Land Features
Inaccessibility to the Location: If you want to enjoy a peaceful camping experience, you have to get at least a mile away from any roads or parking lots. This will automatically eliminate any vehicle camping sites, which is great if you want a natural wilderness setting & experience.
- Statistically, you will be much safer when camping away from parking lots and roads. Most criminals will not walk more than 10 minutes from a public location to commit a crime.
- Do not camp right off a trail. Find a spot at least 100 feet away. You are less likely to be disturbed by hikers and animals that frequent the trails searching for food.
Elevation: Find elevated ground that will allow for good drainage. If it rains heavily you are less likely to be caught in a flood.
- If you are in a mountainous area, you will find a lot less ticks, mosquitoes, and other annoying insects at elevations above 4,000 feet where it is often cooler; however, finding water at higher elevations can be more difficult.
- Avoid camping in lower land during the colder months because colder air collects at lower elevations.
Wind: We often camp in open and breezy areas in the warmer months. This usually provides a good view and keeps the mosquitoes away. However, keep in mind that the summer months may often bring sudden & unexpected storms.
- A slight wind is helpful, but you don’t want to set-up your tent facing into a strong breeze. The location should allow for a slight breeze to help you stay comfortable, keep your tent dry from condensation, reduce flying insects, and help keep a camp fire going.
- Most wind occurs from the west, so you can usually find a good location on the east or south side of hills or trees. This is especially important in the summer months when sudden & unexpected storms bring high winds & rain.
- A tent facing east will catch the first rays of sun in the morning, helping you to wake naturally and dry your tent from any condensation.
Environmental Hazards
- Avoid locations near large boulders and falling rocks.
- Stay away from dry river gullies as a localized storm will quickly flood these areas.
- Do not set-up shelter underneath dead or dying trees. If a strong wind or storm occurs, the branches are likely to drop on your tent.
Flat Ground: The ground should be relatively level with well-drained soil.
- Ensure there is a large enough area to support your tent free from rocks, stumps, and roots.
- If the ground is sloped, arrange your tent so that you will sleep with your head elevated.
Water
Water Sources: Ideally, you want to camp near a slow moving water source, such as a spring. Spring water is usually cleaner and quieter. Drinking from river water (even after treating) is usually not recommended. On the flip side, insects will be much less near fast moving water sources as it is not conducive for breeding.
- Keep about 200 feet away from any water source so you do not contaminate the source. Mosquitoes and other bugs tend to be much more prevalent near water sources (especially stagnant).
- Animals will be more active near water sources. You don’t want the sound of the water to be so loud that you can not hear the wildlife around you – in the case of many rivers & creeks.
Impact
Camp Shoes: Remove your hiking boots once you select your campsite. Boots are heavy and create depressions in the earth. Put on crocks or other light weight camp shoes when moving around.
Rare Vegetation: Do not disturb or camp near rare plants, on alpine areas, or other sensitive vegetation. It can take years for these areas to recover.
Fires: Do not make a fire unless it is permitted in the area. Fires are usually permitted in national forests, but not always. If fires are permitted, burn only dead wood and burn in an existing fire ring. We see signs of people sawing off branches of live trees in desperation of finding firewood. This is not only terrible to the tree, but worthless for a fire as live wood is extremely difficult to burn. If no fire ring is present, build up a ring with rocks. Be sure to put the rocks back where you found them once you leave the campsite.
Leave No Trace: Remember to practice the leave no trace ethics when camping. This is particularly important in primitive areas. Remove all traces of your site so there is no evidence that you ever camped there.
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