Campfires and Fire Season

Tips on how to have a safe campfire and not burn the whole place down!

Fire season in California runs from about June through September, but can start as early as April, and run through November in dry or drought years. It’s serious business here. Public campgrounds will likely conspicuously display what is considered the local level of fire danger, and institute rules and regulations based on the current level of danger. If you don’t see a sign, ask. Always follow the rules on this stuff.

PRIME RULE #1 TO FOLLOW: Wind is the cause of many a raging wildfire! If it is windy or becomes blustery after you have started enjoying your campfire, the safest and wisest thing is to carefully douse your fire to full extinguishment with water. Be careful to not cause embers or sparks to migrate past your protective fire ring.

It is always best, and just good camp etiquette, to use already existing pits or rings for your campfire. That way any root systems or other underground combustibles are not likely to be an issue. Secondly, you’re not going to be adding another layer of burnt charcoal to the dirt area of your camp, something that is not good to leave behind for future campers to deal with.

If having a campfire is crucial to your joy and happiness, and there are restrictions on fires where you are, you may want to invest in a small propane campfire set up. See this link.

In every case never leave any fire unattended, and make sure to fully douse your fire with water before retiring for the night or leaving the site.

Be Fire Safe and Fire Wise!

How to Urban Camp

Urban camping, boondocking, pirate camping, stealth camping… whatever you want to call it, it’s free. Basically, urban camping is street camping.

Early on in our vanlife days we found ourselves up in Carmel, California without a place to stay for the night. We drove into a fuel station and drew the curtains within the bus. Then we deployed the bed, made the bed up with linens for the night, and prepared ourselves to hit the sack. Next, we found a parking spot on a residential street, parked, turned out the lights and climbed into our bunk for the night.

In the morning, you roll out of bed and climb in the drivers seat. Start her up and drive to Starbucks for a coffee and a bathroom break. Simple, no?

Now, this isn’t exactly legal, and probably not for the faint of heart because you won’t be getting any shut eye if you’re worrying about being asked to move on. If possible, finding a private and safe spot where you can rest for the night is much better than an unsafe side-of-the-road option. But, ask yourself, “what’s the worst that can happen?” EXACTLY… “tap, tap, tap… is anybody in there?” Ignore it, or answer and then move on. The beauty of the VW bus is that it is small and insignificant, it doesn’t stick out in a lineup of vehicles on a street like an RV would. Since our first night of boondocking in Carmel way back when, we’ve practiced this type of camping time and time again.

8 Tips for Urban Camping

1. Park Somewhere Safe

Safety should always be your #1 priority. If you don’t feel right about it, move on. You won’t get any sleep worrying anyways.

2. Stay Quiet

Try to blend in to your environment. Don’t make it obvious that you’re in the bus. Keep noise to a minimum.

3. Leave Early in the Morning

When parking in neighborhoods, try to leave before people start driving off to work. This way you can avoid confrontation and you can catch an awesome sunrise and surf sesh.

4. Have a Clear Path to the Driver Seat

Always clear a path to the driver seat in case of an emergency, where you can easily start or stop the bus immediately.

5. Check for “No Trespassing” & “Private Property” Signs

This is pretty obvious but always check your surroundings.

6. Move to a Different Location Each Night

Don’t stay at the same location each night to avoid suspicion from locals.

7. Plan Ahead

Have in mind where you want to stay each night. This will eliminate any anxiety that may arise from not knowing where you will be camping each night.

8. Clean Up & Have Fun

Respect the location you camp at. Leave your area cleaner than you found it. Remember, every moment is apart of the adventure. Even the midnight knocks to move locations… Have fun!!!

Are you ready to go urban camping? Adventure Awaits.