What is motorcycle camping?

Motorcycle camping is an outdoor activity that combines motorcycle riding and camping. It allows participants to satisfy two interests simultaneously while experiencing the unique feeling of being close to nature.

So, this activity is particularly suitable for those who enjoy adventure and exploration. Whether you're motorcycle camping alone or with a group, it's something you can do. Of course, if you want to understand all the details of motorcycle camping, remember to keep reading!

Motorcycle Camping Locations

Generally, motorcycle camping locations are divided into two main categories: campsites that offer motorcycle camping areas and outdoor camping (wild camping).

Don't look for vacant lots in urban areas; it's easy to encounter strange people. Also, when choosing a location, it's recommended to consider the issues of restrooms and water sources.

Here are a few locations recommended by netizens who have camped there themselves:

Guipo Liao Creek: Located in Pinglin District, New Taipei City, about an hour's drive from Taipei, Guipo Liao Creek is a creekside camping location.
Pengpeng Hot Spring: Located in Datong Township, Yilan County, this area has a neutral sodium bicarbonate hot spring. It's convenient and is one of the top choices for motorcycle camping beginners for wild camping!
Daxi Honey Bay: Located in Toucheng Township, Yilan County. Camping here allows you to enjoy an unbeatable sea view, and the nearby amenities are excellent, with gas stations and convenience stores. It is a motorcycle wild camping location that can reduce the difficulty for camping beginners!

Motorcycle Camping Gear List & Buying Suggestions

Motorcycle camping equipment, because the main goal of motorcycle camping is to use a motorcycle to carry all your camping gear, so lightweight and easy to store will be the biggest principle when choosing motorcycle camping gear.

So, if you want to complete a perfect motorcycle camping trip, then the following seven essential pieces of gear are indispensable:

Tent

Everyone knows that tents have many different styles to choose from, depending on their functionality, the number of people they accommodate, and the materials they are made of. However, these types of tents are often not designed with lightness in mind. For motorcycle camping, especially for campers who want to try motorcycle camping alone, they may not be very suitable.

At this time, the editor recommends that for motorcycle camping tents, you might as well choose a motorcycle camping-specific tent (also known as a "motorcycle tent"). If you want to be even more complete, you can also add a motorcycle camping tarp, which should meet your basic overnight needs and protect your beloved motorcycle from sun and rain.

Image source: Germany Louis Shopee store

Extended reading: 【Tent Recommendation】7 Great Tent Recommendations + Buying Secrets Revealed!

Sleeping Bag / Sleeping Pad

You can choose suitable sleeping bags and sleeping pads according to different seasons. Similarly, it is recommended to focus on lightweight, warmth, and, most importantly, easy storage.

Extended reading: 【Sleeping Bag Recommendation】7 Sleeping Bag Buying Guides and 4 Sleeping Bag Recommendations to Keep You Warm While Camping!

Simple Cookware and Tableware

The biggest difference between motorcycle camping and general camping is the mode of transportation used and the weight of the equipment. However, you still need to prepare your own meals. Unless you are willing to eat only dry rations, you still need to bring your own cookware.

Extended reading: 【Camping Stove Recommendation】Want to buy a camping stove? This article is enough!

Simple Recipes & Food

Regarding food, because motorcycle camping involves carrying a cooler, which might make the equipment too heavy, the editor suggests that if you can bring canned goods, prepared meals, instant noodles, and bread, not only are they easy to preserve, but they can also be enjoyed after a little heating, which is also a good way to reduce the weight of your motorcycle camping gear.

Extended reading: 【Camping Recipes】Camping Cuisine Guide That Even Kitchen Newbies Can Easily Master!

Lighting Equipment

Especially if you choose a motorcycle camping location in the wild, there will be no additional light after dark. You'll need appropriate lighting equipment to facilitate nighttime activities and ensure safety.

Extended reading: 【Camping Lantern Recommendation】A Must-Have for Camping! 2024's Most Comprehensive Camping Lantern Buying and Recommendation Guide!

First Aid Supplies

Because you're out and about, you can bring some basic medications for emergencies.

Personal Items

Such as chargers, charging cables, changes of clothes, and personal entertainment devices, etc.

Extended reading: 【Camping Gear List】6 Major Categories of Camping Gear List! Camping with these is enough!

How to Pack for Motorcycle Camping

Because when using a motorcycle to carry camping gear, the available space includes the trunk, the rear seat space, the footrests, and at most, a large backpack. However, no matter how lightweight the equipment is, it will still take up carrying space. Therefore, when motorcycle camping, how to pack and store becomes the biggest key to the success of motorcycle camping. The editor has some packing suggestions that you can refer to:

Trunk

You can put items that are more susceptible to moisture, such as: first aid supplies, personal items, etc.

Rear Seat Space

You can make good use of ropes to secure bulky items, such as: sleeping bags and tents, to prevent them from falling off.

Footrests

You can place heavier camping equipment, such as: food, cookware, and lighting equipment, on the footrests.

Backpack

You can put small, easy-to-store or small-sized items, such as: tableware and sleeping pads, etc.

Motorcycle Camping Safety Issues

No matter what activity, safety is the most important! Especially for motorcycle camping that requires riding into the deep mountains and wilderness, safety is even more crucial.

1. Before departure, be sure to check the motorcycle: engine oil, fuel level, tire pressure, tire tread, brakes... etc., to avoid motorcycle malfunctions on the way. Remember to fill up the fuel tank because there are not many gas stations in general mountain areas or wild areas.

2. Choose a safe campsite. It is recommended to choose a managed campsite rather than a remote wild camping site. Because there are staff patrolling the campsite, accidents are less likely to occur.

3. Even though Taiwan has good public order, you should remain vigilant. Remember not to trust strangers easily, especially at night. It is recommended to avoid going out alone at night and, if possible, just stay in the campsite. If you are wild camping, then pay attention to your surroundings at all times. If you have any doubts, it is recommended to leave immediately to ensure your safety.

4. Properly store valuables. The editor recommends that you try not to carry too many valuables with you while camping. Also, items like mobile phones and wallets should not be placed carelessly; it is safer not to show your wealth.

5. Pay attention to weather changes. Before and during camping, you must always pay attention to the weather forecast. If you encounter severe weather, you must take shelter immediately.

6. Try to learn some survival or emergency measures or first aid knowledge in the wild, just in case.

Motorcycle Camping Group Recommendations

If you are a motorcycle camping newbie, or if you want to find fellow campers who are as passionate about motorcycle camping as you are, you can refer to the following motorcycle camping group and community information compiled by the editor, so that you can have the opportunity to find like-minded people who are on the same wavelength as you!

line Community

Motorcycle Camping, Wild Camping, Wild Stream, Hot Spring, Secret Path, and Forest Road PaPaGo in Taiwan

Motorcycle Camping Riders Group

Fun! Camping & Wild Camping × Vehicle Camping & Motorcycle Camping

facebook Group

Motorcycle Camping Across Taiwan

Lifelong Rider Motorcycle Camping Travel Sharing Society

Questions PTT and Dcard users also want to know about motorcycle camping?

Q1. How can motorcycle camping newbies quickly get started with camping knowledge?

The editor recommends that you read the following article, or join some camping groups to learn!

Extended reading: 【Newbie Camping】One Article to Understand All the Camping Knowledge Essential for Newbie Camping!

Quality Campsites in Taiwan, All in Camping Map

Want to find more suitable motorcycle camping locations? Go to Camping Map and take a look!Camping Map

苗栗•南庄•一葉蘭農場 2016.12.02