Things I Wish I Knew About Motorcycle Campouts Because "First Campout Anxiety" is REAL!

Let’s talk about the part no one posts on Instagram.

If you’re feeling nervous about your first motorcycle campout—that’s completely normal. Most of us were excited and quietly panicking at the same time.

You might be thinking:

  • What if I pack wrong?

  • What if I don’t know how to set up my tent?

  • What if everyone else already knows what they’re doing?

  • What if I’m the only one struggling?

Here’s the truth: you won’t be.

Everyone’s first campout comes with mistakes—forgotten items, awkward setups, cold nights, and “well… that didn’t work” moments. That’s not failure. That’s learning.

Motorcycle campouts—especially in women-led spaces—are built on community. Someone will help you with your tent. Someone will lend you a headlamp. Someone will hand you a snack when you didn’t pack enough. You don’t have to have it all figured out to belong here.

 

1. Overpacking Is Just as Bad as Underpacking

On a bike, space is precious. I learned quickly that bringing too much makes everything harder—finding things, setting up camp, and packing back up in the morning.

Pro tip: If it doesn’t help you sleep, stay warm, stay dry, or eat—it probably doesn’t need to come.

2. Your Sleep Setup Is Everything

If you remember one thing from this list, let it be this: bad sleep ruins good rides.

The ground is cold. Always. Even in summer.
A real sleeping pad and a proper sleeping bag will change your life. This is not the place to “make it work.”

3. Camp Gets Cold Fast (Even If the Ride Was Perfect)

That golden-hour ride into camp? Amazing.
The moment the sun goes down? Instant chill.

Bring layers you can ride in and crash in. Wool socks, thermals, a beanie, and something windproof are clutch.

4. Weather Will Humble You

I’ve rolled into camp in sunshine and woken up to rain more times than I can count.

Dry bags are your best friend.
Keep one sacred bag for dry sleep clothes only. No exceptions.

5. Campsites Are Not Glamping

Bathrooms might be far. Showers might not exist. Cell service is usually trash.

Headlamp > flashlight.
Baby wipes = survival tool.
Toilet paper? Bring it anyway.

6. Riding All Day Makes You HUNGRY

More hungry than you think. More tired too.

Pack snacks you can eat without cooking and without thinking. When you’re exhausted and setting up camp, future-you will be grateful.

7. Everything Takes Longer at Camp

Setting up your tent in the dark hits different.

If you can arrive with daylight, do it. If not, practice setting up your gear at home first. It’ll save frustration—and swearing.

8. Campouts Aren’t About Being Perfect

Your tent might be crooked. Your coffee might suck. Something will go wrong.

And that’s okay.

Motorcycle campouts are about community—helping each other, sharing food, laughing at mistakes, and realizing you’re way more capable than you thought.

9. You Get Better Every Time

Each campout builds confidence. You pack smarter. You stress less. You stop doubting yourself.

The hard lessons turn into skills—and those skills turn into freedom.

XO - Ashmore 

 

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