by Ashley Raybourn

Created on: February 18, 2009   Last Updated: February 20, 2009

So you've decided to set out on a camping adventure and you know where you want to go, you just need to find the perfect campsite. Wherever you go, make sure you do your research about the climate and geography of the area, as well as wildlife and their food sources. You can select a camping site at a campground with established sites that usually have tent pads, or at a campground that just has open areas for camping, or if you are feeling particularly adventurous you can try back country camping.

Either way, make sure you call ahead or look online for regulations or any permit you might need, including availability of toilets, fire pits, group sites, etc. For example, the National Park Service requires you to have a back country camping permit for sites in the park and they usually cost $10 plus $5 per person.

Once you have arrived at your location start scouting it out. For your tent, you will need a flat and level area a little bit larger than the size of the bottom of your tent. You will want to find a high point if you can, but don't worry, a little bit of height will go a long way. This well help deflect any water around your tent instead of through it. If there is any running water, say from a stream or creek, you will want to look for a high-water mark from previous flooding and make sure you are at least 100 feet away.

Sometimes it can get pretty windy in the great outdoors so you'll want to make sure you have some kind of wind-blocking agent. Underneath a cliff or in the entrance to a cave is not a good idea. Boulders or rocks can come crashing down on you and there are many animals that like to sleep or make a den in caves. What you do want to look for are large boulders that will block wind. A high density of trees will also help block wind.

A few more words about trees. A dense tree canopy will help block out the sunlight during the day and keep you cool. At night, when temperatures cool down the tree canopy will keep you warm through convection. You will also need trees to help with your food situation, especially if you are backpacking and do not have a car to store food in. Hang your food and backpack in the middle of a rope that is tied between two trees. Make sure your tent or sleeping area is at least 200 feet from that spot, just in case the animals are curious.

Speaking of animals, you are already invading their natural habitat, so be mindful of their way of life. Avoid setting up camp in the middle of a berry patch or an area where it looks like animals walk through frequently. Streams with a high density of fish, although fun for fishing, are not a good idea either, especially in bear country. Again, those rock outcroppings and caves are home to many snakes and spiders.

Remember, it's their home. You're just visiting! Be respectful of your environment and know ahead of time if you will need your own trash accessories to transport refuse away from your temporary home.

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