Camping is one of the greatest ways to get outdoors, see the wilderness, and enjoy a little time with your family. Whether you’re the kind of camper who loves doing group activities or someone who prefers hiking off-trail, you need to carefully choose where you plan on camping. Let’s take a look at how to pick the right spot to go on your next camping adventure, whether you’re camping in the wild or at a regular campsite.
Traditional Campsites
If you are a beginner in the world of camping or have young children to contend with, it may be worth sticking to a paid, traditional campsite for your next adventure. These places can still be fun and give the feel of camping in the wilderness, but you have the benefit of on-site activities and utilities. These are the things that you want to check on when picking a traditional campsite.
Utilities
With a traditional campsite, you have the benefit of having utilities on hand, many that you wouldn’t be able to access in the wilderness. Take your vehicle, for example, you could have it just meters from your tent, filled with cooking gear and kids’ toys. As the camping specialists over at Luxe Rover Australia point out, “if you are staying in designated campsites where you can drive-in to set up camp, heavy-duty, two-burner camping stoves may be the way to go.” You can walk back to your car, grab your stove, and cook a huge hearty meal in minutes for the whole family.
These campsites may also have on-site shops, cafes, or bars, so you can all eat without putting any effort into cooking at all! They may also have showers, toilets, and other utilities. If these things are important to you, check out campsites in your area for the best facilities.
Activities
Traditional campsites may also have organized activities for the family to join in with. Things like group hikes, canoeing, or swimming may be on the menu. If you want to be able to send the kids to an organized club or go on hikes without having to do any planning, these traditional campsites may have plenty to offer you. Campsites are great for a getaway with no worry or stress.
Adventure Camping
If you don’t want to go to a campsite and would rather go off-trail, there are some important factors to consider regarding what spot you choose to set up camp.
Camp Legally
First, you want to make sure your campsite is on legal ground. The last thing you want is to set up somewhere only to find you are on private land, ending up in trouble with the locals or even the police. A camping map at your local gear store should help you choose proper, marked camping sites within forests and other areas. Most marked areas have been chosen for a reason, so camp there if you can, it’s likely to help reduce the environmental impact of wild camping.
Flat Ground is Ideal
Whatever terrain or area you choose, you want to set up camp on flat ground. If you don’t, you’ll end up rolling off your camping mat all night long as you sleep on a sloped area. Not only is this annoying, but you will likely wake up with stiff joints or a sore back from trying to sleep against the gradient. Find somewhere as flat as possible so you feel fresh, rested, and ready for action the next morning.
Safety First
Often, people like to camp near a water source. That’s fine, and in many ways smart, but you need to prepare for the worst. Don’t camp so close to a river that a storm or downpour could rapidly flood your whole camp. Camp 50m or more away from a river to ensure any danger like this is eradicated.
You should also understand where you are concerning wildlife. In different parts of the world, you will find different animals. Most of our wild animals are harmless and will not deliberately enter a campsite. But, you should always be aware of what lives around you. If you have any doubts about your safety, choose to camp elsewhere or keep moving along the trail until you find a safe area.
So, depending on what kind of adventure you are looking for, there are some different things you need to keep in mind. It doesn’t matter whether you’re exploring the wilderness or having a quiet family break at a major campsite with all the facilities. Either way, you’ll have a great time camping.