Geocaching Rules and Etiquette

Rules and etiquette for geocaching.

Tips to help you choose where to hide your cache.

As a Geocacher, you know that one of the things that can make finding a cache fun is the treasure, the goodies, the swag, the trade items that you might discover (especially for younger hunters). If you've been geocaching for a while, you probably also know that the quality and appropriateness of swag can vary …

Its just basic etiquette!

Now that you've answered the question, "What is Geocaching?" and seen the Beginner's Guide to Finding a Geocache, it's time to make the transition into pro-level geocaching. This video has tips to take your geocaching game to the next level and guidelines that every geocacher should know.

So you’re a brand new cacher? Awesome! Welcome to the hobby/sport/addiction of many other people around the world. We all hope you enjoy it as much as we do. To get the most out of Geocaching, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Geocaching is a treasure hunting game where you use a GPS to hide and seek containers with other participants in the activity. Geocaching.com is the listing service for geocaches around the world.

Of course you want to rush right out and get on with the fun of finding geocache locations and letting others know you were there.

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting pastime that people of all ages can enjoy. Before heading out in search of your first cache, it is important to know basic geocaching etiquette and rules of the sport.

Abide by the Geocaching Etiquette and courtesies and you'll help preserve a quality caching experience and keep it family friendly and fun!

There are two steps to any geocache: 1) it’s hidden and 2) others are challenged to find it.

When placing a geocache on public lands, it is highly recommended that the land manager responsible be notified of the placement. For locations without specific notification/approval requirements, the following generic geocache notification form (PDF version) (Word version) can be used.

Find out more the rule and more information about geocaching along the Main Line Canal Greenway!

For hunting geocaches the rules are pretty simple. Find the cache, sign the logbook and replace the cache where you found it.

There seems to be different suggestions as to what the term "swag" actually means, but a common version is "Stuff We All Get". There's no doubt what it reffers to, though: the trading items found in geocaches. Many cachers carry with them a bag of small, cheap tradeable items, in case they run across something interesting.

The rules of the game!

Boys are likely to be excited about finding the cache and may or may not use common sense to get to it, so take care that you don’t place a cache that in any way leads them into a dangerous situation. This includes the following obvious NO-NOs.