After a series of successful searches, you’re ready to place your own cache. Awesome!
Set Up Your GPS
Make sure your GPS receiver is configured to use the WGS84 datum and the coordinate format “ddd° mm.mmm’” since these are the formats used on geocaching.com.
Find a Good Location for the Cache
Geocaching is like real estate: location matters! When looking for a place to hide your cache, consider this:
Is the location easily accessible?
If it’s only a few meters from a road, there’s a good chance the cache could disappear or its contents stolen. Instead, look for a location that is only accessible on foot. Many damaged caches are too easy to find and too close to a road (“drive-up caches”).
But don’t make it impossible to find either—the goal isn’t to send geocachers on an archaeological dig! You can’t bury a cache, but you can camouflage it with rocks, leaves, or branches already on the ground. You could also include a photo in the description or leave clues at the site (get creative!).
The Most Important Rule: Respect Nature!
Avoid placing caches in nature reserves. A cache generates activity (foot traffic, noise, etc.) that can be harmful to fragile environments. If your cache causes too much damage over time, consider moving it or making it easier to find (add a photo, better clues, etc.).
If you plan to place your cache on private property, you must ask permission from the owner and mention it in your cache description. Caches are not allowed in most protected natural reserves. You are responsible for your cache, so act responsibly! Mention any potential dangers in the description. Placing your cache in a highway median or near railroad tracks is not a good idea.
In short, use common sense! Ideally, choose a location that’s unique or special. The biggest reward for geocachers—aside from finding the cache—is discovering a beautiful location. A scenic viewpoint, a charming valley, or a historical site are all excellent spots for a cache.
Designing the Cache
First, you’ll need a container for your treasure. Watertightness is key. Plastic food containers with tight seals work great. Be creative! A great cache combined with a great location is the key to receiving plenty of visits and positive feedback from geocachers. Then you’ll need a logbook and a pencil. A small notebook will do. Don’t forget the pencil (and a sharpener) since geocachers often forget something to write with. A regular pencil is best—pens aren’t ideal due to freezing and humidity.
Include a welcome letter explaining geocaching to potential non-geocachers who might stumble upon your cache (maybe they’ll join the hobby!). And of course, add trade items to make the game more fun. Good items include:
- Scratch-off lottery tickets for the First to Find (FTF)
- Small toys: figurines, playing cards, LEGO bricks, collectibles, etc.
- Travel Bugs, geocoins
- A disposable camera: ask visitors to take a photo of themselves. Develop the film later and share the photos on the cache’s webpage.
Avoid placing these items:
- Food (even packaged) as it attracts animals.
- Dangerous objects (medications, knives, weapons, etc.)
- Illegal items (drugs, etc.)
The contents depend on your budget, but avoid worthless items that no one would want. Remember, trade items may lose value over time despite the rule of trading equal or better. Consider your items as gifts. On the other hand, themed caches (like collecting foreign coins) can increase in value. Beware of anonymous geocachers who might steal everything without logging their visit!
Placing the Cache
Once you’ve chosen a location, getting accurate GPS coordinates isn’t always easy. But publishing precise coordinates is crucial to minimize search frustration. Here are some tips:
- Leave your GPS on for a few minutes at the exact spot, preferably elevated.
- Wait until the displayed position stabilizes and at least 6 satellites are locked before saving.
- Walk 100 meters away and return to verify the position.
- Repeat and average your coordinates if necessary.
- If only 4-5 satellites are available, return another day.
- If the cache is under tree cover, revisit in winter for better accuracy.
Once finalized, write the coordinates on the cache, in the logbook, and save them for online publication.
Important: Caches must be at least 161 meters (528 feet) from any other cache to prevent overlap.
Publishing the Cache
After assessing the difficulty and terrain ratings, visit http://www.geocaching.com/hide/report.aspx and complete the online form.
Note: You must be a registered member to publish a cache.
Cache Review
Your cache won’t go live immediately. A volunteer reviewer will check that your cache follows geocaching rules. If it doesn’t, they’ll contact you to resolve issues or request more information. Cooperation with the reviewer helps ensure a smooth publication.
Your Cache is Approved!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully hidden a cache that complies with geocaching rules. What’s next?
As geocachers find your cache, they’ll log their experiences on geocaching.com. You’ll receive email notifications with their comments. Enjoy their feedback, but be alert for issues like water leaks, full logbooks, or damaged containers. Prompt maintenance keeps your cache enjoyable for others.
If several geocachers report not finding your cache, it may have gone missing. Check on it, and if necessary, replace it. If you can’t do so immediately, disable (“disable”) your cache to prevent unnecessary trips. Once replaced, re-enable (“enable”) it. To move it to a nearby location, contact a reviewer for approval.
Archiving a Cache
If your cache is gone or the location is unsuitable, you’ll need to archive it.
Before archiving, disable (“disable”) the cache for one week. This allows geocachers using Pocket Queries and software like GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) to update their databases. After a week, you can permanently archive the cache.
This prevents geocachers from visiting a cache that has already been archived too quickly.
