Clearing out human strongholds across post-apocalyptic Oregon is one of the most rewarding activities for players exploring Days Gone. Confronting Marauders and Rippers in these fortified bases eliminates dangerous roadside traps while expanding your safe travel network. Mastering these strategic encounters ensures steady access to vital crafting recipes and key map markers.
Why Clearing Ambush Camps Is Essential in Days Gone
Infiltrating and neutralizing an ambush camp immediately clears the surrounding fog of war from your world map. This reveal highlights nearby NERO research sites, hidden collectibles, and Freaker infestation zones. Furthermore, secured camps serve as reliable fast travel destinations equipped with beds and gun lockers.
Defeating the hostiles inside each perimeter also awards valuable crafting schematics for specialized weapons and utility items. Players gain essential recipes like upgraded crossbow bolts, which greatly enhance stealth tactics against tough targets. Additionally, earning trust and credits with local survivor encampments makes these tactical raids worth every spent bullet.
Northern Map Regions: Cascades and Belknap Camps
The starting region of Cascades features three distinct ambush camps hidden within its dense forests. Players will encounter the Cascade Radio Tower camp during early story tasks, while the Jefferson Rail Tunnel and Horse Creek camps sit farther north and southeast. Neutralizing these sites provides an early advantage in resources and weapon modifications.
Heading west into the arid desert terrain of Belknap reveals three more fortified positions run by Marauders and Rippers. The Bear Creek Hot Springs camp guards the northern boundary, whereas the Belknap Caves camp sits tucked away in the east. Further southwest, players must navigate rocky elevation to wipe out the heavily defended Black Crater camp.
Central Map Regions: Lost Lake and Iron Butte Camps
Moving into the central wilderness of Lost Lake brings players face to face with two additional hostile outposts. The Berley Lake camp occupies a wooded position in the south, requiring careful movement through heavy cover. Farther east, the Deerborn camp features multiple entry points that reward tactical flanks against entrenched shooters.
The desolate region of Iron Butte contains two aggressive Ripper camps positioned along critical road links. Up north, the Wagon Road camp obstructs transit into neighboring territory with traps and armed guards. Meanwhile, the Redwood RV Park camp in the southwest demands caution due to heavily armored enemies and snipers.
Southern Map Regions: Crater Lake and Highway 97 Camps
Entering the southern expanse introduces four final ambush camps distributed evenly across Crater Lake and Highway 97. In Crater Lake, the Spruce Lake camp overlaps with a NERO checkpoint in the southwest, while the Cascade Lakes Railway camp sits near snowy tracks. Clearing both areas establishes crucial footholds in high-threat territory.
Highway 97 houses the last two strongholds needed to fully complete your survival map. The Aspen Butte camp overlooks the region from an elevated northern position above Chemult. Deep within the southeastern marshlands, the Bare Bay camp presents a muddy battlefield full of concealed defenders.
Locating the Underground Bunkers and Claiming Rewards
Eliminating all hostile forces in a camp is only the first phase of securing the area. Players must locate the hidden underground bunker hatch hidden within the camp perimeter to finalize their victory. Smoke rising from campfires or distinct structures often leads directly to these subterranean shelters.
Descending into the bunker allows Deacon to interact with the central tactical map on the table. Inspecting this map permanently updates your journal and marks every major point of interest nearby. Completing all fourteen camps unlocks powerful gear bonuses and grants the Ambush Camp Hunter trophy.
