Shenandoah National Park
Backcountry camping
[ Introduction | Backcountry Camping | Waterfalls and Trails | Vistas | Flora | Fauna ]
Backcountry camping is permitted throughout most of the park as long as certain guidelines are followed which are intented to produce as little impact as possible upon the environment.
This was my campsite. I chose my campsite because it was on relatively flat ground and there was a source of water relatively nearby. In the far background, towards the upper-left hand corner can be seen my food hanging from a tree. Park regulations require that it be hung at least ten feet off the ground and at least four feet from the trunk of the tree. This is to prevent it from being invaded by animals, especially bears.
A close-up of my stuff-sacks containing food and food waste, hanging in the tree.
Another view of my campsite.
My dinner simmering: Lipton Beef Flavored Noodles & Sauce mixed with tuna. I tried my best to eat as healthy as possible, trying to maintain a normal ratio of fats, carbohydrates, and protein. But the choices are somewhat limited: camping food must be lightweight and non-perishable. As it is, my pack (albeit including my not-so-light camera equipment) weighed about 60 pounds.
Although difficult to see in this pictures, this tiny, trickling stream was the source of my drinking water. About a ten minute hike from my campsite, I had to slowly pump all my water through a filter, and I could only fliter one-and-a-half quarts at a time since I only carried the two water bottles shown in the picture. The time it takes to get fresh water for cooking and drinking makes one appreciate turning on a faucet and watching the water just flow down the drain. The red bag shown in the picture contains my water filter.
[ Introduction | Backcountry Camping | Waterfalls and Trails | Vistas | Flora | Fauna ]