Are you interested in writing about the outdoors, covering topics such as camping, hiking, and backpacking? Here are some great publications that hire freelance writers to write content in these areas.
Alaska Magazine, USA
A general interest magazine about Alaska from bears to sea otters to caribou and moose, from biking to hiking to camping and mountain climbing. Favorite story subjects are natural and human history, travel, adventure and profiles, and pieces covering those issues that are unique to Alaska. Features run from 1,000 to 2,500 words. Most other sections run about 800 words.
Backpacker, USA
"As the authority on escaping to the backcountry, Backpacker offers readers accessible, close-to-home getaways alongside exotic life-list destinations, practical tips for outdoor adventure and the best gear information available." Covers foot-based travel primarily for North American destinations. Features usually fall into one of several distinct categories: destinations, personality, skills, or gear. Departments include Weekend, Done-in-a-Day, Skills, Gear. Approximately 50% of features and more than 50% of departments and web stories are written by freelancers. Pays $0.40 to more than $1.00 per word.
Backpacking Light, USA
An online publication providing information and education about hiking and backpacking, and especially promoting multi-day, backcountry travel in a self-supported (“backpackable”), lightweight style. They pay "honoraria for contributors, as well as complimentary One Year Unlimited Memberships".
Escapees, USA
A bimonthly magazine. Readers are serious RVers and those interested in sharing the RV lifestyle including full-time RVers, snowbirds, and those looking forward to traveling extensively. Coverage includes technical tips, RV maintenance information, safety education, advice from full-time RVers, unique boondocking and off-the-beaten-path locations, products reviews and more. Payment is typically $100 to $200 for feature submissions, and $50 to $100 for short fillers.
Explore, Canada
An award-winning national lifestyle magazine for active outdoor enthusiasts. Covers a wide range of topics - hiking, mountain biking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, winter sports and more. Content is largely Canadian. Previously, pay information was $1,500 and up for in-depth features of 2,500 to 5,000 words.
InSite, USA
The bimonthly flagship publication of Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA), seeking to inform and inspire professionals serving in the Christian camp and conference community. Pays $0.20 per word.
Life in the Finger Lakes, USA
A bimonthly magazine focusing on the upstate New York region known as the Finger Lakes. Articles focus on the Finger Lakes’ natural beauty and wildlife, the abundant history, and the rich culture as seen through the people of the area. Other topics include camping, hiking, Native Americans, farming, women's rights and more. Pays $0.12 a word.
Outside Bozeman, USA
A seasonal publication that explores and celebrates the outdoor world of southwest Montana. It is both an interesting, entertaining journal and an informative where-to guide for fun and adventure in Bozeman's outdoors. Topics include environmental/conservation issues, wildlife exposés, outdoor adventure, fishing, camping, climbing, flora and fauna, pets, health and fitness and more. Features pay $0.10 to 0.20 per word. Departments pay $25 - $150.
South Carolina Wildlife, USA
A magazine published by the state Department of Natural Resources continuously since 1954. Considers articles dealing with conservation of wildlife and natural resources, outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, etc.), natural and scenic areas, the state's heritage as related to the outdoors, natural history of particular game and nongame species etc. Pays approx $0.20 per word.
Tennessee Wildlife, USA
A magazine published four times a year by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Always looking for well-written fishing and hunting stories, as well as camping, hiking etc. Pays $0.15 per word on publication.
Texas Parks & Wildlife, USA
A monthly magazine published by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Looking for stories on all aspects of the Texas outdoors. Covers state park destinations, conservation issues, trends, and such outdoor activities as fishing, hunting, camping, bicycling, canoeing and hiking. Paying market.
Virginia Wildlife, USA
A magazine published bi-monthly by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia. They publish articles on hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife habitat, game and fish recipes, hiking, camping, outdoors safety and ethics, natural history, and environmental stewardship/education. Pays $500 for feature articles of 1000-1200 words.
For more markets like these, check out Markets Plus - it's the Worldwide Freelance premium database containing details of 2,500 freelance writing markets.
