Welcome to the BMW MOA CampSite. It’s all about motorcycle camping… two words that define the epitome of “roughing it” in many peoples’ minds. However, just as you can be comfortable on a cross-country motorcycle tour, with a modicum of preparation and good technique, motorcycle camping can be a fun, relaxing and a very rewarding experience.

Paraphrasing Don Douglass, who wrote in his column a while back: “riding down the road, your saddlebags packed just so, you’re completely self-sufficient…it’s a very special feeling indeed.” That’s what it’s all about.

While this site is intended for novice campers (and possibly, novice motorcyclists), there will be something here for grizzled veterans, too. In fact, we’re trying a new editorial concept, aimed at drawing upon the collective camping expertise of the club’s membership. If you’ve attended a BMW rally, you’ve seen more than a few expert campers. So we’re setting up an opportunity for them to share their wisdom with you.

Throughout this site there are a number of opportunities for experienced members to contribute ideas, tips & techniques, opinions on gear, and places to ride & camp. We’ve compiled this wealth of knowledge and made it available to you through the pages of this site, and through the pages on the BMW Owners News.

Getting started

So… what’s the first step? To ask yourself: “Is camping for me?” The best way to find out is to attend a BMW rally and camp out with the rest of us. But first, a word of advice: don’t go overboard. For most people, camping is an acquired taste, and a talent that comes with practice. It’s easy to spot the novice that bought every piece of gear on the planet without considering how it all works together. Worse, you may find that you hate it and then have to unload all the stuff you bought at fire sale prices.

Instead, take it easy. Plan a short ride… if not to a rally, then to a nearby location that is well known to you, such as a state park or a motorcycles-only campground, or to a good KOA (they’re motorcyclist-friendly). Find somewhere close to conveniences because you will inevitably forget a million things. Work up to it slowly, going for only one night on the first trip, a couple of nights on subsequent trips. 

Travel light, taking only the essentials. If possible, buy your main meals at a restaurant because cooking might be more complexity than you’re willing to deal with on your first outings. Most importantly, do not overload your motorcycle. While camping equipment itself isn’t all that heavy, it is bulky and sometimes awkwardly-shaped. Strap the gear on securely, and have backup straps already in place in case your primary tie-down system fails. Tent poles and spokes do not mix. Be very careful. After you’ve packed, take a short test-ride and then check to make sure everything is still secure. Stop and check again after you’ve ridden a while. You can’t be too sure.

Borrow gear from friends for the first few outings. It is important that you get exposure to as many equipment options as possible before making your choices. A rally is the perfect opportunity to do this. As you talk to fellow rally-goers, you will learn that there is no “correct” solution, only the one that works best for you. And you can only learn this over time, because camping comfortably means developing your own “system,” where everything fits your motorcycle, and works together in a way that eliminates hassles and maximizes convenience. You’ll know when your system is right. It’ll be about 8:30 at night, with the sun setting, the coffee hot, your chair cozy, the campfire warm, and your friends friendly. You’ll feel at one with the world. It’s zen.

To give you the greatest chance of success on your first trip, there is one piece of gear that I can recommend unequivocally: a Therm-A-Rest mattress. Yes…that specific brand. It’s a small piece of heaven, an inflatable pad that smoothes out the rough spots in the ground, keeps you warm and provides support for your shoulders, back and hips during the night. It rolls up small, packs easily and is as tough as nails. I would never camp without mine: a ¾ length, 1” thick pad with the non-slip surface. Without a doubt you’ll need a Therm-A-Rest because: “The only rock for miles will migrate right under your butt in the middle of the night” from Rogow’s Rules of Camping and Motorcycle Travel on the International Brotherhood of Motorcycle Campers’ WWW site: http://www.ibmc.org  

Lastly, I would like to thank the late Don Douglass for letting me create this site. He viewed my role to be that of a committe chairperson, so that everyone can contribute. While I’m no expert, I am excited at the opportunity to share what I’ve learned over the many thousands of miles, and to share the our club members’ expertise with our newer members and those new to camping. we would like to hear from you, e-mail the team at webmaster@bmwmoa.org, or write to me or the team in care of the BMW MOA.