Trying to pick the perfect campsite is hard, especially when you’re dispersed camping or camping off-trail.
I thought it might be helpful to put together a list of the things I look for when picking the perfect campsite. Hopefully you all can take something from it!
Here are some things to look for when you’re deciding on the perfect spot to pitch your tent.
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Pick the Perfect Campsite Location
Pitching a tent is a lot like buying a house–location matters.
Where you decide to set up camp can depend on a number of things.
Are you looking for a campground with other campers? Or are you wanting a couple miles between you and the next living soul?
Pick a spot that feels comfortable for you. Camping isn’t fun if you aren’t feeling good.
The best part about camping is that you can do it anywhere, so find a nice meadow or a spot down by the river and do your thing.
There is no right way or wrong way to do it, and any spot that calls to you will do just fine.
(Note: Water levels can rise so use caution when camping near bodies of water.)
Think About Convenience
I know camping isn’t supposed to be about convenience, but I do still feel convenience comes into play when you’re out under the stars.
Can I pull my car up to the campsite?
How long is the hike to get to the location?
Can I use dead and downed wood or do I have to bring my own?
Do they provide picnic tables and fire pits, or is it fend for yourself?
These are some of the questions that I ask when I’m trying to decide where to camp and what to pack.
Camping should be fun, not a stress-inducing nightmare.
Convenient camping is easy camping, so take the wins when you can get them.
Pick the Perfect Campsite Terrain
When picking the perfect campsite, I like to look for a spot that is flat, free of debris, and somewhere shady.
Make sure to check for branches that could come loose in the wind and fall on your tent.
Tents can be set up virtually anywhere, but it’s good to look for a soft spot of grass–to help cushion the bottom of your tent–and a spot where the ground is soft enough to get your tent stakes in the dirt without struggling. Take it from us, it’s really easy to bend a tent stake if the ground isn’t right.
Judging the right terrain for your tent is just as much about protecting your tent as it is keeping you comfortable.
If you plan on camping somewhere rocky or rough (or you just want to keep your tent in good shape) it might be a good idea to have a footprint for the underside of your tent as an extra layer of protection.
Think About Safety
Safety is always the most important thing when you are camping.
Is the campground in a safe area? Or are people going to mess with your tent at night?
Are there bears or other large animals that may cause problems?
Are there loose rocks that could dislodge and come crashing down onto your tent?
When you pick the perfect campsite, always remember to keep safety in mind.
Thanks for Reading!
Camping/hiking is all about adventure, but at the end of the day you have to put your tent down somewhere.
It’s better to go in with a plan so you know you’ll be resting your head somewhere safe and comfortable at night.
Thanks for reading, and we hope our post has helped you learn something new!
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Happy camping!
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