When you are out camping, your home is the camp that you set up for the night.Choosing a good campsite is important to ensure that you are able to sleep soundly and safely, and to wake up refresh.

How to choose a good campsite?

First of all, check if the area has established campsite.If yes, camp in an established campsite whenever possible.The established campsite has the advantage of being a tested and safe haven in the wild.The damage to the nature is already done and largely confined to these areas.

If the area does not have established campsite, choose the place with the following characteristics:

a.The ideal campsite should be sheltered by trees or a big rock from prevailing wind, yet not too close to the trees as to be endangered by falling woods;

b.The ideal campsite should be a little higher than surrounding ground for better drainage in case of rain, even a few inches will do;

c.The ideal campsite should be near to a water supply but away from animal drinking place.However, avoid pitching tent close to the inside bend of a river, since the land is often lower and vulnerable to flooding;

d.The ideal campsite should be a flat and cleared ground.It should not be littered with rocks that have clearly fallen from the surrounding slopes.

Avoid places with the following characteristics:

a.Avoid choosing meadows as campsite, as they are fragile environment;

b.Avoid camping on obvious animal trails and always look out for ant nests before pitching tent;

c.Avoid camping on mountain passes as the wind tends to be strong.The mountain passes often act as wind tunnels;

d.Avoid camping too close to the river.As a guide, campsite should be at least 30 meters away from the river.Do not camp on a dry riverbed.

Timing is very important factor when it comes to outdoor activities.Start to source for a good campsite at least 3 hours before nightfall.Spend enough time in reconnaissance for possible dangers.

The tent should be up and you should be cooking before sunset.A fire is very useful for chasing away the insects.It should be close to the tent and yet not too close to set the tent on fire.The tent should be mostly downwind from the smoke.

Latrine should be located in area away from the river to prevent contamination.Food should never be brought into the tent.Food should be kept suspend about 3 meters above ground and 1 meter from the tree trunk.This is to prevent animals from invading your tent or to reach your food.

Choosing a good campsite is a very important activity.Inattention may cause you a good night sleep and in severe case, injuries to you and your teammates.