Mountain Camping: Lessons from the High Country
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
I’ve pitched tents and roasted marshmallows in all kinds of weather and landscapes across the Northeast and throughout Arkansas, but nothing quite compares to mountain camping in the High Sierras.
To say that camping east of the Mississippi is a “horse of a different color” is no understatement. The mountains demand a little more grit, a lot more preparation, and a healthy respect for the wilderness around you.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or heading out for your first mountain adventure, there are a few crucial differences that come with venturing into higher elevations. If you plan to rough it in the backcountry, you’ll want to keep reading.
Know Where You’re Going – Really Know
The first thing you need to wrap your head around is the terrain. If you’ve never been in a western mountain range before, brace yourself. It’s no gentle walk in the woods. You’ll be dealing with rocky slopes, sudden streams, steep inclines, and sometimes no trails at all. This isn’t your neighborhood park—it’s rugged, unpredictable, and stunning.
A detailed Forest or Fire Service map is an absolute must, along with a solid compass—one that lets you shoot an azimuth. Even the most experienced outdoor enthusiast can get turned around in a landscape without a grid of familiar roads. In the mountains, a wrong turn can turn serious fast.
Wildlife: Beautiful and Wild
Yes, you’ll spot deer and birds—but you’re also in big predator country. Bears the size of compact cars, mountain lions, lynx, rattlesnakes—they all call these mountains home.
You may not see them, but they’re around. I’ve woken up to cougar tracks just two feet from my head. It’s humbling. Be aware, be cautious, and store food like your life depends on it—because it might.
Weather Can Turn on a Dime
One of the trickiest parts of mountain camping is the weather. You can set up camp under blue skies and find yourself buried in a snowstorm hours later. On one trip, we set up camp at around 3,000 feet just in time for the first snow of the season.
Within minutes, we had six inches of snow and flakes the size of golf balls. Mother Nature doesn’t ask if you’re ready—she just shows up.
Food and Storage: Think Like a Bear (and Outwit One)
Food storage in the mountains is more than an organization tip—it’s a safety precaution. Use an airtight cooler and suspend it from a tree branch, at least ten feet off the ground and four feet from the trunk. Never, ever bring food into your tent. Not even a crumb. Wildlife sees (and smells) opportunity in your leftovers and trash, so dispose of both wisely.
Tip: If you’re ever in distress, a small amount of automotive oil on dry tinder creates thick smoke and can act as an SOS signal. It’s not elegant, but it’s effective.
How to Pack for a Mountain Camping Trip
Mountain camping requires thoughtful packing. You’ll want to travel light but not unprepared. The goal is to be comfortable, warm, and safe.
Shelter and Sleeping Gear
Invest in a weather-resistant, modified A-frame tent built to withstand mountain winds. A four-season tent is ideal, even in the warmer months.
For sleeping, you’ll want a bag rated for the temperatures of your destination, plus a quality sleeping pad to buffer the rocky, uneven terrain. Gravelly alpine ground is no place to skimp on comfort.
Clothing That Layers and Lasts
The key to staying warm and dry? Layers. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add a fleece or down mid-layer, and top it off with a waterproof, windproof shell. Don’t forget warm gloves, a hat, neck gaiter, and wool socks. Pair all this with heavy-duty, waterproof hiking boots that support your ankles—you’ll need them.
Food and Cooking Essentials
Plan on burning 2,000 to 2,500 calories a day, especially at high elevation. High-energy foods like trail mix, nuts, hard cheeses, tortillas, and protein bars will keep you fueled during the day.
At night, hearty meals like pasta, soup, or stew hit the spot. Bring a portable stove and lightweight cookware. And don’t forget at least 2 liters of water per person, plus a solid purification system—either iodine tablets or a pump (or ideally, both).
Navigation and Safety
Always bring a topographic map and a compass or GPS. Add a whistle, a well-stocked first aid kit, and a headlamp with extra batteries. A multi-tool or knife is also essential. For colder weather or emergencies, toss in an emergency blanket. These items may seem like overkill—until you need them.
Comfort and Extras
Mountain camping isn’t about luxury, but there’s no shame in comfort. Trekking poles are great for uneven trails, and a lightweight camp chair can be a game-changer at the end of a long day. Bring a notebook to journal your experience, and a camera or binoculars to take it all in. The mountains are generous with beauty—capture it.
Final Thoughts on Mountain Camping
Camping in the mountains isn’t just a trip—it’s a transformation. It challenges you, teaches you, and rewards you with memories that last a lifetime. It can be wild and harsh, but also deeply peaceful and grounding.
With the right mindset, the right preparation, and a deep respect for the environment, mountain camping can be one of the most unforgettable adventures of your life.
So gear up, plan smart, and go find your summit.