Selecting Camping Sites
When it comes to selecting camping sites, the right choice can help create memories that are made that can last a lifetime. The experience of living in the great outdoors, if only for a short time, alongside Mother Nature’s lush green trees and crisp cool breeze, is simply extraordinary. Let’s face it, with our busy schedules and hectic fast paced lives, when do we get the opportunity to stop and appreciate what camping outdoors has to offer? Camping gives us the chance to have a stress-free – I’m not trying to impress anyone’ type of attitude. While camping itself is great; it can really only be that way if you choose the proper camping site location. A poor location can result in a terrible experience, and no one wants to have that as a “lasting” memory. That said, let’s discuss how to select the best form all the available camping sites out there.
First off, there is nothing like a finding the perfect camping site. While there may be some differences of opinion on what one looks for in a great camping site, there are some basic core expectations. You will want a relative flat surface that is free of rocks and stumps. This will make for a much more pleasant sleeping experience. Generally speaking, shade is often a must as it will provide a cooler spot on those warm summer afternoons. Regardless, however, we have a tendency to label a place as the best, relying only on one’s own personal experience at a particular campsite. Nevertheless, the basis of what makes for a perfect campsite will depend on a few additional variables discussed below:
How Long Will You Be Camping?
The length of your camping trip will play a large role when wanting to consider the appropriate space needed, when choosing the ideal camping site. For example; camping in a forest for a month or more versus a national park for just a weekend, will certainly entail some very different gear that need to be taken into consideration. Another thing to think about is, if you can do without certain facilities on a weekend trip. The idea of not having a hot shower or using what’s called a ‘pit’ toilet (basically a permanent version of a port-a-potty) may not appeal to everyone. However, if we are thinking about something like a month’s stay in the wilderness, the toilet and shower accommodations probably need to be fairly nearby and easily accessible. Not to mention people who would be staying for an even longer duration will require some means to communicate to the outside world. Remember, you are in the woods and cell signals are not always available. Furthermore, the great outdoors does not have Wi-Fi, so connectivity issues have to also be considered. You will also want to camp close to a camping store, so that you restock your food and water supplies on a regular basis. Generally, a camping store can also provide items like fire wood, bug spray, first aid items, as well as tent repair kits if needed. And of course all the things to make a good s’more around the nightly camp fire.
Regardless of how long you camp, in order to pick the right site, you need to be prepared.
Type of Camping?
Now, your choice of camping site depends on the type of camping you plan on doing. Are you planning on roughing it during the trip or would you prefer to have all the comforts of home to be present at the campsite as well? If you are looking to stay in a commercial campground such as KOA or Yogi Bear then you will probably have electricity, hot water, Wi-Fi and even cable connections provided. If you are going for a more primitive campsite, then they will offer only the basic necessities such as cold tap water and toilets. Also, if it’s a leisure trip, you might not want to have any other campers near you. Try to select a site that gives you maximum privacy from neighboring campers. If you’re taking a backpacking trip, then this will not be as big a deal, since you won’t be around the campsite as much during the day. Then again, if you would rather not want to be disturbed by the noises of kids playing round, then you should probably choose an ‘adults only’ camp ground. Any and all these factors will make a big difference when it comes to choosing the best camping site.
