Finding the Ideal Campground: A Guide to Setting Up Campsite Accommodations

Choosing Your Perfect Campsite: A Steps-by-Step Guide

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we take you through the process of selecting the ideal campsite for your upcoming trip. From researching the perfect campground to setting up your cozy campsite, we've got you covered!

Scoping Out the Best Campground

Start by deciding on your destination. Nail down a city or area before digging deeper and exploring specific campgrounds.

Next, we recommend using The Dyrt, which is like Yelp for campgrounds. It offers reviews, info, photos, and links to booking sites, ensuring you can compare campgrounds side-by-side.

If you're into dispersed camping, give iOverlander (a phone app) a try. By filtering the map to Wild Camping, you'll uncover spots where folks have previously dispersed camped, offering inspired ideas for your adventure.

When scoping out a campground, keep the following features in mind:

Restrooms and Showers: Decide if you'll need clean facilities for showering, or if you'll be content with a restroom or even a more primitive vault toilet.
Privacy: Some campgrounds excel at separating sites with brush or natural features, while others offer wide-open spaces where everyone can see each other. We prefer campgrounds prioritizing privacy.
Site Types: Determine if the campground caters more to RVers or tent campers. We suggest avoiding areas that are RV-heavy, favoring campgrounds with more tent sites or designated tent-only areas.
Location: Look for campgrounds that are close to other activities you want to do while still being set away from loud areas like highways.
Water Availability: Check if potable water is available on-site or if you need to Bring Your Own H2O.
Entertainment: Whether you have kids or not, you might want to consider campgrounds with pools or on-site activities for some extra fun.

Selecting Your Dream Campsite

After researching campgrounds, it's time to choose your ideal campsite. Use the provided map in the booking system (or a map from The Dyrt) to examine all the campsite features before making your choice.

Keep in mind a few factors when choosing a car camping site:

Campsite Distance to Your Vehicle: The closer your campsite is to your car, the easier it will be to set up or pack up when it's time to leave. Steer clear of 'hike-in' campsites, which require a short walk and no vehicle access.
Neighbors: Consider the distance between your campsite and other campers. A bit of space can help minimize noise and potential encounters when nature calls in the trees.
Water Sources: If you enjoy camping near water sources like streams, opt for campsites near these areas for a more serene experience.
Ground Level: Make sure the ground at your campsite is as level as possible for a hassle-free night's sleep. If booking ahead, check reviews for any concerns about particularly sloped sites.
Number of People: Don't forget to consider the number of people who will be camping with you when picking a site. Ensure it has enough room for everyone and their tents.
Bathroom Location: Choose a site that's not too far from restrooms and showers, but not so close that you'll be greeted by the aroma of shower facilities.
Group Sites: Campgrounds often have group sites full of families and louder than we prefer. Avoid setting up near group sites for a quieter experience.
Nearby Distractions: Be aware of potential distractions like nearby roads, construction sites, airports, multiple group sites, and day-use recreation areas.
Safety Issues: Look for potentially hazardous conditions, such as widow-maker trees (dead, standing trees that seem unstable), and never set up your tent beneath decaying trees.

Gear Preparation at Home

Before you head out on your adventure, double-check that you've got everything you need using a gear checklist. Make sure your camping clothes, as well as your car camping equipment, are in top shape. Check that your tent stuff sack has stakes inside, that your first aid kit isn't expired, and that you have everything you need according to the list.

Setting Up Camp

Once you've selected your destination and chosen a campsite, you're ready to get your gear set up:

Set up your tent, even if it's earlier in the day. It's handy to have your sleeping area figured out while you're ready and able.
Prepare for a comfortable night's sleep by putting your sleeping bag, sleeping pad or air mattress in the tent, and pumping up any air mattresses.
After your tent is prepared, move on to the rest of your camping setup. Get out all your camping furniture, such as camping chairs and hammocks.
Prepare the fire pit for the evening's campfire. Clear out any excess ash left behind from previous campers if necessary.
Set up your camp kitchen, making sure all the necessary gear is accessible for when it's time to prepare meals.
Set up a convenient place for disposing of trash, such as tying a bag to a lantern post or the leg of a picnic table.
Ensure all your camp lighting (e.g., headlamps and a propane lantern) is easily accessible for nighttime use.
If you use a portable shower tent or privacy shelter, it's time to set that up, too. Ensure everything is properly assembled, and that you have water available for your shower.
If you didn't already bring potable water, make sure you have enough for everyone to drink for at least 24 hours.

Maintaining Your Camp

To ensure your camp runs smoothly, observe the following guidelines:

Key Keeper

Keep track of the car keys at all times. Assign a designated person or spot to store them at camp, avoiding any unnecessary worries.

Bear Country

In bear country, store your food and camp kitchen supplies in bear-proof boxes if provided. If not, use a locked vehicle for storage. Always store your food and kitchen gear away from campers when not involved in food preparation, eating, washing dishes, or getting ready to eat. This is especially important at night, when bears and small animals are more active. Make sure you don't store anything smelly in your tent, including snacks and toiletries.

Airing Out

Air out any sleeping bags that were used overnight, helping with smell and preventing mildew buildup. Also, air out any damp hiking boots or shower shoes to maintain their quality.

Gear Maintenance

Regularly check your tent for holes needing patches, and ensure you have enough fuel for the rest of your trip. Inspect your sleeping pads and air mattresses for leaks, addressing any concerns immediately to ensure a good night's sleep.

Stay Tidy

Encourage everyone to pick up after themselves, ensuring proper disposal of trash, and that readily used items, like toilet paper and headlamps, are readily accessible. Adhere to the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace for a cleaner, more enjoyable experience.

Related Article: Why Camping? The Unexpected Benefits!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you set up a campsite?

First and foremost, take the time to set up your sleeping area, including your tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pad or air mattress, and any blankets. Next, get out the rest of your camp furniture and settle it. Follow the remaining steps in our guide to get everything else set up efficiently.

What should you not do while setting up camp?

Avoid setting up camp in the dark, especially if you can arrive during the daytime. Steer clear of rushing and instead take your time setting everything up properly the first time around.

For a successful camping trip, ensure you've considered various campgrounds by deciding on a destination and researching specific locations.
Useful resources like The Dyrt and iOverlander can aid in discovering the best campgrounds and dispersed camping spots respectively.
When evaluating campgrounds, consider factors such as restrooms and showers, privacy, site types, location, water availability, entertainment, and proximity to potential distractions.
Before departing for your camping adventure, check your gear using a gear checklist to ensure all necessary items are in top condition, including camping clothes and equipment.
At the campsite, set up your tent, prepare for comfortable sleep, organize the rest of your camping setup, prepare the fire pit, set up the camp kitchen, establish a trash disposal area, gather camp lighting, set up a privacy shelter for a shower, ensure ample drinking water, and adhere to the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace for a cleaner, more enjoyable experience.