Motorcycle Camping Guide

One of the many perks of owning a motorcycle is it offers an easy way to go camping! It offers better fuel efficiency than a car, making it a cheaper option for driving to the campsite. It also takes up less space at the campsite. We created the following guide to hassle-free motorcycle camping below. For all your motorcycle needs before your trip, visit Destination Powersports. We are located near Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Florida.

Planning Your Trip

A camping trip is costly, from booking the campsite to buying all the food. A little bit of planning helps you get the most bang for your buck. Start by making a list of the sites you want to see, such as a hiking trail boasting a great view or a hidden gem of a local restaurant. Then find a campsite that’s located near those adventures. Then book it! Making your reservation in advance lets you secure your spot and can often save you some money. As you plan, make sure to take the weather into account. You won’t want to travel on days with extreme heat, snow, or storms.

Storing Your Supplies

Camping requires gear. You’ll need your tent, clothing, toiletries, medications, etc. Most motorcycles offer storage options such as saddlebags, a top side box, and a cargo rack. If you need more space, you can often purchase more storage options. One possibility is leather cargo bags. These boost your storage space while boosting the style of your motorcycle. But keep in mind they do require maintenance as road salt, rain, and other substances can damage them. Another option is buying dry bags. These are fully waterproof to protect valuables (like a cell phone) while you ride in the rain.

Packing Strategies

When packing your motorcycle, you will want to keep your supplies as light as possible. You’ll need the essentials of shelter, clothing, medications, toiletries, food, water, and supplies to make a fire. Opt to bring travel-size version of anything you can like soap, deodorant, and contact lens solution. Consider buying backpacking equipment as these are designed to be lightweight. Try to only pack the necessities.

Camping Locations

Before you book a campsite, double check that it is motorcycle-friendly. Surprisingly, not all sites are! Also be sure that it offers all the amenities you want (like water, electricity, etc).

Once you are at the campsite, find a good location to set up. Look for ground that is level to help foster a good night’s sleep. Setting up too far from other people increases your chance of an animal encounter. Being too close to others may mean you’ll get woken up by the light and noise of people walking around. Aim for that in-between spot.

Motorcycle Care at Campsite

When you camp, you have to store your valuable motorcycle out in the open. This opens it up to two threats. First, there’s the threat of thieves. To fight this, you’ll want to lock your motorcycle up at night. Second, there’s the threat of the weather. To protect your motorcycle, use a sturdy cover.

You’ll also want to be sure your motorcycle is running smoothly. You don’t want to get stranded somewhere between your home and the campsite! Before you head out on your trip, check a few things. Do you have enough fluids or do you need to top some off? Are your tires properly inflated? Is there enough tread on your tires? Do all your lights work properly? Are your brakes and throttle operating as normal? If you notice anything odd, take your motorcycle to a mechanic. It could be a small issue now that can lead to a big hassle on the road. Better to fix it up before your trip starts!

Here at Destination Powersports, we can get your motorcycle ready for the road with our parts replacement and service departments. We also provide a large range of new and used motorcycles if you are looking to upgrade. We are located in Punta Gorda and proudly serve those near Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Florida.