What’s better than a wake-and-bake? A wake-and-bake by a lake! Mary Jane and Mother Nature are fine friends, and more campsites are opening their doors to Cannabis enthusiasts these days than ever before. But despite many states legalizing recreational use, it’s not as simple as rolling out the tent and roll up a joint. Here’s your guide to responsible trailblazing.
The Legal Landscape
Before you light up in the great outdoors, know where you stand legally. Nothing dampens a joint like the law.
National Parks and National Forests: Cannabis is strictly illegal on federal lands. That means no puffing or packing in National Parks or National Forests, even if you’re in a state where sale and use are legal. Violating these rules can lead to serious fines or worse.
State Parks: These rules vary from state to state. Even if Cannabis is legal in the area, it may be prohibited in state or even county-specific parks, so it’s always best to check specific park regulations first.
Private Campgrounds: Some private campgrounds still strictly prohibit Cannabis or smoking in general, but some are going green and catering entirely to Cannabis (check out our list below).
Toke Responsibly
For a successful sesh, always consider safety.
Fire Safety First: Consider your environment before lighting up. Avoid combustibles in high-risk areas, and check your area’s current fire danger levels. Opt for vaporizers or edibles in dry seasons, and make sure anything you discard is completely extinguished before packing out.
Pack It In, Pack It Out: It should go without saying, but here we are. Please don’t leave behind roaches, packaging or anything else, so come prepared with a safe receptacle to retain these items.
Be Nice Neighbors: Remember, not everyone shares your love for the leaf. Keep smoke, noise and other scents contained to your own campsite, and always consider your neighbors.
Leave No Trace: Stay on designated trails to preserve the environment. And if you’re a bit stoned, be careful that you’re not disturbing wildlife or wandering off-course.
Ganja Gear
When you’re heading into the wild, you’ll need the right gear to elevate your experience.
Start with Storage: A smell-proof pouch, cooler or hard case with humidity control will keep your herb fresh and discreet. A metal water bottle will provide a safe passage for ashes.
Manage Your Method: Portable vaporizers, e-rigs, travel pipes, compact grinders, small rolling trays and stuffable paper cones can be game-changers. A windproof lighter or hemp wick is always handy for lighting up on a breezy day.
Consider Your Course: If you need a more low-key approach or are adventuring during high fire danger, explore edibles. Want to prevent pain and put some pep in your step? Try topicals!
Canna-Friendly Campgrounds
If you prefer to camp in private, Cannabis-friendly spots without the worry of park laws, you can roll in and roll up at one of these five destinations:
Camp Laughing Grass (Maine): A cozy, 21-and-older campground located in Harrison, Maine, where you can enjoy riverfront views from tents, cabins, A-frames, and glamping setups surrounded by plenty of open-air space to light up. camplaughinggrass.com | @camp_laughing_grass
Sol Spirit Retreats (California): Sol Spirit in Willow Creek, California, is an operating Cannabis farm that offers all-inclusive adventure. Experience farm-to-table meals, cultivation tours and the beauty of Northern California’s Emerald Triangle landscape from on-site “luxury bell tent accommodations.” solspiritretreats.com | @solspiritretreats
The Grassy Knoll (Michigan): This Muskegon, Michigan, location is an operating dispensary with an adjacent 5-acre field that’s partnered with local event planners to cater to campers and events alike. It offers RV parking and tent sites “where nugs and nature meet.” muskegoneventplace.com | @muskegoneventplace | grassyknollmuskegon.com | @tgk_231
Mountain Refuge Ranch (Washington): This stunning, small campground is located on private property and offers panoramic views from cliffside sites of the Selkirk Mountains in Metaline Falls, Washington. While the campground is not a canna-specific, the owners maintain an open, smoke-friendly policy and discourage the presence of children due to the elevated location. mountainrefugeranch.com | @mtnrefuge
420 Treehouses (Oregon): If you’re looking for an odd adventure, Oregon never disappoints. This Takilma location (that doubles as a medical grow) offers nontraditional glamping experiences, like treehouses and the “USS Mary Jane,” a sleepable sailboat suspended 35 feet up in a tree! 420treehouses.com | @420treehouses
