Selecting and Setting up a Proper Campsite

Have you ever gone on a camping trip, set up your tent, spent the night, and woken up to a flooded tent with all your gear and sleeping bag soaked? Or experienced a rodent (squirrel, mouse, raccoon, etc.) chewing a hole in your tent or backpack, devouring most of your food? Perhaps you've set up camp along a trail, only to have constant foot traffic from other hikers, making your experience less private and comfortable.

Unfortunately, I've experienced all of those scenarios. Over the many years of camping and hiking, I've encountered my share of campsite "fails," teaching me the hard way how NOT to set up a campsite.

One particularly memorable camping trip with friends took place many years ago. We were young and inexperienced but had a general idea of what camping involved. After arriving at the campsite, we set up our tents and cooking table with all our food and gear. We enjoyed a great day hiking to the site and were ready to relax around a campfire and soak in the scenery. While sitting around the fire after our delicious meal, we heard some loud rustling near one of my friend's tents. We all got up to investigate and found the tent flap unsecured. My friend noticed his backpack was missing, which was surprising given it wasn't light and still had much of his gear inside.

We searched around camp for possible intruders but found none. Eventually, we discovered my friend's backpack about 10-15 yards behind his tent in the bushes surrounding our campsite. As my friend approached, he heard a low growl—not loud or deep, but a growl nonetheless. It turned out a small group of raccoons had found his pack in the tent, attracted by the granola bars inside one of the side pockets. They shredded the side of his nearly brand-new backpack to get the sweet treat.

This experience taught us the importance of carefully packing and storing our food and choosing a campsite location. This site had been used by many others who did not practice the Leave No Trace camping rule, leading the raccoons to learn that humans carried easy-access treats. Throughout the night and into the next day, we constantly fought off and scared away literal hordes of raccoons. We saw dozens of glowing eyes around our site all night as the campfire and flashlights illuminated them. They growled, hissed, and even fought each other, creating a loud and uncomfortable night with minimal sleep.

The moral of the story is to choose your site wisely, secure your tent to prevent unwanted intruders, and properly set up a bear bag away from pesky thieves. Below are a few rules of thumb to consider when choosing and setting up your campsite:

Tent Setup Factors:

1. Avoid Low Points:

   • Avoid setting up your tent in low-lying areas where rainwater could collect and create puddles. Opt for higher ground to stay dry during unexpected weather changes.

2. Check for Debris:

   • Clear the area of rocks, sticks, and other debris to create a comfortable sleeping surface. An uneven or cluttered ground can lead to discomfort and even damage your tent.

3. Choose a Slope Wisely:

   • If you have no choice but to set up on a slope, position your sleeping bag with your head on the higher ground. This ensures better blood circulation and prevents discomfort or dizziness while sleeping.

4. Safe Distance from Water Sources:

   • Set up your campsite at least 200 feet away from water sources like rivers, lakes, and streams. This helps protect the water quality and reduces the risk of flooding in case of heavy rain.

5. Distance from Trails:

   • Maintain a safe distance from established trails to ensure privacy and minimize your impact on wildlife and fellow adventurers.

Bear and Wildlife Safety:

1. Bear Bag Setup:

   • If you're in an area prone to bears, raccoons, and other wildlife, it's crucial to store your food properly. Use a bear bag to hang your food and scented items (such as toiletries) at least 200 feet away from your tent.

   • Find a sturdy branch that is at least 15 feet high and 6 feet away from the trunk.

   • Use a rope to secure the bear bag, ensuring it hangs at least 12 feet above the ground and 6 feet away from the tree trunk.

Leave No Trace Principles:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare:

   • Research your destination and know the regulations and special concerns for the area. Plan your trip to minimize your impact on the environment.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:

   • Stick to established trails and campsites when possible. When camping in pristine areas, choose durable surfaces like rock, gravel, or dry grass.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly:

   • Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. If using a latrine, dig a small hole (6-8 inches deep) at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites.

4. Leave What You Find:

   • Preserve the environment by not disturbing natural features, plants, or wildlife. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you found them.

5. Minimize Campfire Impact:

   • Use a camp stove for cooking instead of a fire. If you must have a fire, use an established fire ring and keep the fire small. Make sure to extinguish it completely before leaving. A good rule of thumb is when you can touch the coals or ash with your hand it is safe to leave. Also, ensure that it is not smoking or smoldering.

6. Respect Wildlife:

   • Observe wildlife from a distance and do not feed them. Protect wildlife by storing your food and trash securely. See bear bag section of this article. 

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors:

   • Respect other campers and hikers by keeping noise levels low and allowing them to enjoy the natural surroundings.

By following these best practices, you'll ensure a safe, comfortable, and environmentally-friendly camping experience. Happy camping!