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.

30 Incredible Wisconsin Campsites to Test Your Survival Skills

30 Campsites in Wisconsin That Every Survival Prepper Should Explore

When it comes to survival prepping, few places offer the rugged beauty and challenge of Wisconsin. As a seasoned prepper living in the state, I know that the right campground isn’t just a place to pitch a tent—it’s a proving ground for your survival skills. From testing your fire-starting abilities to practicing shelter-building techniques, the right campsite can make all the difference in ensuring you’re ready for any emergency. Whether you’re training for long-term wilderness survival, looking for seclusion, or simply trying to explore the natural beauty of Wisconsin, there are plenty of campgrounds to meet your prepper needs.

Here are 30 of the best campsites in Wisconsin for survival preppers like you.

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1. Chequamegon National Forest

This vast wilderness is one of the top places in Wisconsin for any prepper looking to test their outdoor skills. With over 1.5 million acres of forested land, you can practice everything from foraging to shelter-building. There are numerous primitive campsites to choose from, and it’s perfect for solo survival training.

2. Roche-A-Cri State Park

Located in the central part of Wisconsin, Roche-A-Cri offers rugged terrain and scenic views. You’ll find campsites that are perfect for seclusion and honing your fire-starting techniques, all while enjoying the wild, unspoiled beauty of the area.

3. Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit

With its diverse terrain of rolling hills, deep forests, and sparkling lakes, Kettle Moraine’s Northern Unit is an excellent spot for practicing navigation and wilderness survival skills. The campsites are primitive, which means you’ll get to test your self-sufficiency under more authentic conditions.

4. Devil’s Lake State Park

Located near Baraboo, Devil’s Lake offers stunning views and diverse terrain for preppers who want to hone their skills in different environments. The park is popular, so you might not get complete solitude, but it’s perfect for practicing survival skills and prepping for more remote trips.

5. Black River State Forest

This 60,000-acre forest is ideal for those who want to experience a variety of survival training. There are ample opportunities to test your skills in a remote environment, with primitive campsites perfect for more hardcore survivalists.

6. Brule River State Forest

The Brule River State Forest is known for its pristine wilderness and offers a great opportunity to work on your water navigation skills. The campsites here range from primitive to more accessible, allowing preppers to choose their level of difficulty.

7. Copper Falls State Park

If you’re looking for seclusion combined with some beautiful terrain, Copper Falls is your spot. The park’s rugged, forested areas are great for testing your survival instincts while also enjoying the beauty of waterfalls and deep woods.

8. Door County Coastal Byway

With its abundance of wilderness and isolated camping options, Door County offers the ideal setting for long-term bug-out training. The area’s campgrounds are known for their privacy, making it perfect for solo preppers.

9. Perrot State Park

This park is known for its steep bluffs and overlooks that give it a dramatic feel, ideal for preppers looking to practice navigation and self-sufficiency in a challenging environment. The secluded campsites here are perfect for survival training.

10. High Cliff State Park

Located along Lake Winnebago, High Cliff offers great opportunities for water survival training and testing your preparedness against natural elements. The terrain varies from forested areas to steep cliffs, providing a variety of survival challenges.

11. Governor Dodge State Park

With more than 1,500 acres of forest and two lakes, Governor Dodge is an excellent site for survivalists looking to test their wilderness navigation and fire-starting techniques. The park has both primitive and modern campsites, allowing for a range of prepper activities.

12. Pattison State Park

Pattison is home to Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall, but it’s not just the natural beauty that draws preppers to this site—it’s the challenging terrain and remote campsites. This park is great for both water-based survival practice and wilderness training.

13. Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

The 6,000 acres of wetlands in this refuge make it an excellent choice for survivalists who want to test their ability to navigate swampy, wetland areas. It’s a perfect location for practicing water navigation and stealth survival tactics.

14. Big Falls County Park

Big Falls offers a blend of rugged wilderness and serene beauty, making it ideal for both testing your skills and enjoying the peace of nature. The campsites are secluded, offering privacy while you practice your survival skills.

15. Nelson Dewey State Park

Located on the Mississippi River, this park provides unique survival challenges, such as river navigation, shelter-building, and foraging in a diverse environment. The campsites are primitive, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your training.

16. Interstate State Park

Located on the St. Croix River, this park offers great opportunities for water-based survival exercises as well as traditional wilderness survival activities. The terrain includes cliffs, rock outcroppings, and deep forests for testing your overall survival skills.

17. Lake Kegonsa State Park

This beautiful park is perfect for preppers who want to practice their fishing, water navigation, and overall wilderness survival. The peaceful environment allows for both mental and physical preparedness exercises.

18. Willow River State Park

Willow River is known for its picturesque waterfalls, but it also offers challenging hiking trails and various opportunities for survival training. The park has both primitive and developed campsites, making it ideal for testing a variety of prepper skills.

19. Lake Wissota State Park

Situated on the shores of Lake Wissota, this park provides plenty of opportunities for water survival training and fishing. The campsites are secluded and allow preppers to focus on honing their survival techniques.

20. Wildcat Mountain State Park

The rugged terrain of Wildcat Mountain makes it a favorite for experienced preppers. It offers challenging hikes, beautiful views, and isolated campsites that are perfect for survivalists looking for a real test.

21. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

The Apostle Islands offer a unique challenge with its remote islands and dense forests. Perfect for water-based survival training, the campsites are isolated, which makes it ideal for serious preppers looking to test their skills.

22. Menominee County Forest

This lesser-known gem is perfect for preppers who want to test their skills in a more secluded and rugged environment. The forest has a number of primitive campsites where you can practice long-term survival techniques.

23. Lac Vieux Desert Campground

This remote spot offers both water and woodland survival challenges. The campsites are primitive, providing a true prepper experience where you can hone your shelter-building, fire-starting, and navigation skills.

24. Wisconsin Dells

Although better known for its tourist attractions, Wisconsin Dells also offers some great campsites for preppers looking to stay near both water and wilderness. It’s an excellent place to practice your survival skills while still being near the conveniences of civilization.

25. Flambeau River State Forest

The Flambeau River is a perfect place for water-based survivalists to practice their skills. The state forest provides seclusion and plenty of opportunities for navigating through the dense woods and building shelters.

26. The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest

This vast forest is home to hundreds of lakes and miles of hiking trails. It’s a prepper’s paradise, with numerous campsites that range from primitive to more accessible, allowing for all levels of survival training.

27. Mole Lake Campground

Located near the Mole Lake, this area offers a mix of woodlands and wetlands that are perfect for testing your survival skills. The quiet, isolated campsites make it ideal for preppers seeking solitude.

28. Pine Point Campground

Pine Point’s remote location on the shores of the Mississippi River makes it a fantastic place for testing your navigation and wilderness skills, particularly in the winter months when conditions get more challenging.

29. Buckhorn State Park

This state park, located along the Wisconsin River, offers plenty of opportunities for water survival and wilderness training. It’s perfect for those who want to test their preparedness in a variety of environments.

30. Hartman Creek State Park

With its stunning scenery and numerous trails, Hartman Creek is an excellent place to hone your outdoor survival skills, whether you’re practicing navigation, shelter-building, or foraging.


Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just starting out, these 30 Wisconsin campsites offer the perfect mix of rugged terrain, seclusion, and natural beauty to test your skills and get ready for anything. Don’t wait for the world to change—get out there, prepare, and thrive in Wisconsin’s wild outdoors!

Survival Preppers’ Dream: 22 Must-Visit Campsites in Mississippi

The Best Campsites for Mississippi Survival Preppers: A Guide to Thriving in the Magnolia State

Survival prepping is a lifestyle, and here in Mississippi, it’s all about preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. Whether you’re preparing for a storm, a long-term disaster, or just looking to test your skills off the grid, camping is one of the most effective ways to hone your survival techniques. Our state is rich in natural beauty and diverse landscapes, offering plenty of opportunities to practice essential outdoor skills, whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just getting started.

From deep forests to riverfront sites and remote islands, Mississippi offers an array of camping experiences that are perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their survival instincts. If you’re ready to embrace the challenges that come with prepping in the wild, here’s a list of 22 of the best campsites across the state that will help you develop the skills necessary for long-term survival.

1. Tishomingo State Park

Located in the northeastern part of Mississippi, Tishomingo State Park offers a blend of rugged terrain, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife. It’s a great place to practice shelter building and fire-starting in a wilderness setting. The park’s natural beauty and peaceful environment make it perfect for those looking to hone their survival skills.

Key Survival Skill: Shelter building and fire-starting

2. Pascagoula River Audubon Center

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center offers swampy marshlands, wildlife-rich areas, and solitude. This area can help you practice water-based survival techniques, including building a raft, fishing, and foraging for edible plants.

Key Survival Skill: Water survival and fishing

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3. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park

This park is located near Jackson and offers a mix of forest and lakefront sites. It’s a great spot for those looking to practice fishing, trapping, and creating makeshift shelters. The park is easy to access and provides a controlled environment to sharpen your skills.

Key Survival Skill: Fishing and trapping

4. Keesler Air Force Base Campground

For those who want a more structured, yet still rugged, camping experience, the Keesler Air Force Base Campground near Biloxi provides military-style camping sites with access to beaches, forests, and other environments perfect for prepping. You’ll learn how to live in harsh conditions while still having a little comfort.

Key Survival Skill: Adaptability and basic gear usage

5. Natchez Trace Parkway

Stretching through Mississippi, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers a mix of forested campsites and long stretches of remote terrain. It’s an excellent spot for long hikes and practicing navigation, a crucial survival skill. You can also learn how to secure food in a variety of environments here.

Key Survival Skill: Navigation and food procurement

6. Cedar Point Campground

Located in the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Cedar Point offers a secluded, beachside experience where you can hone skills like water purification, coastal survival, and shelter building in sandy environments. You’ll also find plenty of wild edibles and fishing opportunities.

Key Survival Skill: Coastal survival and water purification

7. Mississippi Palisades State Park

This park is perfect for survivalists looking for a more rugged experience. The terrain is steep, and the area offers forested areas, cliffs, and views of the Mississippi River. This site is perfect for honing your climbing skills and wilderness navigation.

Key Survival Skill: Climbing and advanced navigation

8. Percy Quin State Park

Just an hour’s drive from Jackson, Percy Quin offers plenty of lakeside campsites surrounded by woods. It’s a great spot for practicing your fishing techniques and learning how to survive in more moderate climates with various habitats.

Key Survival Skill: Fishing, survival tactics in moderate climates

9. Bogue Chitto Water Park

If you’re interested in water survival skills and rafting, Bogue Chitto Water Park offers fast-moving water and lush forests, making it the perfect environment to practice water-based survival tactics and shelter-building in wet, cold conditions.

Key Survival Skill: Water-based survival

10. Tallahatchie Flats Campground

This remote campground is ideal for those looking for solitude and a place to escape from civilization. It’s a great spot to practice foraging and understanding the natural world around you while testing your ability to survive in isolated areas.

Key Survival Skill: Foraging and living off the land

11. Gulf Islands National Seashore

There’s nothing like learning to survive along the coast, and Gulf Islands National Seashore offers pristine beaches and dense forests. It’s a great place to practice wilderness skills like shelter-building, fishing, and fire-starting, all while learning how to use the elements to your advantage.

Key Survival Skill: Coastal shelter-building, fishing

12. Clear Springs Campground

Located in the DeSoto National Forest, this campsite offers a chance to camp by clear springs in a quiet, secluded environment. It’s the perfect location to practice water purification techniques, shelter-building, and finding wild edibles.

Key Survival Skill: Water purification and wild edibles

13. Black Creek Wilderness

For those who want a truly rugged challenge, Black Creek Wilderness offers untouched terrain with few modern amenities. This is an area for the serious prepper to test their skills in advanced navigation, shelter-building, and wildlife tracking.

Key Survival Skill: Advanced navigation and tracking

14. Lake Chautauqua

A peaceful and scenic environment, Lake Chautauqua offers many opportunities for primitive camping. It’s an excellent site for practicing water purification and fishing while also learning how to live off the grid.

Key Survival Skill: Living off the grid

15. Flint Creek Water Park

This spot is well known for its pristine waters, making it ideal for survivalists looking to practice water-based survival skills, including fishing, boating, and water purification. You can also learn how to live in areas that rely on water as a critical resource.

Key Survival Skill: Water-based survival and resource management

16. Bogue Chitto State Park

Another great park in the area, Bogue Chitto is perfect for testing out basic survival skills. The park offers great foraging opportunities and wild animal tracking, along with plenty of forest for shelter-building practice.

Key Survival Skill: Animal tracking and foraging

17. Sandy Creek Campground

Sandy Creek offers a more serene environment where you can set up camp beside beautiful water features. The park offers good opportunities for practicing shelter-building, fishing, and wilderness survival techniques.

Key Survival Skill: Wilderness shelter-building and fishing

18. Jonestown Campground

This remote campground offers access to a rugged, undeveloped environment where you can test your skills in basic wilderness survival. It’s perfect for preppers who want to practice living completely off the land.

Key Survival Skill: Off-the-grid survival

19. Piney Woods Campground

This campground is deep in the heart of Mississippi’s pine forests. It’s a great spot to practice fire-starting, building shelters, and understanding how to navigate through dense woods.

Key Survival Skill: Fire-starting and shelter-building

20. Desoto National Forest

Located in southern Mississippi, the Desoto National Forest is vast and offers numerous campgrounds perfect for survivalists who enjoy an immersive experience. From food foraging to building shelters, this forest is the perfect training ground.

Key Survival Skill: Immersive wilderness survival

21. Enid Lake Campground

Enid Lake is a prime location for those looking to perfect their water-based survival skills, as it offers ample fishing, boating, and resource gathering opportunities. It’s perfect for prepping with access to natural water sources.

Key Survival Skill: Water survival and fishing

22. Aliceville Lake Campground

This remote campground offers a quiet space to practice survival skills in a mostly undisturbed environment. It’s ideal for testing your knowledge of wildlife and practicing the fine art of stealth camping.

Key Survival Skill: Stealth camping and wildlife observation


Whether you’re testing your skills in fire-building, navigation, or water survival, Mississippi offers diverse landscapes for every prepper to master survival skills. These campgrounds will give you the opportunity to experience a variety of environments and test yourself in different scenarios, so when the time comes, you’ll be ready. Get out there and start prepping for whatever challenges lie ahead.

When Society Collapses, These Are the Only 30 Places in Nevada You’ll Want to Be

If you’re a survival prepper in Nevada, you’re already aware that the Silver State offers some of the most diverse and rugged terrains in the country. Whether you’re preparing for a grid-down scenario or simply want to be ready for whatever comes next, knowing where to camp in Nevada is essential. With its wide range of environments—from deserts to mountains, forests to lakes—Nevada offers the perfect backdrop for honing your survival skills, stocking up on supplies, or just escaping into nature. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best campsites in Nevada for preppers, where you can test your abilities, stock your gear, and practice your outdoor skills in some of the most unforgiving terrain in America.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SURVIVE A FAMINE

1. Great Basin National Park

Nestled along the Nevada-Utah border, Great Basin National Park is a prepper’s paradise. With its towering peaks, remote valleys, and diverse ecosystems, this park offers a rugged experience for anyone looking to put their survival skills to the test. There are ample campgrounds and backcountry areas to practice stealth camping, fire-starting, and water purification. Make sure to bring plenty of layers, as temperatures can swing drastically.

2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Just outside of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is a popular spot for preppers looking for desert terrain that’s not too far from civilization. While it’s close to the hustle and bustle of the city, Red Rock Canyon’s vast network of trails and campsites can give you a sense of isolation, making it ideal for practicing your outdoor skills in a relatively safe environment.

3. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a prime location for preppers looking to practice survival tactics by water. Surrounded by forests and mountain ranges, the area has various campgrounds where you can practice fishing, water purification, and wilderness navigation. It’s the perfect spot to perfect your skills in a picturesque setting, with plenty of opportunities to build shelters and fire-starting stations near the water.

4. Toiyabe National Forest

With over 6 million acres of land, Toiyabe National Forest offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and ecosystems for preppers to explore. From high-desert areas to mountainous regions, the forest is a top choice for those looking to practice survival skills in various environments. The campsite options here are plentiful, so you’ll never run out of opportunities to test your skills.

5. Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is a unique and remote location for those looking to practice survival techniques while enjoying the natural beauty of Nevada. Situated in the northern part of the state, Pyramid Lake offers solitude and an environment perfect for survival training. The terrain varies from marshes to rocky outcrops, making it an excellent location for testing your wilderness navigation skills.

6. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

The largest national forest in Nevada, Humboldt-Toiyabe offers a mix of high-desert and alpine landscapes. Whether you’re camping in the rugged mountains or the arid desert, this forest provides an excellent opportunity for preppers to learn and practice skills such as trapping, shelter-building, and wildlife identification.

7. Valley of Fire State Park

If you’re looking for a campsite that allows you to practice your desert survival skills, Valley of Fire State Park is where you need to go. Located just an hour north of Las Vegas, this state park has some of the most striking desert landscapes in Nevada. With its large red sandstone formations, the area is perfect for honing your desert navigation skills and practicing skills like fire-making and water conservation.

8. Lamoille Canyon

For those who prefer mountain terrain, Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains is an excellent choice. The area offers stunning views, alpine lakes, and rugged peaks perfect for practicing shelter-building, water filtration, and creating emergency fire stations. Lamoille Canyon is also remote, making it a great place for more isolated survival training.

9. Bonneville Salt Flats

While known for its historical significance and salt flats, this area offers a surreal, otherworldly experience. The Bonneville Salt Flats is one of the most barren and unforgiving environments in Nevada, making it the ideal place to practice survival tactics in extreme conditions. Use it to test your ability to navigate using basic survival tools like a compass or map.

10. Eldorado Canyon

If you’re looking for an adventurous, yet accessible location, Eldorado Canyon is a great option. It’s a popular spot for rock climbers, but survivalists can also benefit from the area’s varied terrain, which includes caves, crevices, and water sources that allow you to test your skill set in a variety of ways.

11. Cold Creek Campground

Located near the Nevada Test Site, Cold Creek Campground is known for its remote desert environment and relative isolation. It’s a perfect place for preppers to practice extended survival tactics and prepare for isolation scenarios. Use the location for testing gear, making shelter, and honing your skills in tough conditions.

12. Mount Charleston

If you prefer cooler climates, Mount Charleston is an ideal option. Located just outside of Las Vegas, this high-altitude area offers a mix of desert and forest terrains, making it perfect for a variety of survival training. Whether you’re practicing snow shelters or desert survival techniques, Mount Charleston has everything you need to up your prepper game.

13. Walker Lake

Walker Lake offers an excellent opportunity to hone your skills around water sources. The area is remote, which allows you to practice everything from fishing and water filtration to navigation and shelter-building. As it’s an off-the-beaten-path destination, it’s perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and refine their prepper skills.

14. Ruby Mountains Wilderness

The Ruby Mountains provide a classic mountain terrain with high-altitude lakes, rugged cliffs, and forested areas. It’s a prime location for practicing high-elevation survival skills, such as building shelters in snow or relying on your gear to make it through colder temperatures.

15. Bristlecone Pine Forest

For those who enjoy higher elevations and the beauty of ancient trees, the Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains offers an ideal spot. This area is known for the world’s oldest trees, and the serene environment offers plenty of opportunities for stealth camping, trail navigation, and wilderness survival training.

16. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

This hidden gem in southern Nevada is perfect for preppers interested in a unique desert ecosystem. Ash Meadows is home to rare wildlife and a variety of different terrain types, including springs, salt flats, and wetlands. The area’s isolation and unique conditions provide an excellent setting for wilderness survival.

17. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

This is an excellent place to practice high-desert survival skills. With plenty of campsites and hiking trails, Spring Mountains is a place where preppers can test their endurance, build shelters, and master basic survival techniques like fire-building and navigation.

18. Cave Lake State Park

For those seeking a more tranquil environment, Cave Lake State Park offers a mix of mountainous terrain and lakeside camping. It’s a great place to practice your wilderness navigation skills while fishing, boating, and exploring caves. The park is also remote enough to allow for extended survival trips.

19. Shoshone Mountains

The Shoshone Mountains are a rugged and often overlooked part of Nevada, offering a chance to explore the remote high-desert and mountain terrain. It’s an excellent place for more advanced preppers to practice tactics such as hunting, foraging, and navigating extreme conditions.

20. Tonopah

Tonopah is a great location for a prepper looking to experience remote desert living. The town itself is small, but it provides quick access to nearby wilderness areas where you can practice your survival skills. It’s an ideal spot for long-term camping and testing your gear in extreme conditions.

21. Kingston Canyon

Kingston Canyon is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy some solitude while practicing survival skills. The area features stunning mountain views, and the proximity to water sources makes it ideal for testing skills like water purification and fishing.

22. Crescent Valley

Crescent Valley is located in central Nevada and provides a great place for long-term camping. The area offers a unique combination of desert and forest environments, perfect for honing various prepper skills.

30 Best Campsites in Nevada for Survival Preppers

  1. Great Basin National Park
  2. Red Rock Canyon
  3. Lake Tahoe
  4. Toiyabe National Forest
  5. Pyramid Lake
  6. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
  7. Valley of Fire State Park
  8. Lamoille Canyon
  9. Bonneville Salt Flats
  10. Eldorado Canyon
  11. Cold Creek Campground
  12. Mount Charleston
  13. Walker Lake
  14. Ruby Mountains Wilderness
  15. Bristlecone Pine Forest
  16. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
  17. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
  18. Cave Lake State Park
  19. Shoshone Mountains
  20. Tonopah
  21. Kingston Canyon
  22. Crescent Valley
  23. Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge
  24. Jarbidge Wilderness
  25. Alamo
  26. Desert National Wildlife Refuge
  27. Las Vegas Wash
  28. Virgin River Gorge
  29. Stokes Castle
  30. Desert Springs Campground

Prepping on Autopilot: Unlocking the Power of Muscle Memory

Prepping on Autopilot: Unlocking the Power of Muscle Memory

As survivalists, we understand that in a crisis, hesitation can be fatal. The difference between life and death often comes down to how quickly and effectively we can respond to threats. This is where muscle memory becomes invaluable. By training our bodies to react instinctively, we can perform critical tasks without conscious thought, allowing us to focus on strategy and adaptation.


What Is Muscle Memory?

Muscle memory refers to the ability to perform movements without conscious thought, developed through repetition and practice. It’s a form of procedural memory, where the brain stores motor tasks, enabling quick and efficient execution under pressure. In survival situations, this means being able to handle weapons, navigate terrain, or administer first aid without having to deliberate on each action.


10 Survival Prepper Tips to Build and Utilize Muscle Memory

  1. Start Slow and Deliberate Begin with slow, controlled movements to ensure proper technique. Rushing through exercises can reinforce bad habits. For instance, when practicing firearm handling, focus on smooth draws and accurate aiming before increasing speed.
  2. Consistent Practice Regular repetition is key to developing muscle memory. Set aside time each day to practice essential skills, such as shelter building or fire starting, to reinforce these actions until they become second nature.
  3. Mental Rehearsal Visualization can enhance muscle memory. Mentally rehearse tasks like navigating a map or performing CPR. This mental practice activates the same neural pathways as physical practice, strengthening your ability to perform under stress.
  4. Vary Your Training Conditions Practice skills in different environments and scenarios. This variability prevents your body from becoming too accustomed to a single routine, ensuring adaptability in real-world situations.
  5. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity It’s more effective to practice a skill correctly a few times than to perform it incorrectly numerous times. Pay attention to detail and form to build accurate muscle memory.
  6. Use Dry Runs Perform tasks without equipment to simulate real conditions. For example, practice setting up a tent without using the actual tent to familiarize yourself with the process and identify potential issues.
  7. Teach Others Teaching a skill reinforces your own understanding and proficiency. Share your knowledge with fellow preppers to solidify your muscle memory and build a stronger community.
  8. Incorporate Stress Drills Simulate stressful conditions to train your body to perform under pressure. This could include timed tasks or scenarios with distractions, helping you maintain focus during emergencies.
  9. Track Your Progress Keep a log of your training sessions, noting improvements and areas needing attention. Regularly reviewing your progress can highlight patterns and guide your practice sessions.
  10. Rest and Recovery Adequate rest is essential for muscle recovery and memory consolidation. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep and taking breaks between intense training sessions to allow your body to heal and retain information.

The Importance of Muscle Memory in Survival Situations

In survival scenarios, time is often limited, and decisions must be made swiftly. Muscle memory allows you to perform necessary tasks efficiently, without the need for conscious thought. Whether it’s defending your home, navigating through the wilderness, or providing first aid, having these skills ingrained can be the difference between survival and failure.


Training Tips for Specific Survival Skills

  • Firearm Handling: Practice drawing and aiming your weapon in various positions and scenarios to ensure quick and accurate responses.
  • First Aid: Regularly perform CPR and other first aid procedures on mannequins or dummies to build confidence and proficiency.
  • Navigation: Use a map and compass to navigate different terrains, simulating real-world conditions to enhance your orientation skills.
  • Shelter Building: Practice constructing shelters using natural materials to become proficient in creating safe havens in the wild.
  • Water Procurement: Learn and practice methods of collecting and purifying water from various sources to ensure access to clean drinking water.

Conclusion

Building muscle memory is an investment in your survival. By training your body to perform essential tasks automatically, you free up mental resources to focus on strategy and adaptation. Remember, in a crisis, your body will do what you’ve trained it to do. Make sure that training prepares you for success.

Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and let muscle memory be your ally in the face of adversity.

What Most People Misunderstand About Survival Prepping

A hurricane almost reached my house once.

I was just discussing it with my neighbor yesterday.

The weather forecasts were dire, warning us of potentially catastrophic damage.

So I didn’t waste any time.

I quickly secured my house and stocked up on essential items.

As fate would have it, the hurricane changed course at the last minute, and our town was spared from its wrath.

My neighbor chuckled as he recalled my diligent preparations, suggesting that everything was a waste since the storm didn’t hit.

But was it, really?

Upon reflecting on the situation, I realized that even though the hurricane didn’t reach my house, I gained something invaluable from my preparations. Peace of mind.

You see, while everyone else was frantically scrambling and praying that the storm went away…I didn’t have to.

I knew I had done everything in my power to keep my family safe.

And I remained calm.

That, folks, is the true value of prepping.

When we invest in emergency preparedness, we’re not just planning for worst-case scenarios; we’re investing in our own mental and emotional well-being.

It’s like having a safety net for our minds.

Sure, it’s easy for my neighbor to laugh at my hurricane preparations in hindsight.

But in the moment, when the threat felt real, I knew I was ready for whatever Mother Nature had in store.

Plus, thanks to that, I know I am ready for when a real storm strikes our house.

And I am proud to say I can protect my family when that time comes.

So the next time someone tells you that prepping is a waste of time, remember this:

The peace of mind you gain from knowing you’re ready for anything is worth every bit of effort you put into it.

Besides, in a world full of uncertainties, who’s to say when the next storm might strike?

We can’t predict the weather, but we can certainly be ready for it.

The Answer To “Prepping Overwhelm”

If there’s one thing that everyone agrees about when it comes to prepping.

It’s that your “to-do” list doesn’t ever end.

One month you’re planting crops to ensure a bountiful harvest during the summer

And the next you’re gathering wood to prepare for the winter.

With so many different things to do, and variables to consider, how can you keep track of everything? And how can you measure your progress?

Well, this is why I recommend that everyone keeps a weekly prepping journal.

Before you roll your eyes and think, “Not another chore, Paul,” hear me out.

This isn’t just another task to add to your endless to-do list.

This is about having a clear, well-recorded journey of your survival prepping efforts.

It’s about acknowledging every little victory along the way. And most importantly, it’s about the progression.

Imagine this. You’ve been working on your skills, stockpiling resources, and making your house more secure.

But as the weeks go by, you don’t have a tangible way to gauge how far you’ve come.

You don’t know which area to focus on next, or which area needs more improvement.

This is very easily solved with a brief journal.

Take a few minutes at the end of every week to jot down what you’ve done towards your emergency readiness.

It could be ”I bought X amount of canned food.”

This doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s more than what most people do.

Over time, this simple practice will give you a clear view of your journey.

You’ll see not just the biggest milestones but also the little steps you took along the way.

And trust me, those little steps add up faster than you think.

In the past, people used to say that “unexamined lives are not worth living.”

The same goes for prepping.

We need to constantly re-examine our prepping efforts. And we need to know how far we’ve come and where we need to improve.

Journaling might sound boring, but it makes everything easier.

And it takes just less time than most people think.

Why don’t you try it out?

Survival prepping Like This Could Be A Double-Edged Sword

Prepping Like This Could Be A Double-Edged Sword

Have you ever heard the saying, “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing”?

Well, I’ve been thinking about this lately, especially when it comes to prepping.

Everyone knows that the right gear is essential.

But there’s a concealed risk lurking beneath the surface — something that might catch us unprepared if we’re not careful.

It will become clear once you read this story.

Last week, I was talking to a buddy of mine who’s also into prepping.

He was excited to show me the latest thing he bought. A top-of-the-line water filtration system.

He proudly explained its features and how it would provide clean water for his family in case of an emergency.

So far so good

But then he said something that made me pause.

“I feel so much safer ever since I have it. I don’t have to worry about anything.”

I couldn’t fault him for his enthusiasm.

But his words struck me as a stark reminder of the pitfall that is complacency.

When we feel like we’ve got everything covered, it’s easy to let our guard down. To assume that we’re invincible.

And yet the truth is, no matter how ready we are, there’s always something that can catch us by surprise.

That’s why it’s essential to remain vigilant, to continuously challenge ourselves and adapt to different situations.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about what we have at our disposal. It’s about our ability to think on our feet, to adapt and overcome.

Our mindset is what truly sets us apart as preppers.

So folks, let’s not fall into the trap.

Let us keep improving our skills, our equipment, and let us keep expanding our knowledge.

That way, we can ensure that our prepping efforts serve us well when the time comes.

Stay safe and vigilant.

How much food should you stockpile?

Everyone in the prepping world talks about stockpiling food for an emergency situation.

Beans, cans, rice, anything that lasts a long time can allow us to make it through emergency situations.

And even though it’s crystal clear that stockpiling is essential

People usually don’t know how much food is too much or too little.

I want to provide some clarity, so you can decide how much to stockpile based on your specific circumstances.

The answer, as always, is that it depends.

Everything boils down to the specifics of your situation. Your family headcount, dietary needs, and the type of emergency you’re prepping for.

But don’t worry, we’ll break it down together.

First and foremost, it’s essential to consider the duration of the emergency.

Are you expecting a short-term disruption, like a brief power outage or a snowstorm?

Or are you prepping for a more long-term scenario, like a natural emergency or an economic collapse?

For short-term emergencies, a supply of about two weeks’ worth of food should suffice.

This will tide you over until services are restored, and you can replenish your pantry.

But remember, it’s always more ideal to have a little more, just in case.

So let’s talk about long-term emergencies.

In these cases, you’ll want to have a minimum of three months’ worth of food stocked up.

However, to truly be on the safe side, I would recommend aiming for a full year’s supply.

This might sound daunting, but it’s a goal worth striving for. The future is uncertain, and it’s more reasonable to be over- than underprepared.

If this seems too difficult, there is a way to make it easier.

That is by gradually building up your stockpile.

Don’t try to shop for everything at once.

Instead, focus on adding to your reserves over time.

Slow and steady wins the race.

And don’t forget to diversify your stockpile.

A well-rounded supply should include non-perishable items such as canned goods, dried fruits, grains, and freeze-dried meals.

Also, make sure you account for any dietary restrictions or allergies.

And there you have it, folks!

Being mindful of these factors will put you on the right path.

Remember, it’s not about hoarding. It’s about being ready and self-reliant in the face of uncertainty.

Do you have any other topics that you would like me to cover? Let me know by commenting on this survival preppers article.