| Planning is critical when camping. Planning starts at | | | | Make sure the site is large enough to meet all |
| home, before you've even left, and doesn't stop | | | | your needs. Think about what would happen to |
| until you make your weary way home again. Part | | | | your site in the event of a storm. |
| of your planning involves getting the very best | | | | Consider the location of bathroom facilities (if |
| camping site to meet your needs this weekend. | | | | applicable). |
| That is the best way of ensuring a pleasurable | | | | Water is absolutely critical for camping. You will |
| experience is had by every member of your | | | | need it for washing, drinking and cooking so |
| group. Imagine enjoying a beautiful peaceful sleep | | | | ensure that you have a water source nearby to |
| in your ten only to be woken up at 5am by a | | | | your camp site. |
| man on a power mower mowing the grass on | | | | If rain is expected locate your campsite in a flood |
| the adjacent golf course. | | | | free area. |
| This actually happened to 200 campers at a | | | | Never modify an area by removing vegetation |
| campground in Washington, some of whom have | | | | and rocks to create the perfect campsite. The |
| claimed It was our worse camping experience | | | | perfect campsite is never created by man but |
| in the USA so far.His response was, this is | | | | has already been made by Mother Nature. |
| the only time that there are no golfers around! | | | | Find an area free of tree roots and rocks. If |
| (Lucky for them, I’d say!)This proves one | | | | you've found the perfect location but there's a |
| thing. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the | | | | problem with small rocks gently rake them away |
| campground is and how scenic the view is. If | | | | to create a smooth level for sleeping on. |
| you’ve set up camp in the wrong location | | | | Never camp on a ridge. You are too exposed to |
| your trip could turn into a nightmare. | | | | severe wind and lightning conditions. |
| Planning is critical when camping. | | | | Avoid sharing a site with campers who are not |
| Planning starts at home, before you've even left, | | | | part of your group. There's plenty of land to go |
| and doesn't stop until you make your weary way | | | | around and every camper is entitled to some |
| home again. | | | | personal space. |
| Part of your planning involves getting the very | | | | Look for a campsite that has some shelter from |
| best camping site to meet your needs this | | | | the sun. But if rain is expected never set up |
| weekend. That is the best way of ensuring a | | | | camp under trees. There's the danger of lightning |
| pleasurable experience is had by every member | | | | plus the fact that the trees will continue to rain on |
| of your group. | | | | your site long after any rainfall has stopped. |
| There are a variety of campgrounds, each | | | | Keep insects at a minimum by setting up your |
| offering different facilities, and thereby a different | | | | campsite in a dry area not too close to water. |
| kind of holiday. These are private parks, state | | | | Make sure that you set up camp where water |
| park campgrounds and state or national forest | | | | naturally flows away from your site. |
| campgrounds. | | | | Respect wildlife. Campers are venturing into the |
| Most parks have a designated area for a | | | | natural habitat of many animals. Don't set up |
| campsite. Reservations can be made often for a | | | | camp close to wildlife food sources or any animal |
| fee which is highly recommended. | | | | trails. We are their guests. Treat your hosts with |
| Some campgrounds allow you to choose a site | | | | respect. |
| before making a commitment. Some even allow | | | | Avoid parking too close to RVs and noisy |
| you to change your mind so if your chosen site | | | | neighbours. |
| turns out to be a nightmare check with the park | | | | If you have a large group consider a group |
| managers if there are other sites available. | | | | campsite. |
| Here are a few tips for getting the best camping | | | | In Autumn and Summer look for sheltered spots |
| site this weekend: | | | | along shorelines and protected in bays. |
| If you've arrived at an unfamiliar campground ask | | | | Trips located on islands and points in summer will |
| the campground hosts for a detailed map and | | | | offer calming cool breezes. |
| have a quick drive or hike around and make a list | | | | Some sites have flat, cleared spots all ready for |
| of some possible campsite locations. | | | | your tent so look out for these or ask your |
| Do not take a site that has camping items but no | | | | friends of great campsites they’d |
| vehicle as it could belong to RV owners who | | | | recommend. |
| aren’t on site for the day. | | | | If you’re canoeing a good spot for loading |
| Always arrive before dark. You can rest assured | | | | and unloading your canoe is critical. |
| that the best campsites will be taken if you arrive | | | | Avoid camping where trees are leaning over your |
| late in the afternoon. | | | | campsite. |
| Camp at least 200-300 feet away from water. | | | | Avoid camping near big pine trees as they act like |
| Make sure there are trees to hang your garbage | | | | lightning rods when lightning strikes. |
| and food upwind outside of camp. | | | | Avoid sites around marshes etc as they are a |
| Set up camp away from other campers and | | | | breeding ground for insects like mosquitoes. |
| away from any trails. | | | | Find a flat camp site to ensure no slipping and |
| If you love the idea of waking up in a warm | | | | sliding downhill. |
| location set up camp under the morning sun. You | | | | Make sure there’s a convenient location |
| will also have the advantage of being shielded | | | | for relaxing in your kitchen. |
| from hot sun later in the day. | | | | Make sure there’s good drainage. |
| Avoid setting up camp in tall grassy locations as | | | | Having a reasonable source of firewood in the |
| they are a wonderland for insects. | | | | vicinity is not a necessity but recommended. |
| Never camp at the bottom of cliffs with loose | | | | Finding the best campsite possible is a crucial part |
| rocks. | | | | of your camping experience. It is not the time to |
| Become familiar with flora and avoid all areas with | | | | be impatient, tired, or hurried. A poor campsite will |
| poison ivy. | | | | cause unlimited problems on your trip. With a little |
| Get the best protection from lightning by camping | | | | planning, patience and preparation your perfect |
| near a dense grouping of trees, all the same | | | | campsite is waiting at a campground near you this |
| height in a low area away from water. | | | | weekend. |