A camping, hiking or backpacking trip can be a lot of fun, but there are also a lot of things that can make it less enjoyable. One of the most important things that you will do is to choose the right campsite. Setting up camp in the wrong place can ruin what would otherwise be a perfect excursion. There is a lot that you will need to consider before choosing an area to set up your camp. Here are some tips that will help you to find the perfect campsite.
Determine your sleeping arrangements
The first thing to think about is what kind of camp you are going to set up. Will you use a hammock or will you be setting up a freestanding tent? If you plan to use a hammock, you’ll need to find an area that has trees for suspending the hammock. They should be large enough to support the weight of the hammock with you in it.
Why a few trees in the campsite come in handy
The presence of trees are not as important if you have a freestanding tent, but they do offer some protection from the rain and wind. They also come in handy for stringing up tarps in inclement weather, or for hanging a clothes line. Trees also offer shade when the sun is hot, and they can help you to stay cooler when the weather outside is hot.
Choosing the right terrain
Ideally, the campsite that you choose will have flat areas. It’s difficult to set up a tent if you don’t have a flat surface to set it up. Try to find a site that has at least a few flat spots for setting up your sleeping accommodations.
If you’re tenting, it becomes very important to have a flat spot that is relatively free of sharp rocks, tree roots and other obstacles that are difficult to remove. These are things that can not only cause damage to your tent floor, they will rob you of a comfortable night’s sleep.
Camp away from water sources
There are a few good reasons why you should make your campsite a good distance from any water source. The first is because mosquitoes tend to be worse around wet areas. These annoying insects inflict bites that can cause swelling and uncomfortable itching. In addition, they are known to carry disease that may be transmitted to humans.
The second reason for camping away from creeks and other streams is because of the flood danger. The weather may be beautiful at your campsite, but you don’t know what’s happening higher up. Severe rainstorms at higher elevations can cause flash flooding to occur. It’s dangerous to camp too close to a river or stream in the wilderness. If there is a water source near where your campsite will be, find an area that is on a higher plane than the stream. Even if you’re a distance from a creek, if the terrain is flat, you could be flooded out and it can happen quickly.
Check the weather before you make your trip
As you are planning your trip, you’ll have a better idea of what kind of campsite will work best for you if you can anticipate the weather conditions. If the wind is going to blow or if there is rain in the forecast, find an area that offers some shelter & don’t forget to carry your waterproof tent or hammock. Trees and shrubs, or behind a rock formation could give you the additional shelter from the elements that will make your campsite a more enjoyable place to be.
Inspect the area for pests
There is little worse than setting up a campsite, only to find that it’s near a colony of fire ants or a bee hive. It’s difficult to relax and enjoy yourself when there is an ever present source of trouble nearby. It’s worth the extra time and effort to thoroughly inspect the area before you make your final choice. Ants, bees and mosquitoes can ruin a good time very fast.
Final thoughts
Selecting the right place to set up your camp is one of the most important parts of your trip. Setting up in the wrong place can lead to calamity. When you’re all set in the perfect spot, your excursion will be far more enjoyable. This is why you need to think ahead, determine your needs and scout it out before you choose the place for setting up your campsite.
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