Camping is a good way to disconnect from technology, create lasting memories, enjoy nature, and spend quality time with the family. But if you don’t do your homework before you book a campsite, all of those things could be in jeopardy. Before you choose a campground, it’s important to do your homework. What you need to look for at a campsite depends on what you’re looking for in a campground.

Camping is one of the most fun things to do in the world. There are fun games to play, delicious food to eat, and lots of places to explore. However, camping isn’t always as fun as you might think. For starters, you can’t always just drive out to the campsite to reserve it. That means you’ll have to travel, which means finding somewhere to park. Then, you have to haul your camping gear out to the site. If you have children, that can be challenging. And, once you’re settled, you still have to set up your tent.

How to Choose a Campsite

Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, whether you’re camping with friends or by yourself. But, before you head out, there are some things to consider. With so many different types of campsites, from tent-only to RV, there’s sure to be one that fits your specific needs. To help you choose the right one, we’ve put together a guide full of tips and tricks for selecting and using a campsite.

Safety

Traveling can be a blast. You get to explore new places, make new memories, and be around many people. However, traveling can also introduce new dangers. You face risks from distracted drivers, reckless people, and even animals on the road. When camping, you increase your risk of being injured by fire, falling objects, drowning, and poor weather. However, if you take the proper safety precautions, you can decrease your risk of an injury as you camp.

Size

Before you decide to camp, take a few moments to decide if your camping destination has enough sites to accommodate the size of your group. For example, if your group consists of 5 people, you might want to plan for a campsite that can accommodate up to 5 people that could comfortably share one tent. If you’re traveling in a large group, consider choosing a campground with multiple hookup sites, such as a campground with 50 amp hookup sites or a trailer park.

Terrain

Campsites play a huge role in the camping experience. They provide not only shelter from the elements but also serve as places for socialization with other people who enjoy camping. Not everyone is adept at choosing the perfect campsite, though.  

Privacy at a campsite is something that all campers desire. Nobody wants to be in a crowd where every move they make is exposed. Chances are, you have some privacy if you’re at a campsite. But that doesn’t mean you should hide. Sixty-six percent of campers feel comfortable sharing personal information with strangers on a campsite.

Permission

Getting permission to stay at someone’s campsite is not a simple task. Someone’s land may be privately owned, so you must call them and ask. If the land is government-owned, you must still ask permission to camp there. If you’re lucky, you can get a “use with permission” permit, which permits you to use the land for a limited time, sometimes with restrictions.

Camping is one of the most enjoyable types of outdoor activity, but some people hate being away from the comforts of home. Whether you’re afraid of bugs, mice, or bears, there are plenty of ways to create a safe camping environment that accommodates even your biggest fears. Installing motion-activated lights around the perimeter of your campsite is easy to instill a sense of security. These lights can be powered by whatever means you find most feasible, whether solar panels, butane, or batteries. Still, something as simple as motion-activated lights can help deter unwanted visitors.

Water

A well-maintained campsite with a water source nearby is one of the essentials for an enjoyable camping experience. However, not all water sources are created equal, and not all campsites have access to one. The quality of your campsite’s water source can largely determine how comfortable your trip will be, and it can also determine how safe it is to drink the water. Sometimes, water clarity can drastically change after rain, making it difficult to know if the water is safe to drink. Fortunately, there are simple ways you can test your campsite’s water to see whether or not it is safe for you to drink (or cook with).

For your camping needs, you will want to find a campground with various activities, whether you prefer relaxing or getting active. You want your campground to be near the water or the beach and the campsite to be close to town. Also, while tent camping, be sure to bring plenty of bug spray, sunscreen, and plenty of water.