Geocaching on a Budget: Can You Play Without a GPSr?

Typically, geocaching is a sport where one player hides a cache, uses a GPSr (or multiple GPSrs) to mark the exact location, then publishes the coordinates on geocaching.com. Upon publication, the rest of the geocaching world sees the new cache, puts the coordinates into their GPSrs and heads out in search of the cache. It may seem that without an expensive GPSr you would be unable to play. Not true! There are many ways to inexpensively join the fun and the hunt!

Geocaching Without a Receiver

Geocaching without a GPSr is more common than you may think. You may be able to locate the cache using a variety of maps available on each cache page. Using satellite photos, the location of many caches can be determined before you leave your computer. Google Earth is another free application that you can "cut and paste" the coordinates directly from the cache page to locate the exact location.

Geocaching using traditional map and compass orientation skills is also a possibility. After locating the exact location on a map, be it a satellite image map or a topographical map, you can use the map and compass to find the cache like you would find any other position on the map.

With any of these variations, the goal is to get yourself within 20 or 30 feet of the cache. If you can get that close, you can usually search in the most obvious locations first and successfully find the cache. In the beginning, I would limit myself to a difficulty rating of 1 to avoid a lot of frustration. Depending on your skill with a map and compass, searching caches in urban areas such as parks may be easier than finding one hidden deep in the wilderness. Satellite pictures are very detailed and the cache location in an urban area can usually be determined early on.

Inexpensive GPS receivers

If you are on a budget and looking for a GPSr, there are many resources. Firstly, you do not need the latest and greatest of GPSrs with all the bells and whistles. For geocaching you only need a basic receiver that can put you within thirty feet of a cache. These receivers can be found in many places for considerably less than $100.

If you are on a budget, face it, you're probably going to have to purchase a used GPSr. There are several resources for used geocaching equipment:

Geocaching.com "Garage Sale" forums - This forum is sponsored by geocaching.com and Groundspeak., allowing geocachers to trade, buy and sell used equipment among other geocaching related things. The people on these forums are honest and helpful, always willing to answer questions or give advice.

Online auctions and craig's list are also good places to find a GPSr at reasonable prices. Search for GPS or GPSr, common manufacturers are Garmin and Magellan. Use all the usual precautions with online auctions and bulletin boards and you could find yourself a good GPSr at a reasonable price.

Inexpensive Receiver Models

GPS receiver technology has come so far in the last ten years that you can find a very good GPSr (even new) for under $100. It is common to find used receivers for under $50. The most popular models in this kind of price range include the Garmin eTrex, the Garmin Gecko and the Magellan eXplorist. These can all be purchased for under $50 from all of the above mentioned sources.

You should ensure that the GPSr you purchase is Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capable. This will allow your GPSr to use the 25 ground reference stations located across the United States to further make the system and ultimately your receiver more accurate. All of the above mentioned receivers are available with WAAS capability.

Geocaching is a great way to get outdoors, explore new places while enjoying the "thrill of the hunt". Don't let a tight budget keep you from enjoying this rapidly growing sport. Use the electronic maps, your compass (blow the dust off of it), and some wit and you can enjoy geocaching without the receiver. Or, find yourself a inexpensive receiver online that will probably cost you less than your next pizza delivery.