How To Find A Great Campsite

One aspect of camping that most people don’t give a lot of thought to is finding a good campsite. If you’re camping in a prepared campground this won’t be much of an issue, but a lot of people like to camp out in the woods, and finding a good spot to camp in is definitely an issue. Let’s take a look at what sorts of things you should look for.

The most important thing to look for in a potential campsite is a reasonable stretch of level ground. How large it needs to be will depend on a few factors, but try to find a spot that is at least 15 square yards. If it is somewhat clear of trees and growth, even better.

Reasonably clear means as little growth, rocks and trees as possible. You’ll probably never find a spot that is completely clear, but look around a bit until you find something good. You also want the spot to be level – you don’t want your tent mate to be laying on top of you all night because you both keep sliding down to the low end of the tent.

One way to find a good camp spot is to keep an eye out for existing fire rings. If someone has already built a fire ring, then chances are good that they were able to set up camp there and you should be able to as well. In addition, using existing fire rings and campsites reduces the amount of work you’ll have to do in setting up, and minimizes the impact you’ll have on the area.

Another thing to consider in a campsite is the weather forecast for the days you’ll be camping. If it is going to be windy or rain heavily, you’ll want keep that in mind. Having some trees or a large hill near your campsite can help shelter from wind, and if the rainfall is going to be significant, then looking for high ground will definitely be beneficial. You don’t want to camp on low ground and get flooded in the middle of the night.

Another thing to keep in mind is to look out for evidence of animals or insects. Setting up camp next to a bear cave or on top of a bee’s next would not be a pleasant experience. The chances of anything catastrophic happening are slim, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind.

Follow these instructions well and you’ll not only find a great campsite without too much trouble, but you’ll be able to enjoy your trip even more.