We've been hiking for eight hours and there are maybe two hours of daylight left, we need to locate and claim a campsite before darkness sets in. How do we make a good choice? Here are some handy tips to insure your overnight stay is as enjoyable as possible.
Be aware of your terrain and surroundings. If the site you choose is within earshot of other campers you might want to consider another spot. If at all possible remain invisible to other campers.
Blend with the environment; don't choose a spot where your presence spoils the view for others. Being considerate of other campers, the impact we have on the environment and how our presence affects the local wildlife should all be taken into account when choosing a campsite. An ideal spot should be at least two hundred feet away from water sources and trails should be in a flat shady area on a previously used site. These are guidelines and may not be possible when choosing every site but whenever possible these factors should be considered when choosing a site.
Being near a water source has benefits that are obvious. A site near a water source provides us with water for cooking, cleaning, and filtering for the next day's drinking water. Anglers in our group can try their luck at catching some fish and everyone benefits from the relaxing sounds of a running stream while sleeping. Camping near a lake can sometimes bring mosquitoes to our campsite, choosing a site with a breeze will alleviate this problem to a certain degree but insect repellent should solve the issue completely.
Be aware of the terrain around you, camping in a low spot can have unpleasant results. Should bad weather move in overnight, rain will collect in a low spot? Also cold air sinks into low spots causing a chill effect when the temperature drops overnight. A better choice would be on higher ground. If our site will be used as a base camp for day trips choosing a shady area will minimize the amount of time our tent will be exposed to direct sunlight. Many campers will setup their tent facing the east so they get the early morning rays, a needed push for those wanting to get an early start.
Keep your site clean, adhere to the "leave no trace" philosophy, that is, and leave your site so that those coming behind you won't know that you've been there. As responsible outdoor adventurer's we need to have a minimal impact on the environment that we enjoy so much. This will ensure a wonderful outdoor experience for future generations of backcountry adventurers. Keep on camping!
H. Jeffrey Davis authored this article. I have always has been an outdoor enthusiast. Given the stressfull demands of our modern lifestyle hiking and camping in the great outdoors is a great way to relax. This fact hasn't gone unnoticed by myself and I take great pleasure in sharing pointers and suggestions with my readers. If you're looking for top quality camping and hiking gear I recommend [http://www.campoutcity.com]
