How to Hide a Geocache: Rules and Placement Guidelines

What Are the Basic Geocaching Rules for Hiding?

Before you hide a geocache, the fundamental rules require you to obtain landowner permission, choose an appropriate location and container, follow placement guidelines, and submit your cache for review. The cache must be placed at least 161 metres (528 feet) from any existing physical cache or physical stage of a multi-cache. It must not be buried, and it must not damage the environment. You must also be prepared to maintain the cache over time.

How to Get Landowner Permission

Landowner permission is mandatory for all geocache placements. This applies to public parks, private property, and even seemingly open spaces. Always identify the landowner or managing agency and obtain explicit permission before hiding a cache. Many park systems have geocaching policies; some require a permit, while others prohibit caches altogether. Document the permission you receive, as the reviewer may ask for proof. For example, if you plan to hide a cache in a local park, contact the parks department, explain geocaching, and ask about their specific rules.

Choosing the Right Cache Container

Cache containers must be durable, waterproof, and appropriate for the environment. Common options include:

• Lock-and-lock plastic boxes: Inexpensive, reliable, and come in many sizes. Best for moderate climates.
• Ammo cans: Excellent waterproofing and durability, but heavier and more expensive. Ideal for remote areas.
• Bison tubes: Small metal containers good for micro caches, but less room for trade items.
• Plastic jars: Peanut butter jars can work if cleaned, but lids may degrade.

Trade-offs: Plastic is lighter and cheaper but may crack in cold weather. Metal is rugged but may rust if not sealed. Consider the cache size you want: micro (35 mm film canister or smaller), small (holds a logbook and small items), regular (ammo can or similar), or large (bucket).

Placement Guidelines to Follow

Key placement guidelines ensure safety and accessibility. Follow these steps:

1. Choose a location that is legal and safe: Avoid areas near schools, airports, bridges, or other sensitive infrastructure. Use common sense; if an area feels off-limits, it probably is.
2. Check proximity: Ensure your cache is at least 161 metres (528 feet) from existing caches. Use the official geocaching map or app to check for nearby hidden waypoints.
3. Respect the environment: Do not place caches in areas where searching could damage vegetation, disturb wildlife, or cause erosion. Avoid holes, animal burrows, or fragile habitats.
4. Hide the cache appropriately: It should be out of plain sight but findable with GPS coordinates. Use natural cover like under a rock or behind a log, but never bury it. The container must not be visible to non-geocachers.
5. Record coordinates accurately: Use a GPS device or smartphone with good signal. Take multiple readings on different days and average them.

For different environments, adapt: in a forest, hollow logs or tree stumps work; in urban areas, magnetic key holders on metal objects are common but may need frequent maintenance due to muggles.

Planning for Cache Maintenance

Cache maintenance is your responsibility for the life of the cache. You should check the cache periodically, replace damaged containers, dry out wet logbooks, and respond to logs indicating problems. When placing a cache, consider your ability to visit it regularly. If you hide a cache far from home, ensure you can return to fix issues. Choose containers that require minimal upkeep in the chosen environment. For example, a well-sealed ammo can in a dry climate may need less attention than a plastic box in a rainy area.

Submitting Your Cache for Review

Reviewer submission is the final step. After placing the cache, log into your geocaching account and complete the online form. You will need:

• Accurate coordinates
• Cache type and size
• Difficulty and terrain ratings
• Description and hint (optional but helpful)
• Details about landowner permission, if required

The reviewer will check the cache against guidelines and may ask questions before publishing. Be responsive and provide additional information if needed. Once approved, the cache is listed and available to finders.

Comparing Common Cache Containers

Adapting to Budget, Schedule, and Group Needs

Budget: Start with low-cost containers like small lock-and-lock boxes or even a recycled jar with a good lid. Free options include using a public park if permitted. Avoid spending much until you know you enjoy cache ownership.

Schedule: If you cannot maintain frequently, choose a robust container in a low-traffic, dry area. A micro cache may be simpler to maintain than a large one.

Group needs: For families, choose a larger container with room for trade items, hidden in a place with a nice walk. For educational groups, create a themed cache with a logbook and small educational tokens.

Weather: In rainy climates, use ammo cans or double-bag the logbook in plastic. In cold climates, avoid plastic that may crack. In hot climates, avoid containers that may melt or deform.

Small Details That Reduce Effort

• Carry a small maintenance kit when hiding: spare logbooks, zip-lock bags, and a pen.
• Take photos of the hiding spot for your records.
• Include a clear geocaching note in the container explaining what it is.
• Test the waterproofing by placing a tissue inside the container overnight before hiding.
• Coordinate with local geocachers if you plan to place multiple caches.

By following these geocaching rules for hiding, you can create an enjoyable cache that lasts for years and brings fun to others.