Geocaching: A Unique Camping Adventure

Geocaching became popular as an interactive outdoor hobby just over 10 years ago. Today, there are an estimated 1.3 million caches worldwide. Take a break from the usual afternoon hike, and try geocaching on your next camping trip.

Seekers participate in an outdoor treasure hunt using a GPS-enabled device. By following a specified set of coordinates, they're led to hidden containers called caches. There are a variety of reasons why this simple game is the perfect adventure for your next camping trip:

• It's a family activity that involves kids and adults.
• It encourages outdoor activity.
• It teaches map reading skills.
• It's cost effective (in fact, nearly free).
• It can be done anywhere in the world.
• It helps you discover new people, places and things.

How Does It Work? 
Use the GPS coordinates of your current location to search geocaches at Geocaching.com or through the app. The GPS guides you to the cache, a sealed container, where treasure and a logbook are hidden. It's customary to sign and date the logbook, choose a treasure and replace it with a new trinket before returning the cache to its spot.

Who Can Geocache? 
Geocaching is suited to all ages and abilities, but it's a particularly great activity for families. Most campgrounds are located near a mountain or woods, so it's easy to find a geocache nearby.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Geocache
Your next geocaching adventure is just a few simple steps away.

1. Sign Up 
Sign up for a free account at the website. If you're already on-the-go, download the app to get started. A free version is available to try before you buy.

2. Gear Up
There are only a few simple tools you need for successful geocaching, and you probably already have them in your possession.

• The main and most important tool is a GPS device or a GPS-enabled phone.
• Choose a few small items to use as trades for your found treasure. This is an eco-friendly way to recycle small toys and other trinkets you have around the house.
• Bring your log. Some players use paper logs to keep track of their finds, so a pencil and notebook are needed. Paperless copies of caches can also be recorded in your geocaching account online.

3. Find an Adventure 
First, book your campsite so you can find a geocache nearby. After logging your coordinates into the site or the app, you find cache size, level of difficulty and an explanation of terrain. All of these details will help you have a fun and successful hunt.

4. Dress the Part 
If you want to be a serious geocacher, wear camouflage from head to toe to ward off any muggles (non-geocachers) who might spot you on your hunt. And, camouflage or not, there are other wardrobe choices to keep in mind. Specifically, always wear sturdy shoes and long pants for safe hiking through the woods. Also, be sure to apply sunscreen or other sun protection, even if you don't think you'll be out for long.

Get active, have fun and bring out your inner Sherlock Holmes on your next geocaching adventure. 

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