Camping Rules Guide: 2/2/2, 3/3/3, 200/200/200 & More
ZacharyWilliamQuick Conversions (No Math Brain Needed)
“Steps” = a rough estimate using an adult’s normal stride. Handy when you don’t have a tape measure.
Why numbers? Because your brain remembers them on the trail and behind the wheel. Each rule below is a compact cue with just enough detail to keep you safe, comfortable, and considerate—without memorizing a manual.
2/2/2 — Smooth Travel Days
What it does: Kills fatigue, adds buffer for surprises (full campgrounds, road work), and gives you real daylight to set up, cook, and relax.
- Plan scenic breaks: trailheads, overlooks, small towns—your “2-hour reset”.
- Arrive early: sunlight makes pitching tents and leveling rigs painless.
- New towers & mountain roads: stick to 2/2/2 until you know your limits.
Example travel day
- 08:00 depart → 10:00 scenic break (trailhead, overlook, coffee)
- 12:00 lunch + longer rest (stretch, refuel, check notices)
- By ≤ 14:00 arrive at camp (pick site, fetch water, pitch before dinner)
3/3/3 — Long-Haul Alternative
Why use it: Cross-country loops, trips with kids/pets, or when you want “zero days” for laundry, showers, and exploring.
- Reservations help: first-come sites can fill by mid-afternoon in peak season.
- Rotate chores: Day 1 transit, Day 2 explore, Day 3 reset & prep.
200/200/200 — Low-Impact Distances
Why it matters: It protects shorelines, wildlife corridors, and everyone’s sense of space.
- Count paces: 70–80 adult steps is roughly 200 ft—fast field check.
- Campground exception: follow the pad and site boundaries; the 200-ft rule still applies to washing and greywater.
If a sign says otherwise (e.g., fragile meadow closures), the sign wins.
How to pace out 200 ft
From the water’s edge, step back off the trail and walk a straight line for 70–80 adult paces. Then double-check you’re also away from trails and other camps.
6–8/200 — The Cathole Standard
How-to: Choose durable soil (not streambanks), dig, do your business, cover and disguise. In deserts, canyons, and busy alpine areas, you may need a WAG bag.
Step-by-step cathole
- Go ≥ 200 ft from water, trails, and camp; pick soil that won’t erode.
- Dig 6–8 in (15–20 cm) deep; do your business; backfill and disguise.
- Pack out toilet paper where required (it’s often the best choice everywhere).
30/30 — Lightning Safety
Leave ridgelines and lone trees. In forest, crouch low, spread your group 15–20 ft apart. Metal doesn’t “attract” lightning, but tall exposed points do.
What to do when thunder starts
- If thunder follows lightning within ≤ 30 seconds: get to lower, forested terrain; spread your group 15–20 ft apart.
- Avoid ridgelines, lone trees, and tall metal structures; stash trekking poles.
- After the last thunder, wait 30 minutes before resuming exposed activity.
100/30 — Food & Tents Don’t Mix (Bear Country)
Make a simple triangle: sleep, cook, store. Treat toothpaste, sunscreen, and trash like food—because to wildlife, they smell like it.
Simple camp triangle
Sleep area ↔ Cooking area ↔ Food storage spaced ~100 ft apart. Count anything scented—toothpaste, sunscreen, trash—as “food.”
10–6 — Quiet Hours
Dim lanterns, switch to headphones, and avoid slamming vehicle doors. If you need power, prefer battery power stations over generators.
Smart, Safe Campfires
- Check bans first: In dry seasons, fires may be prohibited—use a stove.
- Local wood: Prevents spreading pests; never cut standing trees.
- Size matters: A knee-high flame cooks better and smokes less.
Waste & Greywater, the Easy Way
Strain dishwater, pack out food bits, then broadcast greywater 200 ft from water. Hand sanitizer beats suds for most hand cleaning at camp.
Dress for Comfort, Not the Forecast
Cotton stays wet and cold; pick synthetics or wool next to skin. A windproof shell turns a mild jacket into an all-day solution.
Hydration & Sun
Small, steady inputs beat “chugging later.” Reapply sunscreen after sweating or swimming; consider a brimmed hat and lip SPF.
Arrival Routine That Saves Headaches
Five minutes with the board and a quick site walk can save you fines, re-pitching, or conflicts later.
Putting It Together — Real-World Playbooks
Weekend Car Camp
- Travel with 2/2/2; arrive by early afternoon.
- Pitch with 200/200/200; use 6–8/200 if no toilets.
- Cook/store via 100/30; observe 10–6 after dark.
Backpacking Overnight
- Site & sanitation: 200/200/200 + 6–8/200.
- Weather: at first rumble, apply 30/30.
- Comfort: Three Layers + 15/15 hydration rhythm.
Long Road Loop (RV/Trailer)
- Use 3/3/3 to avoid fatigue and keep morale high.
- On arrival, do One-In · Two-Look · Three-Check before leveling.
Recommended Gear — Quiet Power That Respects Quiet Hours
Always follow the posted rules for fires, generators, and quiet hours. If a local rule conflicts with any guideline here, local rules win.
Beginner FAQ (No Silly Questions)
Can I wash dishes in the creek?
No. Strain out food scraps into a bag to pack out, then broadcast greywater 200 ft from water.
How do I estimate 200 ft without a tape?
Walk 70–80 adult steps. For 100 ft, use 35–40 steps.
Are campfires always allowed?
Often there’s a ban. Check the notice board. When allowed, use an existing ring, keep it small, and extinguish until the ashes are cold to the touch.
What if I arrive after dark?
Prioritize safety and quiet: take the nearest safe alternative for the night and move to a better site next morning.
How do I power lights or a CPAP without breaking quiet hours?
Use a battery power station instead of a gas generator. Quiet, fume-free options like the UDPOWER S1200 keep essentials running while staying neighbor-friendly.
