The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Campsite
Choosing the perfect campsite requires careful inspection and consideration. You want to ensure your tent is away from any dangerous areas and that you’re not contaminating the water with waste, trampling on fragile vegetation, creating new paths, or damaging the ecosystem.
Start looking for a spot for at least an hour — preferably two — before dark. This will give you more time to scout hazards and find the best campsite possible.
Accessibility and Amenities
Whether glamping in an RV or cowboy camping with your tent, you want to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. Consider a campsite with amenities like when you book a campsite NH that will help make your camp experience enjoyable, such as accessible trails, bathrooms, and parking.
ADA-compliant campsites also offer adaptive accessories which add power to manual wheelchairs for off-road hiking or adaptive cooking utensils for those with limited mobility. These accommodations will make your trip more fun, less stressful, and safer.
Finally, look for campsites that adhere to Leave No Trace principles. This means traveling on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly, and not expanding impacted ground or vegetation. Following these tips, you can find the perfect campsite for your next outdoor adventure.
Privacy and Noise Levels
A suitable campsite can allow you to unplug from the noise and stresses of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Choose a spot away from roads or other high-traffic areas for more privacy and peace. Some campgrounds also set rules regarding noise levels and what times of the day they consider it a nuisance. Some neighbors may not mind some noise during the day but might not tolerate loud music or conversations in the evenings and early mornings.
Additionally, look for a site that offers ample distance from your neighbor’s campsite and natural barriers like bushes or trees for more privacy and peace. Respecting others’ privacy and keeping noise levels at a reasonable volume will contribute to a positive camping experience for everyone.
Natural Features
Whether glamping in an RV, pitching a tent, or cowboy camping under the stars, your campsite can make or break your outdoor adventure. Here’s how to choose a camp that aligns with your preferences and activities and sets you up for success.
For example, if you enjoy water activities, look for campsites near lakes, rivers, or trails with breathtaking views. If you value comfort, find a flat area to camp on that’s away from others and protected by tree breaks. This prevents the site from becoming a wind tunnel and improves airflow through your tent for a comfortable night of sleep.
Avoid camping in low spots on the ground, as these are prone to flooding during rainstorms. It’s also best to avoid areas where previous hikers have impacted, as compacted surfaces will slow water draining.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important factors when choosing a campsite. You want to ensure the camp is large enough to accommodate your equipment and group size and offers a safe camping environment.
For example, look for shaded sites to avoid being woken up by the sun rising and keep your campsite away from hiking trails or roads where you might be exposed to more activity. Also, consider if your camp has fire restrictions or if you are in a bear country and need to be extra cautious with food.
Finally, practice the core Leave No Trace principles of traveling and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste responsibly, and leaving what you find. This will protect the natural environment and ensure a pleasant camping experience for everyone!
Seasonal Considerations
A few seasonal considerations will help ensure that your camping experience is positive. For example, when selecting a campsite, it’s wise to be close to water if it becomes necessary to haul drinking water back and forth (plus, being closer reduces the risk of carrying mosquito-breeding standing water on your back).
On the other hand, if the forecast calls for high winds, ensure your site is protected by boulders or trees or located along the edge of a forest so you don’t end up sleeping like a sauna during gusty conditions. Finally, avoid low spots that may fill with rainwater or are exposed to flash flooding in a thunderstorm.
Lastly, be mindful of any poisonous plants or trees near your campsite. Remember that the wilderness is finite, and by leaving a campsite looking like it was camped in previously, you’re minimizing your impact on those that follow.