by Larry Wiggins

Created on: February 25, 2009   Last Updated: March 08, 2009

Many memories of backpacking trips are from the campsites. We may spend more hours in the campsite than on the trail or in any other activity on the trip. On each trip we strive to find a perfect campsite that has memorable vistas, flat tent sites and other amenities.

However, there is more to a campsite than its view and amenities. In a campsite, hikers experience risk from wildlife, weather and falling objects. Knowing a few simple guidelines will help you select a campsite that is both safe and picturesque.

As with many aspects of a backpacking trip, selection of a campsite begins before your first step on the trail. Trip planning must review usage regulations for the route of travel. There may be regulations that govern the location of campsites. Some areas will allow camping almost anywhere while other areas will require camping in designated areas only. Private property rules must be respected.

"Leave No Trace" camping principles codify rules for selection of campsites in the wilderness. Each backpacker should review these principles prior to their trips and use the guidelines when selecting their campsites. When camping in a pristine area that does not show signs of previous occupation, extreme care must be taken to not damage the environment with the campsite. The site should be restored to its original condition before leaving the campsite. These principles maintain the wilderness so that it will still be pristine for the next camper's use.

If you are in an area that is heavily used, there probably are established campsites and trails. The impact on the environment is minimized by using these existing sites and trails rather than starting new ones. When using existing campsites, keep fires in established fire pits and remove all of your trash and any other waste that someone else may have left. These simple acts help to make the site attractive to the next hiker.

Once the camping area is selected, there are five guidelines for selecting and setting up the site within the area. A site that does not have these five elements probably should be bypassed. An easy method for remembering the five guidelines are Ws; weather, wildlife, water, widow makers, and WOW.

Weather is the first consideration. In most locales you need shelter from the wind. You may be able to use natural obstructions as windbreaks. The tent should be set to minimize the wind impact. Consideration should also be given to water flow through the site in rains. Low lying areas may become mini-streams

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