Proper Campsite Selection and Setup

A good campsite makes the difference between a restful night and a miserable one. The skills of reading terrain and selecting a site improve with every trip.

When to Start Looking

Begin scouting for a campsite at least 1 hour before dark. Good sites go fast in popular areas, and setting up in fading light leads to poor choices.

The Ideal Campsite

Terrain

• Flat ground: Even a slight slope makes sleeping uncomfortable. Lie down and test before setting up.
• Slightly elevated: Camp on a slight rise, not in a depression where cold air and water pool.
• Natural drainage: Avoid low spots, dry creek beds, and obvious water channels.
• Ground composition: Pine needle beds and sandy soil are the most comfortable. Avoid rocky ground and root networks.

Protection

• Wind: Camp in the lee of trees, boulders, or ridges. Avoid exposed ridgetops.
• Widowmakers: Look up. Dead trees and large dead branches above your camp can fall without warning. Move if you see them.
• Lightning: In storms, avoid the tallest trees, isolated trees, ridgetops, and water.

Water Access

• Camp within reasonable distance (100–500 feet) of a water source for convenience
• But always at least 200 feet from water (required by LNT and most land management agencies)
• Listen for water — sometimes a stream is closer than you think

Privacy

• Set up out of sight of the trail when possible
• Camp at least 200 feet from the trail in most wilderness areas
• Respect other campers' space

Setting Up Camp

Tent Placement

1. Clear the ground of rocks, sticks, and pinecones (but do not dig or level the ground)
2. Orient the tent door away from prevailing wind
3. If on a slight slope, sleep with your head uphill
4. Place a footprint or ground cloth under the tent (tuck edges under so rain does not pool between footprint and tent floor)

Kitchen

• Cook 200+ feet downwind from your tent (especially in bear country)
• Choose a durable surface (rock, bare ground, established fire ring)
• Set up stove on level ground, protected from wind

Water Source

• Establish a path to water that minimizes impact
• Filter water at the source and carry it to camp
• Wash dishes and dispose of gray water 200+ feet from the water source

Bathroom

• Identify a cat hole area 200+ feet from water, trails, and camp
• If camping multiple nights, use different spots each time

Campsite Types

Established Sites

• Use an existing campsite when possible — it concentrates impact
• Look for flattened ground, fire rings, and worn paths
• These sites are already impacted; using them prevents new damage

Pristine Sites

• If no established site exists, choose the most durable surface available
• Spread activities to prevent creating new wear patterns
• Restore the site when you leave — scatter leaves, replace rocks, eliminate any trace

Designated Sites

• Many popular areas require camping in specific designated sites
• Reserve in advance when required
• Follow all posted rules

Common Mistakes

1. Setting up in a drainage (flooding risk in rain)
2. Camping under dead trees
3. Too close to water
4. Not checking for ant hills, hornet nests, or poison ivy before setting up
5. Pitching the tent before testing the ground for flatness and comfort

Recommended Products

Based on this guide, here are some top-rated products to consider:

• Thule Basin Tent ($3000)
• Thule Basin Wedge Tent ($3000)
• ROAM Adventure Co Desperado Hardshell Roof Top Tent - 2-Person ($2999)
• HEST Dually Roof-Top Tent Sleeping Pad ($749)
• HEST Dually RTT Sleeping Pad ($749)
• Hike & Camp Comfort Light Insulated Sleeping Pad - Women's ($595)
• Petzl Duo RL Headlamp ($825)
• Petzl Duo RL Headlamp ($825)