are allowed to camp there?”
If you do get caught, play dumb and/or if necessary, offer to leave. There is no need to get in trouble for stealth camping. Simply pack up your campsite, move on and find somewhere else to spend the night.
Be willing to change camping spots if after a short while you realize the campsite you picked out initially is unsafe or in a location where you might be discovered.
Don’t camp in areas where there are “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” signs. You won't have the excuse of saying you didn’t know you were allowed to be there.
