Picking the Right Camping Location for Your Crew
Whether you are an avid camper or a once-a-year outdoor enthusiast, the experience is very much the same. Camping is about getting back to nature, sleeping under the stars, eating outside, campfires, and more. Overall, it’s a good time for all if you prepare for your season and have the right gear.
But one thing that is often overlooked is finding the right camping spot. Usually, you’ll pick a venue and take whatever they give you. If you are roughing it even further, you may select your own secluded location. Either way, there are some things that you’ll want to consider to make your experience the best it can be.
Top 6 Features of a Good Camping Spot
Flat Surface
This is one of the most essential and easiest overlooked features of a good camping spot. A level space makes it easier to pitch your tent and makes getting a good night’s sleep possible. If you make your camp on an uneven plot of land, there’s a good chance you will wake up shoved into the corner of your tent – or running into your tentmate. In addition to the surface being flat, you’ll want to avoid any rocks or other sharp protrusions in the ground that could bother you in the night or even puncture your tent.
Sun or Shade
Depending on the climate you are camping in, finding proper shade could differentiate between comfort and necessity. At the very least, a sunny location will be unpleasant in the morning as the sun will wake you up and raise the temperature in your tent significantly. In warmer and dryer climates, finding shade is necessary for any form of comfort and can even be a safety issue.
Trees
Finding a camping spot with good shade typically includes trees, as they are a natural barrier in the woods. But, you will want to take a look at the trees and make sure that you are not pitching a tent underneath a dead limb that is prime to fall. A branch that is barely hanging onto a tree may only need a slight ground disturbance – like you walking around – to finally let loose. There’s no reason to tempt fate.
Give Animals Space
There’s no reason to give any local animals a reason to visit you at night – especially more concerning animals like bears. Don’t park your tent on a game trail, as it will likely be traveled on at night. In addition to putting yourself in danger, you are disrupting the natural flow of the wildlife in the area. You will also want to make sure you are properly storing and sealing all of your food. Leaving treats out is a surefire way to attract unwanted animal attention.
Give Yourself Space
There’s nothing better when it comes to enjoying the outdoors than having room to spread out and enjoy yourself. Indeed, there are factions of the population that enjoy getting to know the occupants of adjacent campsites. But adding a buffer, even from friends, can make your time in the woods more enjoyable. Privacy when out in the woods is essential as well, for various reasons.
Prepare for Bugs
No matter where you camp, it’s likely that bugs will want a piece of the action. Avoiding sources of water and keeping everything sealed will help, but you may want further protection. Depending on how you feel about sprays, it can be an option to avoid getting bit all night. But again, the location and preparation of your area can help a lot on this front.
Enjoying the Outdoors
No matter what your location looks ends up being, it’s important to remember that you are in the woods – so enjoy your time. Getting caught up in something not being perfect is an excellent way to ruin the trip for yourself. And if you need to get away from your getaway, there are many campgrounds equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi to allow you to check in on the connected world.
