No matter how many times you go camping, the only thing that really helps you find the ideal camping site is knowledge of the area you will be traveling to. The wilderness can be daunting if you are new, and knowledge of the things that could potentially improve the location of your campsite is invaluable. In this article I have set out and looked for the top ways you could use to determine whether an area will be perfect for you to set up your campsite if you do not have prior knowledge of the area. However, I would like to recommend from the start that you do consider doing some research about the area and the wildlife yourself as this could be important when it comes to your safety.
9 WAYS TO FIND THE PERFECT CAMPSITE IN THE WILDERNESS
These tips are entirely based on my real experience and depending on the area you are situated in and the wildlife you might have around, you will need to follow other more advanced safety precautions. This is a general overview of important things you should know when choosing a perfect camping location in the wilderness.
1) LOOK FOR GOOD SHELTER
Knowing about how the winds and the storms work in an area can be invaluable can be a crucial thing to know in advance because you may encounter storms or strong winds when camping. In that case, it will be great if you can find mountains or rock formations nearby that could potentially keep you out of harm’s way.
2) MAKE SURE YOU ARE AROUND 200 METERS AWAY FROM WATER
In certain areas of the world flash floods are common and while it might not be raining near you, it might be a few miles up stream. If you are camping too close to the water or river, you might only realize this when it is too late and you will find your tent and belongings going downstream while fighting for your life. 200 meters is a safe distance and if you manage to get above the water level, it is even better.
3) FIND A RELIABLE AND STURDY TREE TO KEEP YOU COVERED
Whether you are using stakes or the simple pop up tent, you should avoid trees that look like they have taken a beating. These trees are generally almost broken and you would like to avoid waking up with a tree in the bed next to you. The bushes from stronger trees will also keep the water to a minimum and keep your tent safe along with your tarp or rainfly.
4) LOOK FOR NATURAL WIND BLOCKERS
The wind can cool down the temperature in a few minutes and if you know how to stay warm in a tent, you will understand the importance of wind blockers and how they could keep you warm inside your tent. Boulders and mountains are great natural barriers that help keep you warm as they will divert the wind around you. This will also keep your tent and belongings safe from blowing away if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
5) AVOID TALL GRASSY AREAS
Bugs can definitely spoil your trip and in the grassy areas you will need to deal with them. These areas will also take some work to get into and out of, which might not make them ideal if you are looking to conserve energy as a backpacker. Areas with shorter grass will give you better visibility and will mean that you need not fear anything that could hurt or damage you beyond the grass.
6) GET CLOSE TO FIREWOOD
Having a fire is a great way for you to stay warm and it also keeps the predators, roaming the night, away. However, a fire will need fuel and unless you feel like carrying the wood a fair distance to your campsite, the faster option will be for you to simply set up camp near the wood source. This will save you time and energy and you could even keep the fire going through the night if needed.
7) STAY AWAY FROM TRAILS
Camping near trails will definitely be a safe option but, with so many people passing by, it is definitely not the best place if you are looking for privacy. We recommend staying away from trails if you have many people camping or traveling with you, but it can be best to stay close to the trail if you are out alone (this could also keep you from potentially getting lost).
8) RESEARCH THE ANIMAL POPULATION
If you are traveling to an area where animals like bears are present, you will need to take the right safety measures to ensure that you are protected from these predators. Bear spray is one of the top things you could use and it will also work with other predators. We recommend choosing a high-quality bear spray to ensure you can trust it.
9) GET SOME EARLY MORNING SUN TENT
The morning sun will get rid of any dew that may form on the tent, keeping it drier. The early morning sun also wakes you up and ensures you are fresh and awake to get ready for the journey or the tasks of the day.
FINAL THOUGHT
Camping in the wilderness can be fun and quite exhilarating. These 9 tips should help you make the most out of your next trip and ensure you are getting the best experience possible. Happy camping!
Have you ever been camping in the wilderness? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comment section below! Read Next > Camping In The Sahara Desert, Morocco
By We Are Travel Girls Contributor Luna Anderson of HikerTrack.com
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