Escape to Nebraska: The Best Campsites for Survival Training

The Best Campsites for Nebraska Survival Preppers

If you’re a survival prepper living in Nebraska, you know how essential it is to be prepared for anything the world might throw your way. Whether you’re dealing with extreme weather, a long-term emergency, or just want to hone your skills and reconnect with the land, Nebraska offers some of the best camping sites in the country for preppers like you. From the rugged Sandhills to the Missouri River bluffs, these spots provide the ideal environment to test your gear, practice your survival skills, and truly immerse yourself in nature.

As preppers, we value our independence, self-reliance, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing environment around us. Nebraska’s natural landscapes give us the space to do all of that, while also offering the perfect terrain for camping and survival training. So whether you’re preparing for an emergency, just looking to escape into the wild, or need to test out some of your gear, Nebraska’s diverse campsites are waiting for you.


1. Fort Robinson State Park – Crawford, NE

Fort Robinson is a prepper’s dream. Located in the northwest corner of the state, this park offers a combination of rugged terrain and expansive landscapes, ideal for testing your survival skills. The park has several campsites, including backcountry options, giving you the opportunity to test out your wilderness gear. Don’t forget to practice your shelter-building skills near the wild canyons and thick pine forests.

2. Pine Ridge Ranger District – Chadron, NE

Located near the Black Hills, Pine Ridge is known for its dense forests, rough terrain, and secluded areas perfect for prepping. Here, you can practice shelter construction, trapping, and wilderness navigation while being completely immersed in nature. The remote nature of this area offers a fantastic chance to hone your skills away from prying eyes.

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3. Chadron State Park – Chadron, NE

Chadron State Park is another solid choice for preppers. The park provides a variety of environments, from wooded areas to rolling hills, perfect for testing different survival scenarios. The park also has a combination of primitive and developed campsites, so you can choose between a more rugged, backcountry experience or something more comfortable.

4. Cedar Ridge Campground – Nebraska National Forest

This area is perfect for anyone who wants a mix of solitude and access to essential resources. The Nebraska National Forest is known for its mix of woodland, grasslands, and rugged terrain. Cedar Ridge offers primitive campsites that are ideal for testing your preparedness under more difficult conditions.

5. Mahoney State Park – Ashland, NE

Mahoney State Park is located in eastern Nebraska and offers a more accessible location for preppers looking for something closer to home. While it’s a bit more developed than other locations, it still offers secluded areas where you can practice skills such as navigation and fire-starting without being disturbed.

6. Louisville State Recreation Area – Louisville, NE

Louisville State Recreation Area offers a peaceful, wooded environment that’s perfect for stealth camping. This area has less foot traffic, allowing preppers to practice techniques like camouflage, building a shelter, and cooking over an open fire without drawing attention.

7. Sandy Point Campground – Branched Oak Lake

For those who prefer water-based survival scenarios, Sandy Point Campground offers a great spot for fishing, boating, and practicing water navigation skills. While it’s not entirely remote, it still provides a great opportunity to practice waterborne survival techniques, especially with the lake and surrounding forest.

8. Rock Creek Station State Historical Park – Fairbury, NE

The historical park is a fantastic spot for preppers who want to combine history with wilderness survival. The park features primitive campsites and is located in a historically significant area along the Oregon Trail. This gives you a unique chance to practice survival skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by pioneers.

9. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park – North Platte, NE

Located in the heart of Nebraska, Buffalo Bill Ranch offers a combination of historical exploration and wilderness skills training. The area around the park features forests, open fields, and rolling hills, giving preppers a broad range of environments to practice their survival techniques.

10. Clear Creek Campground – Lincoln, NE

For those who need a campsite closer to the city, Clear Creek Campground offers a peaceful place to set up camp and practice skills like fire-starting and cooking over a fire. The nearby creek provides opportunities for water filtration practice and learning to navigate using water sources.


30 Top Campsites for Nebraska Survival Preppers

  1. Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford
  2. Pine Ridge Ranger District, Chadron
  3. Chadron State Park, Chadron
  4. Cedar Ridge Campground, Nebraska National Forest
  5. Mahoney State Park, Ashland
  6. Louisville State Recreation Area, Louisville
  7. Sandy Point Campground, Branched Oak Lake
  8. Rock Creek Station State Historical Park, Fairbury
  9. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, North Platte
  10. Clear Creek Campground, Lincoln
  11. Platte River State Park, Louisville
  12. Ponca State Park, Ponca
  13. Smith Falls State Park, Valentine
  14. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Ashland
  15. Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, Fremont
  16. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, Nebraska City
  17. Niobrara State Park, Niobrara
  18. Harlan County Reservoir, Republican City
  19. Calamus Reservoir Recreation Area, Burwell
  20. Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area, Ogallala
  21. Branched Oak State Recreation Area, Malcolm
  22. Swanson Reservoir, Trenton
  23. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, Valentine
  24. Bessey Ranger District, Halsey
  25. South Bend Campground, South Bend
  26. Big Horn Campground, Nebraska National Forest
  27. Cherry Creek Campground, Nebraska National Forest
  28. Red Willow Reservoir, McCook
  29. Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area, Hemingford
  30. Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area, Imperial

In-Depth Conclusion: Homesteading in Nebraska – A Prepper’s Perspective

Homesteading in Nebraska isn’t just a lifestyle—it’s a mindset rooted in self-reliance, resilience, and an unshakable connection to the land. For survival preppers and off-grid enthusiasts, Nebraska offers a rare combination of practical benefits and raw natural beauty that make it an ideal place to put down sustainable roots. From the sweeping plains of the Sandhills to the fertile river valleys and forested western ridges, the state presents a diverse range of ecosystems perfect for building a life centered on preparedness, independence, and harmony with nature.

One of the greatest advantages of homesteading in Nebraska is its affordability. Compared to other states, the cost of land is relatively low, especially in rural areas where larger plots can still be acquired without breaking the bank. This means more space for farming, livestock, renewable energy systems, and even dedicated areas for wilderness training or bug-out drills. Nebraska’s climate—while varied—offers four true seasons, each presenting its own challenges and learning opportunities for the committed homesteader. From frigid winters that test your wood-stove and insulation setup to hot summers that push your irrigation and crop management skills, it’s a proving ground for self-sufficiency.

Water access is another critical factor, and Nebraska doesn’t disappoint. The Ogallala Aquifer, one of the largest underground water sources in the world, spans much of the state, giving rural landowners access to dependable well water for drinking, irrigation, and livestock. Rainwater collection is also feasible, and with careful management, you can achieve long-term water independence.

Agriculturally, Nebraska is rich in heritage and soil. Even modest plots can support fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and pasture animals. The state supports a strong culture of local markets and food co-ops, making it easier for homesteaders to sell or barter excess produce, eggs, honey, and homemade goods. Whether you’re raising chickens, goats, bees, or just tending heirloom crops, Nebraska provides the climate and community support to thrive.

Energy independence is also within reach. With its wide-open skies and steady wind corridors, Nebraska is well-suited for both solar and wind power systems. Many homesteaders choose to install hybrid energy systems that ensure uninterrupted off-grid power year-round. Combined with proper storage solutions and backup generators, you can build a homestead that remains operational even during grid failures or emergencies.

Community-wise, Nebraska’s rural regions are filled with like-minded individuals—hardworking, modest folks who understand the value of preparedness and helping a neighbor in need. Local fairs, farmer gatherings, and community events offer opportunities to learn traditional skills, exchange knowledge, and find a support system rooted in shared values.

That said, homesteading here isn’t without its challenges. Tornadoes in spring, harsh winters, and limited access to some services in the more remote areas require a high degree of personal resilience. But for preppers, these are not drawbacks—they’re opportunities to test your systems, refine your plans, and strengthen your independence.

If you’re a prepper considering the next step toward complete self-sufficiency, Nebraska stands out as a prime location to begin or expand your homesteading journey. With the right planning, effort, and mindset, you can create a secure, sustainable, and rewarding life here—one that isn’t just about surviving, but thriving, no matter what the world throws your way.

Top Indiana Campsites Every Survival Prepper Needs to Know

As a survival prepper in Indiana, I know the importance of finding the right camping spots. Not just any campsite will do when you’re preparing for an emergency, wilderness survival situation, or just getting away to practice your skills in the wild. Indiana’s diverse landscape—from rolling hills and dense forests to clear rivers and lakes—offers countless opportunities for training, prepping, and getting that much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Whether you’re prepping for a natural disaster, TEOTWAWKI (The End of The World As We Know It), or just learning new skills for your survival toolkit, finding the right places to camp is critical. The right site can provide solitude, resources, and perfect opportunities for training your skills, honing your wilderness survival techniques, and perfecting your bug-out strategy.

The following list of Indiana’s top 30 campsites isn’t just about packing up and getting some fresh air. It’s about honing your survival skills, getting accustomed to your gear, and testing your mental and physical toughness in a variety of environments that Indiana has to offer. From dense woods to riverside sites, these campsites are ideal for preppers who want to stay connected with nature and prepared for any situation.

1. Brown County State Park

Located in the heart of Indiana, Brown County is the largest state park in Indiana. With over 15,000 acres of forested hills, it’s an ideal spot for practicing bushcraft, setting up your tent, and testing your fire-starting skills. You’ll also find numerous hiking trails and potential natural resources to test your survival instincts.

2. Hoosier National Forest

Stretching across 202,000 acres, the Hoosier National Forest offers many opportunities to practice wilderness survival. There are several primitive campsites scattered throughout the forest, perfect for honing your skills in shelter building, navigation, and resource management.

3. Indiana Dunes State Park

If you’re interested in practicing survival near water, the Indiana Dunes State Park is one of the best locations. Its proximity to Lake Michigan offers unique challenges, such as managing coastal winds and understanding waterborne survival tactics. You’ll also find sand dunes and varied terrain to test your wilderness adaptability.

4. Shakamak State Park

This park is a great location for preppers who want to combine lake survival with forested terrain. Its three large lakes are excellent for testing your fishing, water purification, and boat navigation skills.

5. Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Morgan-Monroe State Forest is perfect for preppers seeking solitude. With dense woods and plenty of wildlife, it’s a prime spot to practice camouflage, trapping, and observation skills.

6. Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area

This area offers water access, which makes it ideal for practicing water purification and fishing. The surrounding forests also provide opportunities to work on shelter building and fire making.

7. Tippecanoe River State Park

Tippecanoe River is perfect for preppers who want to focus on water navigation and survival. With campsites along the river, you’ll be able to practice boat-based survival, fishing, and living off the land.

8. Cataract Falls

This is the perfect spot if you’re training in both water survival and bushcraft. The nearby falls offer a chance to practice water filtration techniques, while the woods give you a place to focus on shelter-building and finding edible plants.

9. Charles C. Deam Wilderness

This 13,000-acre wilderness area offers a true challenge to survivalists. With rugged terrain and dense forest, it’s a place where you can really push your limits when it comes to navigation, fire-making, and food sourcing.

10. Pokagon State Park

If you’re a prepper focused on winter survival, Pokagon is ideal. With its sledding hills and deep woods, you can practice fire-starting in cold weather and test your cold-weather camping gear in real-world conditions.

11. Spring Mill State Park

This state park offers a range of natural features that will test your prepper skills, from cave systems for exploring to rugged terrain and ample wildlife for hunting and trapping practice.

12. Versailles State Park

With its dense woodlands and large lake, Versailles is great for water survival and bushcraft practice. If you’re prepping for a natural disaster, this is an excellent place to practice emergency shelter-building and water purification.

13. Yellowwood State Forest

This is a secluded and serene place, perfect for honing wilderness survival techniques. With limited development, it’s a great spot to practice skills like fire building, finding shelter, and foraging.

14. Turkey Run State Park

Known for its stunning canyons and rock formations, this park offers an opportunity to practice rock climbing, navigating uneven terrain, and testing your mental toughness.

15. Clifty Falls State Park

This park provides rugged, forested terrain where you can practice shelter-building and navigate the more challenging sections of the park. The waterfalls are a good opportunity for water purification and filtering practice.

16. Lake Monroe

Located near Bloomington, Lake Monroe offers great spots for fishing and kayaking, making it a perfect spot to practice water navigation and aquatic survival. The surrounding forest provides ample space for bushcraft training.

17. O’Bannon Woods State Park

Perfect for practicing survival skills, O’Bannon Woods offers primitive campsites and miles of trails. There are also several caves in the area, great for exploring and learning about sheltering in natural formations.

18. Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area

With a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands and forests, this location is great for practicing both survival and wildlife tracking. It offers limited amenities, allowing for an authentic prepper experience.

19. Laurel Ridge

A great spot to work on both navigation and survival, Laurel Ridge offers rugged terrain and steep trails, providing a perfect challenge for any prepper looking to test their hiking endurance.

20. Patoka Lake

This lake provides a good balance of water survival skills and forest-based training. Practice fishing, boating, and shelter-building while being surrounded by rich natural resources.

21. Ferdinand State Forest

Perfect for advanced preppers, this state forest offers a variety of terrains for shelter-building and fire-starting, while also allowing for wildlife tracking and even hunting opportunities.

22. Chain O’ Lakes State Park

Chain O’ Lakes offers a unique experience for water-focused preppers, with its many interconnected lakes. It’s ideal for waterborne survival tactics and camping off the beaten path.

23. Hickory Ridge Campground

Located in Brown County, this site provides a quiet, secluded area for preppers to practice solo survival techniques and hone basic skills like fire-building, foraging, and fishing.

24. Redbird State Recreation Area

A well-known spot for off-roading, this area also provides many trails for hiking and testing your survival skills in dense woods, perfect for testing your navigation and tracking abilities.

25. Pine Hills Nature Preserve

Known for its rugged topography, Pine Hills is great for practicing extreme wilderness survival. With rocky cliffs and thick forests, this is the place to test your endurance and self-reliance.

26. Ridgeway State Forest

For preppers looking for seclusion, Ridgeway offers just that. The forest is perfect for practicing advanced survival techniques like shelter-building in harsh environments and finding food in less hospitable places.

27. Salamonie River State Forest

Another great river-based location, this area allows you to practice survival techniques related to water access, purification, and shelter building in varied terrain.

28. Twelve Mile Creek Park

Located in the western part of Indiana, this park is a great place for primitive camping and prepping. The dense woods and creek access offer great resources for prepping practice.

29. Kankakee River State Park

Kankakee River offers a chance to practice survival in wetland and water-heavy environments. The river is an ideal location for fishing, water purification, and testing the effectiveness of your survival gear in damp conditions.

30. Hickory Run State Park

For the ultimate prepper experience, Hickory Run offers dense forests and pristine lakes. It’s the ideal location for testing your wilderness survival knowledge, whether it’s winter camping or heat endurance.


Indiana’s campgrounds aren’t just for weekend getaways—they’re practical training grounds for any prepper worth their salt. Whether you’re building a bug-out bag, practicing water filtration, or learning how to identify local flora and fauna, these campsites give you the real-world practice you need to be ready for anything.

30 Best Survivalist-Approved Campsites in Massachusetts

The Best Campsites for Massachusetts Survival Preppers!

If you’re a prepper living in Massachusetts, the time to start thinking about your survival plan is now. You need to make sure you’re prepared for all the challenges that can come with the state’s climate and geography. From the heavy snowstorms of winter to the occasional heat wave in the summer, Massachusetts offers a unique environment where you can test your survival skills and hone your abilities.

But being a prepper isn’t just about stockpiling food or building a bunker. It’s about being self-reliant, adaptable, and resourceful. One of the best ways to practice these skills is by spending time out in the wilderness, experiencing firsthand the challenges and rewards of living off the land. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best campsites in Massachusetts where survival preppers like us can get back to basics and really test our mettle.

Whether you’re looking for a remote, off-grid experience or a site close enough to resupply if needed, these locations have something for everyone. So grab your gear, pack your bug-out bag, and get ready for a survival adventure like no other. Here’s the list of the top 30 campsites in Massachusetts every prepper should know about.

1. Mount Greylock State Reservation

This is the highest point in Massachusetts, with panoramic views of the Berkshires. You can hike the Appalachian Trail or set up camp at one of the many sites. The area offers plenty of challenges for anyone looking to practice their navigation and survival skills.

2. Savoy Mountain State Forest

A perfect spot for those who want to hone their skills in a less-trodden area. The dense forest provides ample shelter-building opportunities, and the nearby ponds offer fishing prospects. It’s remote, quiet, and the ideal place to practice solo survival.

3. Tolland State Forest

With over 5,000 acres of wilderness, Tolland State Forest offers a variety of terrains, including mountains, streams, and deep woods. You can really push your survival skills here, from fire-starting to foraging, and you’ll have plenty of space to spread out.

4. Cape Cod National Seashore

While you might think survival prep means escaping to the woods, the coast offers its own set of challenges. Cape Cod is perfect for practicing your coastal survival skills, like fishing, beach foraging, and understanding tide cycles.

5. Beartown State Forest

If you’re looking for a forested area to practice bushcraft skills, Beartown offers dense, undeveloped terrain. Set up camp in its remote backwoods and learn how to make do with minimal resources while staying off the grid.

6. Harold Parker State Forest

This is a great campsite for those wanting a more suburban prepper setup but still want the benefit of natural terrain. The forest has many lakes and ponds, so you’ll get to practice water filtration, fishing, and general bushcraft.

7. Mohawk Trail State Forest

Perfect for intermediate-level survivalists, Mohawk Trail offers a variety of landscapes: deep forest, streams, and rock formations. You’ll have to be self-reliant, especially since the weather can change quickly in this region.

8. Myles Standish State Forest

Located near Plymouth, this forest is ideal for practicing shelter-building, fire-starting, and survival navigation skills. It’s not overly remote, but it has a lot of natural resources, and you’ll feel disconnected from civilization.

9. Mount Washington State Forest

If you’re seeking solitude and rugged terrain, Mount Washington State Forest is the place to be. It’s an excellent location to practice long-term survival tactics like food preservation and wilderness navigation.

10. Wendell State Forest

This is a hidden gem that many prepper types overlook. It’s remote, quiet, and filled with opportunities to practice primitive skills like trapping, hunting, and fishing. It’s also an excellent location for testing out your gear in rough conditions.

11. Quabbin Reservoir

For those interested in water-based survival skills, the Quabbin Reservoir offers a large, isolated area where you can work on water purification, navigation, and survival fishing.

12. Otter River State Forest

Known for its beautiful woods and relatively low traffic, Otter River State Forest is an ideal place to test your wilderness skills. From river foraging to shelter-building, this site will push your prepper instincts to the limit.

13. Pontoosuc Lake

For those who want to practice watercraft skills, Pontoosuc Lake in the Berkshires is a great spot. While kayaking or canoeing might not seem like typical prepper training, practicing water navigation is a crucial skill.

14. Freetown-Fall River State Forest

This area is heavily wooded with multiple ponds, making it perfect for practicing fire-starting, shelter-building, and even primitive cooking techniques. The isolation offers a great opportunity for solo survival experiences.

15. Ashburnham State Forest

This forest is an excellent place to test your long-term survival skills in more challenging conditions. It’s secluded, and you’ll get to practice both low-tech survival strategies and water purification.

16. Great Brook Farm State Park

This park is ideal for learning how to manage small-scale farming and gardening in the wild, perfect for long-term sustainability. Great for practicing your food-growing skills while being close enough to resupply if needed.

17. Baxter State Park (Just Across the Border in Maine)

A bit of a drive from Massachusetts but totally worth it for serious survivalists. Baxter State Park offers wilderness survival training at a level you won’t find anywhere else.

18. Mount Tom State Reservation

Great for beginners and seasoned preppers alike. The mountain offers a variety of campsites and hiking trails that lead through wooded areas, making it perfect for practicing navigation and fire-building.

19. Leominster State Forest

This forest offers hiking trails, ponds, and thick woods where you can practice surviving with limited resources. It’s also a good place to simulate urban escape routes while still in a wilderness environment.

20. Cuttyhunk Island

One of the most remote places in Massachusetts, this island is perfect for testing your coastal survival skills. You can practice shelter-building with limited materials and fish the waters for sustenance.

21. Barre Falls Dam

This lesser-known spot is perfect for survivalists looking for peace and quiet. The area is isolated enough for solo survival practice but still has the resources you need to test different techniques.

22. D.A.R. State Forest

Named after the Daughters of the American Revolution, this forest provides great trails, freshwater, and a quiet environment perfect for solo camping and practicing all your survival basics.

23. Houghton’s Pond

Located within Blue Hills Reservation, this pond is great for testing your fishing skills and water purification. It also offers hiking trails where you can practice long-distance hiking with a full survival kit.

24. Pond in the Pines Campground

An excellent spot for those interested in low-key survival, this site offers access to water, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife to practice tracking and hunting skills.

25. Tully Lake Campground

Located in Royalston, this spot is great for preppers who want to combine water-based survival with land-based skills. It’s remote, surrounded by dense woods, and has a lot of opportunities to practice your bushcraft techniques.

26. Ski Butternut

You wouldn’t think of a ski resort as a survivalist’s dream, but the area surrounding Ski Butternut offers dense woods and various terrain types that are ideal for winter survival training.

27. Pittsfield State Forest

Perfect for long hikes and multi-day survival trips, Pittsfield State Forest is a remote and rugged location where preppers can challenge themselves to live off the land for extended periods.

28. Walden Pond State Reservation

If you want to practice your prepper skills in the same location where Thoreau lived, this is the spot for you. Walden Pond is the perfect place for quiet reflection and honing your resourcefulness.

29. Mount Everett State Reservation

With high-altitude camping and challenging terrain, this park is a great place for advanced survivalists to really push their limits. Expect cold nights, rugged trails, and beautiful scenery.

30. Cummington Fairgrounds

For a less intense camping experience, but still a great location to practice prepping skills. The site is often used for educational events related to farming, homesteading, and survival tactics.

Survival Camping in Hawaii: 30 Locations You Can’t Miss

Survival Preppers and Hawaii Camping: A Match Made in Paradise

Living in Hawaii offers a unique challenge for survival preppers. The beauty of these islands is undeniable, but as preppers, we know that beauty often masks the need for serious preparation. Whether you’re gearing up for a bug-out situation, seeking to improve your wilderness survival skills, or simply looking for a peaceful yet practical location to hone your craft, Hawaii has some of the best survival camping spots on the planet.

In this guide, I’m going to share 30 of the best campsites in Hawaii that are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also give you the perfect environment for testing and refining your survival skills. From remote jungle campsites to coastal hideaways, these locations will push your limits and prepare you for any survival scenario in Hawaii’s tropical wilderness.

Why Hawaii is Perfect for Preppers

Hawaii is home to diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush rainforests and volcanic terrains to arid deserts and towering mountains. The state’s isolated nature also makes it a great place for preppers who want to practice homesteading and long-term survival strategies without the interference of city life. However, you need to know where to go to test your skills effectively.

You’ll find both government-managed campsites and privately owned areas, each offering its own set of challenges. Whether you’re hiking into the backcountry to test your skills in food gathering, water purification, or shelter-building, Hawaii’s unique environments provide plenty of opportunities to practice and become self-sufficient.

30 Best Camping Sites for Survival Preppers in Hawaii

  1. Koke’e State Park (Kauai)
    With its high elevation and dense forest, this park is ideal for testing your wilderness survival abilities. You’ll find plenty of hiking trails that lead into the heart of the island’s rugged terrain.
  2. Napali Coast State Park (Kauai)
    A remote and challenging spot to reach, the Napali Coast offers towering sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and a wilderness experience like no other. If you’re looking to practice coastal survival skills, this is the place.
  3. Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area (Maui)
    Located in the slopes of Haleakalā, this spot offers cool temperatures and thick forests perfect for shelter-building, navigation, and even foraging.
  4. Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Maui)
    Known for its black sand beach, this site offers a range of coastal survival challenges. The rocky shorelines and dramatic sea cliffs will put your resourcefulness to the test.
  5. Haleakalā National Park (Maui)
    A vast, diverse landscape from volcanic craters to lush valleys makes this park perfect for those wanting to experience diverse survival scenarios. A great place for learning fire-starting techniques and shelter building.
  6. Na Ala Hele Trail System (Big Island)
    This extensive network of trails offers access to a variety of terrains, from dense rainforests to dry lava flows. It’s the perfect place to work on navigation and endurance.
  7. Hilo Forest Reserve (Big Island)
    If you want to practice your foraging and shelter-building skills, the Hilo Forest Reserve provides the lush, tropical environment for all sorts of survival tasks.
  8. Kailua Beach (Oahu)
    Ideal for practicing beach and coastal survival techniques, you can learn to catch fish, forage for food, and build shelters in this relatively accessible area.
  9. Diamond Head State Monument (Oahu)
    While it’s a popular tourist spot, the backcountry surrounding the Diamond Head crater provides a range of survival training opportunities, including navigation, shelter, and foraging.
  10. Pipiwai Trail (Maui)
    Located within the Haleakalā National Park, the Pipiwai Trail takes you through rainforests and bamboo groves, offering diverse challenges for any prepper.
  11. Kīlauea Iki Trail (Big Island)
    This volcanic trail offers both challenges and rewards as you practice wilderness survival in a unique volcanic landscape.
  12. Makua Valley (Oahu)
    Isolated and remote, this valley offers a chance to work on your self-sufficiency skills, with rugged terrain and little outside assistance.
  13. Manini’owali Beach (Kona, Big Island)
    A quiet and beautiful beach perfect for practicing coastal survival, with opportunities for fishing and building beach shelters.
  14. Makapu’u Point (Oahu)
    The coastline around Makapu’u provides a tough, rocky environment ideal for coastal survival. The area also has a variety of wildlife, great for learning about tracking.
  15. Pololu Valley (Big Island)
    Known for its breathtaking views, Pololu Valley is perfect for preppers wanting to test their skills in dense vegetation and rocky, challenging terrains.
  16. Kohala Forest Reserve (Big Island)
    With its challenging slopes and diverse ecosystem, this reserve provides a great spot for testing your ability to navigate, forage, and create shelter.
  17. Camp Olowalu (Maui)
    This campsite is located right by the beach and offers a peaceful, practical environment for practicing beachside survival techniques.
  18. Kalalau Valley (Kauai)
    Remote and stunning, Kalalau Valley is a hiking challenge and offers opportunities for practicing wilderness survival in an isolated tropical environment.
  19. Waimea Canyon State Park (Kauai)
    Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is perfect for testing your survival skills in a rugged, isolated environment.
  20. Kaʻena Point State Park (Oahu)
    A remote, coastal wilderness area where you can practice survival skills in isolation, focusing on water collection, shelter building, and food foraging.
  21. Mauna Loa (Big Island)
    For those looking to practice in a volcanic environment, Mauna Loa offers a unique and challenging terrain.
  22. Polipoli State Park (Maui)
    Located in the cooler highlands, this spot provides ample opportunities for testing your cold-weather survival strategies in a Hawaiian setting.
  23. Waimanu Valley (Big Island)
    This remote spot can only be accessed by foot or boat, offering an isolated area to practice foraging, shelter building, and survival tactics.
  24. Kona Coast (Big Island)
    A great spot for coastal preppers looking to test their ability to survive in a more arid, rocky environment.
  25. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)
    Famous for its volcanic activity, this park offers unique challenges for any prepper—especially in learning to work with volcanic environments.
  26. Kahua Ranch (Big Island)
    A secluded ranch where you can practice homesteading and survival skills, such as animal husbandry and sustainable living.
  27. Kauai Backcountry Adventures (Kauai)
    If you’re looking to practice more extreme survival techniques, this company offers guided tours of Kauai’s rugged and remote backcountry.
  28. Makaha Beach (Oahu)
    Known for its seclusion, Makaha is perfect for practicing water purification and coastal survival techniques in a challenging environment.
  29. Kona Coffee Trail (Big Island)
    While walking this trail, you’ll learn about traditional coffee farming and how to forage, along with how to create a sustainable living in Hawaii’s wilderness.
  30. Waipio Valley (Big Island)
    Known for its steep cliffs and rugged beauty, Waipio Valley is perfect for honing your navigation, water collection, and shelter-building techniques.

Preparing for the Ultimate Survival Test in Hawaii

Each of these campsites offers unique challenges that will test your mental and physical limits as a prepper. The best thing about survival camping in Hawaii is the diversity of environments available. You can go from the coast to the jungle and even the highlands, all in a single day’s journey.

If you’re preparing for long-term survival or simply want to explore the island’s wildest, most isolated places, each of these campsites offers the chance to develop crucial skills—whether it’s fire building, water purification, food sourcing, or shelter construction.

Being a survival prepper in Hawaii is more than just enjoying the beauty of the islands—it’s about adapting to the natural environment and becoming self-sufficient, no matter what comes your way.

Top 30 Survivalist-Friendly Campsites in North Carolina

The Best Campsites for North Carolina Survival Preppers

As a prepper living in North Carolina, you know that being ready for any situation, whether it’s a natural disaster, a power outage, or just a need for some personal space, is key. What better way to ensure you’re prepared than by learning the land, understanding the environment, and honing your survival skills in the wild? North Carolina, with its diverse terrain from the mountains to the coast, offers some of the best campsites in the nation for preppers like us. Here’s a guide to 30 of the best camping sites for survival training and prepping in North Carolina.

Whether you’re testing your bug-out bag, practicing fire-starting techniques, or just getting familiar with local flora and fauna, these campsites are perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. From deep forests to rugged mountain terrain, North Carolina has it all.


1. Pisgah National Forest

Known for its vast stretches of wilderness, Pisgah National Forest offers miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and secluded campsites. This place is ideal for preppers who want to test their wilderness skills and see what they can forage, hunt, and gather in the wild. The forest provides plenty of opportunity for stealth camping and learning to live off the land.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This park is one of the most well-known in the country, and for good reason. It’s filled with diverse ecosystems, and its remote areas make it perfect for extended survival training. As a prepper, you’ll want to spend some time here learning about the flora and fauna, as well as getting comfortable with primitive shelter-building.

3. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Part of the Appalachian Mountains, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is great for those who enjoy rugged terrain. This forest provides great opportunities for shelter-building, testing your gear, and hiking through challenging terrain. The combination of creeks, rivers, and forests will keep any prepper occupied.

4. Morrow Mountain State Park

With over 1,000 acres of land and beautiful scenic views, Morrow Mountain State Park is perfect for prepping and practicing wilderness survival skills. It offers great opportunities for fishing, hunting, and other vital outdoor skills. The area also offers peaceful lakeside campsites.

5. Hanging Rock State Park

Located in the Sauratown Mountains, Hanging Rock is a great place for prepping and connecting with nature. With dramatic rock formations, this park offers challenging terrain for those who want to push their limits. It’s also a perfect spot for learning how to navigate rough terrain or just test your fire-starting skills in remote locations.

6. Uwharrie National Forest

This forest is full of ancient mountains, with dense woods and creeks. It’s an excellent location for survivalists looking for a challenge, offering secluded campsites, primitive campsites, and a variety of flora and fauna to explore.

7. Crowders Mountain State Park

For those who enjoy mountain terrain, Crowders Mountain is a must-see. The views are amazing, but the real draw is the opportunity to test your skills in a variety of outdoor survival situations. Whether you need to practice building shelters or hone your hiking endurance, this park is ideal.

8. Bodie Island Campground

If you’re looking to practice prepping along the coastline, Bodie Island is a great option. This campground offers access to the Outer Banks, where you can learn survival skills that might be different from those you’d use in mountainous terrain, such as coastal fishing and saltwater navigation.

9. Nantahala National Forest

With over 500,000 acres of rugged mountains, rivers, and wilderness, Nantahala National Forest is a prepper’s dream. Whether you’re training for wilderness survival, learning to hunt, or just exploring the environment, this is a fantastic place to sharpen your skills.

10. Lake James State Park

If you’re more into lakeside prepping, Lake James State Park provides a peaceful environment for preppers looking to practice water-based survival skills. It offers opportunities for both boating and hiking, with plenty of secluded areas to test your survival tactics.


11. Gorges State Park

Known for its dramatic waterfalls and rugged terrain, Gorges State Park provides an excellent setting for more advanced survivalists. If you’re looking to truly test your abilities, this is a great spot for deep woods exploration and endurance training.

12. South Mountains State Park

With over 20 miles of hiking trails, South Mountains offers a perfect place for long-term survival training. The park’s remote nature allows you to test your skills without the distractions of modern life, offering a chance to practice long-distance hiking and endurance.

13. Stone Mountain State Park

Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Stone Mountain offers challenging terrain, incredible views, and numerous camping opportunities for preppers. It’s a great spot for practicing shelter-building, map-reading, and surviving in diverse terrain.

14. Linville Gorge Wilderness Area

For those who truly want to test their wilderness survival skills, the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is a must-visit. This area offers rugged cliffs, deep ravines, and remote campsites, making it ideal for preppers looking to experience the harsh realities of survival.

15. Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge is the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States. It’s a unique spot for preppers looking to practice survival in a different environment. Learn how to navigate sand dunes, use the wind for navigation, and find your bearings in coastal areas.

16. Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

For those interested in lakefront prepping, Kerr Lake is the perfect spot. This large reservoir offers great opportunities for water-based survival skills, including fishing and water navigation, along with miles of trails for land-based training.

17. Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

If you’re a prepper interested in wetland survival skills, this is the place to be. With expansive swamps and forested wetlands, Pocosin Lakes provides a unique environment to practice water and wetland survival techniques.

18. Harris Lake County Park

For those closer to the Raleigh area, Harris Lake offers a quieter, more controlled environment to practice survival techniques. It’s ideal for short camping trips where you can practice fire-making, cooking over an open flame, and wildlife tracking.

19. Elk Knob State Park

A remote park with high mountain peaks, Elk Knob provides a more solitary and rugged experience. It’s great for preppers who want to escape the crowds and test their skills in extreme environments.

20. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Perfect for coastal preppers, Cape Hatteras offers a mix of beach and wooded terrain, ideal for testing various survival tactics, from building shelters in sand to fishing from the shore.


21. Badin Lake

Surrounded by the Uwharrie National Forest, Badin Lake offers a peaceful setting for preppers looking for a serene place to practice survival skills. The lake itself is perfect for learning water navigation techniques, while the surrounding forests are excellent for woodcraft and foraging.

22. Holly Shelter Game Land

Located in coastal North Carolina, Holly Shelter Game Land provides the perfect environment for hunting, fishing, and practicing wilderness skills in a somewhat untamed environment.

23. Tennessee Valley Authority Lands

If you’re looking for more isolated spaces to practice, check out the TVA lands near the NC/Tennessee border. These lands have vast wilderness areas, perfect for learning to live off the land and practicing long-term survival techniques.

24. Mount Mitchell State Park

The highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell offers challenging mountain terrain for prepping. Learn how to use higher elevations to your advantage, test your endurance, and practice long-term camping.

25. Reedy Creek Park

For those close to the Charlotte area, Reedy Creek Park offers a great mix of trails and peaceful camping grounds, perfect for honing survival skills without leaving the urban area far behind.

26. Junaluska Campground

Situated in the Appalachian Mountains, Junaluska offers a quiet getaway perfect for preppers looking to test their wilderness knowledge in rugged, challenging terrain.

27. N.C. Game Lands at Roanoke River

For those who enjoy hunting and fishing as part of their prepper lifestyle, Roanoke River’s game lands offer a haven for practice. The swampy areas and rich wildlife provide an excellent test of your outdoor knowledge.

28. Mills River Recreation Area

Just outside of Asheville, this area offers the perfect mix of proximity to city amenities and wild terrain for prepping. It’s a great place to practice navigation, shelter-building, and fire-starting skills.

29. Blue Ridge Parkway

The famed Blue Ridge Parkway runs through North Carolina, and the surrounding camping areas are ideal for prepping. With a combination of mountainous terrain, lakes, and forest, this is an area where you can get serious about survival practice.

30. Yadkin River State Trail

This trail runs along the Yadkin River and offers a great opportunity to explore river-based survival techniques. Whether you prefer hiking, canoeing, or simply testing gear in a variety of environments, Yadkin offers something for every prepper.

Survival Prepper’s Ultimate Guide to the Best Camping Sites in Utah

Survival Prepper’s Ultimate Guide to the Best Camping Sites in Utah

As a survivalist, being prepared is a lifestyle, and one of the most important elements of survival prep is knowing where to go when the world as we know it might shift into chaos. For us preppers living in the great state of Utah, we have the advantage of an expansive wilderness that stretches from rugged deserts to high mountain ranges. Whether you’re preparing for the worst or you’re just looking for a weekend getaway to practice your survival skills, Utah offers some of the best camping spots to test your mettle.

1. Utah’s Natural Fortress: The Best Campsites for Preppers

Utah is home to a diverse range of camping sites that cater to survivalists looking to hone their skills in a variety of environments. From the dense, evergreen forests in the north to the desolate and isolated deserts in the south, Utah’s topography presents the ultimate challenge for any prepper looking to practice self-sufficiency, bushcraft, and survival techniques. Here are 30 of the best spots for camping, where you can perfect your skills and prepare for anything life throws your way.

2. Top 30 Camping Sites for Survival Preppers in Utah

  1. Zion National Park – This iconic park offers a mix of canyons, plateaus, and mountains. It’s perfect for learning desert survival skills while surrounded by rugged landscapes.
  2. Arches National Park – Known for its incredible red rock formations, this park also offers excellent areas for backcountry camping.
  3. Canyonlands National Park – This massive park is perfect for long-term survival training with isolated, rugged terrain.
  4. Capitol Reef National Park – A hidden gem, Capitol Reef offers solitude, extensive trails, and areas where you can practice wilderness survival away from the crowds.
  5. Great Salt Lake – The salt flats and desert surrounding the Great Salt Lake provide an opportunity to test your skills in harsh, barren conditions.
  6. Fishlake National Forest – Known for its lush forests, this area is ideal for learning the art of foraging and living off the land.
  7. Antelope Island State Park – Perfect for dry conditions and desert survival, this park offers a mix of wildlife and isolation.
  8. Tushar Mountains – Located in central Utah, these mountains offer high-altitude challenges that prepare you for cold-weather survival.
  9. Wasatch Mountains – Close to Salt Lake City, the Wasatch offers easy access to both alpine and wilderness environments.
  10. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway – A beautiful and peaceful place to practice long-range camping with stunning views of alpine lakes and mountains.
  11. Bear Lake State Park – Surrounded by forests and hills, Bear Lake is a good option for prepping in a mix of aquatic and wooded environments.
  12. Desolation Wilderness – Offering steep terrain and tricky navigation, this spot challenges even the most seasoned survivalists.
  13. Red Cliffs Desert Reserve – Near St. George, this area gives you the chance to practice desert navigation, shelter building, and fire-starting techniques.
  14. Willard Bay State Park – This bay area can help you practice water survival tactics and fishing.
  15. Fremont Indian State Park – Explore desert terrain and learn to survive in extreme conditions while experiencing ancient cultural sites.
  16. Pine Valley Mountains – This high-elevation mountain range provides remote locations ideal for survivalists seeking solitude and fresh water sources.
  17. Goblin Valley State Park – Known for its unique rock formations, this park offers great opportunities to practice stealth camping and shelter building.
  18. Boulder Mountain – This remote mountain area is perfect for those who want a combination of rugged terrain, seclusion, and testing your survival instincts.
  19. Dead Horse Point State Park – Famous for its striking desert landscape, this spot challenges campers to master desert survival and navigation techniques.
  20. Fishlake Basin – Known for its rugged terrain and high-altitude lakes, Fishlake Basin allows you to test both mountain and water survival skills.
  21. Mill Creek Canyon – With dense forest and easy access, Mill Creek Canyon is an excellent site for learning shelter building and foraging in a forest environment.
  22. The Henry Mountains – For those wanting to test their ability to survive in the wildest, most remote regions of Utah, the Henry Mountains offer a true survivalist’s challenge.
  23. Lake Powell – While Lake Powell’s famous for its water activities, it’s also a prime location for survivalists looking to practice primitive skills.
  24. Kolob Canyons – A remote part of Zion, Kolob Canyons is less visited, allowing you to practice long-term survival in solitude.
  25. Willard Peak – Ideal for mountaineering preppers, this mountain offers incredible views, challenging terrain, and isolation.
  26. Fishlake National Forest – This vast forest offers a mix of terrain, including alpine lakes, meadows, and rugged hills perfect for preppers.
  27. La Sal Mountains – Known for their rugged beauty, the La Sals offer a chance to practice survival in high-altitude, wooded environments.
  28. The Maze – This remote area of Canyonlands National Park is an excellent location for true wilderness survival with little to no human contact.
  29. East Canyon State Park – A great choice for prepping in a more temperate zone, East Canyon offers forested areas, hiking trails, and water for testing survival tactics.
  30. Huntington Canyon – With its thick forests and access to streams, this is a great place to practice foraging, fishing, and other vital survival skills.

3. Why These Campsites Are Perfect for Survival Preppers

Each of these 30 campsites has been carefully selected because they offer unique survival challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re interested in mastering fire-starting techniques, honing your shelter-building skills, or learning to navigate harsh desert environments, these spots provide the perfect backdrop for training and practicing the essential skills you’ll need in a survival situation. These locations also give preppers a chance to test their resourcefulness, whether by fishing, foraging, or building sustainable shelters with the natural materials available in each area.

Utah’s topography allows for every type of survival training imaginable. From mountain environments where you can hone your winter survival tactics, to desert landscapes that will help you learn the art of water conservation and finding food in arid conditions, the state offers a variety of challenges.

4. Prepping for the Worst

While the camping sites mentioned are great for a weekend getaway or a training camp with your fellow preppers, they also provide real-world testing grounds for more serious prepping. From wilderness survival to long-term off-grid living, these sites will prepare you for a variety of emergencies. They allow you to test gear, practice primitive techniques, and sharpen your skills, all while being in environments that will push your limits.

Some of these locations also provide the added benefit of being remote enough to help you practice isolation tactics. They allow you to test your ability to stay self-sufficient for extended periods of time, with minimal interaction with the outside world.

5. Making the Most of Your Survival Training

Before you head out to any of these campsites, be sure to pack the essentials: a good survival knife, fire-starting materials, a map and compass, water filtration equipment, and a reliable first aid kit. These campsites will test your resourcefulness and ability to adapt, so make sure you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario. After all, the goal is not just to survive, but to thrive when you face adversity in the wilderness.

In conclusion, Utah is an incredible state for preppers, offering diverse landscapes that will challenge your skills and prepare you for any situation. Whether you’re practicing in the backcountry or surviving in the desert, these campsites provide the perfect environment to push your survival abilities to the limit.

Florida’s Best 30 Camping Sites for Survival Preppers

Florida Survivalist’s Guide: Top 30 Camping Spots for Preppers

As a seasoned survival prepper in Florida, I’ve learned that the key to thriving in the face of natural disasters lies in preparation—and that includes knowing the best camping spots across the state. Florida’s diverse ecosystems offer a plethora of opportunities for survival training, wilderness immersion, and emergency preparedness. Whether you’re seeking remote backcountry sites, coastal retreats, or freshwater havens, Florida has a camping spot tailored for every prepper’s needs.


1. Big Cypress National Preserve

A vast 729,000-acre preserve offering rugged terrain, swamps, and diverse wildlife. Ideal for backcountry camping and honing survival skills. Nature Sport Central

2. Ocala National Forest

Home to clear springs, dense forests, and numerous trails, this forest provides both primitive and developed campsites.

3. Everglades National Park

Experience the “River of Grass” with chickee platforms and canoe-in campsites. Perfect for waterborne survival scenarios. Florida Trippers

4. Blackwater River State Park

Features one of the world’s rarest habitats, offering canoeing, hiking, and primitive camping opportunities.

5. Myakka River State Park

Spanning wetlands and forests, this park offers diverse terrains for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife observation. State Parks

6. Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail

A remote trail with river camps, ideal for canoeing and experiencing Florida’s natural beauty. Lonely Planet

7. Falling Waters State Park

Home to the state’s highest waterfall, this park offers hiking trails and a serene lake for swimming and fishing. Lonely Planet+2She Buys Travel+2State Parks+2

8. Florida Caverns State Park

Explore stunning underground formations and enjoy above-ground activities like hiking and canoeing. She Buys Travel

9. Anclote Key Preserve State Park

Accessible only by boat, this island park offers primitive beach camping and excellent fishing spots. State Parks+1VISIT FLORIDA+1

10. Cayo Costa State Park

A secluded island accessible by ferry or private boat, offering pristine beaches and primitive campsites. VISIT FLORIDA

11. Harney River Chickee

Located in the Everglades, this chickee platform provides a unique camping experience above the water. Florida Trippers

12. Wekiwa Springs State Park

Near Orlando, this park offers hiking, canoeing, and both primitive and developed campsites. State Parks+1Beyond The Tent+1

13. Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Known for its warm springs and canoeing opportunities, this area offers both primitive and developed campsites. VISIT FLORIDA+2Beyond The Tent+2State Parks+2

14. Salt Springs Recreation Area

Features a 72-degree spring, ideal for swimming and relaxing after a day of hiking or canoeing. VISIT FLORIDA

15. Hontoon Island State Park

Accessible by boat, this park offers primitive camping and a chance to explore Florida’s wild side. VISIT FLORIDA

16. Withlacoochee State Forest

Offers a variety of camping options, including electric and primitive sites, and numerous trails for hiking and biking. VISIT FLORIDA

17. Tomoka State Park

Located at the confluence of the Tomoka and Halifax rivers, this park offers canoeing and hiking opportunities. VISIT FLORIDA

18. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Florida’s first Dark Sky Park, offering stargazing, hiking, and birdwatching opportunities. Southern Living

19. Coldwater Gardens

A private nature retreat offering eco-friendly accommodations and access to diverse natural habitats. Southern Living+1Florida Hikes+1

20. Camp Chowenwaw Park

A former Girl Scout camp offering a unique camping experience in a deep forest setting. Florida Hikes

21. Bear Island Campground

Located in Big Cypress National Preserve, this campground offers a remote and rustic camping experience. Beyond The Tent+2activeweekender.com+2Nature Sport Central+2

22. Gator Head Campground

Also in Big Cypress National Preserve, this campground offers a primitive camping experience.

23. Pink Jeep Campground

Located in Big Cypress National Preserve, this campground offers a rustic camping experience.

24. Alexander Springs Recreation Area

Known for its crystal-clear spring, this area offers swimming, hiking, and camping opportunities.

25. Bahia Honda State Park

Located in the Florida Keys, this park offers camping with access to beautiful beaches and clear waters.

26. St. Andrews State Park
Located on Florida’s Panhandle, this park offers beautiful beachside camping, kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking—great for coastal survival training.

27. Fort De Soto Park
Near St. Petersburg, this historic park has excellent facilities for tent camping and is perfect for testing your bug-out gear close to saltwater environments.

28. Lake Kissimmee State Park
This park offers both scenic and secluded campsites. The wooded terrain, wildlife, and proximity to water make it ideal for long-term survival prep testing.

29. Blue Spring State Park
Best known for manatee viewing, this park also offers great opportunities to practice wilderness navigation, fishing, and sustainable camping techniques.

30. Grayton Beach State Park
Located along the Gulf Coast, this is one of Florida’s most scenic spots. It’s ideal for saltwater fishing, beach survival exercises, and testing your shelter setup skills in sandy environments.


Why Florida Survival Preppers Need These Camping Sites

As a lifelong Floridian and survivalist, I’ve learned that the only way to truly be ready for what this state throws at you—be it hurricanes, flooding, power outages, or even civil unrest—is to get boots-on-the-ground experience. That means turning camping into a lifestyle, not a weekend getaway.

Camping isn’t just leisure—it’s field testing. These sites aren’t just pretty—they’re battlegrounds for your bug-out plan. Each one offers a different terrain, different climate pressures, different proximity to fresh water, and different logistical considerations. In the prepping world, we call that real-world training.

From the swampy lowlands of Big Cypress to the high canopies of Ocala National Forest, these sites challenge your gear, your mindset, and your ability to adapt.


What You Should Practice at These Sites

  • Water Filtration – Test your LifeStraw, Berkey bottle, or Sawyer system. Florida’s humidity and flooding make clean water a top survival priority.
  • Fire Starting – You need to be able to start a fire in wet conditions. Use ferro rods, flint kits, and test your tinder stash.
  • Navigation – Bring your compass and topographic maps. Learn to navigate by landmarks, not GPS.
  • Shelter Setup – Practice with tarps, tents, hammocks, and ponchos. Test insulation and waterproofing.
  • First Aid – Take time to practice wound dressing, sprain management, and CPR with your group or family.
  • Foraging & Fishing – Learn local edible plants, shellfish traps, and how to cook off-grid.
  • Silent Movement – Learn to move quietly through brush and woods—handy for stealth or avoiding confrontation post-disaster.

How Camping Prepares You for Florida’s Real Threats

Let’s face it—Florida is a paradise with a temper. Here’s how your camping prep aligns with the realities of this state:

  • Hurricanes – Coastal sites give you the ability to simulate evacuation, sheltering from high winds, and setting up without infrastructure.
  • Floods – Camps near rivers and lowlands help you understand flood risks, water management, and gear waterproofing.
  • Heat & Bugs – There’s no classroom like Florida summer. You’ll learn the importance of hydration, shade, and insect protection real fast.
  • Looting & Chaos – If the grid goes down, knowing how to hide, blend in, and relocate matters. Remote camps teach that kind of discipline.

Final Word from a Florida Prepper

Living in Florida means prepping for paradise—and disaster. These 30 camping sites are more than scenic retreats. They’re proving grounds for your survival mindset. If you’re serious about prepping, don’t just build a bug-out bag—build your skills. Pack your gear, head into the wilderness, and make sure that when Florida roars, you’re not just surviving… you’re thriving.

And remember: the wild doesn’t lie. It’s the truest test of whether you’re ready for what’s coming.


30 Must-Visit Wyoming Campsites for Off-Grid Survival Training

🏕️ The Best Campsites for Wyoming Survival Preppers

As a seasoned survival prepper living in Wyoming, I’ve learned that the key to thriving in the wild is preparation. The Cowboy State offers a diverse range of terrains—from the towering peaks of the Tetons to the expansive plains of the east—each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for honing survival skills. Below is a curated list of 30 top camping sites across Wyoming, ideal for preppers seeking to test their gear, practice wilderness survival techniques, and immerse themselves in the state’s rugged beauty.


🏞️ 1. Jenny Lake Campground (Grand Teton National Park)

Nestled at the base of the majestic Teton Range, this campground offers breathtaking views and access to numerous hiking trails. It’s a prime spot for testing shelter setups and water purification methods.

🏞️ 2. Island Lake Campground (Beartooth Highway)

Located in the Shoshone National Forest, this remote campground is perfect for practicing navigation and off-grid cooking techniques. Its proximity to Yellowstone’s northeastern entrance makes it a strategic base for wilderness excursions.Camping Kiddos

🏞️ 3. Curt Gowdy State Park

Situated between Cheyenne and Laramie, this park offers diverse terrains for testing various survival scenarios. With over 170 campsites, it’s ideal for group training exercises.Lonely Planet

🏞️ 4. Glendo State Park

Known for its expansive reservoir, Glendo provides opportunities for water-based survival training and fishing practice. The park’s varied landscapes are perfect for simulating different disaster scenarios.PlanetWare

🏞️ 5. Vedauwoo Campground (Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest)

Famous for its unique rock formations, Vedauwoo offers challenging terrains for practicing shelter building and fire-starting techniques.Book Outdoors

🏞️ 6. Boysen State Park

Located near the Wind River Canyon, this park is ideal for testing water filtration systems and practicing fishing skills.

🏞️ 7. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

With both drive-in and boat-accessible campgrounds, Bighorn Canyon offers diverse environments for survival training, from dense forests to open plains.Wikipedia

🏞️ 8. Medicine Lodge Archeological Site

This historic site near Hyattville features ancient Native American petroglyphs and offers a unique setting for wilderness survival practice.Book Outdoors

🏞️ 9. Horseshoe Bend Campground (Bighorn Canyon)

Located in the South District of Bighorn Canyon, this campground provides a mix of forested areas and open spaces, perfect for testing navigation and shelter-building skills.Wikipedia

🏞️ 10. Afterbay Campground (Bighorn Canyon)

Situated in the North District, Afterbay offers a more secluded environment for practicing solo survival techniques and honing bushcraft skills.

🏞️ 11. Two Moon Campground (Glendo State Park)

As the largest campground in Glendo State Park, Two Moon offers ample space for group survival training exercises and testing various gear setups.

🏞️ 12. Sandy Beach Dune Campground (Glendo State Park)

This campground provides access to the reservoir’s shoreline, ideal for practicing water-based survival skills and fishing techniques.

🏞️ 13. Grayrocks Reservoir

A free camping spot near Greyrocks Reservoir, offering opportunities for fishing, wildlife observation, and testing off-grid living setups.YouTube+1Only In Your State+1

🏞️ 14. Castle Gardens Campground

Located near Lander, this campground offers a unique setting with nearby petroglyphs and opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.Only In Your State+1Camping Kiddos+1

🏞️ 15. Cokeville Campground

A free, no-reservation campground in Cokeville, providing a peaceful setting for solo survival practice and nature immersion.Only In Your State

🏞️ 16. Encampment River Campground

Situated near Rawlins, this campground offers access to the Encampment River, ideal for practicing water purification and fishing skills.Only In Your State

🏞️ 17. Cook Lake Campground

Located near Sundance, this campground offers a tranquil setting with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.

🏞️ 18. Slough Creek Campground (Yellowstone National Park)

A remote campground in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, Slough Creek offers opportunities for wildlife observation and practicing backcountry survival skills.

🏞️ 19. Pebble Creek Campground (Yellowstone National Park)

Situated in the northeastern part of Yellowstone, this campground provides access to hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife observation.

🏞️ 20. Bridge Bay Campground (Yellowstone National Park)

Located near Yellowstone Lake, Bridge Bay offers amenities like flush toilets and coin-operated showers, making it suitable for testing gear and practicing camp setup.Book Outdoors

🏞️ 21. Madison Arm Resort

A glamping option near Yellowstone, Madison Arm offers a mix of comfort and wilderness, ideal for testing luxury survival setups.cntraveler.com

🏞️ 22. Thorofare Campground (Yellowstone National Park)

One of the most remote campgrounds in Yellowstone, Thorofare offers solitude and a true wilderness experience for advanced survival training.cntraveler.com

🏞️ 23. Shoshone Geyser Basin Campground (Yellowstone National Park)

Accessible only by hiking, this campground offers a challenging environment for practicing navigation and backcountry survival skills.

🏞️ 24. Beartooth Lake Campground

Located near Cody, this campground offers access to Beartooth Lake and opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation.

🏞️ 25. Cliff Creek Campground

Nestled in the Hoback Canyon, this peaceful site offers easy access to trails, rivers, and steep terrain. It’s ideal for testing your gear in a rugged, forested environment where quick adaptation is crucial.

🏞️ 26. Granite Hot Springs Campground

Located southeast of Jackson, this campground offers a mix of backcountry adventure and natural relaxation. Practicing water collection, cooking, and cold-weather shelter setups in this geothermal region can teach you how to use the land’s resources wisely.

🏞️ 27. Gros Ventre Campground (Grand Teton National Park)

With panoramic views of the Tetons and abundant wildlife, Gros Ventre offers the perfect setting for food storage training, animal encounter protocols, and water filtration practice.

🏞️ 28. Buffalo Bill State Park

Just outside of Cody, this large park offers lake access and wide-open spaces for building temporary shelters, water transport drills, and fishing-based food plans.

🏞️ 29. Sinks Canyon State Park

Located near Lander, this site showcases underground river systems and unique geology. It’s an excellent location to practice water sourcing, shelter positioning, and navigation using natural landmarks.

🏞️ 30. Shell Falls Campground (Bighorn National Forest)

High up in the Bighorns, this lesser-known site is isolated enough for deep wilderness training—perfect for preppers working on long-term off-grid strategies.


🧭 Why These Sites Matter for Wyoming Preppers

Wyoming isn’t just another pretty state—it’s a prepper’s testing ground. With high winds, long winters, wildfires, and even seismic activity in the western region, it demands more than a bug-out bag. It requires field knowledge, tested skills, and mental toughness. These 30 campgrounds offer environments where you can simulate realistic survival situations and learn the true value of preparedness.


🔥 Prepper Tips for Wyoming Survival Camping

  1. Altitude Acclimation – Many of Wyoming’s best campgrounds are over 6,000 feet. Train your lungs and prepare for slower recovery during physical tasks.
  2. Wildlife Awareness – Learn how to hang food, store gear, and handle bear encounters. Wyoming is grizzly country.
  3. Water Sources – Know where to find clean water or how to filter from alpine lakes and glacial streams.
  4. Cold Weather Prep – Always pack for subfreezing temps, even in summer. Frostbite and hypothermia are real risks.
  5. Fire Building – Winds can reach 50 mph or more. Practice building wind-protected fires in various conditions.
  6. Solar Power Savvy – With few outlets and lots of sun, Wyoming’s ideal for testing solar chargers and portable panels.
  7. Camp Setup in Wind – Know how to secure tents with guy lines and heavy-duty stakes for 40+ mph gusts.
  8. Foraging & Edible Plants – Learn Wyoming’s wild edibles like cattail, wild onion, and dandelion. Never eat what you can’t ID.
  9. Map Reading – GPS is great until it’s not. Practice map and compass skills in the wilderness.
  10. Backup Communication – Cell service is nonexistent in many remote areas. Practice using satellite messengers or HAM radios.

🎯 Final Word from a Wyoming Survivalist

Camping in Wyoming isn’t a leisure activity for me—it’s a proving ground. If I can’t make it out here for three nights with just my pack, tarp, and tools, I know I’m not ready for a long-term crisis. That’s the mindset every survivalist should have: use nature now to train for later. You don’t get do-overs when the grid goes down.

The mountains don’t care if your gear fails. The weather won’t wait for you to figure out how to tie a tarp. Out here, you either adapt or you suffer. These 30 campgrounds are where you learn to adapt.

Prepare for Anything: Louisiana’s Top 30 Camping Sites for Preppers

The Best Campsites for Louisiana Survival Preppers!

As any true survivalist will tell you, preparation is everything. And here in Louisiana, when you’re living with a mix of heat, humidity, wild animals, and natural disasters like hurricanes, your ability to survive could depend on the places you camp, how you prepare, and how well you know the land. Louisiana may be known for its swamps, bayous, and marshlands, but it also offers some of the best and most challenging camping locations for preppers looking to test their mettle and hone their survival skills.

Whether you’re looking for a secluded patch of land to practice your bushcraft, or you need to be prepared to hunker down in a spot that could be a refuge if the grid goes down, Louisiana’s campgrounds offer all of that and more. The state’s diverse ecosystems—from its vast swamps to its thick forests—provide the perfect environment for those who wish to hone their skills and be ready for anything life (or nature) throws at them.

Here’s a list of 30 of the best campsites in Louisiana for survival preppers, plus tips on why each of them should be on your radar. These locations combine the wild beauty of Louisiana with the perfect opportunity for preppers to practice techniques like fire-starting, shelter building, and long-term wilderness survival.


1. Kisatchie National Forest

Located in the heart of Louisiana, Kisatchie is a vast stretch of wilderness that spans over 600,000 acres. This forest has it all: steep hills, creek beds, and plenty of wildlife like deer, wild hogs, and waterfowl. It’s a great spot for preppers to practice their tracking and hunting skills, and the dense pine forests make it perfect for shelter-building exercises.

2. Caddo Lake State Park

The swamps and marshes surrounding Caddo Lake are perfect for preppers who want to practice their waterborne survival skills. Canoe camping and learning how to survive in a swampy environment can provide valuable insights that other terrains simply cannot offer.

3. Chemin-A-Haut State Park

This park offers beautiful woodlands with a variety of survival resources like wild edibles and fresh water. It’s ideal for practicing your fishing and trapping techniques as well as learning how to navigate dense forest areas.

4. Jimmie Davis State Park

With its proximity to the Ouachita River, this park offers a great combination of forest and water-based survival options. You’ll find fishing, shelter-building materials, and various animal species to practice hunting and tracking.

5. Hodges Gardens State Park

Hodges Gardens offers stunning landscapes with lush greenery and a diversity of habitats. This park is ideal for learning plant identification and survival foraging, skills every prepper should have.

6. Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge

With swamps, rivers, and forests, Tensas River is the perfect place for those wanting to immerse themselves in a truly wild environment. It’s also a top spot for practicing water-based survival skills, like constructing a raft and navigating the river.

7. Bayou Segnette State Park

Located near New Orleans, this park is perfect for preppers looking to practice in a swampy, humid environment. It’s a great place for learning water purification methods, catching fish, and gathering plants for food.

8. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

If you want to hone your survival skills in a true bayou environment, this is your place. Surrounded by dense cypress forests, marshes, and waterways, Lake Fausse Pointe is an excellent choice for learning water navigation and wilderness living.

9. Avery Island

Known for its salt domes and the famous Tabasco sauce factory, Avery Island is also a prime spot for exploring the bayou. It’s a remote location that offers excellent opportunities for shelter-building and testing your survival skills in a very challenging environment.

10. Grand Isle State Park

Grand Isle offers a unique environment with both beach and marsh areas. The combination of saltwater and marshland gives preppers the opportunity to practice a range of survival tactics, from fishing and trapping to shelter building in less-than-ideal conditions.

11. DeSoto State Park

This park is ideal for preppers who want to test their wilderness skills in a beautiful but rugged terrain. With forested hills, streams, and diverse wildlife, this area is perfect for practicing tracking, hunting, and setting up shelters.

12. Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge

Located near St. Francisville, this wildlife refuge offers a mix of marshland and forested areas. It’s a great spot to practice your navigation and survival skills while learning to identify animals and plants in a subtropical climate.

13. Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area

This area offers rugged terrain with dense forests and steep ravines. It’s ideal for practicing shelter-building, fire-starting, and using natural materials to create useful tools. The challenging terrain makes it a perfect spot to test your endurance and bushcraft skills.

14. Palmetto Island State Park

For those looking to practice their survival skills in an environment that’s a mix of wetland, swamp, and forest, Palmetto Island offers plenty of opportunities. This park is a good spot to learn how to construct a camp in a wet environment and master skills related to water purification and survival fishing.

15. Poverty Point Reservoir State Park

This park offers a mix of wooded areas and open water. A prime location for fishing and shelter-building, it’s also an excellent choice for learning to trap animals and forage in a variety of habitats.

16. Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

Located in the southwestern part of the state, Sabine is another prime location for preppers who want to practice survival skills in a swampy environment. Its vast marshes and wetlands offer the perfect opportunity to learn water survival skills and test your ability to forage for food in wetland environments.

17. Red River National Wildlife Refuge

A beautiful area with wetlands and forests, this site offers opportunities to practice hunting, foraging, and fire-starting in an environment where you’ll need to be resourceful.

18. Bogue Chitto State Park

This park offers a unique blend of pine forests, creeks, and wetlands, ideal for preppers looking to hone their skills. It’s a good spot for learning about navigation and animal tracking, as well as creating makeshift shelters from natural materials.

19. Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge

With its unique mix of swamp, prairie, and wetlands, Lacassine offers the opportunity for preppers to practice a variety of survival skills, including navigation, shelter building, and identifying local flora and fauna.

20. Piney Woods Conservation Area

For preppers interested in wooded survival, this area offers a range of environments from wetlands to dense forests. It’s perfect for fire-starting, water purification, and animal tracking.

21. St. Tammany Parish

This area offers a blend of swamp and forest, making it perfect for those looking to survive in a humid, wet environment. The St. Tammany Parish area is home to wildlife and a range of survival resources, from water sources to shelter-building materials.

22. Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

This is a vast and wild wetland area that challenges even the most seasoned prepper. Practicing your canoeing skills, building shelters, and learning how to survive in wet, swampy conditions will test your skills to the fullest.

23. Lake Martin

A beautiful spot surrounded by cypress trees and swamps, Lake Martin is a great place for practicing water navigation and refining your ability to forage and track animals in wetland environments.

24. Fort Pike State Historic Site

Located on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Fort Pike is perfect for practicing coastal survival skills, including shelter-building, fire-starting, and water purification in a coastal environment.

25. Bastrop State Park

Bastrop offers great opportunities for preppers interested in learning about fire-starting, shelter building, and tracking animals in a wooded environment.

26. Lake D’Arbonne State Park

This park offers a range of environments from forest to lakefront, making it perfect for practicing a variety of survival techniques, including fishing, hunting, and building shelters in different settings.

27. The Grassy Lake Wildlife Management Area

With its diverse wildlife and varying terrain, the Grassy Lake area is perfect for preppers looking to hone their bushcraft, trapping, and fire-starting skills.

28. D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge

Another excellent wetland environment, this area offers ample opportunity to test your survival skills in challenging swampy conditions.

29. Turtle Cove Eco Tours

If you want to learn how to survive in the Louisiana swamps with a focus on water-based skills, Turtle Cove is a great option for getting hands-on experience with water navigation, fishing, and emergency shelter building.

30. Vermilionville Historic Village

For preppers interested in cultural history, Vermilionville offers a unique opportunity to combine survival skills with historical knowledge. It’s a great place to learn about survival techniques used by the area’s early settlers.

Ultimate Survival Guide for Louisiana’s Natural Disasters

Living in Louisiana, you get used to the idea that disaster can strike at any time. Whether it’s hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, or even wildfires, the state is a prime target for a variety of natural catastrophes. As a prepper, I’ve learned to keep my family safe by planning, preparing, and thinking ahead—because when disaster strikes in the Bayou State, you don’t have time to figure it out.

Let’s talk about the big ones first—hurricanes. Hurricane season here runs from June to November, and while we may not get hit every year, the threat is always looming. I’ve seen what these storms can do to entire neighborhoods. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and much of the Gulf Coast. The flooding, destruction, and loss of life were a wake-up call for many of us. Since then, I’ve focused on preparedness like never before.

But hurricanes aren’t the only worry. Louisiana is also prone to flooding, especially along the Mississippi River and in the low-lying bayous. Tornadoes, though less frequent, can still tear through communities, and let’s not forget the occasional wildfires in the dry season. With all of these potential threats, the key to surviving is a solid game plan. Here’s how I prepare for the worst.

1. Hurricane Preparedness

The first rule of prepping in Louisiana is always to have your hurricane kit ready. The goal is to stay safe during the storm, but also to make sure you’re set for the aftermath when power can be out for days or weeks. I keep my emergency supplies stocked year-round:

  • Water: I store at least one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days. More is better.
  • Non-perishable food: Canned goods, freeze-dried meals, and high-energy snacks are crucial.
  • Battery-powered radios: In case the power goes out, a weather radio will help you stay up to date on storm developments.
  • Flashlights and extra batteries: These are essential for navigating through a darkened home or neighborhood.
  • First aid kit: You’ll need it for minor injuries or emergencies when medical help may be delayed.
  • Power banks: Keeping devices charged is a must, especially for communication and updates.

2. Evacuation Plan

Evacuation routes are critical. I’ve mapped out several routes to different safe areas in case the primary routes get blocked. We all know that traffic jams can become a nightmare when everyone is evacuating at once, so having a few options in mind is a lifesaver.

Also, having a bug-out bag for every member of the family—especially the kids—gives me peace of mind. I make sure the bags are packed with essential clothing, hygiene products, medicine, and important documents (ID, insurance papers, etc.).

3. Flooding and Water Safety

Living in Louisiana means we’re surrounded by water—rivers, lakes, and swamps. Flash floods are a common problem, and with climate change, they’re becoming more frequent. If you live in a flood zone, it’s important to elevate your home, if possible. I’ve raised mine a few feet above the base flood elevation, which is required for some properties, but it can make a huge difference when water levels rise unexpectedly.

When a flood is imminent, I make sure to move all valuable electronics and important documents upstairs to higher ground. Sandbags are useful, but if the water is rising quickly, nothing beats having a safe place to move to.

4. Tornadoes

Though Louisiana isn’t as tornado-prone as places like Oklahoma or Texas, we still get our fair share of twisters. Tornadoes can appear suddenly, often with little warning. I’ve learned that the best place to ride out a tornado is in a basement or interior room without windows. A storm shelter or a reinforced room is a lifesaver.

I also have an emergency kit specifically for tornadoes, with a focus on protection from flying debris—sturdy shoes, blankets, and helmets in case you need to hunker down fast.

5. Wildfires and Dry Conditions

While it may seem strange, wildfires can be a real threat in Louisiana during the dry season. These fires can spread quickly, especially in the rural areas, and high winds can make them even more dangerous. Keeping a defensible space around your home is essential if you live near wooded areas. I trim back brush and trees regularly, and I have a water source nearby in case we need to create a fire break.

6. Maintaining Communication

The one thing that I never take for granted is communication. When the grid goes down, it’s easy to feel isolated. Having a satellite phone or a CB radio can help keep you connected when cell service isn’t available. I also rely on family and community groups for information and support. A local network is vital in an emergency.

7. Self-Sufficiency

In Louisiana, relying on the grid isn’t always the best option. If a storm knocks out power, it might take days or weeks to restore it. That’s why I invested in a backup generator for my home. Solar panels are a great addition as well, and they help keep things running when the power is out.

Growing my own food and learning skills like fishing, hunting, and basic carpentry has helped me become more self-reliant, which is critical during long-term disruptions.


10 Survival Prepper Tips for Louisiana’s Natural Disasters

  1. Create a Bug-Out Bag: Always have a go-bag ready with essentials like food, water, medications, and important documents.
  2. Know Your Flood Zones: Understand if you live in a flood-prone area and take action to raise your home if possible.
  3. Keep Extra Gasoline: After a hurricane, gas stations can run out of fuel. Keep at least a couple of cans of gasoline on hand for your vehicle or generator.
  4. Invest in a Solar-Powered Generator: This will keep your essentials running without the need for gas or electricity from the grid.
  5. Learn to Fish and Hunt: Louisiana has some of the best fishing and hunting spots in the country—skills like these can be lifesavers in times of scarcity.
  6. Stock Up on Supplies: Make sure you have a month’s worth of supplies, including food, water, and medicine, in case you need to hunker down for an extended period.
  7. Backup Power for Communication: Keep solar chargers or extra batteries to power your communication devices.
  8. Be Ready for Evacuation: Know multiple routes out of your area in case one gets blocked.
  9. Protect Your Home’s Exterior: Install storm shutters, elevate your home, and clear your yard of debris that could become dangerous projectiles.
  10. Stay Informed: Tune in to weather stations, have a weather app, and always keep an eye on the forecast, especially during hurricane season.