Prepper’s Paradise: Discover New Mexico’s 30 Best Campsites

On May 15, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn New Mexico Campsites, New Mexico Survival PrepperLeave a comment

The Best Campsites for New Mexico Survival Preppers

As a prepper living in the rugged and remote corners of New Mexico, you quickly learn that it’s not just about stocking up on supplies. The true challenge lies in understanding your environment, learning how to thrive in it, and, if necessary, surviving on your own. With vast deserts, high mountains, and hidden valleys, New Mexico offers some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes for survivalists to hone their skills. But to truly prepare for whatever comes your way, you’ve got to know the land and find the right camping spots. These camping sites aren’t just scenic—they’re perfect for testing your survival instincts and putting your prepping skills to the test.

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Let’s take a deeper look into the best 30 campsites in New Mexico that every survival prepper should have on their radar. From remote, rugged terrain to places with natural resources for practicing survival techniques, these spots will help you develop your self-sufficiency while also providing the peace and tranquility that only New Mexico’s desert and mountains can offer.

1. Gila National Forest

Located in the southwestern part of New Mexico, Gila National Forest is a true gem for any prepper. With over 3.3 million acres of rugged terrain, the forest offers a variety of hiking and camping options. It’s remote, vast, and provides the perfect environment for honing your wilderness survival skills. Be prepared for harsh conditions, and make sure you carry a reliable map, as the forest can be tricky to navigate.

2. Valles Caldera National Preserve

Nestled within the Jemez Mountains, this 89,000-acre preserve offers numerous opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. The volcanic landscape is as beautiful as it is unforgiving, making it an ideal location for those who want to practice survival techniques in a unique environment. It’s remote and often quiet, giving you the peace you need to focus on your prepper skills.

3. Carson National Forest

If you’re looking for a mix of alpine meadows, wild rivers, and dense forests, Carson National Forest is your destination. It covers nearly 1.5 million acres and has several camping spots that are ideal for survivalists. The forest provides ample opportunities for fishing, foraging, and building shelter, making it perfect for prepping.

4. Pecos Wilderness

A beautiful, isolated part of the Santa Fe National Forest, Pecos Wilderness is a haven for any prepper who wants to escape into the wild. This area is full of high-altitude lakes, rushing streams, and forests that can test your wilderness survival skills. Be sure to stock up on supplies before heading out as the area is remote, and help can be hard to reach.

5. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Canyon, an ancient center of civilization, is also a great spot for preppers who want to combine camping with historical exploration. While the terrain may not be as challenging as some of the other locations on this list, the park offers a rich environment to learn about water conservation, shelter building, and other essential survival skills.

6. Rio Grande Gorge

Located in northern New Mexico, Rio Grande Gorge offers stunning views and a rugged environment for camping and survival training. The gorge is filled with challenging trails and unique geological features. This location is perfect for those wanting to practice navigating difficult terrain while also taking advantage of the Rio Grande River for water sourcing.

7. Bandelier National Monument

If you’re looking for a combination of history and wilderness survival, Bandelier National Monument offers both. With its ancient cliff dwellings and diverse ecosystems, this monument provides opportunities for learning about both survival and the preservation of natural resources.

8. Zuni Mountains

In the western part of New Mexico, the Zuni Mountains are a hidden gem. A quieter, less-traveled area, it’s ideal for preppers who want solitude. The forests here are dense with ponderosa pine, and wildlife is abundant. It’s the perfect spot for foraging, hunting, and practicing wilderness medicine.

9. Sandia Mountains

Right outside Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains offer everything from desert terrain to pine forests and alpine lakes. It’s a good place for preppers to practice skills like navigation, fire-building, and self-sufficiency while still being close to civilization in case of emergencies.

10. Cimarron Canyon State Park

This park, nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offers dense forests and rushing streams, ideal for practicing wilderness skills. The park also offers a good spot for fishing, foraging, and shelter-building exercises.

11. Elephant Butte Lake State Park

For preppers interested in water-based survival training, Elephant Butte Lake provides ample space for kayaking and other water survival exercises. It’s New Mexico’s largest lake, and with its remote locations, it’s an ideal spot for testing your abilities in water navigation and water sourcing.

12. Black Rock Mountain

A tough, rugged spot, Black Rock Mountain is perfect for survivalists wanting to test their endurance in the wild. The trailheads are off the beaten path, but the solitude and challenges are worth it. Be prepared for temperature extremes, as the area can range from blistering hot during the day to chilly at night.

13. Santa Fe National Forest

The Santa Fe National Forest offers some of the best hiking and camping opportunities in the state. With plenty of water sources and diverse terrain, it’s a great spot for preppers to refine their skills in wilderness navigation, shelter building, and natural resource management.

14. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

For preppers looking for a unique camping experience, consider the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, which takes you through some of the wildest, most remote areas of New Mexico. It’s an excellent way to access isolated locations while learning about old-school transportation and survival techniques.

15. Tijeras Canyon

Tijeras Canyon offers a unique opportunity for those who want to practice survival in both desert and forest environments. It’s located just outside Albuquerque and provides access to essential resources like water and firewood, making it an ideal spot for a prepper to set up a temporary camp and test various survival strategies.

16. Luna Lake

Located near the Arizona border, Luna Lake is a hidden gem. It’s a remote site where survivalists can practice fishing, foraging, and natural navigation. Be aware of wildlife in the area, such as black bears and wild cats, and prepare to handle potential encounters.

17. Kiowa National Grassland

Kiowa National Grassland offers endless miles of plains, ideal for practicing your skills in foraging, shelter building, and navigation. You can also practice the art of fire-starting without worrying too much about other campers in the area, making it a prime location for stealth camping and practicing survival techniques.

18. Ponderosa Campground

This site, located in the Santa Fe National Forest, is a great spot for preppers who want to experience both comfort and wilderness. The forest is dense, providing plenty of cover for practicing evasion tactics, fire-building, and water sourcing.

19. Jemez Mountains

A great place for isolation, the Jemez Mountains offer solitude and diverse terrain for those looking to hone their survival skills. With an abundance of wildlife, rushing streams, and challenging trails, the area is perfect for preppers who want to immerse themselves in the wilderness.

20. Ruidoso

Known for its cool mountain climate, Ruidoso is an excellent location for preppers who want to practice survival techniques in a temperate environment. The area offers a mix of dense forests, alpine lakes, and challenging terrain, perfect for honing your skills.

21. The Valle Vidal

The Valle Vidal is a remote wilderness area located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This vast expanse of land offers diverse ecosystems, from thick forests to alpine meadows. It’s the ideal location to test your survival strategies while surrounded by the beauty of nature.

The 20 Best Missouri Campsites

On May 15, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Missouri Preppers, UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Best Campsites for Missouri Survival Preppers!

When you live in Missouri, you’re surrounded by rich wilderness, rugged terrain, and diverse ecosystems perfect for survival prepping. From the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the dense forests and sprawling rivers, this state offers some of the most practical and scenic locations for campers and survivalists alike. If you’re gearing up for the possibility of having to rely on your survival skills, knowing where to camp, what to pack, and how to prepare is crucial. This is a guide to 30 of the best camping sites for Missouri survival preppers. Each of these sites offers unique features that make them ideal for long-term camping, bugging out, or honing your wilderness skills.

Survival prep isn’t just about having the right gear; it’s about practicing in the environment where you’ll need to use it. In Missouri, the unpredictable weather and diverse terrain will give you ample opportunity to sharpen your skills.

Let’s dive into the best camping spots you need to consider. These locations aren’t just about beautiful views or easy access to amenities. They’ll test your survival tactics, help you learn to forage, and offer opportunities for water purification, shelter-building, and tactical navigation. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or a newcomer, these sites should be on your radar.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SURVIVE A FAMINE

1. Current River State Park

Located in the Ozark Highlands, Current River State Park offers a scenic setting with numerous camping options, including primitive sites that are perfect for survivalists. It’s ideal for prepping due to its proximity to the river, making it perfect for water filtration training. In addition, the thick woods give you the chance to practice building shelters, foraging, and even fire-starting techniques.

2. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

This park, situated on the Lake of the Ozarks, offers rugged cliffs, caves, and a wide variety of terrain. The primitive camping sites here are isolated, which makes them excellent for honing your survival skills in a more challenging environment. There’s also ample wildlife, giving you the chance to practice hunting and tracking.

3. Sam A. Baker State Park

Nestled along the St. Francois Mountains, this park has an extensive network of trails through rugged, hilly terrain. If you’re looking to practice navigating difficult terrain and improve your wilderness skills, Sam A. Baker is the spot. It’s remote, and the primitive campsites are perfect for prepping in seclusion.

4. Meramec State Park

With its large caves, rugged terrain, and proximity to the Meramec River, this park is a great spot for preppers to practice everything from fire-starting to shelter-building. The river also provides an excellent opportunity for water purification exercises. The remote campsites give you a chance to experience isolation while still having some access to resources.

5. Rocky Falls

This area features a scenic waterfall and dense forest, making it a prime location for a prepper looking to practice resourcefulness. The primitive campsites here are more isolated than you might expect, providing the perfect environment for honing your wilderness survival skills. Be sure to pack in your supplies since there are no modern amenities here.

6. Big Piney Campground

This Missouri treasure is situated in the Ozarks, and the Big Piney River provides water for purification exercises. This location is fantastic for those looking to practice fishing, hunting, and living off the land. The primitive campsites give you a chance to test your preparedness and survive in a challenging environment.

7. Table Rock State Park

Not far from Branson, this park has numerous remote campsites surrounded by dense forests and access to the Table Rock Lake. Preppers can take advantage of the surrounding wilderness for learning how to set up shelter, gather resources, and create traps. If you’re looking for a more rugged environment, the backcountry campsites here are perfect.

8. Elephant Rocks State Park

Known for its large, ancient granite boulders, Elephant Rocks offers rugged terrain perfect for training survivalists in how to navigate tricky rocky environments. There are a number of primitive campsites that give you just enough seclusion while also keeping you close to natural resources like water.

9. Lake of the Ozarks State Park

This sprawling park features more than 100 miles of shoreline and vast wilderness, making it an ideal spot for preppers. The dense forests provide cover for setting up survival shelters, while the lake offers opportunities for water-based survival skills. The primitive campsites will challenge you to make the most out of limited resources.

10. Washington State Park

With its deep, forested areas and rocky terrain, Washington State Park gives survival preppers the chance to practice building shelters and finding food in a wooded environment. There’s a river here for water purification practice, and the park’s remote campsites allow you to practice being self-reliant.

11. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

If you’re seeking a more unique experience, Johnson’s Shut-Ins features rugged river gorges, waterfalls, and large rocks to navigate. The primitive campsites allow preppers to practice all the basic survival skills, including shelter construction and food gathering. The river offers water purification practice as well.

12. Pine Ridge Campground

Located in the Ozarks, Pine Ridge is an excellent location for learning to live off the land. The area features dense woods and streams, offering opportunities to practice foraging, purifying water, and hunting. The campsite is remote and quiet, making it ideal for prepper training.

13. Mark Twain National Forest

For the ultimate prepper experience, the Mark Twain National Forest offers over 1.5 million acres of wilderness. It’s a massive space with diverse ecosystems, providing ample room for all kinds of survival training. You’ll find primitive campsites that give you a true wilderness experience. From deep forests to mountainous terrain, it’s perfect for honing your skills in isolation.

14. Shannon County Campground

The Shannon County Campground is a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path camping spot with river access and great natural surroundings. This location offers solitude and seclusion, which is perfect for preppers who want to simulate real-world bug-out situations.

15. Bennett Spring State Park

Known for its spring-fed stream, Bennett Spring is a prime location for survivalists looking to practice fishing and other food procurement methods. The park’s primitive campsites provide a challenging yet rewarding environment for survival preppers.

16. Chouteau’s Island

Located near St. Charles, Chouteau’s Island is an ideal location for practicing navigation and wilderness skills. The island’s remote setting and diverse vegetation make it a perfect spot for honing your survival strategies.

17. Missouri River Campground

For water-based survival training, the Missouri River Campground offers access to one of the state’s major waterways. This campground is ideal for practicing water purification, fishing, and using the river as a survival resource.

18. Niawauk Campground

Located near the Ozark region, Niawauk offers a secluded campsite, perfect for practicing survival techniques in a less-traveled area. You can practice food foraging, water purification, and navigation in this wild and remote location.

19. Cuivre River State Park

This park offers rugged terrain and dense forests, making it a fantastic training ground for preppers. It’s a great spot to practice shelter-building, food gathering, and navigating through thick woods.

20. Prairie State Park

For preppers who want to simulate living in an open, flat environment, Prairie State Park offers wide open spaces and grasslands perfect for practicing fire-building and creating shelter under challenging circumstances.

In conclusion, Missouri offers a wide variety of camping locations that are ideal for survival preppers looking to hone their skills. Whether you’re learning how to navigate dense forests, purify water from a river, or build a shelter from scratch, these campsites provide the perfect backdrop for real-world training. Survival prepping isn’t just about acquiring the right gear—it’s about developing the mindset and practical skills to survive in any situation, and Missouri’s diverse landscapes give you the opportunity to practice all of it.

As a prepper, you must be proficient in a variety of skills, including fire-starting, shelter construction, water purification, navigation, and food procurement. Camping in Missouri’s remote sites helps simulate real-life scenarios where access to modern conveniences is limited. The state’s rugged terrain and unpredictable weather will challenge you to adapt and test your resourcefulness.

In addition to survival basics, these locations also allow for tactical training, such as practicing stealth movement through dense woods or using natural materials for camouflage. Wilderness first aid, mental toughness, and managing your supplies are all key aspects that you’ll develop when spending extended periods in Missouri’s wild places.

No matter your level of experience, these campsites offer valuable opportunities for growth. So, whether you’re a beginner prepping for an emergency or an experienced survivalist refining your skills, Missouri has the perfect spots to help you prepare for whatever the future may hold. By regularly camping in these areas, you’ll not only sharpen your practical survival skills but also build a deeper connection with nature—a crucial mindset for any prepper looking to thrive in a post-collapse world.

Hidden Michigan Camping Gems for Survivalists and Preppers

On May 12, 2025May 12, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Best Camp Sites, Michigan survival preppersLeave a comment

As a survival prepper living in Michigan, you know that preparedness is key. Whether you’re preparing for a long-term emergency, testing your gear, or just embracing the wilderness, knowing where to find the best campsites is crucial. Michigan offers a wide range of outdoor environments, from dense forests and towering pines to expansive lakeshores and rugged landscapes. If you’re planning to escape the grid or simply perfect your prepping skills, the right campsite can make all the difference.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SURVIVE A FAMINE

I’ve personally spent countless nights camping across the state, and I can tell you that Michigan is a hidden gem for survivalists. With a little planning and the right mindset, these campgrounds offer excellent opportunities for honing your survival skills while enjoying the state’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just starting out, these sites are perfect for testing your gear, learning new skills, or practicing emergency preparedness. Let’s dive into the top camping spots for survival preppers across Michigan.

1. Huron-Manistee National Forests

Located in central Michigan, Huron-Manistee National Forests offer more than 900,000 acres of diverse terrain, including dense forests, open meadows, and several lakes. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, the forest is perfect for survivalists who want to practice wilderness navigation, bushcraft, and shelter building.

The forest has plenty of campsites that are remote enough for preppers to practice real-world survival skills, but still accessible if you need to bail out quickly. There’s ample game for hunting, freshwater sources for filtering, and thick foliage for setting up camouflaged shelters. This is one of the best spots to prep for a bug-out scenario.

Why Preppers Love It: Remote and diverse, perfect for extended survival training, and great fishing opportunities.

2. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

The Porcupine Mountains, often referred to as “The Porkies,” is one of Michigan’s most rugged wilderness areas, located in the Upper Peninsula. It’s a popular destination for hikers and survivalists looking to test their wilderness skills. The park features over 60,000 acres of dense forests, steep hills, and pristine lakes, offering survivalists the chance to practice navigating through challenging terrain.

With remote campsites and few modern amenities, this park is perfect for those who want to experience true wilderness living. You can practice building shelters, finding wild edibles, and setting up long-term camps in a natural environment that will make you feel isolated and self-reliant.

Why Preppers Love It: Ideal for long-term survival practice, remote campsites, and abundant natural resources.

3. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes is famous for its towering dunes, breathtaking views, and proximity to Lake Michigan. But beyond its beauty, it’s also a perfect location for preppers looking to test their skills. The park features a mix of dunes, forests, and lakeshores, with plenty of terrain to practice building shelters and navigating diverse landscapes.

For survival preppers, the real gem is the remote, backcountry campsites, which allow for quiet, uninterrupted training. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and observing wildlife—all important for learning self-sufficiency in the wild.

Why Preppers Love It: A variety of landscapes to practice different skills, remote campsites, and proximity to water.

4. Manistee National Forest

Another large national forest in Michigan, Manistee offers over 500,000 acres of forested land, making it ideal for preppers looking for solitude and the chance to practice survival skills. You’ll find miles of hiking trails, secluded campsites, and the Big Manistee River for fishing or water purification practice.

The terrain varies from flat lands to hilly areas, giving preppers a chance to work on different survival techniques. It’s also a great location for long-term camping and off-grid living, especially if you’re looking for a place to bug out in an emergency scenario.

Why Preppers Love It: A vast, diverse landscape for practicing all kinds of survival skills.

5. Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale, located in the northwest part of Lake Superior, is a unique and remote national park that offers unparalleled opportunities for preppers. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this island is a true escape from civilization. Its remote location means that preppers can practice self-sufficiency without any nearby distractions or modern amenities.

The park is home to dense forests, rugged shorelines, and plenty of wildlife, including moose and wolves. It’s perfect for preppers looking to truly disconnect and live off the land for an extended period. With over 165 miles of hiking trails, the island offers a variety of terrains and challenges.

Why Preppers Love It: Truly isolated and remote, great for extended survival training, and abundant wildlife.

6. Cheboygan State Park

Located in the northern Lower Peninsula, Cheboygan State Park offers a great mix of forests, wetlands, and shoreline along Lake Huron. The park has several secluded campsites that offer privacy and a perfect spot for practicing wilderness survival techniques. It’s not as remote as some of the other locations on this list, but its diverse ecosystems provide a variety of opportunities for survival training.

Why Preppers Love It: Secluded campsites, good fishing, and an opportunity to practice wilderness navigation along lakes and forests.

7. North Manitou Island

Part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, North Manitou Island is one of Michigan’s most isolated camping areas. It’s only accessible by boat, making it a prime location for survival preppers. With dense forests, lakes, and minimal human presence, the island provides the perfect environment to test your survival gear and skills.

Wildlife on the island includes deer, foxes, and various bird species, which provides great opportunities for hunting and foraging. This is ideal for those looking for a truly off-grid, isolated experience.

Why Preppers Love It: Isolation, minimal human activity, and natural resources make it perfect for survival scenarios.

8. Kalkaska County State Forest

For preppers seeking a more accessible camping site, Kalkaska County State Forest offers excellent opportunities to practice bushcraft and wilderness survival. This forest is located near Traverse City and features a mix of wooded areas, wetlands, and rivers. It’s a great spot for practicing water purification, fire starting, and shelter building.

Why Preppers Love It: Remote, yet easily accessible; varied terrain with lakes and rivers for fishing and water gathering.

9. Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground

Big Bear Lake offers a quieter, more secluded experience for preppers who want to escape the crowds. Situated in the northern Lower Peninsula, it provides peaceful surroundings and a variety of terrain for practicing wilderness skills. The lake is perfect for practicing water filtration and fishing, while the surrounding woods offer ample shelter-building material and space for long-term camping.

Why Preppers Love It: Peaceful, secluded, and plenty of natural resources for testing survival techniques.

10. Lake Michigan Campground at Ludington State Park

Ludington State Park is known for its beauty, but it’s also a great spot for preppers who want to practice coastal survival skills. The park features diverse landscapes, including dense forests, dunes, and lakeshores. The Lake Michigan Campground offers a more rustic experience with opportunities for fishing, water purification, and shelter building.

Why Preppers Love It: Varied terrain with the added challenge of lakeside survival, making it perfect for testing water filtration and fishing techniques.

11. Wells State Park

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Wells State Park offers a mix of forests, dunes, and wetlands. It’s an excellent place to practice wilderness navigation and build your survival skills. The park has fewer crowds than some of Michigan’s more famous parks, giving preppers the privacy needed for effective training.

Why Preppers Love It: Diverse terrain, remote campsites, and excellent opportunities for water purification and fishing.

30 Michigan Camping Sites Every Survival Prepper Should Know

Huron-Manistee National Forests
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Manistee National Forest
Isle Royale National Park
Cheboygan State Park
North Manitou Island
Kalkaska County State Forest
Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground
Lake Michigan Campground at Ludington State Park
Wells State Park
Muskegon State Park
Holland State Park
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Straits State Park
Tippy Dam Recreation Area
Wilderness State Park
Fife Lake State Forest Campground
Bay City State Park
Aloha State Park
Yankee Springs Recreation Area
Ludington State Park
Ann Arbor Campground
Hartwick Pines State Park
Port Crescent State Park
Grand Traverse County Campground
Interlochen State Park
Woodland Park Campground
Traverse City State Park

In Conclusion

Whether you’re prepping for a long-term bug-out scenario or just want to hone your survival skills, Michigan offers a variety of camping spots that will test and improve your abilities. From the dense forests of the Upper Peninsula to the rugged lakeshores of the Lower Peninsula, these 30 campsites provide the perfect environment for honing your survival techniques.

Each location offers unique challenges, from building shelters in dense woodlands to fishing in pristine lakes and learning how to navigate remote areas. As survival preppers, it’s important to always be prepared, and what better way to practice than in Michigan’s diverse, beautiful wilderness?