How to find a good campsite: a guide

How to find a good campsite: a guide

While there are some things you just can't plan for when camping, it's important to know how to find a good campsite

When I was little, my dad told a “funny” story about the first time he went camping in Wales with my mom. They camped out on a dry river bed and slept comfortably after a hearty meal.

Unfortunately the weather in Wales can change, so they woke up in a riverbed that had now become a river. My father chuckled as he told the story. My mother would look on far less impressed, to say the least. They don’t camp much anymore.

This was my first time camping with Kia and I thought I had covered everything (beautiful beach in the South Pacific - what could go wrong?). While there are some things you just can't plan for when camping, it's important to know how to find a good campsite.

How to find a good campsite

After decades of camping on multiple continents in all conditions and terrain, I've put together some simple steps that should ensure you have a great night under the stars.

Whether you take your girlfriend with you is entirely up to you.

Choose a flat surface

The first and most obvious thing to ensure a comfortable night's sleep is to pitch your tent on level ground. Unfortunately, nature is not always accommodating. So if you have to pitch on a slope, position your tent so that you can sleep with your head on top of the slope. A slightly sloping floor helps avoid puddles if it rains. And it often does.

Check the surface

Rocks, roots, branches, debris and stones are ingredients for a torn groundsheet and an uncomfortable sleep. It's okay to clear your area, but try to use a little common sense. If it doesn't look good, then it probably isn't good. Try to find a clean surface that is free of dirt first and save yourself the hassle.

Find shelter or windbreak

Finding a natural windbreak for your pitch will make life a lot easier - especially when setting up your tent. Hedges, fences, large boulders, ledges or small stands of trees provide protection from the wind. Just make sure you don't camp under a possible rockfall!

But beware of trees

Camping in the South Pacific brought with it a new and unexpected threat: falling coconuts! The last thing you want is a painful wake-up call, a destroyed tent and a trip to the hospital.

Trees can provide shelter from wind, but be aware that a single tall tree can be a beacon for a lightning strike. Dense stands of trees, all of similar heights, in a relatively low area away from water provide the best protection from lightning. If you are camping in the winter, avoid camping under trees that have snow on their branches.

alt=“how-to-find-a-good-campsite-2″>

Think about access to your water supply

You should always practice gentle camping and avoid contaminating water supplies. So when wild camping, always position yourself at least 200 feet from your water supply.

However, easy access to water is essential, so don't set up too far away either. At a campsite, don't be tempted to park too close to the water supply as this is a busy area. Just try to fill everything at once to minimize the number of trips.

Avoid compacted soil

Don't choose a spot just because others have camped there. When people camp in the same spot over and over again, the ground underneath becomes compacted. This can be bad news if it rains heavily.

You may find your campsite suddenly flooded as the compacted area fills with water. Don't pitch your tent in one of these overused dens, or any den at all!

Near the toilet or far away?

The worst thing about camping is getting up in the middle of the night and having to walk to the toilet block (if you're lucky enough to have one). The ablution blocks are usually the busiest area. So if you don't want people walking past your tent all night, pitch a good distance away. Just prepare for a long cold walk at night.

If you're wild camping, make sure your waste has as little impact on the environment as possible - always bury everything.

alt=“how-to-find-a-good-campsite-1″>

Look at the sun

Personally, I like to thaw out in my tent as morning breaks. So if you're like me and want the morning sun to warm you up, make sure your campsite faces south (in the northern hemisphere).

If you plan to spend time in your tent during the day, make sure you have some shade. A tent can easily turn into a sauna during the hottest part of the day.

alt=“how-to-find-a-good-campsite-5″>Atlas & Boots

Be aware of environmental hazards

Is your campsite safe from hazards such as falling rocks, flash floods, high water or avalanches? As previously mentioned, natural windbreaks can be very useful, but they also come with their own dangers.

You need to be aware of the local environment and not camp in a place where you could get injured or worse, especially in the wild where there may be no help for miles.

Good campsites are found, not made

This goes hand in hand with many of the above. Remember that we go camping to enjoy nature in all its beauty and splendor. Always remember your local environment and try to leave it exactly as you find it.

If you are wild camping, this is especially important. Try to show up late, leave early and of course leave no trace.

Happy camping!
.