Many first time campers fail in regards to selection of a good campsite. Many have stated that in a campground, you have to set up camp in the space that is provided. While that is true, you usually have a choice in which campsite you register for. We avoid the campgrounds that do not allow us to look at the campsite before we register.
As of this writing, there are many campgrounds that are converting to a telephone or online-based registration. With this system, you must register for a specific site number that you select from a map on the website. This system does not allow you to switch campsites after you make your reservation. We have made a list of sites that are acceptable for the campgrounds we frequent, but it is a very real problem for new areas. Most campgrounds still maintain an area that is for walk-ins and no reservation is required here. In these areas it is still possible to go in and select a site, then come back to the office to register.
The same problem exists in many state and federal park systems in regards to backpacking. You are allowed to backpack to a designated campsite, which must be selected and registered for prior to your journey. If you are not familiar with the sites, you could pick one that ruins your trip.
The best advice I can give in either case is to scout the area before you go. Determine which sites are suitable and make a note of them for registration.
The criteria for selecting a good campsite is similar whether you are in a campground or in a forest that allows camping anywhere you select.
Pick a site with high ground. Don’t camp at the bottom or on the side of a hill. If it rains, all the water will run through your campsite. Try to visualize what the water will do as you are viewing the area.
Look up. You are looking for dead trees and branches that might come through the tent if the wind gets up. Look for insect, bird or other nests in the trees.
Look down. Fire ants can be deadly to people with allergies. Any poisonous plants around? Other ants and insects can be troublesome. Is the area large enough and flat enough to set up the items you need to camp comfortably? How about the surface? Campgrounds usually have gravel pads. Properly elevated, these sites can remain relatively dry during rain showers. Try to avoid bare clay as it becomes very slick when wet.
Do not select the site at the campground that is nearest the bathhouse! Although this seems like a good place to be, especially in the summer when the showers are running, there will be traffic coming in and out of the area at all times of the night and day.
If you are near water, camp above the highest watermark. Remember, water attracts insects and animals. I like to be about 50 yards from water, but it depends on the weather. If it is hot and the forecast is for windy conditions, I will look for the highest campsite closest to the water. If it is not windy, the insects can have the waterfront sites. When it is cool, I try to find a site that is protected from the wind that comes across the water. When we are backpacking, I try to stay within 300 yards or so of the water source.
Don’t be in a hurry to set up, take your time to look around and determine if the site suits all your needs. Pick a site that is scenic. After all, the scenery is one of the main reasons we go camping. For more camping tips visit http://www.campsite190.com/ .
Hope that helps
See Ya!
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