Choosing a Camp Site

Selecting Camp Sites There are several factors to consider in choosing perfect camp sites.

What Is the Camp Site Near?

If you are at a public campground, consider the proximity of your site both to services and other campers. Find a site that is near any facilities such as bathrooms or faucets. On the other hand, you may want to avoid neighboring camp sites that show evidence of noisy children or pets, or that are playing loud music or television. If you have the chance to select your site from a map before arriving, a safe bet is a wooded site far from other campers but as near as possible to the restrooms. If you are backpacking in the woods, look for a site that is fairly near a water source. Even if the water is not drinkable, you can still boil it or wash with it.

The Lay of the Land for Camp Sites

If you are tent camping, find a level area for your tent that is not littered with immoveable stones or roots. Good camp sites should also be far from any water run-off paths from nearby hills, which can flood your tent if the weather changes to rain. Also make sure the site does not get too much direct wind, and look above you to check for dead branches or trees that could get knocked down on you.

Good camp sites not only provide convenience, but also help ensure your safety.