The SHTF Wake-Up Call: How to Prepare for a World Where What You Have Is All That Matters

The SHTF Wake-Up Call: How to Prepare for a World Where What You Have Is All That Matters

If you’re still sitting around, thinking that everything is going to be fine and that some miracle will come along to save you, then it’s time for a serious wake-up call. You’ve been warned, and if you haven’t taken action yet, you’re a fool. When shit hits the fan (SHTF) for real, you won’t have time to run to the store and pick up a few cans of beans. You won’t have a backup plan that depends on someone else’s help. The hard truth is, what you have on hand will be ALL that matters. That’s it. You think you’re prepared? Think again. You can’t survive on optimism or hope alone.

So, let me make it crystal clear: You better have your act together now, or you’re done.

The problem with most people today is that they’re completely blind to the real threats we face. They walk around, heads buried in their phones, oblivious to the fact that this whole society could collapse in the blink of an eye. But it’s not just some far-off apocalypse I’m talking about. I’m talking about economic collapse, social unrest, grid failures, natural disasters, pandemics, and everything in between. The kind of world where your food, your water, your shelter, and your ability to protect yourself from the chaos around you will depend entirely on what you’ve managed to gather and the skills you’ve learned.

That’s right. Skills. Skills that you better start mastering now.

Here’s the thing: when the grid goes down and the grocery stores empty out, you won’t be able to waltz into your friendly local convenience store to grab a snack. And let me tell you, unless you live in a rural area and have prepared for the worst, you won’t be seeing those preppers with “lots of ammo and supplies” coming to save you. It’s every man for himself, and you will quickly realize just how unprepared you are if you don’t start taking this seriously.

So, let’s get into it. If you want to survive the collapse, you need to have the right skills in your back pocket. Here are 15 critical SHTF survival skills you need to master before it’s too late.

1. Water Filtration and Purification

If there’s one thing that’s more precious than gold when SHTF, it’s water. You can go without food for weeks, but you can’t survive more than a few days without water. Stockpiling water is smart, but you also need the knowledge to purify any water you come across. Learn how to boil water, use filtration systems, and make DIY purification methods.

2. Fire Starting

A fire isn’t just for cooking or warmth. It’s a beacon for rescue, a deterrent for predators, and a signal to others. Learn how to start a fire with limited supplies. I’m talking about using flint and steel, magnifying glasses, fire starters, and even primitive methods like rubbing sticks together. If you can’t make fire, you’re screwed.

3. Food Preservation

Stockpiling food is essential, but do you know how to make it last? Canning, dehydrating, and fermenting food are all necessary skills. If you’re relying solely on canned goods, you’re setting yourself up for failure in the long run. Learning how to preserve your own food can make the difference between life and death.

4. Self-Defense

Let me say it loud and clear: the world isn’t going to be a safe place when SHTF. People will become desperate, and desperation breeds violence. If you don’t know how to defend yourself—whether that’s with a firearm, a knife, or your bare hands—you’re putting yourself at extreme risk. Learn how to use weapons, but also know how to fight without them.

5. Shelter Building

When your home is no longer safe, you’ll need to know how to build a shelter. Do you know how to construct a lean-to, a tarp shelter, or even use natural resources for protection? If you’re stuck in the wilderness, your survival depends on your ability to stay dry, warm, and protected.

6. Hunting and Fishing

You’re not going to find a butcher shop to supply you with steaks once society falls apart. Knowing how to hunt, fish, trap, and forage is vital for long-term survival. You need to have the skills to put food on the table in a world where hunting for a meal isn’t just a recreational activity.

7. First Aid and Medical Knowledge

When help isn’t on the way, you better know how to take care of yourself. You need more than just a basic first aid kit—you need to know how to use it. Learn basic field medicine, including how to treat wounds, fractures, infections, and even how to perform CPR. The human body is fragile, and when it goes wrong, you’ll be on your own.

8. Navigation

If the GPS goes down, are you prepared to find your way? Learn how to read a map and use a compass. In a collapsed world, you’ll need to be able to navigate through urban areas or the wilderness. Whether you’re running from danger or searching for a safer place, the ability to find your way will be crucial.

9. Bartering

Cash is worthless when the economy collapses, but goods and services still hold value. If you don’t understand how to barter, you’re going to be at a serious disadvantage. Learn how to negotiate and trade supplies or skills to get what you need.

10. Composting and Growing Food

When you can no longer rely on grocery stores, you better know how to grow your own food. If you can’t grow your own crops or raise livestock, you’ll quickly run out of resources. Learn how to compost, plant, and maintain a garden. It’s one of the most valuable survival skills you can have.

11. Mental Toughness

Let’s face it: survival isn’t just about physical skills; it’s also about mental resilience. If you lose your nerve when things get tough, you won’t last long. You need to stay calm, think critically, and be able to make tough decisions when everything around you is falling apart. Mental toughness will be your secret weapon.

12. Improvised Weapons

When ammunition and weapons are scarce, you need to know how to improvise. A sharp stick or a hammer can be just as effective as a firearm in a pinch. Learn how to turn everyday objects into weapons for self-defense.

13. Electricity Alternatives

You won’t have access to the grid when it goes down, so you better know how to create your own power. Solar panels, wind turbines, and hand-crank generators are all viable options. You also need to know how to repair basic electrical systems.

14. Communication

When cell towers and the internet are gone, you need to know how to communicate without relying on modern technology. Ham radios, signal fires, and other low-tech methods will keep you connected when everyone else is in the dark.

15. Mental Health Care

When society breaks down, your emotional and psychological state can make or break your survival. Depression, stress, and anxiety can destroy your ability to function. Learn techniques for maintaining mental health during chaotic times. You need to stay strong, calm, and focused.


3 DIY SHTF Survival Hacks

Now, let’s talk about some simple, DIY hacks that can save your life when SHTF. If you’re relying on a pre-made kit, you’re already behind the curve. Here are three hacks you need to know:

1. DIY Water Filter

You don’t need an expensive water filtration system to clean dirty water. Create a simple water filter using sand, gravel, charcoal, and a piece of cloth. Just layer these materials in a plastic bottle, and it will filter out the bigger contaminants, leaving you with cleaner water. It won’t purify it entirely, but it will make it much safer to drink.

2. DIY Solar Still

If you’re out in the wilderness without access to clean water, a solar still can help. Dig a small hole, place a container at the bottom, and surround it with plastic sheeting. Place a small stone in the center of the plastic to create a low point, and the sun will cause the water to evaporate, collect, and drip into the container. It’s a slow process, but it can provide clean water.

3. Fire Starter with Cotton Balls and Vaseline

When you don’t have matches, and you need to start a fire, make your own fire starter. Soak cotton balls in Vaseline and store them in a waterproof container. When you need to start a fire, just light one of these balls. The Vaseline will act as an accelerant, giving you a fast and hot flame to get your fire going.


If you think all of this is overkill, fine. Keep living in your fantasy world where someone else will save you when the world falls apart. But remember this: when SHTF, what you have is all you’ll have. No backup plans, no help from anyone. It’s time to wake up, get real, and start preparing. Or you’ll be one of the ones begging for help when it’s already too late. Your survival starts now, not tomorrow.

The Stockpiler’s Survival Guide

In 2002, a man named Jack Whittaker from West Virginia hit the Powerball jackpot. It was the biggest prize of its time—hundreds of millions. Most folks would think he hit the ultimate jackpot. But if you dig deeper, you’ll find a cautionary tale that every prepper should take to heart.

Jack’s windfall didn’t bring joy. It brought chaos, greed, tragedy, and death. The moment people found out he was rich, they came out of the woodwork—begging, scheming, and circling like vultures. His house turned into a battleground of handouts and deception. He faced constant legal troubles, and worse, he lost both his daughter and granddaughter under tragic circumstances that many say were linked—directly or not—to the poison of sudden wealth.

Eventually, Jack said publicly that he wished he had torn up that lottery ticket.

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And that got me thinking.

As preppers, we’re not chasing lottery wins. But if you’re stockpiling wisely—if you’ve been planning for what others refuse to see coming—then in the eyes of the unprepared, you’re rich. Maybe not with cash, but with things that matter when the system collapses: food, water, fuel, skills, and know-how.

And just like Jack, if the wrong people find out, you become a target.

When SHTF, desperation turns good people bad. Neighbors turn into looters. Friends can become beggars. And strangers—well, don’t even count on mercy from them. It won’t matter if it’s your kid’s formula, your last bag of rice, or the meds you set aside for your spouse. If someone knows you have it, they will do anything to get it.

Lesson One: Conceal What You Have.

You don’t need to parade your supplies on social media. You don’t need to show off your stash in YouTube videos or brag about your “bug-out” plans at work. Loose lips sink ships. In a true crisis, every can of beans becomes gold. Every gallon of water becomes leverage.

Think about this: If every grocery store and supermarket shut down tonight, and folks knew you were stocked, your house might not survive the week. And that’s not paranoia—it’s math. Hungry people act fast. Starving people act violently.

Take a lesson from Jack Whittaker: if you have value—whether it’s dollars, gear, or provisions—keep it quiet. Because the more they know, the more they’ll take. And they won’t ask nicely.

Now, let’s talk about how to keep your prepping smart, quiet, and effective. Here are ten essential prepper tips every stockpiler should follow if they want to survive and stay off the radar.


10 Survival Prepper Tips for Smart Stockpiling and Stealth Survival

1. Don’t Tell, Don’t Show

It’s tempting to share your plans with friends or neighbors, especially if you’re proud of your setup. But limit your disclosures. Tell only those you trust with your life—and even then, keep details vague.

2. Diversify Your Stash

Don’t keep all your supplies in one place. Spread your stockpile across your home, vehicle, shed, and even hidden caches if possible. That way, if one area gets compromised, you’re not left high and dry.

3. Practice OPSEC

Operational Security (OPSEC) is a mindset. Don’t throw out packaging from large food purchases. Avoid bulk deliveries when neighbors are watching. Blend in. Be the “average Joe” who shops like everyone else.

4. Train, Don’t Just Store

All the gear in the world is worthless if you don’t know how to use it. Practice purifying water, making fire without matches, cooking off-grid, and self-defense. Build muscle memory.

5. Develop Community—but Quietly

Survival is easier in a group, but choose your circle carefully. Build quiet alliances with like-minded individuals. Barter, trade, and train together—but keep things low-key and never disclose your full inventory.

6. Gray Man Strategy

Look harmless, unprepared, and average. In public, don’t dress like you’re headed into the wild. When disaster strikes, don’t be the guy with the latest tactical gear walking down the street. Blend in to avoid attention.

7. Rotate and Maintain Supplies

Your food, fuel, and meds have expiration dates. Rotate stock, label everything, and use a spreadsheet if needed. The worst time to realize your food is spoiled is when your life depends on it.

8. Harden Your Home

Your house is your first line of defense. Reinforce doors, add security film to windows, set up motion lights, and consider solar cameras. You’re not being paranoid—you’re being ready.

9. Prepare for Power Loss

Most people think about food and water but forget energy. Stock up on batteries, solar chargers, hand-crank radios, and backup heating options. When the grid fails, you need to adapt quickly.

10. Have an Exit Plan

Sometimes you can’t shelter in place. Know where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and what you’ll bring. Keep bug-out bags ready and have alternate routes. Never assume your first plan will work.


Survival Isn’t Just About Stuff—It’s About Mindset

Jack Whittaker’s story is more than a tragedy—it’s a mirror. When society collapses, the rules change. The rich won’t be the ones with stock portfolios—they’ll be the ones with clean water, warm meals, and working flashlights.

And just like Jack learned, if people know you’ve got something they don’t, they’ll come for it.

So stay sharp. Stay quiet. Stockpile smart. And remember: stealth is strength.

We prep not to boast, but to survive. And the best preppers don’t just prepare for disasters—they prepare to stay invisible when the world starts watching.

The Ultimate Survivalist In-Car Checklist: 7 Items You Need

Disaster doesn’t announce itself.

It strikes when you’re least ready—when your guard is down, and your mind is elsewhere. You might be thinking about dinner plans, your kids’ soccer game, or just getting home to a warm bed. But emergencies don’t care about your schedule.

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Picture this: It’s Friday evening. You’re finally off work. You’re cruising down a quiet stretch of road, miles away from the nearest gas station, thinking about how you’ll spend the weekend with your family. And then—BAM. A loud thud. Your car jerks violently. You lose control for a split second before steering to the shoulder. You get out, and there it is… a flat tire.

And just your luck—it’s raining sideways. Not a streetlamp in sight.

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Now let me ask you: Are you ready?

Because if you’re not, that flat tire could turn into a full-blown survival scenario. As any seasoned prepper will tell you, your vehicle isn’t just a means of transportation. It’s a mobile command center. It’s your lifeline when SHTF. Whether you’re evacuating due to wildfires, stranded in a snowstorm, or simply stuck with a mechanical failure, your car must be prepped for anything.

Here are the 7 essential items every survival-minded individual needs in their vehicle—and 10 additional prepper tips to keep you one step ahead when the unexpected hits.


1. Spare Tire, Jack, and Lug Wrench

Let’s start with the basics. A flat tire is more than just an inconvenience—it can leave you stranded for hours, or worse, overnight in the middle of nowhere. You need a fully inflated spare tire, a sturdy jack, and a reliable lug wrench.

Prepper Tip #1: Rotate and inspect your spare every three months. A flat spare is as useless as no spare at all.

Prepper Tip #2: Consider adding a tire plug kit and portable air compressor. Sometimes a quick patch and refill is all you need to get moving again.


2. Jumper Cables (or Jump Starter)

A dead battery is another common issue, especially in extreme temperatures. Having a solid pair of jumper cables can save you hours of waiting for help—or worse, being stuck in hostile conditions.

Prepper Tip #3: Upgrade to a lithium-ion jump starter. These compact power packs can jump your car without needing another vehicle. Plus, they usually have USB ports to charge your phone.


3. First-Aid Kit

This is non-negotiable. From minor cuts and scrapes to more serious injuries, a well-stocked first-aid kit can save lives.

Prepper Tip #4: Customize your kit. Add painkillers, antiseptics, trauma supplies (like a tourniquet), and allergy meds. Don’t forget a laminated card with CPR instructions and your personal medical info.


4. Flashlight and Extra Batteries

When darkness falls, you’ll need a dependable flashlight. Whether you’re checking under the hood, flagging down help, or navigating on foot, a solid light source is crucial.

Prepper Tip #5: Invest in a high-lumen LED flashlight with a strobe or SOS function. Keep extra batteries in a waterproof container, or go with a solar/crank-powered model for infinite power.


5. Emergency Blankets and Warm Clothing

Hypothermia can set in faster than you’d think, especially if your car won’t start and you’re trapped in cold weather. Emergency mylar blankets are compact, lightweight, and designed to reflect 90% of body heat.

Prepper Tip #6: Include a wool hat, gloves, socks, and a waterproof poncho. Hypothermia often starts with extremities, and you’ll be thankful for that added layer.


6. Non-Perishable Food and Water

If you’re stuck for hours—or days—you’ll need calories and hydration. Keep a stash of non-perishable, high-energy food and bottled water in your vehicle.

Prepper Tip #7: Use vacuum-sealed ration bars and emergency water pouches with a 5-year shelf life. They’re space-efficient and built for survival.

Prepper Tip #8: Toss in a LifeStraw or water purification tablets. If you run out of bottled water, these could keep you alive in a longer crisis.


7. Portable Charger or Power Bank

Your phone is your most powerful tool in a crisis—but only if it’s charged. A high-capacity portable power bank ensures you stay connected when your car battery isn’t an option.

Prepper Tip #9: Look for solar-powered models. Even if the grid’s down, you’ll still be able to charge your devices.


10 Bonus Survival Prepper Tips for Your Car

Now that you’ve got the 7 essentials, take it a step further. Hardcore preppers know that redundancy and versatility are key.

1. Multi-tool or Survival Knife

From cutting seatbelts to making repairs or defending yourself, a quality multi-tool is invaluable.

2. Duct Tape

Fix a hose, seal a window, secure gear, or even splint an injury. The uses are endless.

3. Maps and Compass

Don’t rely on GPS. If the grid’s down or you’re in a dead zone, paper maps and a compass will keep you on track.

4. Fire Starter Kit

Waterproof matches, ferro rods, or lighters—fire can provide warmth, boil water, signal for help, or keep predators away.

5. Reflective Triangle or Road Flares

Increase your visibility to other drivers, especially during night or low-visibility conditions.

6. Cash in Small Bills

ATMs might be down or inaccessible. Keep a stash of $1s, $5s, and $10s hidden in your car.

7. Toilet Paper and Hygiene Kit

Sanitation can be crucial. A small hygiene kit with TP, wipes, and hand sanitizer is easy to store and highly valuable.

8. Gloves and Safety Glasses

Whether fixing a tire or clearing debris, protect your hands and eyes.

9. Tow Strap

Help others—or get helped—without relying on a tow truck.

10. Notebook and Pencil

Record important details, leave a note if you have to leave your vehicle, or track resources. It’s old-school, but it works.


Final Word

Emergencies aren’t a matter of if, they’re a matter of when. Your vehicle is your mobile bug-out location—treat it like one. A well-stocked car can mean the difference between inconvenience and catastrophe.

So prep it now. Load it with gear. Check your supplies. Refresh items regularly.

Because when the moment comes—and it will—you won’t rise to the occasion.

You’ll fall back on your preparation.

And that, my fellow survivalist, is how you thrive when the rest of the world panics.

Top 30 Must-Visit Campgrounds in Iowa for Survival Preppers

As survivalists, we know that it’s not just about having the right gear and knowledge but also about finding the best locations to test your skills, hone your instincts, and be prepared for anything. In Iowa, the rolling hills, dense forests, and abundant rivers offer ideal places to practice your wilderness survival tactics. Whether you’re refining your fire-starting skills, perfecting your shelter-building techniques, or just looking for a quiet spot to test your bug-out bag, these 30 camping sites across the state offer the best conditions for preppers to be ready for any emergency situation.

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Here in Iowa, we’re lucky to have access to such diverse landscapes. While the state is known for its farmland, Iowa also boasts a number of stunning parks and forests that make perfect camping destinations for preppers. These campsites aren’t just for leisure—they’re prime spots to practice your survival skills, scout terrain, and learn how to live off the land if the need ever arises. Whether you’re an experienced prepper or just starting out, these campsites will provide the opportunities to grow your self-sufficiency and preparedness.

1. Ledges State Park – Boone

Ledges State Park is a prime spot for survivalists who want to experience the rugged beauty of Iowa’s terrain. It’s got a mix of wooded areas, rocky outcrops, and fast-moving streams—perfect for learning how to navigate tough conditions. The park’s trails will help you practice your land navigation, and the nearby Des Moines River provides opportunities for water-based survival skills. If you’re looking for a place that challenges your skills, this is it.

2. Backbone State Park – Dundee

Backbone State Park is known for its dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and thick woodlands. This park offers challenging terrain and a variety of habitats, making it an excellent location for preppers looking to test their navigation and shelter-building skills. The surrounding water features also allow you to practice fishing and water purification techniques.

3. Yellow River State Forest – Harpers Ferry

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With over 8,000 acres of forested hills and deep ravines, Yellow River State Forest offers preppers a real opportunity to get off the grid. The dense woods are full of wildlife, perfect for those looking to practice hunting, trapping, and identifying edible plants. The park’s rugged nature makes it a great location to work on your survival skills in a more isolated, remote setting.

4. Big Creek State Park – Polk City

Big Creek State Park offers a combination of woodlands and a large lake. It’s an excellent spot for preppers who want to practice water-based survival techniques, such as fishing, boating, and water filtration. Plus, it’s one of the best locations in Iowa to practice foraging and identifying plants in a more controlled, yet natural, environment.

5. Lake Macbride State Park – Solon

This park is perfect for preppers who want to test their wilderness skills in an environment with diverse terrain. Lake Macbride’s large forested areas and freshwater lake provide opportunities to practice fishing, navigation, and shelter construction. The park’s various trails can also be used to simulate long-term bug-out scenarios.

6. Maquoketa Caves State Park – Maquoketa

If you’re looking for a place to practice spelunking or cave survival, Maquoketa Caves is the spot. This park is home to dozens of caves and rock formations that will give any prepper a challenge. While caves can be an excellent place to find shelter, they also require specific survival skills, such as managing darkness and creating secure resting areas.

7. Pike’s Peak State Park – McGregor

Located along the Mississippi River, Pike’s Peak offers breathtaking views and a variety of natural features that make it perfect for preppers. The steep hillsides, rivers, and dense woods make it an ideal spot for wilderness survival training. Whether you’re practicing fire-starting, shelter-building, or simply testing your endurance, Pike’s Peak is a great place to do so.

8. George Wyth State Park – Waterloo

George Wyth State Park is a diverse area featuring lakes, forests, and wetlands. This park is ideal for practicing water navigation and fishing techniques, while the surrounding woods are great for practicing primitive skills, such as bow hunting, shelter building, and food gathering. If you’re prepping for an emergency that might require aquatic escape, this park is a must-visit.

9. Walnut Woods State Park – Des Moines

For those who prefer a more accessible option, Walnut Woods offers dense forests, creeks, and well-maintained trails. It’s a great place for honing your navigation skills in woodland areas. Additionally, this park provides the perfect place to practice fire-starting and cooking over an open flame, which is essential for any prepper.

10. Wapsipinicon State Park – Anamosa

Wapsipinicon State Park has diverse terrain, including forests, wetlands, and the Wapsipinicon River. It’s a great location for preppers looking to practice water filtration techniques, hunting, and fishing. The park also has plenty of campsites that can serve as practice areas for learning how to build temporary shelters and live off the land for an extended period of time.


30 Best Campgrounds in Iowa for Survival Preppers

  1. Lake of Three Fires State Park – Taylor County
  2. Forest City Public Campground – Forest City
  3. Red Haw State Park – Chariton
  4. Keosauqua State Park – Keosauqua
  5. Wildcat Den State Park – Muscatine
  6. Union Grove State Park – Gladbrook
  7. Strawberry Point City Park – Strawberry Point
  8. Black Hawk State Park – Lake View
  9. Luther College Campground – Decorah
  10. Clear Lake State Park – Clear Lake
  11. Eagle Point Park – Dubuque
  12. Maquoketa River Campground – Maquoketa
  13. Springbrook State Park – Guthrie Center
  14. Lake Anita State Park – Anita
  15. Pottawattamie County Conservation Board – Council Bluffs
  16. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area – Lehigh
  17. Waterloo Recreation Area – Waterloo
  18. Lake Okoboji – Arnolds Park
  19. Brushy Creek Campground – Lehigh
  20. Rock Creek State Park – Grinnell

Iowa’s rich natural environment gives preppers the perfect blend of challenges to test and improve your survival skills. Whether you’re looking to practice fire-building techniques, develop your hunting and fishing abilities, or simply get away from the modern world to reconnect with nature, these campsites provide everything a survivalist needs. By taking the time to explore Iowa’s many camping sites, you can improve your self-reliance and ensure you’re prepared for whatever may come in the future.

Prepper’s Paradise: Tennessee’s Best Campsites for Wilderness Training

Mastering Survival in Tennessee’s Rugged Outdoors

Living in Tennessee, we know that nature isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re gearing up for the next great adventure or you’re looking for the perfect survival prepper haven, you need campsites that offer more than just a place to set up a tent. These spots need to be rugged, resource-rich, and remote enough to hone your wilderness skills and prepare for whatever may come.

Tennessee is packed with forests, mountains, lakes, and valleys, each offering different types of survival opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just starting to think about wilderness survival, these campsites will give you the environment you need to train, practice, and live off the land.

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1. Frozen Head State Park

If you’re serious about getting off the beaten path and into true backcountry, this is the place. With miles of trails and steep ridges, you can practice everything from fire-starting to navigating dense woods. The park is also remote enough that you’ll have a hard time running into others, making it perfect for survivalist training.

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2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The crown jewel of Tennessee’s natural beauty, this park covers over 500,000 acres of wilderness. Its rugged terrain, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife make it ideal for prepping. Practice setting up traps, tracking animals, and harvesting plants for food. The Smoky Mountains also have a rich history, so you can learn survival techniques from past generations, like those used by Appalachian settlers.

3. Cherokee National Forest

The Cherokee National Forest offers both remote and accessible areas for preppers. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails and plenty of opportunities to practice bushcraft, it’s perfect for honing survival skills. Its many campsites are ideal for those who want to experience solitude while surrounded by thick woods and rivers teeming with fish.

4. Cumberland Trail State Park

For those who want to test their endurance and survival skills, Cumberland Trail State Park offers 200 miles of trails through Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. Its backcountry campsites give you a chance to test your knowledge of foraging, fire-building, and shelter construction.

5. Natchez Trace State Park

With its extensive network of trails and numerous campsites, Natchez Trace State Park is perfect for practicing wilderness survival in a beautiful environment. It’s not too far from civilization, but it’s rugged enough to challenge preppers looking to live off the land for an extended period of time.

6. Bledsoe Creek State Park

Tucked away near Old Hickory Lake, Bledsoe Creek is an ideal spot for a prepper to practice water purification, fishing, and shelter building. With quiet, scenic views and a mix of forest and wetlands, this area is a hidden gem for survivalists.

7. Tims Ford State Park

Located in the southern part of the state, Tims Ford State Park offers campers and preppers a chance to practice fishing, boating, and setting up primitive shelters by the lake. The forest surrounding the park is thick, providing plenty of opportunities to learn to navigate in dense woods.

8. Roan Mountain State Park

Roan Mountain is known for its beautiful rhododendron gardens, but the real treasure for preppers lies in its remote hiking trails and wooded areas. It’s a perfect spot for testing your outdoor survival skills and connecting with nature.

9. Fall Creek Falls State Park

With waterfalls, canyons, and rugged hills, Fall Creek Falls is a prepper’s dream. Not only does the park offer a beautiful setting, but the challenging terrain is ideal for survival training. There are plenty of opportunities to practice shelter-building, tracking, and foraging here.

10. Montgomery Bell State Park

Montgomery Bell is a great choice for those who want to experience both survival training and some comfort. While it’s more accessible than other spots, it still offers a rugged environment perfect for prepping. Its forested areas provide lots of opportunities for foraging, and its lakes offer great practice for water purification.

11. Piney Campground

Located in the rugged Tennessee River Gorge, Piney Campground offers privacy and plenty of natural resources to practice survival techniques. The steep cliffs and wild terrain make it a perfect spot for those who want to challenge their skills in navigation, shelter building, and more.

12. Indian Boundary Campground

This quiet, remote campground is nestled in the Cherokee National Forest. With access to fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting, it offers the perfect conditions for learning primitive skills. The serene atmosphere makes it an excellent location for preppers seeking solitude and natural training grounds.

13. Savage Gulf State Natural Area

Savage Gulf is a place that every prepper should experience. With more than 15,000 acres of rugged terrain, this park features steep cliffs, dense woods, and rushing streams—ideal for anyone interested in testing their survival abilities in an unspoiled, wild environment.

14. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Big South Fork is a large wilderness area with deep ravines, thick forests, and a variety of wildlife. For preppers, the area offers the perfect opportunity to practice wilderness survival, especially if you’re focused on honing skills like tracking, shelter-building, and water sourcing.

15. Pine Mountain Trail

Pine Mountain Trail offers beautiful views, and its relatively remote location makes it ideal for preppers seeking peace and solitude. You can practice everything from cooking over an open fire to foraging for wild plants in the forests along the trail.

16. Big Ridge State Park

Located in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, Big Ridge State Park offers a variety of campsites, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. It’s a great spot to practice setting up camp, fishing, and utilizing natural resources for food and shelter.

17. Cedar Hill State Park

Cedar Hill is a well-rounded state park offering a mix of forest and lake environments. It’s a great spot for practicing water survival skills, fishing, and setting up shelters by the lakeside. The forested area is thick and rich in resources.

18. Lynchburg Campground

Near the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Lynchburg Campground is a rustic, serene spot that offers a peaceful setting for prepping. The nearby river provides water sources for purification practice, and the forest areas are perfect for stealth camping and wilderness survival.

19. Woods Reservoir

Located in the southern part of the state, Woods Reservoir offers a secluded camping experience with easy access to water resources. The area is perfect for practicing fishing, water purification, and navigating forested landscapes.

20. Harrison Bay State Park

Harrison Bay State Park offers both woodland and lakeside campsites, making it a great place for prepping with a water source nearby. It’s an excellent location for practicing basic survival skills such as fishing, water purification, and shelter-building.

21. Kyles Ford Campground

Situated on the Clinch River, Kyles Ford Campground is a remote and rugged area that’s perfect for preppers who want to practice water-based survival techniques, as well as fishing, foraging, and building shelters in a secluded setting.

22. Chickasaw State Park

Chickasaw State Park offers a mix of forest, wetland, and lakeside terrain. It’s a great place for practicing survival skills like tracking, trapping, and using natural resources to set up camp. The park’s rugged areas provide ample space to hone your skills.

23. Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park is an isolated, beautiful place to practice prepping. With access to waterfalls, rivers, and rugged trails, this park offers challenges that will push your survival knowledge to the limit.

24. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

This state park near Memphis is a lesser-known gem, with its dense woods and access to the Mississippi River. It’s a great place for those who want to practice tracking, fishing, and shelter-building near a water source.

25. Tennessee River Gorge

For those who want to truly disconnect from the world, the Tennessee River Gorge provides a remote setting with plenty of resources. With steep cliffs and thick woods, it’s a perfect location for stealth camping and advanced survival skills.


Tennessee is a goldmine for survival preppers. The state is blessed with countless wild spaces, each offering unique challenges and opportunities to develop your survival abilities. Whether you’re training for a worst-case scenario or just want to disconnect and reconnect with nature, these 25 camping spots are your ideal destinations. Get out there, prepare yourself, and always be ready for whatever comes next.

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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.

The Best Illinois Campsites for Preppers Who Want to Be Ready for Anything

The Best Campsites for Illinois Survival Preppers: A Guide to Stay Prepared in the Prairie State

As survival preppers living in the state of Illinois, we know that being ready for any disaster, big or small, is crucial. Whether you’re dealing with an economic collapse, natural disaster, or just taking a break from the chaos of everyday life, camping in Illinois provides an excellent opportunity to hone your survival skills and keep your body, mind, and supplies sharp.

Illinois, with its diverse landscapes, offers a range of camping sites that are perfect for preppers. Whether you’re seeking dense forests, quiet lakes, or open prairies, the state has something for everyone. As preppers, we look for more than just a spot to set up a tent—we seek locations that provide ample resources for water, food, shelter, and natural defense. Additionally, these campsites allow you to practice crucial survival techniques, like foraging, shelter-building, fire-starting, and navigation, while being able to step away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

In this guide, we will cover the 30 best campsites in Illinois for survival preppers, giving you the perfect places to practice your skills and be prepared for whatever comes your way.

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Why Illinois for Survival Prepping?

Illinois might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of survival prep, but it is one of the most underrated states for preppers looking to blend outdoor survival with practical training. The state is home to various ecosystems, from the rugged Shawnee National Forest in the southern tip to the vast prairies and wetlands in the central and northern regions. With plenty of water resources, diverse wildlife, and hundreds of acres of land for off-grid living, Illinois is a prepper’s paradise waiting to be discovered.

Moreover, Illinois’s moderate climate makes it an ideal location for year-round prepping. Winters can be harsh, but this allows for the testing of winter survival gear and skills. Summers are typically humid, offering a unique environment to practice shelter building and heat management.

Let’s dive into the 30 best camping sites in Illinois that every prepper should know.

1. Shawnee National Forest

Located in southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest spans over 280,000 acres. This forest is perfect for preppers looking for a mix of dense forest, rocky bluffs, and secluded areas. It’s an ideal location to practice navigation, shelter building, and foraging.

2. Starved Rock State Park

Famous for its canyons, waterfalls, and dense forests, Starved Rock is one of Illinois’ most popular parks. For preppers, it offers plenty of natural resources for survival, including accessible water sources, firewood, and wildlife.

3. Cave-in-Rock State Park

Situated along the Ohio River, this park offers unique caves to explore. Perfect for survivalists interested in learning about shelter in caves and river navigation.

4. Red Hills State Park

This park offers over 1,000 acres of dense woods and beautiful hills. It’s ideal for preppers seeking a quieter spot to practice wilderness survival skills away from the crowds.

5. Mississippi Palisades State Park

Located along the Mississippi River, this park features rocky bluffs and dense forests. It’s great for practicing water navigation, fire-starting, and identifying wild edible plants.

6. Illinois Beach State Park

Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, this park offers a perfect mix of beach, forest, and wetlands. It’s perfect for water navigation and prepping for coastal survival scenarios.

7. Giant City State Park

This park is named for its giant sandstone cliffs and offers more than 4,000 acres of wilderness. Great for practicing shelter building, fire-starting, and even stone carving.

8. Sangchris Lake State Park

With its massive lake and thick woods, this park is an excellent spot for practicing fishing, navigation, and resource gathering. It also features remote, less-trafficked areas ideal for survivalists seeking solitude.

9. Hickory Ridge Wilderness Area

Perfect for off-grid camping, this area is known for its wild beauty and dense forests. It offers a remote location where preppers can practice long-term survival strategies.

10. Ferne Clyffe State Park

This park, known for its cliffs and ravines, is a great place for practicing shelter building and navigation. It also offers plenty of wildlife and natural resources.

11. Fox Ridge State Park

With a variety of woodlands, prairies, and bluffs, Fox Ridge offers preppers a variety of terrain to hone their wilderness survival skills.

12. Fort Massac State Park

This historical site located along the Ohio River offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Preppers can practice tactical camping and waterborne navigation in a historically significant setting.

13. Rock Cut State Park

Known for its two beautiful lakes, Rock Cut State Park is perfect for practicing water purification, fishing, and fire-starting techniques.

14. Toledo State Wildlife Area

A remote and peaceful area for preppers to practice isolation and learn how to live off the land with ample opportunities to forage and hunt.

15. Kankakee River State Park

If you’re interested in water navigation and fishing, this park along the Kankakee River offers an abundance of resources for preppers to practice waterborne survival skills.

16. Chain O’ Lakes State Park

Perfect for those prepping for urban collapse and needing to practice survival in areas near rivers and lakes, this park is a haven for fishing, watercraft, and wilderness techniques.

17. Busse Woods Forest Preserve

Just north of Chicago, this park offers preppers a chance to practice in a suburban wilderness setting. It’s great for those interested in survival techniques in more populated areas.

18. Lake Shelbyville

A perfect location for preppers looking for water sources and a varied landscape to practice fishing, boating, and even building makeshift shelters near the shoreline.

19. Walnut Point State Park

Ideal for practicing solitude and off-grid survival techniques, this park offers ample space for establishing camp away from prying eyes.

20. Shabbona Lake State Park

With its fishing opportunities and wooded areas, Shabbona Lake is a prime location for survivalists looking to hone their fishing skills, practice navigation, and shelter-building techniques.

21. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

This area offers thick woods and marshes, making it an ideal location for preppers looking to practice their survival skills in wetlands and dense forests.

22. Beall Woods State Park

Located on the Wabash River, Beall Woods is perfect for learning survival skills related to river navigation, fishing, and natural shelter-building.

23. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

A fantastic spot for preppers who want to practice fishing, navigation, and survival techniques near a large lake and wooded areas.

24. Shawnee National Forest – Garden of the Gods

The famous Garden of the Gods offers stunning views and secluded camping areas, ideal for practicing navigation, shelter building, and fire-starting.

25. Evergreen Lake

Located near Bloomington, this lake offers preppers opportunities for water navigation and fishing, as well as secluded areas for practicing long-term survival.

26. Matthiessen State Park

This park offers great terrain for survivalists, with a combination of deep forests, streams, and ravines. It’s perfect for practicing navigation and foraging.

27. Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

This remote park offers abundant wildlife and a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path location perfect for practicing fishing, foraging, and shelter building.

28. Beaver Dam State Park

A quiet and remote location where survivalists can hone their skills away from the public eye. There are abundant resources here for long-term prepping.

29. Siloam Springs State Park

Located in western Illinois, Siloam Springs is a hidden gem that offers preppers an excellent place to practice water purification, shelter building, and navigation.

30. Pere Marquette State Park

Known for its rugged terrain and beautiful forested areas, this park offers the ideal environment for practicing fire-starting, foraging, and building wilderness shelters.

Final Thoughts on Illinois Camping for Preppers

When it comes to prepping in Illinois, these campsites offer the perfect opportunity to train, test, and fine-tune your survival skills. From navigating thick forests and wetlands to fishing and hunting for your next meal, Illinois offers a diverse range of environments that will prepare you for any emergency situation. Whether you’re practicing for a long-term grid-down scenario or just need some time away to hone your skills, these campsites are some of the best in the state.

Remember, as a prepper, it’s not just about surviving the wilderness—it’s about thriving in it, and these Illinois campsites provide the perfect places to do just that.

Texas Camping Survival Guide: Where Preppers Thrive

When it comes to preparing for an emergency or practicing your wilderness survival skills, few places offer as much diverse terrain, natural beauty, and tactical advantage as the state of Texas. Known for its vast open lands, unpredictable weather, and rugged landscapes, Texas is a top choice for preppers looking for camping sites that offer both isolation and the ability to hone vital skills. Whether you’re perfecting fire-starting techniques, building shelters, or learning to live off the land, finding the right campsite is crucial. In this article, we’ll dive into the 30 best camping sites across Texas that will test your survival instincts, push your skills to the limit, and offer peace of mind in your journey to self-sufficiency.

1. Big Bend National Park

This is the crown jewel of Texas wilderness. Located in the farthest reaches of West Texas, Big Bend offers a vast, remote location with desert, mountain, and river ecosystems. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to test their survival skills in extreme conditions. The park offers isolation, stunning views, and ample opportunities to practice wilderness navigation.

2. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

If you’re looking to practice shelter building in rugged terrain, this is your place. The Guadalupe Mountains boast some of the highest peaks in Texas, and you’ll find plenty of space for self-reliance exercises like water purification and firecraft.

3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” this park is a great location for camping and prepper activities. The canyon’s landscape is perfect for understanding terrain features and wilderness survival techniques. There’s ample wildlife and a variety of environments, from high plains to canyon floors.

4. Caddo Lake State Park

Survivalists looking to practice swamp survival need to make a trip to Caddo Lake. This is an ideal spot for learning how to navigate wetlands, use aquatic resources, and gain experience in primitive shelter building.

5. Lake Livingston State Park

With its vast wooded areas and proximity to water, this park is an excellent choice for testing survival gear, setting up base camps, and learning to fish and forage in a lush, forested environment.

6. Texas Hill Country State Natural Area

This is a less crowded spot perfect for practicing basic survival skills such as wild edibles identification and fire-building in varied terrain. The remote location offers peace of mind and the solitude needed for serious prepper training.

7. Davy Crockett National Forest

For those seeking a forested environment, Davy Crockett National Forest provides a remote and tranquil setting perfect for testing your wilderness survival techniques. With a mix of thick forest and open areas, it’s great for learning to stay off the grid.

8. Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend National Park)

A more sheltered location within Big Bend, the Chisos Basin offers high-altitude campsites with cooler temperatures, ideal for preppers who want to practice building fires in cold weather or experimenting with more challenging environments.

9. Government Canyon State Natural Area

Located just outside San Antonio, Government Canyon offers plenty of space for prepping activities. It’s a wonderful area for testing out your gear while hiking through varied landscapes and exploring more rugged, rocky terrain.

10. South Llano River State Park

South Llano River is ideal for preppers looking to practice water purification techniques and survival in riverine environments. The park also has areas that are perfect for testing navigation skills and wilderness survival.

11. Fort Richardson State Park

A historic site and a great place to practice your tactical skills while also exploring the remnants of Fort Richardson. Its varied landscape is perfect for scouting, shelter building, and testing survival strategies in different environments.

12. Inks Lake State Park

Situated on the shores of Inks Lake, this park offers the opportunity for survivalists to work on water-based survival strategies, fishing, and testing self-sufficiency. The lake also provides an important resource for purifying water.

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13. Bastrop State Park

Known for its beautiful pine forests, Bastrop State Park offers a more traditional forest environment for survivalists. It’s great for wilderness training, camping, and practicing primitive skills in the piney woods of East Texas.

14. Lake Mineral Wells State Park

This park is a popular spot for practicing land navigation, shelter building, and water purification, all while enjoying the tranquility of a lake surrounded by rugged terrain. It’s a solid spot for learning to live off the land.

15. Big Thicket National Preserve

A critical area for those seeking a challenge in wetland survival, Big Thicket offers dense forest and swampy areas. It’s perfect for preppers looking to develop skills related to tracking, foraging, and navigating dense underbrush.

16. Lost Maples State Natural Area

Ideal for preppers looking to explore more isolated, wooded environments, Lost Maples offers beautiful and challenging terrain that is great for survival exercises like food gathering, fire-making, and shelter construction.

17. Monahans Sandhills State Park

A unique environment made up of rolling sand dunes, this location is perfect for learning desert survival skills. Practicing water conservation and adapting to extreme heat are key lessons at Monahans Sandhills.

18. Colorado Bend State Park

For those looking for a diverse environment, Colorado Bend offers a mix of caves, river crossings, and rugged trails. It’s perfect for practicing land navigation and enhancing your survival kit in various challenging landscapes.

19. Big Bend Ranch State Park

A rugged, remote area where you can practice a range of survival skills. Whether you’re learning how to navigate desert terrain or live off the land in isolation, this park offers an excellent setting.

20. St. Edwards Park

St. Edwards provides a secluded space near Austin where survivalists can practice shelter building and foraging techniques. The varied terrain of woods and creeks adds to the experience.

21. Caprock Canyons State Park

Great for those who want to test their navigation and survival skills in arid, rocky terrain, Caprock Canyons offers isolation and a range of opportunities for survival training.

22. Lake Arrowhead State Park

Located in North Texas, this park has wooded areas perfect for testing shelter-building and wilderness skills. The nearby lake provides ample fishing and water purification opportunities.

23. Purtis Creek State Park

This park offers a blend of forest and lake environments, providing plenty of chances to test different survival skills, including shelter building, water purification, and even animal tracking.

24. Devil’s River State Natural Area

One of the most isolated spots in Texas, Devil’s River is perfect for those who want to practice true wilderness survival in an unforgiving environment. It’s an excellent location for water purification and fishing.

25. Tyler State Park

With a mixture of pine forests and clear water lakes, Tyler State Park offers excellent opportunities for learning to navigate difficult terrain and practice water-based survival.

26. Briarwood Nature Preserve

For a less-traveled location, Briarwood offers a quiet, undisturbed environment perfect for practicing survival skills and camping off the grid in solitude.

27. Huntsville State Park

A combination of dense forest and scenic lakes makes Huntsville State Park a great location for testing gear, learning bushcraft, and practicing wilderness survival tactics.

28. Mother Neff State Park

As one of the oldest state parks in Texas, Mother Neff offers preppers an opportunity to enjoy a remote setting perfect for small-scale survival training like fire-making, shelter building, and water sourcing.

29. Lockhart State Park

Known for its historic charm, Lockhart is a great site for preppers who are looking to hone their skills in less challenging, but still realistic, Texas terrain.

30. Sabine National Forest

For those who want a real challenge, Sabine National Forest offers rugged trails and a mix of dense woods and swampland. It’s ideal for testing water purification methods, fire-starting, and overall survival in diverse environments.

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.