12 Old Cowboy Camping Tricks That Will Get You Fined on Public Land

Your granddaddy’s camping habits might get you a ticket today. Some could cost you thousands of dollars. In this video, Wade Colter, a 64-year-old West Texas cattleman, breaks down **12 old-school camping habits that can get you into trouble on public land today**. From digging trenches around your tent to building rock fire rings, cutting live trees, and taking firewood home, the rules of camping have changed—and many campers still don’t know it. These aren’t just rules made to inconvenience you. They exist to protect our forests, waterways, wildlife, and public lands from the damage that happens when millions of people repeat the same old habits. **In this video, you’ll learn:** - Why digging a trench around your tent can be a problem - Why you should use existing fire rings instead of building new ones - What you need to know about cutting trees and building shelters - When collecting firewood is allowed—and when you need a permit - How far you should camp from lakes and streams - Why fire bans must never be ignored - How long you can stay at one campsite - Why carrying firewood across state lines can get you in trouble - Which three camping mistakes can carry serious financial consequences - How to camp responsibly without giving up the skills of the old-timers The old ways weren’t necessarily wrong. The world around them changed. Learning to read the ground, choose a safe campsite, and respect the land is still as important as ever. **YOUR TURN:** What did your granddaddy do while camping that might get him a ticket today? Share