Outdoor Blog

Can You Pitch a Tent Anywhere? Everything You Need to Know About Wild Camping

Published

6 years ago

October 23, 2019

Camping is the ultimate salvation from the long working week and allows you to be at one with nature. You can feel liberated out in the wild with no one to answer to, and free of tedious technology clogging up your days and nights.

Wild camping has become a sort of cult movement, with more and more campers and hikers choosing to pitch their tents in vast open meadows and in deep lush forests, rather than join others at designated camping sites with the usual basic amenities. Whether you’re on a backpacking trip, doing some tent camping, or on a road trip, it’s nice to be able to find tent sites or free campsites that aren’t on private land.

And while sleeping out in wide open spaces under the stars sounds like the ultimate act of defiance against rules and the daily grind, there are bound to be some regulations and restrictions. The last thing you want to have on your camping trip is a police officer waking you up and telling you to move on, or receiving a heavy penalty for being in a no camping zone.

So can you pitch a tent anywhere? Not exactly, but there are plenty of stunning places across the country that allow you to camp without costs, you just need to know what to look for.

Camping in National Forests and Grasslands

In the USA, there is a general rule that you can camp anywhere that is within the borders of National Grasslands. This gives you millions of acres of public land greenery to play with across the Rocky Mountains and the West Coast.

You could be waking up to pronghorn antelope grazing outside your tent in Grand River National Grasslands in South Dakota, or taking in the view of Mt. Hood while you sip your morning coffee in your sleeping bag in Crooked River National Grassland in Oregon. Make sure that upon arrival you check for cattle as you won’t be able to pitch tents in those fields.

You also have the luxury of being able to camp in any National Forests all across the US. Some National Forests may require permits which can be picked up from ranger stations, so check online before arrival. This gives you the freedom of free camping from the uppermost corners of Washington, through the Pacific Northwest and Southwest, down to the expansive prairies of Arizona and beyond.

You could set up camp by Lake Valentine in Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana for the ultimate in peace and solitude. Or spend some time relaxing by the water in Croatan National Forest in North Carolina – just keep a close eye on those ‘gators! Keeping a close eye on the wildlife of the area in which you’re camping is paramount.

While camping in areas where bears may be living and hunting, you should ensure that anything scented, from food to gasoline to toothpaste, should be wrapped in airtight containers and hidden inside vehicles or in food storage lockers provided at some campsites. Using bear spray and cooking food away from your sleeping area will also help to deter bears from your campsite, but exercise caution nonetheless.

Camping in National Parks

National parks have a lot more restrictions when it comes to pitching your tent compared to our forests and grasslands. Not all of the 392 national parks have developed campsites, but many of them do provide campgrounds, often for a small fee per night. There are often entrance fees to national parks, so check to see if those costs include camping fees.

There are two types of camping to consider when looking at exploring national parks. The first is developed campsites, ranging from basic sites with the bare minimum when it comes to toilets and other amenities, to more modernized grounds with electricity outputs and hot water. Researching beforehand on the national park’s official website is the best way to be prepared, especially if the campgrounds require prior booking and fees paid in advance.

The other type of camping is backcountry. This requires you to pack your entire night’s supplies on your backs and make your way up and through the national park until you find somewhere to pitch and sleep.

Some national parks may have designated backcountry camping spots, whereas others may give you the freedom of choice. Checking before you make the journey and paying any camping fees ahead of time will make your trip a lot more straightforward and enjoyable.

The Best National Parks for Camping

The United States is blessed with some of the most beautiful national parks in the world, with sixty-one parks across 29 states protected by the National Park Service.

Yosemite National Park

Trekking deep into California’s Sierra Nevada mountains will take you to the notoriously picturesque Yosemite National park. It boasts 1,200 square miles of towering mountains, standing proudly over serene meadows, dramatic waterfalls and deep valleys.

As it’s one of the most famous national parks in the US, it attracts a deluge of campers from all corners of the world. Thankfully, the park is home to thirteen campsites, so you may be able to avoid the chatter of too many fellow campers.

Seven of the thirteen campsites require reservations to be made, which can be done on the official National Park Service website. Note that peak times, between April and September, can be uncomfortably busy with campsite bookings a necessity well in advance.

Yellowstone National Park

With twelve designated campgrounds and over three hundred backcountry campsites available, Yellowstone is a camper’s dream. Famous for its breathtaking waterfalls and active geysers, the park is a must for anyone fascinated by nature.

Have a dip in the park’s Boiling river – a large steaming hot spring cool enough to swim in. Don’t leave without making the trip to the Steamboat Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin, which holds the title for the tallest active geyser on earth.

Due to Yellowstone being a seasonal destination, most official campgrounds are closed between November and March, with only the Upper Pines, Camp 4, Wawona and Hodgdon Meadow campsites open year round.

Glacier National Park

Affectionately known by Native Americans as the ‘Backbone of the World’, the Glacier National Park in Montana is the US’s answer to the Swiss Alps. If you’re a fan of skyscraping mountains,cradling glistening lakes in their valleys and long hikes through untouched wilderness, Glacier National Park could be your nirvana.

There are thirteen designated campsites to choose from, nestled in all corners of the park. For a backcountry camping adventure, there are many sites available, but a permit is required, and from May through to October you will need to pay seven dollars for the privilege. Wild camping throughout the rest of the year is free.

Sleeping at Truck and Rest Stops

When you’re not going to make it to a campsite before nightfall, you may need to park up and sleep anywhere available. This is a much easier feat when you are travelling in an RV, as pitching a tent not only takes time but also the right location and good enough ground for pegs, if used.

Some rest stops may only provide parking spaces on concrete, so taking up extra room and sleeping on a hard surface may be a no-go for you. In this case, it’s usually a lot less hassle if you sleep in your car, depending on its size and the number of travelers.

Each rest stop and truck stop has its own rules when it comes to overnight parking and camping, so read the signs first and read reviews online to see what other campers say.

There are also an abundance of camping apps that help you locate nearby camping spots, free or otherwise, with trusty reviews, maps, a list of the available amenities and pictures. If you are in the middle of a town with no sign of local campsites or truck stops, make your way to the nearest Walmart.

Many of the retailers offer free RV parking overnight, however time limits will usually apply. Not all Walmarts allow this as they may share parking lots with other businesses, so check in advance online for the individual Walmart store’s rules.

Sleeping in your car or van in a Walmart parking lot doesn’t sound like the stuff grand camping adventure dreams are made of, but at least you can pick up some food and use clean, flushable toilets inside!

Research the Rules First

At certain times of the year in particular states there may be varying rules on campfires. Check online or pay a quick visit to a ranger’s station if you’re not sure if you can light a fire.

Doing a quick Google search of each place you intend to lay your head that night is also recommended, just in case a permit is needed. Keeping a close eye on road signs for private property and camping areas could also be the difference between a good night’s sleep and a hefty fine.

Be Prepared for No Amenities

In designated campsites across parks and forests you can usually enjoy basic amenities like lamps, compost toilets and running water. There may also be fire pits or barbecues and parking areas. When pitching your tent in the middle of nowhere, be ready to improvise for a night in total darkness without a water source!

Having a decent camping stove, plenty of toilet paper and drinking water on hand will make your night a lot more comfortable! It’s also highly likely that setting up camp in the middle of a forest will take you off the grid. If you’re lucky enough to get phone signal to make calls, you sure won’t be able to access the internet! So packing an atlas, maps of National Parks and a compass will make sure you can get from A to B with ease.

Leave No Trace

It goes without saying, but camping out in the wild means that you need to be extra careful about not leaving a single trace on exit. There should be no sign of where you pitched your tent, no food wrappers floating in the wind, and no food waste lying in the bushes.

It’s imperative that you take everything with you, leaving not a single bag of trash behind. If campers stick to this mentality that this land is for everyone, and it’s wild and beautiful and not to be tainted by humans, we can continue to sleep under those wide open skies, leaving pristine natural spaces for the next generation of wild campers.

Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

Published

2 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff.

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

Published

2 weeks ago

October 17, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:

Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors.
RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas.
Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams.
Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates.
Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake”

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.

The technical crew set up:

Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks
Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court
A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff
A satellite uplink for backup

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like:

Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations
AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size
Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.