Number of Dick’s Sporting Goods Stores Nationwide

Quick answer

• Dick’s Sporting Goods operates over 700 retail locations.
• They also have several specialty stores.
• Store count can fluctuate with openings and closings.
• Online sales are a huge part of their business.
• Always check their store locator for the most current info.
• They’re a go-to for outdoor gear across the US.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you head out for that camping trip, a quick check can save you a lot of hassle. Think of it like scouting a campsite before setting up.

• Land manager / legality: Who’s in charge of the land you’re going to? Is it National Forest, BLM, a state park, or private? This dictates the rules.
• Example: You can often dispersed camp on USFS or BLM land, but you’ll need a permit or follow specific regulations in a National Park. Always check the agency’s website.

• Access/road conditions: Can your rig actually get there? Paved road or rough track? Low clearance vehicle or do you need 4WD?
• Example: A “road” on a map might be a muddy rut in spring or a sandy wash in summer. A quick call to the ranger station or a look at recent trip reports can be gold.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is non-negotiable. Wildfire is no joke. And gale-force winds can turn a pleasant camp into a survival situation.
• Example: Check the local fire danger rating and the specific restrictions for the area. Sometimes campfires are banned but stoves are okay. Weather can change fast in the mountains, so pack layers and be prepared.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Where’s your water coming from? Are you packing it in or filtering? And what’s your plan for human waste and trash?
• Example: If you’re not near a reliable water source, you need to pack enough or have a robust filter/purifier. For waste, know if you need to pack it out (like in some desert areas) or dig a cat hole.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): What critters live there? How far is the nearest town or ranger station? Will your phone work?
• Example: Know bear safety if you’re in bear country. Carry a satellite communicator if you’re heading deep into the backcountry where cell service is spotty. It’s cheap insurance.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

This is your game plan once you’re at the trailhead or looking for a spot. Keep it simple, keep it moving.

1. Confirm location: Double-check your GPS against your map. Did you arrive at the right spot?

• Good: You’re exactly where you intended to be, ready to set up.
• Mistake: Relying solely on a digital map without cross-referencing a physical one or landmark. You could be miles off.

2. Assess the immediate area: Look for hazards like dead trees (widowmakers), unstable ground, or signs of recent animal activity.

• Good: You’ve picked a safe, flat spot away from obvious dangers.
• Mistake: Setting up camp directly under a large dead branch. A strong gust of wind could be serious trouble.

3. Establish your tent site: Find the flattest, most durable surface available. Avoid fragile vegetation.

• Good: A comfortable spot that won’t damage the environment.
• Mistake: Setting up on a patch of moss or delicate wildflowers. It’ll be dead by the time you leave.

4. Set up shelter: Get your tent up and secure it properly.

• Good: Tent is taut, stakes are driven in well, and it can withstand some wind.
• Mistake: Leaving tent stakes loose or not using all the guy lines. A sudden storm can turn your tent into a kite.

5. Organize gear: Unpack essentials and keep your campsite tidy. Store food properly.

• Good: Everything has its place, and your food is secured from critters.
• Mistake: Leaving food or scented items scattered around the campsite. This invites unwanted visitors.

6. Water sourcing/treatment: If you need water, now’s the time to get it. Filter or treat as needed.

• Good: You have clean, safe drinking water ready to go.
• Mistake: Drinking untreated water from a questionable source. A few hours of stomach issues is a bad way to spend your trip.

7. Prepare cooking area: Set up your stove and cooking gear away from your tent and flammable materials.

• Good: A safe, stable spot for cooking that won’t start a fire.
• Mistake: Cooking too close to your tent or dry grass. A runaway spark is a disaster.

8. Waste disposal: Dig your cathole (if applicable) or prepare your waste bags. Pack out everything.

• Good: All waste is managed according to LNT principles.
• Mistake: Burying trash or leaving food scraps. Animals can get sick, and it degrades the area.

9. Secure camp for the night: Double-check food storage, tidy up, and ensure all gear is put away.

• Good: Your camp is secure, clean, and ready for you to relax.
• Mistake: Leaving cooking pots with food residue outside. Bears love that smell.

10. Final site assessment: Take one last look around. Is anything out of place? Is it truly LNT?

• Good: You feel confident your site is as good as, or better than, when you arrived.
• Mistake: Rushing the process and missing something small that could have an impact.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Ignoring fire restrictions	Fines, jail time, and a wildfire that destroys everything.	Always check current fire restrictions for the specific area. Have a backup cooking plan (stove).
Setting up camp in a dry creek bed	Flash floods can happen even without rain directly overhead.	Camp on higher ground, well away from natural drainage channels.
Not securing food properly	Bears, raccoons, mice, and other critters raiding your camp, potentially damaging gear.	Use bear canisters, hang bear bags, or store food in your vehicle (if allowed and appropriate).
Leaving trash behind	Ugly campsites, animals getting sick, and long-term environmental damage.	Pack it in, pack it out. Every single wrapper, every piece of food.
Not checking road conditions	Getting stuck, damaging your vehicle, or having to turn back miles from your goal.	Research road conditions, talk to locals, and know your vehicle’s limits (AWD, clearance).
Setting up camp on fragile vegetation	Killing plants, creating bare spots that erode, and ruining the natural beauty.	Camp on durable surfaces like rock, gravel, or established sites.
Not telling someone your plans	If something goes wrong, nobody knows where to look for you.	Leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, including expected return time.
Ignoring wildlife safety protocols	Dangerous encounters with animals that can injure you or the animal.	Learn about local wildlife, maintain distance, and store food properly. Never feed wild animals.
Not having a water plan	Dehydration, illness from untreated water, or running out of water entirely.	Carry enough water or have a reliable filter/purifier and know where to source water.
Using a camp stove too close to the tent	Melting tent fabric or, worse, starting a fire.	Always cook on a stable surface away from flammable materials and your shelter.
Not having adequate communication	Inability to call for help in an emergency.	Carry a satellite messenger or PLB in remote areas. Know your cell service limitations.
Disregarding Leave No Trace principles	Degrading natural areas, impacting wildlife, and ruining the experience for others.	Familiarize yourself with and practice all seven LNT principles. Leave it better than you found it.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If the fire danger is “high” or “extreme,” then do not have any open fires because it’s a major wildfire risk.
• If the forecast calls for heavy rain or snow, then double-check your tent’s waterproof rating and stake it down extra well because you don’t want a leaky shelter.
• If you’re in bear country, then always store food and scented items in a bear-resistant container or hang them properly because bears are attracted to smells and can be dangerous.
• If the road to your intended campsite looks impassable for your vehicle, then find an alternative or turn back because getting stuck is a bad start to any trip.
• If you find an established campsite that’s already in good shape, then use it and leave it clean because it’s better than creating a new impact.
• If you need water from a natural source, then always filter or treat it because untreated water can contain harmful bacteria and parasites.
• If you’re unsure about the legality of dispersed camping in an area, then check with the land management agency (USFS, BLM, etc.) before you go because you don’t want to get a ticket.
• If you plan to travel in remote areas without cell service, then carry a satellite communication device because it’s your lifeline if something goes wrong.
• If the weather is changing rapidly, then be prepared to adjust your plans or seek shelter because safety comes first.
• If you’re unsure about local wildlife, then do some research beforehand and know what to do if you encounter animals because ignorance can lead to trouble.
• If your campsite is on a slope, then position your tent so your head is uphill because it’s more comfortable to sleep.
• If you’re unsure about the condition of a trail, then ask a ranger or check recent reports because a seemingly easy trail can become treacherous after a storm.

FAQ

How many Dick’s Sporting Goods stores are there?

As of recent counts, there are over 700 Dick’s Sporting Goods locations across the United States. They also operate several specialty stores like Field & Stream and Public Lands.

Can I find camping gear at Dick’s?

Absolutely. Dick’s Sporting Goods is a major retailer for camping equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, stoves, and apparel.

Does Dick’s Sporting Goods have an online store?

Yes, they have a robust online presence where you can purchase a wide range of their products. It’s a great option if you can’t make it to a physical store.

What’s the difference between Dick’s Sporting Goods and Field & Stream?

Field & Stream stores are a specialty brand owned by Dick’s, often focusing more heavily on hunting, fishing, and firearms. Public Lands stores are newer and emphasize outdoor recreation and sustainability.

Are Dick’s stores only in certain states?

No, Dick’s Sporting Goods has a widespread presence throughout the United States, with stores in most major metropolitan areas and many smaller towns.

Do they offer services like equipment repair?

While they sell a lot of gear, specific repair services can vary by location. It’s best to check with your local store or their website for details on what services they offer.

What kind of brands can I expect to find?

You’ll find a mix of their own house brands and popular outdoor brands like The North Face, Columbia, Yeti, and many others.

Is it easy to find a Dick’s store near me?

Yes, their website has a store locator tool that makes it very simple to find the nearest location based on your zip code or city.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific campsite reservation systems and booking windows.
• Detailed local regulations for specific parks or wilderness areas.
• In-depth gear reviews or comparisons.
• Advanced backcountry survival techniques.
• Local wildlife identification guides.
• Current weather forecasts for remote locations (always check a reliable source).