There are many parallels between camping and riding motorcycles. They're both spiritual. They're both forms of escapism. And both, if done properly, take place outdoors. Why not combine the two for an all-out adventure and a quest for spiritual bliss? Bikers often overlook campgrounds, campsites, etc., when hitting the open road on their travels, but they don't need to anymore thanks to Moto-Camp, an online motorcycle camping store that's dedicated to dudes who love the outdoors and also love to ride.
From full tents for you and your bike, to sleeping bags, mattresses, pots and pans, utensils, and even a miniature electric guitar and amp for singing a punk-rock version of "Kumbaya" around the campfire, the Moto-Camp store covers all bases. We spent some time at one of Moto-Camp's headquarters during the 70th Annual Sturgis Rally located right on Lazelle Street to get some ideas on what a camper would need to go camping. Here are a few essentials that will make a motorcycle camping trip that much more enjoyable. We've only begun to scratch the surface of what the Moto-Camp store has to offer, but the best way to put it is that when it comes to taking a motorcycle camping trip, you don't need to go anywhere else.
Make a List
Moto-Camp suggests the following items that can make your experience more beneficial.
Essentials
Credit cards
Driver's license/Identification
Full tank of gas
Cash
Proof of insurance
Wallet
Assorted Change
Personal Items
Book (paperback)
Camera, film, and batteries
Campground guides
Canteen or water container
Cell phone and charger
Chapstick
First aid kit
Fishing gear
Hand cream
Hand soap
Hat
Insect repellent/bug spray
Journal
Lighter and fluid
Maps and magnifier
Prescription medicines
Pen and pencil
Rain suit
Sun screen/block/lotion
Toilet kit (laugh now, cry later!)
Toilet paper in sealed plastic bag
Toothbrush and paste
Towel
Washcloth
Whistle
Sunglasses
Camping/Sleeping Equipment
Stool
Candle lantern
Compass
Cot
Earplugs
Flag (Moto-Camp)
Flashlight and extra batteries
Ground tarp
Mattress or sleeping pad
Pillow(s)
Poncho
Rope (1/4" x 50')
Pocketknife
Shovel/hand trowel
Sleeping bag
Tent with rain fly
Tent waterproof-bag
Cooking/Eating
2 bags (gallon size garbage)
2 bags (sandwich size)
Can opener
Coffee and creamer
Cooking oil
Cup
Cutting board (small)
Dish soap
Dishtowel
Food
Fork, spoon, and knife
Ice box/cooler
Matches
(sealed plastic container)
Menu/ingredients list
Mess kit
Paper towels
Pasta strainer
Plate
Pots/pans
Salt and pepper
Soap/scrubber pads
Spatula
Stove
Stove gas (white gas)
Stove windscreen
Washbowl
2 water bottles
Bike Paraphernalia
Bug rag
Bungee cargo net
Bungee cords (extra)
Chain lock and key
Chain lube
Chamois
Duct tape
Gas can (1-gallon Reda saddlebag can, filled with extra gasoline)
Helmet face shield/visor (clear, tinted, and extras)
Stuff sacks (weather-proof)
Tools (basic)
Zip ties
Electrical tape
Baling wire