Tag: survivalist training

Eat to Live: Mastering Edible Plant ID for Survival Scenarios

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn survival gardening, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Eat to Live: Mastering Edible Plant ID for Survival Scenarios
By someone who’s fed up with your ignorance

Let me cut the crap right off the bat—if you’re reading this because you think “foraging” is some cute weekend hobby between lattes and scrolling on your damn phone, you’re already a liability. This isn’t about wildflower pics for your Instagram. This is about survival—pure, raw, unfiltered survival. The kind where if you screw up, you don’t get a second chance. You either eat or you rot.

When the grid collapses, the cities will become tombs. Your favorite Uber driver isn’t going to save you. Your “meal prep” skills won’t mean squat when the only thing on the menu is bark and berries. But here’s the truth: nature provides—if you know what you’re doing. And if you don’t, nature will kill you. Fast.

Survival Skill #1: Learn the Damn Plants

You better get good at plant ID, and I don’t mean glancing at some leafy green and guessing. I mean knowing the difference between Queen Anne’s Lace and poison hemlock. One feeds you, the other shuts down your respiratory system like a vise. Learn the leaf patterns. Smell the roots. Break the stems. Know the seasonal changes. If you can’t name five edible plants native to your area right now, you’re not ready. Period.

Survival Skill #2: Know the Universal Edibility Test

In a real survival scenario, you won’t always have your plant guides or phone apps. Use the Universal Edibility Test—but use it smart. Break the plant into parts: root, stem, leaves, flower. Test each part separately over hours. Rub it on your skin, then your lips, then your tongue. Wait. Swallow only if there’s no reaction. You think it’s tedious? So is dying from gut-wrenching poison.

Survival Skill #3: Track Seasonal Availability

Wild edibles aren’t available all year. You need to know when to harvest roots, which plants bloom in spring, and which weeds you can count on in winter. Chickweed, dandelion, wild garlic—they’re your allies if you’ve got the balls to pay attention.

DIY Survival Hack #1: Build a Pocket Herbarium

Forget your TikTok hacks. Get a damn notebook and start pressing specimens. Dry them, label them, annotate what parts are edible and when. Make your own field guide. That way when you’re freezing your ass off in some backwoods hole and stumble on a patch of greens, you don’t second-guess what could be your next meal.

Survival Skill #4: Understand Plant Look-Alikes

Mother Nature is a tricky bastard. Edible plants have toxic twins. Wild carrot vs. poison hemlock. Wild grape vs. moonseed. You mess that up, you’re not going to the ER—you’re going to the morgue. If you can’t tell them apart, don’t touch them.

Survival Skill #5: Practice Harvesting Without Destroying the Source

A real survivalist doesn’t burn the forest to bake a loaf of bread. Take only what you need. If you find wild leeks, leave half. If you spot cattails, don’t rip the whole colony apart. Respect the land, because it’s the only damn thing keeping you alive.

DIY Survival Hack #2: Make a Solar Plant Dehydrator

Don’t rely on power when you can build a plant dryer with sticks, screen, and sunlight. Dehydrate dandelion leaves, wild mint, or purslane. It preserves nutrients and lightens your pack. Who needs fancy gear when the sun is still free?

Survival Skill #6: Know Your Medicinal Plants

Food isn’t the only thing that keeps you alive. Ever had diarrhea in the woods with no meds? Good luck. Learn yarrow (stops bleeding), plantain (draws out poison), and willow bark (natural aspirin). Your brain’s your best survival tool—if you fill it with something useful.

Survival Skill #7: Test and Train—Before You Have To

You’re not a survivalist until you’ve lived it. So take your cushy ass out of the suburbs and spend three nights in the wild with nothing but a knife, a water bottle, and your plant ID skills. No phone. No tent. Eat only what you find. That’s how you learn.

DIY Survival Hack #3: Edible Plant “Cheat Stick”

Tape samples of dried, identifiable parts of key edible plants to a sturdy stick or ruler. Seal them under clear packing tape. Waterproof, portable, and faster than flipping through pages when the sun’s going down and your stomach’s roaring.

Survival Skill #8: Cook What Needs Cooking

Some plants will screw you up if you eat them raw. Cattail roots need roasting. Pokeweed can be eaten only when young and only after multiple boils. Know what must be cooked, because gastrointestinal distress in the wild is a fast track to death.

Survival Skill #9: Urban Foraging Tactics

Don’t assume survival scenarios only happen in the backwoods. Cities have plant life too—back alleys, parks, abandoned lots. Learn to spot mulberry trees, lamb’s quarters, wild amaranth, and purslane growing in cracks. Concrete jungles have calories too.

Survival Skill #10: Mental Resilience

This isn’t just about what you know—it’s about what you do when you’re cold, starving, and scared. You panic, you die. You hesitate, you miss a meal. You doubt yourself, you eat the wrong berry and meet your maker. Know your plants, trust your skills, and keep moving.

Let me be clear one last time: this isn’t a damn joke. When things fall apart, the people who laugh at this stuff are going to be the first to beg for a cracker. Don’t be one of them. Be the one who walks into the woods and walks out fed, alive, and free.

Nature doesn’t care about your opinions. It doesn’t care about your degree, your follower count, or your Wi-Fi signal. It rewards the prepared. It eats the rest.

So pick up that field guide, get your boots dirty, and for God’s sake—eat to live.

Vermont’s Best Campsites for Off-Grid Survival Training

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Vermont Survival Preppers, Vermont's Best CampsitesLeave a comment

The Best Campsites for Vermont Survival Preppers: Top 30 Hidden Gems to Know

As a Vermont survival prepper, it’s essential to have a keen eye for locations that not only provide peace and solitude but also offer a wealth of resources for self-sufficiency. Whether you’re planning for an extended off-grid stay or just want to get away from it all, Vermont has some of the best campsites that offer everything from dense forests and flowing rivers to mountains that promise strategic vantage points. These sites are perfect for preppers who want to practice essential skills like fire starting, water purification, trapping, and navigation, all while keeping an eye on their preparedness plans.

Vermont is a state that’s ripe for prepping, with its rugged terrain and abundance of natural resources. The state offers an ideal blend of beautiful landscapes, safety, and isolation. If you’re ready to tap into Vermont’s survival potential, here are 30 of the best campsites for preppers, along with some key tips on why these sites should be your go-to for both training and relaxation.

1. Green Mountain National Forest

Let’s start with the crown jewel of Vermont’s outdoor experience. Green Mountain National Forest stretches across a vast area, filled with dense woods, hidden trails, and pristine lakes. Perfect for bugging out, it’s one of the best locations to practice wilderness survival skills. The area has countless campsites, ranging from established to primitive sites, where you can practice everything from bushcraft to long-term camping strategies.

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2. Smuggler’s Notch State Park

This one is perfect for learning about terrain navigation and survival in mountainous regions. Smuggler’s Notch is known for its steep cliffs and dense forest, making it a challenge for anyone who wants to test their skills in tough conditions. The park has a number of campgrounds that cater to preppers looking to escape and practice their off-grid living techniques.

3. Mount Mansfield State Forest

For those wanting a higher elevation experience, Mount Mansfield offers breathtaking views and tough terrain. It’s Vermont’s highest peak, so it’s a prime spot for honing navigation and shelter-building skills while you take in the incredible vistas.

4. Lake Willoughby

This hidden gem in the Northeast Kingdom provides some of the clearest water in the state, making it perfect for fishing, water purification training, and even just enjoying some fresh water in the wild. The surrounding forests and hiking trails offer ample opportunities to learn primitive skills, and the area is isolated enough for a peaceful retreat.

5. Silver Lake State Park

Silver Lake offers opportunities for water-based survival skills. From fishing and boating to learning how to purify water, you’ll find plenty of natural resources here. Plus, the surrounding woods are home to an array of edible plants and wildlife to practice foraging.

6. Camel’s Hump State Park

A prime spot for a rugged, survivalist experience, Camel’s Hump State Park offers rugged, rocky terrain and thick woods. You can practice tracking, shelter-building, and identifying edible plants and animals. It’s also great for honing your ability to move stealthily through the wilderness.

7. Lake Champlain Islands

Situated along Vermont’s border with New York, the Lake Champlain Islands offer access to both water and land resources. Perfect for preppers who want to practice fishing, trapping, and wilderness navigation, this area is an ideal spot for a long-term survival test.

8. Elmore State Park

A peaceful and quiet location, Elmore State Park offers an opportunity for preppers to practice stealth camping. The wooded areas and lake offer various ways to learn about living off the land, and its isolation ensures a less crowded environment for prepper-style camping.

9. Underhill State Park

Underhill is one of the more rugged parks in Vermont. This park is perfect for climbing, survival skills training, and tactical movements. Its mountainous terrain and dense forest make it an excellent location to practice bushcraft and self-sufficiency.

10. The Long Trail

Stretching from Massachusetts to Canada, the Long Trail is a famed hiking route, but it also offers plenty of remote areas to practice wilderness survival. With primitive campsites scattered along the way, it’s ideal for those looking to hone their skills in a more isolated environment.

11. Moscow Woods

Moscow Woods offers a more isolated experience for those wanting to learn skills like hunting, foraging, and building shelters. The dense forest provides cover, and its proximity to the Lamoille River means water access is easily within reach.

12. Gifford Woods State Park

Gifford Woods is a great place for preppers to get back to basics. The park is dense with trees and wildlife, offering plenty of foraging and hunting opportunities. It’s also a great spot for practicing shelter-building and learning how to make use of the natural resources around you.

13. State Forests Near Brandon

Brandon’s state forests are rich in flora and fauna, making it an ideal environment for preppers who want to practice gathering wild food. It also has streams and ponds that offer water purification opportunities.

14. Niquette Bay State Park

This park offers easy access to Lake Champlain and is perfect for preppers who want to practice water-based survival tactics. It also offers plenty of land resources, such as berries and game, and is close to Burlington for any supplies you may need.

15. Big Basin Campground

Located in the heart of Vermont, Big Basin Campground offers a secluded environment perfect for learning all the aspects of wilderness living, from fire-starting techniques to food preservation. It’s ideal for those wishing to train with minimal distractions.

16. Quechee State Park

Situated along the Ottauquechee River, Quechee offers a more tranquil camping experience. It’s a fantastic place for practicing navigation and finding shelter in a mixed forest and riverine landscape. The proximity to water makes it an ideal location for testing your water purification and fishing skills.

17. Brighton State Park

Brighton’s remote location in the Northeast Kingdom provides ample space for camping and practicing wilderness survival. It’s an excellent spot for fishing, wildlife tracking, and learning how to forage for wild food in Vermont’s northern woods.

18. Woodford State Park

Located near the Green Mountains, this park offers opportunities for both water and woodland survival techniques. Its remote location makes it great for secluded training, and it’s known for its wildlife, including deer and wild turkey.

19. Lye Brook Falls Wilderness Area

For the more advanced prepper, Lye Brook Falls offers challenging terrain, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife. It’s perfect for survivalists looking for tough conditions to train in and develop a variety of outdoor skills.

20. North Beach Campground

Located near Burlington, North Beach offers a unique blend of lakefront camping and wooded areas. This is a great place for water survivalists looking to practice kayaking or canoeing in Vermont’s waterways.

21. Kettle Pond State Park

This park offers a mix of woodland and water-based survival opportunities, including fishing, water purification, and boat-building. It’s a peaceful and secluded place to practice these skills without interference.

22. Harriman Reservoir

Harriman Reservoir offers a fantastic location for preppers who want to combine survival skills with water-based activities. It’s remote enough to provide the necessary privacy for long-term camping and practicing your wilderness survival skills.

23. Woods Hill State Forest

For those looking for complete isolation, Woods Hill State Forest offers a rare opportunity to practice being completely off-grid. The forest is dense with vegetation, and its steep terrain offers unique challenges for preppers to overcome.

24. Moose Bog

Moose Bog offers a unique combination of marshland and forest, providing a variety of skills for the survivalist to learn, from navigating wetlands to building natural shelters. It’s also a good spot for tracking and observing wildlife.

25. New Discovery State Park

Known for its pristine forests and proximity to nearby mountain ranges, New Discovery offers many opportunities for backwoods survival training. The park’s isolation makes it an ideal spot for preppers to test their skills in true wilderness conditions.

26. Pine Hill Park

This park is located near Middlebury and offers both wooded areas and access to the Otter Creek, a great resource for preppers to practice water purification and fishing techniques.

27. Mount Philo State Park

With its panoramic views and wooded terrain, Mount Philo offers an ideal spot for learning shelter-building, fire-making, and map reading. It’s a perfect training ground for beginners and experienced preppers alike.

28. Warren Falls

Known for its scenic beauty, Warren Falls is a great place to practice water-based survival skills. The falls are surrounded by dense woods, providing an opportunity for stealthy camping and survival skill practice.

29. Bolton Valley Resort

For the more adventurous prepper, Bolton Valley Resort provides a great mixture of alpine terrain and deep woods, perfect for building winter survival skills. It’s a great place to practice shelter-building in harsh conditions.

30. Stowe Mountain Resort

Not only is it a popular tourist destination, but Stowe offers incredible opportunities for those looking to practice winter survival techniques. Its mountainous environment is ideal for testing cold-weather gear and practicing emergency winter survival tactics.

Conclusion:

Vermont is home to countless beautiful and remote campsites that cater to preppers looking to practice their survival skills. Whether you’re focused on water purification, shelter building, hunting, or foraging, these locations offer unparalleled opportunities for both beginners and seasoned survivalists alike.

By choosing the right spot, you can sharpen your skills, learn new techniques, and immerse yourself in the wild. Remember, always prioritize safety, carry the right equipment, and respect the environment while you prepare for the challenges ahead.

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

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Tennessee’ Survival Preppers, UncategorizedLeave a comment

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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North Dakota’s Ultimate Survivalist Camping List: Where Preppers Should Go

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn North Dakota Survival Prepping, UncategorizedLeave a comment

As a survival prepper living in the harsh, windswept landscape of North Dakota, it’s vital to have the knowledge and resources to thrive when things go south. Whether you’re building your bug-out bags, fortifying your homestead, or just testing your gear, finding the best campsites is a critical part of your prep. North Dakota is home to sprawling wilderness, dense forests, and remote spots where you can practice your survival skills, all while being close enough to civilization should you need to resupply.

In the spirit of preparation, I’ve compiled a list of 30 of the best camping sites across North Dakota for survival preppers. These campsites are not only perfect for testing your gear, they’re also the ideal environment to practice the skills necessary for surviving long-term in harsh conditions.

1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit)

Located near Medora, this park offers a mix of rocky hills and grasslands. Its diverse ecosystem will give you plenty of opportunities to test your knowledge of foraging, wildlife tracking, and shelter building. The South Unit is particularly rugged, providing an authentic challenge for any prepper.

2. Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Unit)

The North Unit is known for its remote location and steep canyons. Perfect for testing your long-term survival skills in an isolated environment. The campgrounds here are primitive, so you’ll need to be fully prepared for self-sufficiency.

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3. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

This state park is a good mix of history and natural beauty. While the campgrounds are more developed, there are secluded areas perfect for survivalist training. Set up your camp near the river for water access and use the surrounding forest to practice building primitive shelters.

4. Turtle Mountain State Forest

Turtle Mountain offers dense forests and rolling hills, ideal for practicing wilderness survival. The park is rich in wildlife, which gives you the opportunity to practice hunting, fishing, and trapping techniques. It’s a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path spot to test your skills.

5. Lake Sakakawea State Park

With its beautiful lakeside setting, Lake Sakakawea State Park is an ideal place for preppers to test their fishing, water purification, and boat handling skills. The remote campgrounds are perfect for getting some off-grid experience.

6. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

This historic site offers an excellent chance to practice survivalist tactics in a remote, historically significant setting. Set up camp near the trading post ruins, where you can work on your fire-starting and shelter-building skills.

7. Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge

Des Lacs is a remote wildlife refuge perfect for quiet camping and survival practice. It’s a good spot for those who want to work on their camouflage and predator evasion tactics, thanks to its thick forests and vast open spaces.

8. Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area

This park features steep ravines, wildlife-filled forests, and rugged terrain, offering preppers ample opportunities to practice stealth camping and building shelters that blend into the environment.

9. Devils Lake State Park

Famous for its fishing opportunities, Devils Lake offers a great environment for water-based survival skills. It also features diverse terrain, including marshes and forests, making it ideal for practicing a variety of skills.

10. Custer State Park (North Dakota)

This state park has great, well-maintained campgrounds, but its remoteness also allows you to practice some wilderness survival tactics. Take advantage of its abundant wildlife to practice hunting and foraging.

11. Sheyenne National Grassland

Located in the eastern part of North Dakota, this national grassland is a great spot for those wanting to test their skills in more open terrain. With few trees and vast open skies, it’s perfect for honing your navigation and survival tactics in the wilderness.

12. Sakakawea Recreation Area

Another great spot near Lake Sakakawea, this area offers plenty of remote campgrounds for preppers looking to practice water purification, fishing, and campfire building.

13. Missouri River Bottoms

This area is perfect for practicing river survival techniques, such as fishing, trapping, and understanding river navigation. The vast floodplain offers some tough terrain to work with, helping you build your endurance.

14. Cedar River Campground

For more secluded camping, Cedar River Campground provides a great spot to hone your skills in water purification and shelter-building in a forested environment.

15. Bismarck-Mandan Area (Multiple Locations)

Although more urbanized, the Bismarck-Mandan area has several camping spots that offer easy access to wilderness trails and rivers. Use this as a base for urban survival training with easy access to resupply routes.

16. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

With both history and wilderness, this site offers an opportunity for preppers to practice stealth camping and historical survival techniques used by native tribes in the area.

17. Bear Den State Park

Known for its rugged terrain and remote campsites, Bear Den State Park is a great spot for testing your shelter-building and water purification skills.

18. Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A remote location with unique terrain, it’s perfect for practicing your hunting, fishing, and trapping skills in isolation.

19. Red River Valley

This location offers dense wetlands and forests, perfect for honing survivalist skills in a boggy environment. It’s a great place to practice your navigation skills in less forgiving conditions.

20. Grasslands National Park

For preppers who want to test their endurance in harsher climates, Grasslands National Park offers both beautiful and challenging terrain to help sharpen your survival skills.

21. Garrison Dam State Park

Known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities, Garrison Dam provides an excellent area for water survival tactics, including fishing and water purification.

22. Pembina Gorge

A rugged and remote area perfect for practicing your bushcraft skills, including building shelters and fire-starting, while staying off the radar.

23. J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge

If you’re looking for a truly isolated spot for your survival prep, this wildlife refuge offers quiet campsites surrounded by nature.

24. Turtle Mountains

Known for dense forests, Turtle Mountains provides a great challenge for survivalists looking to build primitive shelters and practice tracking.

25. Eagle Point Campground

Located on the edge of Lake Sakakawea, Eagle Point provides a mix of camping experiences, from remote spots to well-maintained campsites. A great place to test your water purification and fire-starting skills.

26. Alkaline Flats

This remote location provides endless opportunities to work on your navigation and wilderness survival tactics in a desolate and tough environment.

27. Enchanted Highway Camping

Famous for its roadside attractions, the Enchanted Highway also offers wilderness camping. It’s a place where preppers can practice long-distance hiking and endurance, making it an ideal survival training ground.

28. Golden Valley

Nestled between hills and rivers, Golden Valley provides a perfect mixture of open spaces and forested areas, giving survivalists a variety of terrains to practice.

29. Lake Metigoshe State Park

Situated along the Canadian border, Lake Metigoshe offers both lakeside and forested campgrounds perfect for practicing wilderness survival skills.

30. Badlands Area

This rugged and harsh environment makes it ideal for preppers looking for a challenge. With steep cliffs, deep ravines, and dry terrain, the Badlands offer one of the most demanding survivalist camping environments in the state.

These 30 campsites provide the perfect opportunity for survival preppers to hone their skills in various terrains and environments across North Dakota. From dense forests to expansive grasslands, each site offers its own unique challenges. Whether you’re practicing shelter-building, foraging, or fishing, North Dakota offers everything a survivalist needs to prepare for the worst while enjoying the beauty of the state’s wild landscapes.

Unplug and Survive: Best Camping Locations for Preppers in New York

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn New York Survivalists, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Discover New York’s Most Challenging Survival Campsites

If you’re a prepper living in New York, you’re probably already aware that your survival plan needs to include reliable access to nature. In a state as diverse as New York, with its dense forests, rugged mountains, and sprawling lakes, it’s the perfect place to prepare for all kinds of situations. Whether you’re looking for an off-the-grid weekend retreat, a basecamp for your bug-out plan, or just a place to practice wilderness survival skills, New York is home to some of the best campsites that cater to every prepper’s needs.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SURVIVE A FAMINE

As survivalists, we know that camping is more than just recreation—it’s preparation. It’s the opportunity to hone your skills, test your gear, and get comfortable with self-sufficiency in the wild. In this guide, we’ll go over 30 of the best campsites in New York for survival preppers. These campsites offer everything from backcountry, primitive camping to more established sites where you can stock up and get away from it all. Whether you’re testing out a new shelter or practicing bushcraft, there’s a spot here that fits the bill.

1. Adirondack Park: A Prepper’s Paradise

Adirondack Park is one of the largest protected areas in the U.S., covering over six million acres. The size of this wilderness alone makes it a perfect location for a prepper’s retreat. The park offers an expansive network of trails and primitive campsites where you can practice your skills in survival, navigation, and self-reliance. Remote lakes and rivers offer ideal spots for fishing and water purification practices.

  • Campgrounds: The state has more than 100 campsites scattered throughout the park, but for a true prepper experience, you’ll want to check out the backcountry sites.
  • Skills to Practice: Wilderness navigation, fire-starting, shelter-building, water filtration.

2. Letchworth State Park: The Grand Canyon of the East

Known for its dramatic gorge and the Genesee River cutting through, Letchworth State Park is a wonderful place for both beginner and advanced preppers. With over 14,000 acres of rugged terrain, this park offers a variety of experiences, from easy-to-access campsites to more remote, primitive ones for those who want to test their survival mettle.

  • Campgrounds: You’ll find several campgrounds with amenities, but the more remote sites on the western side of the park offer a challenge for those wanting a deeper survival experience.
  • Skills to Practice: Topographic map reading, first-aid, fire-starting in damp conditions.

3. Catskill Mountains: Steeped in Wilderness and History

The Catskills are a rugged mountain range that stretches over 700,000 acres in southeastern New York. A favorite for backpackers and survivalists, the Catskills are packed with hiking trails and primitive camping options. The terrain here will challenge your skills and force you to adapt to ever-changing conditions.

  • Campgrounds: The high-elevation sites along the Long Path and the Pine Hill-West Kill trail will provide solitude and allow you to practice backcountry survival.
  • Skills to Practice: Map and compass use, knot-tying, building improvised shelters.

4. Shawangunk Ridge: Rugged and Remote

If you’re looking for rugged, isolated terrain where you can disconnect and get serious about prepping, the Shawangunk Ridge is the place to be. This area offers everything from high cliffs to deep forests, making it a great location for testing your wilderness survival skills.

  • Campgrounds: The Sam’s Point area has several primitive campsites, but for the truly adventurous, the backcountry campsites off the main trails are the most secluded.
  • Skills to Practice: Shelter-building, hunting, foraging, signaling for help.

5. Taconic State Park: Remote and Quiet

Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Taconic State Park offers a peaceful retreat for preppers looking to escape to more remote locations. With its mix of dense woods and open fields, Taconic is a great spot to practice bushcraft and hone your fire-making techniques in a variety of environments.

  • Campgrounds: Several primitive campsites near Rudd Pond provide a more isolated experience. The Taconic Trail offers ample opportunities for backcountry exploration.
  • Skills to Practice: Water purification, creating traps, building effective shelters.

6. Finger Lakes National Forest: Lakeside Survival

The Finger Lakes region is known for its clear, deep lakes, and the national forest here is no exception. The forest offers several campsites located near water, which is ideal for learning fishing, water treatment, and utilizing natural resources. For a prepper, having access to a water source is a key factor in determining camp location.

  • Campgrounds: The Backbone Campground is situated in a secluded area, providing the perfect base for testing your outdoor skills.
  • Skills to Practice: Fishing, water purification, crafting tools from stone and wood.

7. Harriman State Park: Just a Stone’s Throw from the City

If you’re based in New York City, Harriman State Park offers a quick getaway without venturing too far. Despite its proximity to the city, Harriman is a large park with plenty of backcountry campsites, making it a prime spot for testing your survival skills in a relatively controlled setting.

  • Campgrounds: The park has both developed and primitive campsites, with remote sites along the Long Path and the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail.
  • Skills to Practice: Navigation, long-term food storage, night survival techniques.

8. Mohonk Preserve: A Nature Lover’s Sanctuary

This stunning preserve in the Shawangunk Mountains offers a variety of outdoor experiences, including backcountry camping for those who want to test their preparedness in a pristine, protected environment. It’s not just about camping here—it’s about integrating survivalism into the natural ecosystem.

  • Campgrounds: The preserve’s camping areas offer access to diverse habitats for testing different types of shelters and survival strategies.
  • Skills to Practice: Foraging for edible plants, emergency shelter-building, wilderness first-aid.

9. North-South Lake: Escape to the Catskills

Located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, North-South Lake offers a prime location for preppers to practice their survival skills with access to both water and wilderness. The campsites here are well-established but also provide access to remote and less-visited backcountry areas.

  • Campgrounds: The North-South Lake Campground is ideal for beginner preppers, while the surrounding wilderness areas are perfect for more advanced survivalists.
  • Skills to Practice: Fishing, water filtration, natural navigation.

10. Lake Placid: Adventure and Survival Combined

Lake Placid is known for its winter sports, but it’s also an excellent spot for preppers. Located in the Adirondacks, this area offers both rugged terrain and access to water, making it a prime location for honing skills in a variety of environments.

  • Campgrounds: The area has several backcountry campsites that are ideal for testing both your survival gear and your ability to live off the land.
  • Skills to Practice: Winter camping, ice fishing, shelter-building in harsh conditions.

11. Green Lakes State Park: Beautiful and Practical

Located near Syracuse, Green Lakes State Park is a picturesque site with two glacial lakes. For preppers, this area offers the opportunity to practice survival in a relatively controlled environment while having easy access to clean water and fish. It’s a great location for testing emergency supplies and gear.

  • Campgrounds: The campgrounds offer access to lakeside camping with easy access to hiking trails and survival testing spots.
  • Skills to Practice: Fishing, emergency preparedness, first-aid skills.

12. Boreas Ponds: Remote and Rugged

For those who want to take their prepping to the next level, Boreas Ponds is a secluded, hard-to-reach location within the Adirondacks. The ponds and surrounding wilderness provide a truly isolated experience, perfect for testing your limits.

  • Campgrounds: Primitive campsites scattered around the ponds and accessible only by trail offer solitude and immersion in nature.
  • Skills to Practice: Water sourcing, navigating in isolation, long-term food storage.

13. Saranac Lake: A Prepper’s Oasis in the Wild

Saranac Lake offers a unique combination of wilderness, beauty, and remote camping. The region is home to multiple campgrounds and backcountry sites that are ideal for preppers looking to test their survival skills without too much interference from modern civilization.

  • Campgrounds: The surrounding forest and lake make it a great location for testing shelter-building, hunting, and trapping.
  • Skills to Practice: Fishing, fire-making, water filtration.

14. Ticonderoga: Fort and Wilderness

Ticonderoga is known for its historic fort, but the surrounding wilderness offers much more for a prepper. With its location near Lake Champlain, it’s a great area for practicing aquatic survival skills, navigation, and wilderness shelter building.

  • Campgrounds: Primitive campsites along the Lake Champlain shore provide a mix of history and survival experience.
  • Skills to Practice: Shelter-building, historical knowledge, water sourcing.

15. Allegany State Park: Large and Diverse

This massive state park offers a mix of forest, open land, and mountainous terrain. It’s perfect for preppers looking to test out a variety of survival techniques in one area.

  • Campgrounds: The park has several established campgrounds with primitive sites for serious survivalists.
  • Skills to Practice: Tracking, shelter-building, foraging.

16. Balsam Lake Mountain: A Peak Experience

For a real challenge, head to Balsam Lake Mountain. With a summit offering panoramic views and a remote setting, it’s a great place to work on your prepper skills in a more challenging environment.

  • Campgrounds: Several backcountry campsites along the mountain trails allow for extensive wilderness testing.
  • Skills to Practice: Hiking, navigation, fire-making in high altitudes.

17. Wilson State Park: Secluded Wilderness

This state park in the southern part of the Adirondacks is known for its wild, remote setting. It’s perfect for testing your backcountry survival skills without distractions from other campers.

  • Campgrounds: With its rugged terrain, the campgrounds are isolated, offering an excellent testing ground for preppers.
  • Skills to Practice: Navigation, bushcraft, water sourcing.

18. Hither Hills State Park: Coastal Survival Skills

Located on Long Island, Hither Hills State Park offers a different type of wilderness compared to the dense forests of the Adirondacks or Catskills. The coastal environment here is perfect for practicing coastal survival skills, such as fishing, foraging, and beach shelter-building.

  • Campgrounds: The park’s oceanside campsites provide access to both forests and beaches, offering an ideal setting for water-based survival practices.
  • Skills to Practice: Coastal foraging, fishing, shelter-building on sandy terrain.

19. Montauk Point State Park: Coastal Retreat

At the farthest tip of Long Island, Montauk Point offers some of the most remote, rugged coastal terrain. Ideal for preppers looking to master survival skills along the coast, Montauk combines the harshness of the sea with wilderness challenges.

  • Campgrounds: With limited campsites near the lighthouse and surrounding terrain, it’s a great spot for testing survival tactics and gear for coastal environments.
  • Skills to Practice: Saltwater fishing, sea survival, emergency signaling.

20. Rondout Reservoir: Off the Beaten Path

Located in the Catskills, the Rondout Reservoir is a hidden gem for preppers looking for a remote site. The reservoir and surrounding forest offer a pristine location to test your skills, especially for water sourcing and aquatic survival techniques.

  • Campgrounds: There are few established campgrounds here, and most camping requires a trek into more isolated areas.
  • Skills to Practice: Fishing, water filtration, long-distance hiking.

21. Seward Mountain: Rugged Adirondack Challenge

For preppers looking for a serious challenge, Seward Mountain provides the rugged terrain and remote setting you need to put your survival skills to the test. This area is perfect for training in altitude, exposure, and long-term survival practices.

  • Campgrounds: The lack of established campsites makes it an ideal spot for backcountry camping.
  • Skills to Practice: Altitude survival, trail navigation, advanced fire-building.

22. Palisades Interstate Park: Urban Escape

Located just across the river from New York City, Palisades Interstate Park offers a surprising escape into nature with cliffs, woodlands, and riverside spots. It’s ideal for prepping if you’re located in or near the city but need to retreat into nature.

  • Campgrounds: With easy access to the city but a wild atmosphere, this park is perfect for weekend getaways with a focus on survival training.
  • Skills to Practice: Urban escape planning, water purification, minimal camping.

23. High Peaks Wilderness: Ultimate Prepper Challenge

High Peaks is home to New York’s highest mountains, offering terrain that will test even the most seasoned prepper. This area offers an abundance of backcountry campsites in a rugged, remote wilderness environment, perfect for serious long-term survival practice.

  • Campgrounds: Remote campsites only accessible by foot, making it ideal for experienced preppers.
  • Skills to Practice: Wilderness navigation, shelter-building, winter survival.

24. Otter Creek: Off the Grid

If you’re looking for a true off-the-grid experience, Otter Creek offers remote backcountry camping perfect for preppers wanting to disconnect entirely. Located near the Adirondacks, it offers both water access and forested terrain for testing your survival skills.

  • Campgrounds: Primitive camping sites scattered throughout the area provide a true wilderness experience.
  • Skills to Practice: Fire-starting without matches, fishing, stealth camping.

25. Lake George Wild Forest: Nature’s Bounty

The Lake George Wild Forest offers abundant resources for preppers, including clean water, wild food sources, and shelter-building materials. The extensive trail network and forested terrain make it a perfect location for a comprehensive survival practice.

  • Campgrounds: A mix of primitive and established campsites throughout the area provides varying levels of challenge for preppers.
  • Skills to Practice: Wild edibles, trap-setting, crafting survival tools.

26. Zaleski State Forest: Wilderness Exploration

While technically just over the border in Ohio, Zaleski State Forest has become a popular choice for preppers looking to challenge themselves in the wild. Its isolation and rugged terrain make it a great spot for practicing long-term survival techniques.

  • Campgrounds: Zaleski offers few established campsites, so you’re likely to be in complete isolation.
  • Skills to Practice: Navigation, stealth camping, fire-starting in wet conditions.

27. Cherry Ridge Wilderness Area: Seclusion and Silence

Cherry Ridge is one of the most remote camping locations in New York State, offering a deep wilderness experience. This location is perfect for practicing survival skills in an isolated environment, far from civilization.

  • Campgrounds: With minimal infrastructure, this area is ideal for those wanting to test their true survival skills.
  • Skills to Practice: Long-term shelter-building, wilderness foraging, tracking.

Additional Tips for Preppers Camping in New York:

  • Be Prepared for the Weather: New York’s climate varies greatly depending on the region, so make sure to check weather reports before heading out. The Adirondacks can be cold, even in summer, while the Catskills can have sudden weather shifts.
  • Carry Essential Survival Gear: Always have a survival kit with essentials such as a knife, fire starter, first-aid kit, flashlight, water purifier, and food rations.
  • Know Your Water Sources: Many of these campsites offer access to lakes and rivers, but always purify your water. Knowing how to filter water and make it potable is a crucial prepper skill.
  • Practice Leave No Trace: Be respectful of nature. Take everything you bring and leave no trace of your stay.
  • Consider Emergency Communication: It’s a good idea to carry a satellite phone or radio in case of emergency, especially in more remote areas.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re looking for an off-the-grid retreat, a basecamp for your bug-out plan, or just a place to test your survival skills, New York State has something to offer every prepper. From the dense forests of the Adirondacks to the rugged peaks of the Catskills, each of these campsites provides a unique environment for prepping, learning, and honing your skills. So, gather your gear, pick a spot, and get out there—your next survival training adventure awaits!