If you prefer hiking without a guide and you’re not into roughing it, there’s still an option for you. It’s called “drop camping.”

What’s that?

Well, the idea behind drop camping is that outfitters drop you off, take your tent and gear, and head off on a pack animal out into the wilderness.

That means you can trek off the beaten path carrying just a daypack and don’t have to worry about finding your way back to civilization.

In Glacier National Park, Swan Mountain Outfitters provides drop camp services for hikers who want to really go backcountry.

For a couple of hundred dollars, they drop you off at a designated location, with a pack animal that can carry up to 150 pounds.

And in Montana, Skyline Guest Ranch and Guides will take you and a pack mule to Yellowstone National Park. For about $165, you guessed it: they’ll drop you at a campsite and then they’ll come pick you up when you’re done.

Since these are independent excursions, you’re still responsible for cooking and packing up your gear. But the rest of the heavy lifting? Not a problem.

For more camping tips, check out our Adventure and Sports Travel section.

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