Planning on going camping? Great! One of the first things you need to do is choose a spot. Here are several factors you should consider when choosing a camping spot, as well as a few tips for finding a good one.
Accessibility
How are you going to get to your camping spot? Is it a “drive up camping spot” or is access via a foot trail. If access is via a foot trail, I would suggest finding a spot with a half mile or less hike for your first trip.
Views / Attractions
What’s at the camping spot? Does it have good views? No sense going and camping in a boring place when there are many beautiful camping spots available.
Water
Does your camping spot have access to clean water? If not, you’ll have to pack in all of the water you need, including plenty to put out the fire with.
Firewood
Is there access to firewood at the camping spot. If you want a campfire, you don’t want to have to carry in the wood you’ll need! Be sure that you are allowed to harvest firewood for the area you are going. In most areas, you are allowed to pick up dead wood, but not cut down live trees. Live trees do not burn well, anyway.
Campability
If you’re going into “uncharted areas” or plan on camping where there is no established camping spot, be sure that the terrain is such that you can pitch your tent without rolling down a hillside or sleeping on the rocks all night.
Tips for finding a spot
Here are a few places you can start looking for camping spots:
Local state parks
Local national forests
Your local city/county water supply lake
Ask friends who camp
Search online for “camping your state here” etc.
Be safe…and have fun!
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