The United States is estimated to have up to 650,000 miles of off-roading trails - that’s a lot car camping opportunities!
I’ve been on thousands of miles of trails car camping on my vehicle sleeping platform through the wilderness of states like Utah, Montana, California, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, and even Hawaii!
With this many miles to explore, it’s easy to forget just how important it is to maintain and care for these trails
These trails are monitored and cared for by agencies like the BLM/Forest Service/National Parks/Non-profit groups.
They spend thousands of hours of blood sweat and tears working to keep trails pristine for us to use.
The hard work on these trails allows adventurers like you and I to enjoy the most beautiful pieces of land our country has to offer + flex our car camping platforms and set ups.
You know those post card worthy photos on your phone/camera of your car camping set up with an epic backdrop?
Thank the agencies that take care of our trails, because without them you wouldn’t be able to access that camp spot!
This is why it’s so important to STAY ON THE TRAIL.
The same agencies that spend countless hours maintaining these trails, also have the right to close them off when adventure seekers are being negligent.
Why stay on the trail in the first place?
Environmental Impact
If you’ve been on some of the off-roading trails in our country, you know just how beautiful the surrounding eco-systems are.
Taking your vehicle off the trail disrupts them.
When you veer off trail you could be destroying native vegetation, ruining the home/habitat of a wide range of wildlife, and causing unforeseen erosion.
Next time you are on a trail, just imagine what your surroundings would look like if hundreds of vehicles were tearing up the meadows, valleys, and hills in your eyesight.
Goodbye beauty 🙁
Not only is it important for the environment, but your safety as well.
Safety
Many 4x4 trails have clearly marked or visible obstacles. When you go off-trail it’s easy to find yourself in a pinch.
Hidden boulders, creeks, and sharp surfaces could be lurking below knee high grass - waiting to ruin your day.
The moral of the story is - stay on the trail.
There’s no good reason why you shouldn’t!
If you happen to be heading to our home state of Colorado, check out Stay the Trail Colorado for a wide range of helpful resources to make sure you are ready to hit the trail.
Did you know that your purchase from Hele Outdoors helps the environment?
3% of profits from sales on our sleeping platforms and other products goes to nature conservation efforts.
Check out last year’s beneficiaries and the story behind our brand here.