Tag: Bug-Out Bags

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Campsites in California for Survival Preppers

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Best Campsites in CaliforniaLeave a comment

As a survival prepper living in California, it’s essential to have a list of top-notch campsites that double as places of refuge in the event of an emergency. Whether you’re looking to hone your outdoor skills, set up a bug-out location, or simply escape the chaos of the modern world, California offers a vast array of camping spots that can cater to any prepper’s needs. From dense forests and towering mountains to secluded deserts and rugged coastlines, there’s no shortage of perfect places to prepare for any disaster scenario. In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the best campsites across the Golden State that will test your survival skills, provide strategic retreat options, and immerse you in nature.

1. Big Sur – Andrew Molera State Park

Big Sur is one of California’s most iconic landscapes. The rugged cliffs, dense forests, and wild coastline make it a natural fort for anyone preparing for a disaster. Andrew Molera State Park offers campgrounds that are remote enough to give you the solitude needed for prepping, while still offering access to some of the state’s most breathtaking views. With its proximity to both freshwater and saltwater, this site is ideal for practicing your water purification methods or simply enjoying a weekend of bushcraft and fishing.

For survival preppers, Big Sur offers a perfect blend of isolation and natural resources. You’ll want to stock up on fire-starting materials, camping gear, and a solid survival kit to ensure you’re ready for anything.

Pro Tip: If you’re not familiar with the area, be sure to check trail maps and know your escape routes. The area is prone to wildfires, so you’ll need to stay aware of the latest alerts.

2. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of the most well-known national parks in the world, and for good reason. With miles of wilderness, waterfalls, towering granite cliffs, and pristine lakes, Yosemite offers not only a serene escape from modern life but also a powerful environment to test your survival skills. The park offers numerous campsites, from the more developed ones near the valley to more remote options like Porcupine Flat and North Dome.

Yosemite is a goldmine for any prepper. The vast, varied terrain means you can practice everything from shelter building to foraging, hunting, and fishing. The park also has a wealth of wildlife that you’ll need to be prepared to interact with, from bears to small game.

Pro Tip: Stock up on high-energy foods and a map of the park before heading out, as cell service can be spotty.

3. Sequoia National Forest

For any prepper looking to perfect their wilderness survival skills, Sequoia National Forest is the ultimate spot. Home to the largest trees in the world, this forest offers dense, high-altitude terrain perfect for practicing your wilderness navigation, fire-building, and long-term shelter construction. If you’re serious about preparing for an extended bug-out scenario, Sequoia’s vast wilderness offers solitude and endless opportunities for honing your bushcraft skills.

Whether you’re camping along the Kern River or high up in the Sierra Nevada, Sequoia offers an environment where you can live off the land—fishing in the river, foraging in the woods, and navigating the rugged mountains.

Pro Tip: The winters here can be brutal, so ensure your gear is up to the task of cold-weather survival.

4. Pinnacles National Park

If you’re looking for a place that offers a mix of rugged terrain and an escape from the heat, Pinnacles National Park in central California is a great option. Located near the San Andreas Fault, this park offers volcanic rock formations, caves, and an environment that is perfect for practicing shelter construction and navigation.

While Pinnacles may not have the expansive forests of Sequoia, it offers something that many prepper-minded folks might prefer: a more defensible, enclosed location with fewer people. The park’s caves are particularly unique, offering opportunities to practice cave camping or exploring a natural environment for shelter in an emergency.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have a good map of the park and always check the weather before heading out. Summer can get especially hot.

5. Lake Tahoe – D.L. Bliss State Park

Lake Tahoe offers some of the most pristine and beautiful landscapes in California, and D.L. Bliss State Park is one of its prime camping spots. It offers easy access to the lake, where you can practice water filtration and fishing, while also offering dense forests for wood collection and shelter-building practice.

With the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop, D.L. Bliss is perfect for preppers who want to test their survival gear and skills in a diverse environment. Whether you’re practicing setting up a shelter, purifying water, or honing your navigation skills, this spot has everything you need.

Pro Tip: Be aware of bear activity in the area. Proper food storage and hygiene are essential.

6. Joshua Tree National Park

Located in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its otherworldly landscapes, vast desert, and unique rock formations. Joshua Tree is the perfect location for preppers who are looking to practice desert survival skills. The park offers a mix of secluded campsites and wide-open spaces where you can hone your navigation, fire-starting, and shelter-building skills in an arid environment.

The park’s remote areas provide the perfect opportunity for an extended bug-out practice session. With minimal distractions, you can immerse yourself fully in your survival preparations.

Pro Tip: Be mindful of the desert heat, especially during the summer. Hydration and sun protection are critical.

7. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert is one of California’s largest state parks, offering a unique survival prepper experience in the desert environment. This massive desert park features miles of rugged terrain, canyons, and wide-open vistas. It’s ideal for preppers who want to practice desert survival skills such as finding water, shelter building, and navigation without the distractions of urban life.

With minimal light pollution, this is also a great place to practice nighttime navigation and gain experience with survival under a night sky.

Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water, as water sources in the desert are limited. Be prepared for extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night.

8. Mendocino National Forest

The Mendocino National Forest offers a different kind of challenge for survivalists. Situated in Northern California, this forest provides rugged terrain, rivers, and thick woods that are perfect for those wanting to get away from the crowds. With its varied elevation, you’ll find all sorts of opportunities to test your survival gear and skills.

The forest is less frequented than some of the more popular parks, which makes it a great location for those looking to practice long-term survival techniques. With fewer hikers, it can provide the necessary isolation to test your abilities to thrive in the wild.

Pro Tip: Carry a detailed map and compass. The dense forest can be disorienting.

30 Best Camping Sites for Survival Preppers in California:

  1. Andrew Molera State Park – Big Sur
  2. Yosemite National Park – Porcupine Flat
  3. Sequoia National Forest – Kern River
  4. Pinnacles National Park
  5. D.L. Bliss State Park – Lake Tahoe
  6. Joshua Tree National Park
  7. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
  8. Mendocino National Forest
  9. Lassen Volcanic National Park
  10. Point Reyes National Seashore
  11. Redwood National and State Parks
  12. Desolation Wilderness
  13. Mount Baldy
  14. Mount Whitney
  15. Santa Barbara Backcountry
  16. California Coast Trail – Big Sur
  17. Kings Canyon National Park
  18. Santa Cruz Island – Channel Islands National Park
  19. Mono Basin Scenic Area
  20. Gaviota State Park
  21. Northern California Redwoods
  22. Tahoe National Forest – American River
  23. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
  24. Mono Lake
  25. Figueroa Mountain
  26. San Bernardino National Forest
  27. Claremont Hills Wilderness Park
  28. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
  29. Lassen National Forest
  30. Los Padres National Forest

5 Crucial Items Everyone Forgets To Include In Their Bug-Out Bags

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn survival, survival gearLeave a comment

If you are ever forced to evacuate your house and bug out with your family, what you take with you is very important.

Most people pack the essentials. A first aid kit, food, water, and perhaps a sturdy tactical knife.

But there are some items you don’t usually realize you need until you actually need them.

I will share them with you in this newsletter, to make sure you are not missing anything.

Duct Tape

This might seem like an odd choice, but the versatility of duct tape in a survival situation is unmatched.

Whether it’s for makeshift repairs, sealing a shelter, or even first aid uses like securing bandages, a roll of duct tape can be a real lifesaver.

Sewing Kit

While most people don’t consider a sewing kit as a priority, in a prolonged survival situation, it can be invaluable.

The ability to mend clothing, backpacks, or even stitch up a deep cut can make a world of difference.

Physical Currency

Remember, in a grid-down situation, electronic payment methods might be unavailable.

It’s wise to have a stash of physical currency, including a good amount of smaller bills and coins, for times when digital means of payment aren’t an option.

Hard Copies of Important Documents

When we think of survival, paperwork usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.

But consider this, if your house becomes inaccessible, would you have copies of crucial documents like your birth certificate, passport, or essential policy plans?

Also, consider including a written list of important contact numbers in case your cellphone becomes inoperable.

Hygiene Items

In the rush of packing survival gear, personal hygiene items can often be overlooked.

However, maintaining cleanliness can help prevent infections and diseases.

Pack travel-sized items like toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes. Ladies, don’t forget about your specific needs too.

These items might seem trivial when things are good, but in the middle of a crisis, they could be the difference between struggle and survival.

So, take a moment to review your bug-out bag and see if you can make room for these underrated yet vital survival tools.

Your Bug-Out Location Checklist

If you’ve been keeping up with current events lately, you probably feel as uneasy as I do.

The world around us is becoming more unpredictable and uncertain.

And we may find ourselves in the unfortunate situation of bugging out in the near future.

You may already have a bug-out location in mind.

Or you may be looking for one.

Either way, I’ve gathered the most important factors to consider when deciding on where you will take your family to in case your house is unsafe.

Proximity

When choosing a bug-out location, it’s essential to consider its proximity to your current place. 

Ideally, it should be far enough away to be safe from any potential threats but close enough to reach quickly in an emergency.

Accessibility

Your bug-out location should be easily accessible by car, foot, or other means of transportation. 

Look for a place you can reach with your car or one that can be reached by foot, bike, or horseback.

Keep in mind that you may need to travel with a lot of gear, so make sure the route is safe and easy to navigate.

Water

Water is essential for survival. 

Look for a location near a clean, reliable source of water such as a river, lake, or well. 

Consider the quality of the water and how easily it can be purified if necessary.

Security

Some places naturally provide more security than others.

Look for a place that is concealed with natural barriers such as mountains or forests. 

It should also be well away from major roads or other potential targets for looters or attackers.

Resources

The essential items you have with you might run out.

Try to find an area with ample hunting or fishing possibilities and a good supply of firewood for heating and cooking.

Finding the right bug-out location is a critical part of survival preparation. 

It requires careful consideration of many factors, each one more critical than the other.

Gather ample info beforehand and try to find more than one viable location.