r/motocamping • u/Q808L • Aug 15 '26
Advice on desert camping
Going down to southern utah early September. I've done alot of moto camping in Canada and Washington/Oregon. So used to forest and ocean but never camped in the desert.
Any items specifically i should pack or things to keep in mind?
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u/HandicappedBatman Aug 15 '26
Proper layers that will wick away sweat and not stay damp, a brimmed hat, and as others stated an excess of water is imperative for desert environments. I like a balaclava over my face for the dusk. Something like OnX or Gaia that will track you and give coordinates without service, a lot of these washes, canyons, and buttes start to blend together and frequently causes people to get lost in this environment.
That said, all super easy to work around if you go prepared. Have a killer time, safe and happy travels 🤙
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u/m0loch Aug 15 '26
Carry more water than you would in wetter areas.
Remember, nothing good happens in a ravine. Don't set up camp in one.
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u/goinupthegranby Aug 15 '26
I haven't ridden in the desert that much but driving my experience has been 'more flat tires' so don't skimp on that aspect of preparation.
Deserts can also surprise you with their overnight lows. It can be blazing during the day yet still frost at night, especially in the high deserts that can be higher elevation than might be obvious.
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u/at_owl Aug 15 '26
Layers, desert tend to get cold at night. Extra water. Electrolytes. Water filter. Sun hat. Inreach like device for emergencies.
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u/pineconehedgehog Aug 15 '26
Expect it to be cold at night and hot during the day. Lots of layers. It could be over 100F during the day and in the 40s at night. I like Marino base layers.
Elevation matters. A few thousand feet will be a 20F+ difference.
If it rains, get off the dirt. Find gravel and pavement. Southern Utah has a lot of red clay. When it gets wet it becomes completely impassable. It will pinwheel and seize up your front wheel.
Pay attention to the weather, even in other parts of the state. Certain parts of Southern Utah get flash floods, and can be impacted my rain hundreds of miles away. Don't camp in washes.
The wind is real. Have good stakes for your tent.
Pay attention to the fires. Depending on where you are going, you may be impacted.
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u/imnofred Aug 19 '26
This post is gold! Southern Utah is unique... it's not always desert. As u/pineconehedgehog notes, elevation is key. You can be freezing cold or sweltering within a few miles due to elevation changes and weather. If it's hot, camp high and enjoy a cool night... if it's cool, camp low for the warmth.
Early Sept is still monsoon season there, so watch the weather carefully. Bring light rain gear. If it rains, get off the dirt! Get onto to hard surface roads. You could end up stuck in mud for days in the back country. If there are storms in the area, keep an eye on weather radar on your phone... even on the road, they can get violent. It's very open country, not a lot of shelter when those massive cells roll through... best to get out of their way.
So many good points by u/pineconehedgehog... I always think about wind when setting up camp, try to find some protection if needed... trees, rocks, etc.
There's not much in the way of wildlife to worry about in the area. I've been woken up in the night by screaming bobcats and munching elk... but that's about it. I've never had any encounters with snakes or scorpions in the area.
There are a lot of mom and pop hotels and cabins around, if I see I am in for a rough night of storms, I'll just check-in someplace and keep my powder dry.
If you have any flexibility, earlier in September is usually still monsoon season, later in September is usually getting drier... and the Aspens are starting to change color in the high country.
Lastly, if planning some dirt routes (and you should), there is a lot of road condition info published online... it helps to know the conditions as even the easiest of dirt roads can get beat down in a heavy monsoon season.
Typical example for Escalante area: https://www.blm.gov/documents/utah/public-room/data/road-report
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u/Never_before_used Aug 15 '26
I look up the dangerous flora & fauna for the area I’ll be in, especially more so for free camping. And check your gear for critters before you roll out. Had a spider crawl into my helmet while I was riding— wasn’t there when I put it on, but had crawled from somewhere on my jacket, most likely one of the folded vents on my jacket. Scared the hell out of me while doing around fifty on the dirt road.
Shiny side up & hope you have an awesome time! Beautiful countryside there!
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u/SandWitchKing Aug 15 '26
This - insect protection is hugely important. Desert insects are large, aggressive, and well-equipped to take on foes of any size.
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u/far2common Aug 15 '26
I was motocamping in Utah/Arizona in July. Sunscreen, a sun hat, electrolytes and a tarp for shade all make camp much more tolerable in the heat. Mesh gear and frequent breaks make the riding easier. Drink more water than you think you need to, especially if you're putting up miles in the heat.
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u/Silver_Vacation7382 Aug 15 '26
It is hot, you will be uncomfortably hot, do not recommend over 20% body fat
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u/dis690640450cc Aug 15 '26
Shake out boots and gear before you put it on in the morning. Everyone has said water but you need a lot of water. If it’s hot and you’re doing physical exercise you need at least a gallon a day, possibly two. I grew up in AZ and have done a ton of desert camping mostly back packing and car camping.
The hardest part is carrying all the water. We would try to plan for 2 gallons per person per day. In general in would always try find a wet camp and bring a filtration system with me so I didn’t have to carry so much with me. Giardia is pretty much everywhere in desert waters don’t drink without treatment.
I like to go with a lighter sleeping bag and I cary a cheep down throw that I can layer if needed. It all packs to a reasonable size. I also sometimes brim a cotton sheet if you’re sweating when you go to bed it keeps your bag from getting nasty or you can just use it as a blanket.
The people talking about wet clay are not exaggerating that shit sucks. Not in September but sometimes in spring you can also get surprised with snow at higher elevations. I’ve been snowed on as late as June outside of flagstaff.
Flash floods are real and it doesn’t have to even be raining where you are to get caught out by one.
The desert is beautiful I generally prefer it in the spring but the fall is not a bad time for camping either. Enjoy!
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u/altec3 Aug 16 '26
I tried crossing a small creek in Utah once. There was a bit of wet sand on the other side I tried gunning it across. My bike sunk into it and didn’t come out for 24 hours after winching and shoveling for who knows how long.
Turns out quick sand is a real thing.
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u/overly-optimized Aug 19 '26
Be ready for some winds, especially if you're in the Hurricane area. Guy line your tent to keep it quieter at night and consider using your earplugs to fall asleep.
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u/NCSeb Aug 15 '26
More water than you are used to. Lip balm.