Camping is an adventurous and fantastic experience. 1000 feet above sea level, no phones, no deadlines, no stress, no metropolitan chaos - simply absorbing the serenity, fragrance of damp mud after rain, golden orange sunrise, pink sunsets, blossoming flora and fauna, chirping and squeaking wildlife, the vastness of the cool blue sky. This description fits the perfect campsite location. Doesn’t it? Now, the thing is that you have to know the best ways to choose a suitable campsite. Here’s how to do it:

Planning

The first step is to start planning the activities and stopovers during your camping adventure. Be alert and keep an eye out for suitable locations on the way where you can set up your tent and relax.

Make sure you choose solid ground as the base of your tent - there's no point setting up camp if your tent is going to be moving around!

  • The valleys and hollows are going to be dampest, foggiest and coldest spaces.
  • The campers would need to start hunting for an ideal campsite 2-3 hours before dusk.
  • Unload your pack as you begin searching a campsite, because things take time as we rarely settle for the first spot that appears before our eyes.
  • Apart from the packed water in your bags, campers would need to choose a site which is less than 200 feet away from a water source such as a lake or a creek, as these should be within easy reach.
  • Foresee any potential perils surrounding your location. Avoid sitting under the dangling branch of a tree, or going towards places with a history of rockslides or floods.
  • There are plenty of reasons to stay in the hills during pleasant weather. Cold air accumulates in the valley area. Breezy places have fewer bugs. The blowing wind lowers the condensation in the atmosphere. This results in a spectacular mountain view and also paves the way for early sunshine.
  • Welcome to nature’s furniture store. Rocks, boulders and collapsed trees can serve as tables and chairs for everyone.
  • Sunrays on the face. If the weather conditions permit, ensure that the door of the tent is facing the east direction to enjoy an abundance of fresh sunlight in the morning.
  • If you love going for camping during winters, do not build up a bonfire or set up a camp around the trees with snowy branches.
  • Avoid setting up your tent around tall grass meadows since they are home to ticks, ants, and other bugs.
  • Always make sure the ground of your campsite is raised, as elevation is safer than the depression that can accumulate water in case of rain.
  • If you are running short of time, choose an already established campsite which is comparatively convenient.
  • Have you ever heard of ‘Low-Impact Camping’? Well, if you are well-acquainted with this theme, then go for it, as now is the time to start practicing this technique. If you are new to it, then please research well before taking the plunge.
  • At times, campsites could also be closed due to past abuse. Be prepared and search elsewhere for better options.
  • Remember, the best camp locations are always discovered, not created.

A camper is an enthusiastic and determined soul that craves for more thrill, risk and adventures than an ordinary soul can handle.