How To

How to Choose a Wilderness Campsite

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(10 Ratings)

Taking a few minutes to assess the terrain can increase your potential for comfort while minimizing your impact on the environment.

From Quick Guide: Wilderness Skills
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Waterproof Matches
  • Fire Logs
  • First Aid Kits
  • Swiss Army Knives
  • Backpacks
  • Camping Stoves
  • Camping Trowels
  • Tarps
  • Tents
  • Flashlights
  • Flashlights
  1. Step 1

    Choose an established campsite in high-use areas rather than tramping down a new spot.

  2. Step 2

    Find an area that drains well to avoid flooding if it rains.

  3. Step 3

    Camp at least 200 feet from lakes or streams to protect them.

  4. Step 4

    Set up away from other people since most people go to the wilderness to experience solitude.

  5. Step 5

    Avoid camping beneath large dead trees and branches that can come crashing down in the night.

  6. Step 6

    Be careful traipsing around to avoid injuring fragile objects such as seedlings and wildflowers.

  7. Step 7

    Camp above the high-water mark in desert canyons to stay beyond the reach of flash floods.

  8. Step 8

    Consider the benefits of receiving the morning sun and being shaded from the hot afternoon sun when picking your location. Also think about potential windbreaks.

  9. Step 9

    Leave the site in better condition than you found it.

Tips & Warnings
  • Rather than camping next to a lake, often the most "buggy" and environmentally sensitive sites, consider camping on a bare ridge where light breezes will keep the bugs away and provide a better view.
  • Be quiet in camp.

Comments  

arwen1964 said

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on 6/2/2009 Good tips on choosing cam sites.

blahblah29 said

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on 9/2/2008 large urban areas also provide a uniqe camping experience. i strongly recomend the jersy turnpike. no bug spray nesissary!!!!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 7/25/2006 Choose a campsite with coniferous rather than deciduous trees as the mosquitoes prefer the large green leaves to hide in from the heat of the day. You will have less problem with mosquitoes in an area without leafy trees.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 In rocky soils, carry spikes to ancor your tent with; in sandy soil bury a large piece of wood tied to the lines.

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