The difference between a carefully chosen campsite and a poorly chosen one can mean the difference between a comfortable nights sleep and a miserable one. In this article we hope to provide tips that will prove useful when you’re out and about. Here’s what you should consider:

Surface

A relatively flat surface is mandatory when pitching a tent. Slopes are to be avoided for obvious reasons, but also be weary of bumpy ground that will cause discomfort. Avoiding boggy or damp ground will mitigate condensation on the inside of your tent. The ideal surfaces are dry earth, grass or pine needles. clear away any sticks and stones that might poke into you through the bottom of your tent. If you have to pitch your tent on a slight slope, sleep perpendicular to the slope so you don’t roll to one side of the tent.

Location

There are lots of things to take into account when selecting a location. Having a potable water source should be one of your first considerations. While camping right next to water can be tempting, it can contribute to condensation (read our full article on minimizing condensation here) and leave you open to midges or potentially dangerous wildlife that use that water source. On the other hand, being near water can allow you to replenish water and wash any pots and pans you might have. A good compromise is to camp around 200m away from a water source, that way it remains within walking distance without the negative side affects.

It’s preferable to camp on higher ground where air is warmer and a breeze can pass through your tent. Cooler air will pool in lower ground like gulleys which can result in damp ground.

Camping under a tree canopy will keep the temperature warmer and provide drier ground. Conversely in summer the shade a tree provides might be desirable to keep you cool during the day. Be careful of any dead branches above you as they might fall on you. Lone trees might also attract lightning strikes in a storm. If you’re camping in a forest, check there are no standing dead trees nearby.

If there are strong winds, try utilizing natural features like raised ground as a windbreak.

Fire

If you plan on building a fire, survey your surroundings for any potential fire hazards. These can range from dry leaves to dead wood. Move any hazards to a safe distance, situate your camp elsewhere, or use them as fuel. Always remember to ask for permission and abide by local laws when starting fires.

Wildlife hazards

Depending on where you are in the world, you might have to take into consideration the potential for encountering dangerous animals. Most animals will leave you alone, but if you accidentally disturb them by pitching your tent in the wrong place, they might not take it very well. In order to minimize any chance of annoying an animal, don’t pitch your tent on or too close to what looks like a trail, animals use these highways to travel. Check for any rocks or fallen trees that might be home to snakes or other critters. Avoid anything that looks like a den and stay away from caves. As mentioned before, don’t camp too close to a water source. If you’re wearing shorts, avoid long grass as it can be home to ticks.

Leave no trace

Always clean up after yourself when its time to leave. If you’re on grass, try not to pitch your tent in the same place 2 nights in a row as it can kill the grass. Make sure any fires you made are fully extinguished and covered over with dirt. Do your best not to disturb any local wildlife.

Scenery and surroundings

Most of us go camping because we enjoy it, and part of that enjoyment involves the views, nature and wildlife. So find yourself a nice vista to enjoy, or a place where you can wake up to the sound of birds in the morning…