Frequently asked questions

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an international game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache anywhere in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache’s existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS unit can then try to locate the geocache.

Where can I find a list of Geocaching terms?

Just visit our glossary!

If I have the GPS coordinates of a cache, isn't finding it too easy

Not always! And that's part of the fun of geocaching. Remember that GPS devices are only accurate to within (at most!) a few meters. So even with the GPS coordinates the best you can hope for is to get close to the location of the cache. After that it's up to you to use your whits to find the caches. Also some caches are camouflaged or incredibly small and well hidden.

Are there any rules?

  1. If you take something from the cache, leave something of equal or greater value
  2. Write about your find in the cache logbook
  3. Log your experience at www.geocaching.com

What is usually in a cache? At a minimum, a cache always contains a logbook. The logbook contains information from the owner of the cache, notes from visitors and can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information. In smaller caches, a logsheet may be used instead of a logbook Larger caches may contain a logbook and any number of more or less valuable items. These items turn the cache into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the owner or other visitors of the cache may have left there for you to enjoy. Remember, if you take something, it is only fair for you to leave something in return. It is recommended that items in a cache be individually packaged in a clear, zipped plastic bag to protect them from the elements. Quite often you may also find a trackable item. Groundspeak Trackables come in two types: Groundspeak Travel Bugs®, and official Geocoins. (buy some Trackables here!)

  1. A Groundspeak Travel Bug is a trackable tag that you attach to an item, and which travels from cache to cache with the help of people like you. Each tag is etched with a unique code which the finder can use to log its travels on this website. Every Travel Bug has a goal given by its owner, so if you think you can help it along on its journey feel free to take it with you.
  2. Geocoins are special trackable coins created by other Geocachers to commemorate special events or as a signature item to leave in caches. They function exactly like Travel Bugs and should be moved to another cache unless otherwise specified by their owners. The variety of different geocoins is staggering!

More information about Travel Bugs and Geocoins can be found on the Groundspeak Trackables page.

Where are caches found?

It is common for geocachers to hide caches in locations that are important to them, reflecting a special interest or skill of the cache owner. These unique locations on the planet can be quite diverse. Make sure to read the cache descriptions carefully, especially the difficulty and terrain ratings as some cache finds can be technical and physically challenging. For instance, a cache located on the side of a rocky cliff accessible only by rock climbing equipment may be hard to find. An underwater cache may only be accessed by SCUBA. Other caches may require long difficult hiking, orienteering and special equipment. Caches may be located in cities both above and below ground, and outside of buildings. Even the skillful placement of a small logbook in an urban environment may be quite challenging to find even with the accuracy of a GPS. Have fun and remember to share your geocaching experiences online.

Can I move a cache once I find it?

No, always replace a cache exactly where you found it. If the cache was hidden by leaves, rocks, or other things please replace those also. If you feel that the cache may not be located in the correct location, please email the cache owner directly or post a log on the cache detail page, notifying the owner of your concern. It is an owner's responsibility to maintain cache placement.

Are there any variations in the game?

Yes! Geocaching is an activity that continues to evolve and mature with community commitment and participation. If you have a new idea that incorporates the use of GPS, we would love to hear about it. Visit our Forums section and post your ideas!

What do I do if I find out that a cache has gone missing?

If you visit a cache location and the cache is missing, make sure to log the cache online as one that you "Did Not Find" so the cache owner is notified. Cache owners who repeatedly receive "Did Not Find" logs should check to see that their cache has not been removed. As a geocacher, if you notice that a cache detail page has an unusual number of "Did Not Find" logs, please let the local reviewer know or contact us. We rely on the geocaching community to let us know the status of caches in their area. Some parts of this FAQ are copied directly from the official Groundspeak FAQ.