Motorcycle Trips: Camping

A day of summer riding ends perfectly when you fall asleep under the stars in the midst of nature. Camping is a great activity to incorporate into your motorcycle touring trips. When you are willing to drive for several hours on end, you can travel to some stellar camping sites. Swap out the concrete jungle for the forest. Rejuvenate in nature. Make unforgettable memories. It’s a great use of your vacation days!

Here at Escondido Cycle Center, we enjoy making things as easy as possible for you. We put together a guide to motorcycle camping.

Make a Plan

The best motorcycle trips start with a solid plan. You can still leave room for being flexible, but a general outline of your trip helps set yourself up for success. After all, motorcycle touring is an investment. You need to pay for the gas, lodging, food, and any excursions you encounter along the way. Planning in advance lets you get the most out of your money.

Start by making a list of everything you want to experience. Summer riding opens you up to everything from hiking to getting ice cream at that local mom and pop restaurant. Once you decide everything you want to experience, plan a campsite in a convenient location. Book in advance to secure your spot (and possibly save money).

While you plan, be sure to check the weather. You won’t want to travel on days with extreme weather, like thunderstorms or heat waves. Try to pick a time of the year when the weather is more mild and predictable.

Storing Your Gear

Camping requires supplies. Most motorcycles offer options like saddlebags, a top side box, and a cargo rack. If you need more space, you can always buy storage upgrades.

You’ll need to bring along the normal gear required for motorcycle touring: a first aid kit, a mini toolkit, water, waterproof outerwear, etc. then you’ll need to pack the essentials for camping: your shelter, clothing, medications, toiletries, food, and supplies to build a fire.

Try to bring along as little weight as possible. Opt for travel-size versions of soaps, deodorants, contact lens solution, etc. Most products are sold in miniature versions that reduce the space they take up. After all, you only need a few days' worth of shampoo. Who needs to bring along a massive bottle?

Another weight-reducing strategy is to look into backpacking equipment. These items are built to be as lightweight as possible. It’ll help take up less space in your storage.

Finding a Camping Spot

When you go summer riding, keep in mind that plenty other people will be too! You’ll want to book in advance as much as possible since campsites fill up fast. Before you book, make sure it allows motorcycles (as not all do). Make sure it offers all the amenities you want (like water, electricity, etc).

Once you get to your site, take some time to find the perfect spot. Try to find ground that is level and even. It’ll help facilitate a good night’s sleep.

You’ll need to take some care in protecting your motorcycle at the campsite. Lock it up at night to protect against thieves. Use a cover to protect it from rain or sun rays.

Summer riding leads to some of the best motorcycle trips. Before you embark on a motorcycle touring trip, make sure your motorcycle is ready for the journey. Get any parts replacement or service done at Escondido Cycle Center. You can also check out our selection of new and used motorcycle if you are looking to upgrade. We proudly serve Southern California including those near San Diego, Temecula, Vista, and Oceanside, California.