How to Choose the Best Camping Spot

Tap to Read ➤ Priya Johnson

To ensure one has a fabulous camp, one needs to make sure one chooses the right camping spot. Failure to choose a good campsite can result in a disappointing camping experience. Let's find out how to choose the best campsite.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Camping leaves us with a large number of memories for life. The experience of living outdoors, amidst nature's lush green trees and cool breeze, is simply phenomenal.

After all, with the busy schedules, when do you get the chance to stop and admire nature's wonders? When was the last time you went looking for a bug and observed it with fascination?

Camping gives the opportunity to live a few days, with a relaxed. Well, it is fun only if the right spot has been chosen. Bad choice can result in a bad experience, and who wants to mess up the weekend. However, how to choose the perfect campsite? Let's find out!

There is nothing like a perfect camping spot. People have different preferences and getting what one is looking for in a campsite, makes the place the best. Moreover, one will tag a place as the best, depending on one's experience at a particular campsite. Nevertheless, the choice of campsite will depend on a few general factors.

Duration of Camping

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The duration of your camp will be a major factor to consider, while determining the camping spot. Camping in a national forest for a month or a national park for a weekend, will require different things to be taken into consideration.

You can do without certain facilities on a weekend trip, however, when talking about a month's stay in the wilderness, the toilet and shower facilities have to be easily accessible.

Moreover, people staying for a longer duration, require some means to communicate to the outside world, thus, connectivity issues have to also be taken into consideration. One will also have to camp somewhere, whereby one can replenish one's kitchen supplies on a timely basis.

Type of Camping

Your choice of camping spot will depend on the type of camping, you intend to do. Do you want to rough it out during the trip or do you want the comforts available at home, to be present at the campsite as well?

Some campsites will offer only the basic necessities such as cold tap water and toilets, while others provide electricity, hot water, Wi-Fi and cable connection, etc. Moreover, if it's a leisure trip, you don't want any campers near you. So, spot a place that gives maximum privacy as well.

If you are on a backpacking trip, then this will not be an issue. Then again, if you don't want to be bothered by the sounds of children playing around, choose one of the 'adults only' camping grounds. Such factors will make a huge difference in the choice of camping spot.

Group Type

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. While choosing a spot to camp, one needs to check for the availability of water. Backpackers should make sure they set up camp within 200 feet of the camping base.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Families with toddlers and older children will have to check for closer water and toilet accessibility. You don't want to walk a long way before your children can use the restroom.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Moreover, if there are people with physical disabilities in the group, various other necessities also have to be considered. If you are planning on camping with your dog, find out the campsite's policy on pets.

Some camping grounds have maximum group size restrictions. Thus, if you are a larger group, check with the campsite authorities about their policies.

Weather Conditions

The choice of campsite on the camping grounds will depend on the season as well. If you are planning to camp during the rainy season, then you should look for a spot under the trees. This will reduce the impact of rain. The same goes for the hot summers. These trees will provide shade then.

Moreover, during the rains it's better not to choose a spot within a depression. The spot chosen should be able to drain well, even during a downpour. For safety reasons, don't camp at the bottom of a cliff or in the way of loose and falling rocks.

Camping Equipment

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Do you want to sleep in a tent, camping barn, caravan, camping van or in a recreational vehicle (RV) itself? You have to ensure the campsite provides a camping barn or permits caravans.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. If you plan to stay in the tent, make sure the site has leveled ground for pitching the tent. It is better to camp in a spot camped by other campers, as this ensures availability of level ground.

If you are taking your RV, you can carry your supplies and barbecue grill as well. However, if you are living in a tent, check for barbecue grill availability at the campsite.

Type of Activities Planned

Besides scenic beauty and picturesque landscape, one has to also ensure the camping spot has ample activities to engage one and all. Children and teenagers want plenty of activities to keep themselves busy. Thus, one will need to check for the recreational facilities in the area.

Fishing, open-water swimming pools, playgrounds, volleyball nets, hiking trails and other facilities are provided in many camping grounds. Make sure you choose a spot close to these recreational facilities. Moreover, double-check if the campsite allows campfires.

If your children are looking forward to a campfire night, a prohibition on that would leave them disappointed. So make sure you do your homework. You also have to check for the availability of firewood in the vicinity of the camping spot.

Make sure you make reservations in advance, so that you get a campsite of your preference. Moreover, it's better to drive down and check the site personally, before the 'big camping weekend'. This can help prevent unnecessary let downs.

Narrowing down on the best camping spot for the weekend and enjoying a wonderful camp is fantastic! However, the task doesn't end here. Make sure you clean up after yourselves and leave no trace of your presence to the next campers. Happy camping!