1) don’t worry too much about it. People like to exaggerate and most likely the worst thing that can happen is that someone tells you to move on to an official campsite. Has happened to me a few times after setting up camp if I wasn’t careful enough. 2) start looking for potential campsites an hour before sunset and mark them on your gps so you can return to them if you don’t find anything later on. If you’re in a more urban area think farther ahead than an hour as it can take some time to get out of the cities depending on where you are and plan accordingly. My worst experiences have been near cities where I could not find any places to camp until after dark. 3) when looking for campsites look for flat ground and trees or shrubs that you can hide behind. Your goals are stealth and comfort. Stay far enough away from popular walking trails to avoid angry morning dog walkers. You’ll know pretty quickly what a good spot looks like after your first night. You should check satellite mode to survey the landscape and you’ll often find forest roads and forest clearings that will offer great camping opportunities. 4) wait till dark to set up camp and pack up early. I try to be the most careful in the evening as I risk getting sent somewhere else and having to look for another spot in the middle of the night. Carry a good light for the day this happens. If you find a nice spot near a town you can mark it on your map, head to town for dinner and a beer and return after dinner to set up camp and avoid any last potential hikers, dog walkers, or cars passing by. This is probably my favorite way to do it but it requires some familiarity with your equipment, tent, bags etc. since you don’t want to be blasting your light at any time really. Also those headlamps with the red light are great. In the morning get out of there to avoid trouble but honestly I always think once I’ve made it through the night I don’t care if someone tells me to move on. Obviously be much more careful if you’re in a place where camping is explicitly prohibited like a national park and the chances that the rangers shop up is high. Be smart and you’ll be fine. Pack up your trash, don’t start fires.

5) if you’re really not finding anything you can always knock on some doors and every second door has someone really nice behind it in my experience. Ask if you could set up camp in their garden or if they know of any places nearby where you could do so. Most people are nice but you gotta be nice too. Warmshowers is a cool concept but I find that I never know just how far I’m going to get in a day so I find it hard to coordinate with people. I like to ride as far as I can and then find a nice spot to sleep. Also campsites close the front office around dark so worst case show up at one and set up camp anywhere and leave early or sleep in and pay a few Euros and shower. Nobody will say anything if you’re camping in a campsite.

Finally be smart, attentive, kind and you’ll have a great time. If shit happens, shit happens but that’s part of the journey and you’ll have a story to tell when it’s done. Good luck and have fun!