Apr 12, 2009
More tips in choosing a campsite
The process of carefully choosing a campsite can be difficult at times. The ideal campsite should have the ease of setting up and breaking down camp, the luxury of waking up in a birch forest by a quiet stream, and clean water that you can drink and use among others.
If you don’t consider these factors, you could end up in campsite that’s full of hungry mosquitoes or wild animals that could endanger your life. To avoid trouble, here are more camping tips for your safety.
The No.1 rule is to select your campsite before dark. This will spare you a great deal of trouble.
A protective windbreak of trees or bushes in winter camping is essential. Shade and breeze in summer is equally important.
Inspect the ground for level conditions. Grassy areas are ideal. Avoid areas that could be a breeding ground for pests.
The spot should have a good drainage in case of heavy rainfall, and should be away from dead timber which may crash on the campsite during a violent storm.
Determine the eastern horizon, and face the tent opening toward the morning sun.
A quick view of the surroundings is always recommended. Do this before twilight if possible so you won’t get hurt because you make a wrong step. Keep an eye for poison ivy, oak and sumac.
In southwesterly states, avoid camping near wide, low creekbeds which are subject to sudden flooding and can fill in minutes when it rains. Check to see that you are not camping in or near one of the flood plains.
To pitch your tent, lay it out on the ground to fit the floor space you desire. Stake down the tent at this point if it’s an older model or insert the ribs if a newer model.
For older models, have someone hold the tent up on a center pole, then spread out the ribs like an umbrella. On the newer models, find the pegs at the corners of the tent and, by bending the ribs, insert the pegs into the hole at the need of each rib.
If a rain flap is a part of the tent, be sure to install it unless you’re sure it won’t rain and the weather is fair. For a fun-filled and unforgettable camping experience, be sure to visit Ohio Campsites.
