Cache Placement Guidelines

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For the good of the caching community and those seeking your cache, consider the following prior to placing a cache.

General

  • Read the Terms of Use for Opencaching.US.
  • Respect all local laws and property rights.
  • Seek permission to place the cache from the property owner/land manager.
  • Do not dig, disassemble, or destroy property when placing or seeking a cache.
  • Do not hide a cache where the location or the container will raise suspicion with people in the area or law enforcement.
  • Use a clear container when possible and always mark the container as a geocache.

Forbidden sites for cache placement

Do not place a cache near:

  • Elementary or Secondary Schools
  • Railroad tracks
  • Government buildings
  • Military installations
  • Ecologically protected areas
  • Any place that has a policy against caches

Quality

Keep in mind that your hide may become someone's first geocache find.

  • What impression of the hobby will they have after finding your cache?
  • Will they likely want to search for another one?

Consider the location prior to placing and listing the cache.

  • Would you want to bring a friend to this spot?
  • Is this spot appropriate for the additional traffic (people & vehicles) that this cache could potentially bring to the area.

Consider the container you intend to use.

  • Is it waterproof or will the contents, including paper log, get wet?
  • Will the container be able to withstand being exposed to the elements for an extended period of time? Some examples of poor containers are:
    • Plastic bags used as the actual cache, because it breaks down quickly. (Inside a sturdy container they are great!)
    • Glass jars, because they can shatter and injure someone.
    • Candy tins, because they rust very quickly.
    • Ammo cans that still bear military markings, because they look dangerous to the average person.

Perform regular cache maintenance

  • Periodically check the container, contents, and logbook. Replace or repair items as necessary.
  • If the area is developing 'geo-trails' from people seeking the cache, consider moving or archiving the cache.

Online Resources

  • A site that is attempting to capture caching policies of land managers all over the U.S. GeocachingPolicy