Tips on Getting the Best Camp Site
Getting the best camp site can be a bit challenging but with these helpful tips on how to find a safe campground for setting up and resourceful "how to's"
- If you've arrived at an unfamiliar campground ask the campground hosts for a detailed map and have a quick drive or hike around and make a list of some possible campsite locations.
- Don' take a site that has camping items but no vehicle as it could belong to RV owners who aren't on site for the day.
- Always arrive before dark. You can rest assured that the best campsites will be taken if you arrive late in the afternoon.
- Camp at least 200-300 feet away from a lake, river,creek or pond.
- If you love the idea of waking up in a warm location set up camp under the morning sun. You will also have the advantage of being shielded from hot sun later in the day.
- Avoid setting up camp in tall grassy locations as they are a harbarage area for insects.
- Never camp at the bottom of cliffs with loose rocks.
- Become familiar with the terrain and avoid all areas with poison ivy.
- Get the best protection from lightning by camping near a dense grouping of trees, all the same height in a low area away from water.
- Consider the location of bathroom facilities
- Water is absolutely critical for camping. You will need it for washing, drinking and cooking so ensure that you have a water source nearby to your camp site.
- If rain is expected locate your campsite in a flood free area.
- Never modify an area by removing vegetation and rocks to create the perfect campsite. The perfect campsite is never created by man but has already been made by Mother Nature.
- Find an area free of tree roots and rocks. If you've found the perfect location but there's a problem with small rocks gently rake them away to create a smooth level for sleeping on.Never camp on a ridge. You are too exposed to severe wind and lightning conditions.
- Avoid sites around marshes etc as they are a breeding ground for insects like mosquitoes.
- Avoid camping near big pine trees as they act like lightning rods when lightning strikes.
- Avoid camping where trees are leaning over your campsite.