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Published -
- April 5, 2020
- 8:38 am
I built a bushcraft camp with lookout tower and ladder.
This bushcraft super shelter has a large lean-to shelter, smaller shelter with moss roof, dog house, a watch tower with ladder that is accessible only from the inside of the camp. It also has a log store built on the outside. It has a kitchen/cooking area, plus a cooking crane made from sticks. The shelter also has a timber frame roof with retractable tarp overhead. The camp is fully enclosed with perimeter walls and has a small gate at the entrance. I built this supershelter mostly solo, but on some days my dad would help, as well as my small jack russell dog.
I started building this shelter with little knowledge and only a few cheap hand tools. As I developed my skillset I began to use different hand tools and learn various woodworking techniques and joinery to make the shelter stronger. I have spent many nights alone in the forest in this camp. I taught myself survival skills, developed bushcraft knowledge and learnt how to work with nature. Originally I wanted to build a log cabin style structure, and scribe the logs, notch them and build a much more stable structure. But sadly there was not enough large logs and I did not want to cut down loads of living trees to do it. At times I did use primitive technology, and even used natural cordage. However, I soon found that I had to replace this cordage often, so it made sense to use man-made materials to help extend the life of the building. I spent many memorable solo overnight camps in this shelter, and had many happy mermories building it. The shelter has since been dismantled, and all of the wood put towards building the thatch saxon house which I have recently been building on my channel. It’s nice to know that the bushcraft camp, which was such a huge part of my channel, is continuing to live on through other shelters! Thanks to all who followed me on this adventure. I hope there will be many more that you can follow me on in the future!
Why is planning and designing crucial when constructing an off-grid shelter camp with a watchtower, and what should you consider when doing so?
Bushcraft Camp with Watch Tower: Off Grid Shelter Build
Bushcraft camp enthusiasts often preach the art of surviving and thriving in the wilderness through the knowledge and resourcefulness of one’s surroundings. In this context, building an off-grid shelter camp with a watchtower can be an excellent way to achieve self-reliance and connect with nature. Here’s how you can build your bushcraft camp with a watchtower.
1. Choose a Suitable Location:
The first and foremost step in building a bushcraft camp is the selection of the location. A suitable spot should be away from towns and civilization but easily accessible, preferably near water and with good visibility. Additionally, the site should have easily accessible natural resources such as wood and rock formations to aid in the construction of the structure.
2. Plan and Design:
Once you have selected the location, the next step is planning and designing. You should begin by creating a rough sketch of your intended construction, and how you intend to incorporate the watchtower into your design. Whether you’re creating a simple lean-to or a more complex multi-room cabin, you must ensure that your design is functional and meets your needs.
3. Gather Materials:
Gathering materials from the wilderness is an essential part of building an off-grid shelter camp. You need to scavenge the necessary items like logs, sticks, stones, and dirt from your surroundings. If the materials in your immediate location are unsuitable, you may need to venture further out to gather resources. Ensure that you have all your necessary tools, like an ax, hammer, and nails.
4. Construct the Shelter:
Once you have all the essential materials, it’s time to begin the construction of your shelter. Start with the foundation, and then construct the walls, roof, and doors. You should aim for a sturdy and robust shelter that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
5. Build the Watchtower:
The watchtower is an essential component of the off-grid shelter camp. The watchtower guarantees a 360-degree view of your environment, which mainly comes in handy when keeping watch at night. The watchtower should be high enough, with a ladder to lead up to the top.
6. Final Touches:
After building your off-grid shelter camp and watchtower, you can add some final touches. These may include securing the campsite by clearing the surrounding area to create a perimeter, creating storage spaces, and starting a garden to provide food.
In summary, building an off-grid shelter camp with a watchtower is an excellent way to connect with nature, and you should consider it. You must, however, do proper planning and find a suitable location, design a functional structure, gather the necessary materials, construct the shelter and watchtower, and add final touches to secure the campsite. By following these steps, you’re guaranteed an excellent bushcraft camp experience.
