Copyright 2006 Karin Manning

Imagine enjoying a beautiful peaceful sleep in your ten
only to be woken up at 5am by a man on a power mower mowing
the grass on the adjacent golf course.

This actually happened to 200 campers at a campground in
Washington, some of whom have claimed “It was our worse
camping experience in the USA so far.”

His response was, “this is the only time that there are no
golfers around”!  (Lucky for them, I’d say!)

This proves one thing.  It doesn’t matter how beautiful the
campground is and how scenic the view is.  If you’ve set up
camp in the wrong location your trip could turn into a
nightmare.

Planning is critical when camping.

Planning starts at home, before you've even left, and
doesn't stop until you make your weary way home again.

Part of your planning involves getting the very best
camping site to meet your needs this weekend.  That is the
best way of ensuring a pleasurable experience is had by
every member of your group.

There are a variety of campgrounds, each offering different
facilities, and thereby a different kind of holiday.  These
are private parks, state park campgrounds and state or
national forest campgrounds.

Most parks have a designated area for a campsite.
Reservations can be made often for a fee which is highly
recommended.

Some campgrounds allow you to choose a site before making a
commitment.  Some even allow you to change your mind so if
your chosen site turns out to be a nightmare check with the
park managers if there are other sites available.

Here are a few tips for getting the best camping site this
weekend:

If you've arrived at an unfamiliar campground ask the
campground hosts for a detailed map and have a quick drive
or hike around and make a list of some possible campsite
locations.

Do not take a site that has camping items but no vehicle as
it could belong to RV owners who aren’t on site for the day.

Always arrive before dark.  You can rest assured that the
best campsites will be taken if you arrive late in the
afternoon.

Camp at least 200-300 feet away from water.

Make sure there are trees to hang your garbage and food
upwind outside of camp.

Set up camp away from other campers and away from any
trails.

If you love the idea of waking up in a warm location set up
camp under the morning sun.  You will also have the
advantage of being shielded from hot sun later in the day.

Avoid setting up camp in tall grassy locations as they are
a wonderland for insects.

Never camp at the bottom of cliffs with loose rocks.

Become familiar with flora and avoid all areas with poison
ivy.

Get the best protection from lightning by camping near a
dense grouping of trees, all the same height in a low area
away from water.

Make sure the site is large enough to meet all your needs.
Think about what would happen to your site in the event of
a storm.

Consider the location of bathroom facilities (if
applicable).

Water is absolutely critical for camping.  You will need it
for washing, drinking and cooking so ensure that you have a
water source nearby to your camp site.

If rain is expected locate your campsite in a flood free
area.

Never modify an area by removing vegetation and rocks to
create the perfect campsite.  The perfect campsite is never
created by man but has already been made by Mother Nature.

Find an area free of tree roots and rocks.  If you've found
the perfect location but there's a problem with small rocks
gently rake them away to create a smooth level for sleeping
on.Never camp on a ridge.  You are too exposed to severe
wind and lightning conditions.

Avoid sharing a site with campers who are not part of your
group.  There's plenty of land to go around and every
camper is entitled to some personal space.

Look for a campsite that has some shelter from the sun.
But if rain is expected never set up camp under trees.
There's the danger of lightning plus the fact that the
trees will continue to rain on your site long after any
rainfall has stopped.

Keep insects at a minimum by setting up your campsite in a
dry area not too close to water.

Make sure that you set up camp where water naturally flows
away from your site.

Respect wildlife.  Campers are venturing into the natural
habitat of many animals.  Don't set up camp close to
wildlife food sources or any animal trails.  We are their
guests.  Treat your hosts with respect.

Avoid parking too close to RVs and noisy neighbours.

If you have a large group consider a group campsite.

In Autumn and Summer look for sheltered spots along
shorelines and protected in bays.

Trips located on islands and points in summer will offer
calming cool breezes.

Some sites have flat, cleared spots all ready for your tent
so look out for these or ask your friends of great
campsites they’d recommend.

If you’re canoeing a good spot for loading and unloading
your canoe is critical.

Avoid camping where trees are leaning over your campsite.

Avoid camping near big pine trees as they act like
lightning rods when lightning strikes.

Avoid sites around marshes etc as they are a breeding
ground for insects like mosquitoes.

Find a flat camp site to ensure no slipping and sliding
downhill.

Make sure there’s a convenient location for relaxing in
your kitchen.

Make sure there’s good drainage.

Having a reasonable source of firewood in the vicinity is
not a necessity but recommended.

Finding the best campsite possible is a crucial part of
your camping experience.  It is not the time to be
impatient, tired, or hurried.  A poor campsite will cause
unlimited problems on your trip.  With a little planning,
patience and preparation your perfect campsite is waiting
at a campground near you this weekend.

About the Author:

NOTE:  This is just one of the many super tips that Karin
Manning has included in her latest book, "The Ultimate
Campfire Kitchen and Camping Guide".  (Her amateur weather
forecasting tips will have you predicting the weather
before you even leave home.  They're cool!  Check them out
at http://www.easy-family-camping-recipes.com