Choosing a Camp Site
Sleeping outdoors in a tent can be a very satisfying experience.
Waking up to the sound of a babbling brook, the chirping of birds, or the smell of clean, crisp air is the stuff memories are made of.
With a little preparation, you can achieve a rewarding, relaxing getaway Try to pick your campsite in daylight.
It's much easier to see the lay of the land, overhead branches and/or rocks and ground cover, roots, crevices, etc.
that may jeopardize your safety at camp.
Look around your proposed campsite for any types of poisonous plants, such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
Also, don't set up camp around berry bushes or flowers that may attract unwanted flying and/or 4-legged visitors.
The first step in choosing the 'perfect' site is location - this can be a bed of pine needles, sand, or even gravel.
If you're camping in the summer look for shade, and for winter camping look for a protective windbreak of trees or bushes.
I recommend looking for a relatively high, flat area that will drain well, should there be a sudden downpour.
Do not set up camp too close to a creek or stream, as these areas can overflow their banks fairly rapidly.
Next, position your tent with the entrance away from the wind, but towards the morning sun.
When setting up your tent remember to drive the stakes in and tie the lines like you're expecting a big storm.
That way if a storm does brew, you can rest assured your tent is secured and will withstand the weather.
Clear the ground under your tent, checking for tree roots and small rocks.
Lay the ground tarp down, noting any additional protrusions that may need removed.
Make sure the ground tarp is completely covered by the tent or rain may collect below the tent, making it uncomfortable.
Keep your tent and campsite clean.
Crumbs and garbage will attract ants, bees, and other animals.
Always pack a few zip-lock plastic bags when camping.
These can serve a variety of uses including food storage, dirty laundry, or to keep matches and other essentials dry if the weather isn't cooperating.
Waking up to the sound of a babbling brook, the chirping of birds, or the smell of clean, crisp air is the stuff memories are made of.
With a little preparation, you can achieve a rewarding, relaxing getaway Try to pick your campsite in daylight.
It's much easier to see the lay of the land, overhead branches and/or rocks and ground cover, roots, crevices, etc.
that may jeopardize your safety at camp.
Look around your proposed campsite for any types of poisonous plants, such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
Also, don't set up camp around berry bushes or flowers that may attract unwanted flying and/or 4-legged visitors.
The first step in choosing the 'perfect' site is location - this can be a bed of pine needles, sand, or even gravel.
If you're camping in the summer look for shade, and for winter camping look for a protective windbreak of trees or bushes.
I recommend looking for a relatively high, flat area that will drain well, should there be a sudden downpour.
Do not set up camp too close to a creek or stream, as these areas can overflow their banks fairly rapidly.
Next, position your tent with the entrance away from the wind, but towards the morning sun.
When setting up your tent remember to drive the stakes in and tie the lines like you're expecting a big storm.
That way if a storm does brew, you can rest assured your tent is secured and will withstand the weather.
Clear the ground under your tent, checking for tree roots and small rocks.
Lay the ground tarp down, noting any additional protrusions that may need removed.
Make sure the ground tarp is completely covered by the tent or rain may collect below the tent, making it uncomfortable.
Keep your tent and campsite clean.
Crumbs and garbage will attract ants, bees, and other animals.
Always pack a few zip-lock plastic bags when camping.
These can serve a variety of uses including food storage, dirty laundry, or to keep matches and other essentials dry if the weather isn't cooperating.
Source...