Setting up a camping site for the first time can be overwhelming and challenging. But, with experience and consent practice, it becomes much easier and straightforward. The only way to gain experience is to go camping. You will be amazed at what you’ll learn while chilling in the comfort of nature.
However, here are some steps to guide you in setting up a camping site:
1. Set up your camping site on a high and level ground
It’s advisable to set up your camp on a high and level ground to avoid floods. Whether you pitch your campsite at the bottom or on a gentle slope, you may invite flood if it rains.
Choose a level ground free of dips and tree roots. Avoid pitching your camping site on hiking or animal trails if you prefer peace and tranquillity.
2. Clear sticks, rocks, and debris before pitching your camping site
There’s nothing as annoying as catching a decent sleep only to slam your head against a rock. Brush off sticks, debris, and pebbles from your campsite. Watch out for anthills, animal holes, or any sign of patches that’s home to anything. You don’t want animals crawling over you.
3. Lay a tarp or tent footprint under the tent
Protect the bottom and fabric of your tent by laying a tarp. Ensure the tarp is the same size as your tent, and turn the edges under to avoid trapping rainwater.
4. Follow the directions when setting up your camping site
There’s no harm in following directions when setting up a tent. It saves time. Furthermore, when buying a tent, find those with shock-corded poles that can easily lock into place.
In addition, set up the tent so the door opens away from the prevailing wind. It wouldn’t be nice to have rain blowing into your tent if the weather gets bad.
5. Set up a rainfly at the top
Whether the weather forecast guarantees no rain or not, setting up a rain fly at your camping site is advisable to keep water out. Ensure the rainfly is taut to avoid showers. Some tents have a waterproof rainfly, but you can purchase one separately.
6. Store your belongings after setting up your camping site
Most people don’t bother using a sleeping pad, but it will make your sleep much better and more comfortable.
Ensure all your belongings are inside the tent to keep them dry once it’s set up. Also, keep them away from the inside walls of the tent to avoid contact with condensed water.
7. Never store food in your Tent
Store food away from your tent to avoid attracting insects, rodents, and bears if you are camping in a bear country. You could hurt yourself or get yourself killed. Additionally, you could also risk spilling food in your tent and messing it up.
Therefore, store your food in a sealed container or cooler in your vehicle or approved food storage areas.
8. Practice proper trash disposal
Don’t store your trash around your tent area. Furthermore, keep your camping site clean at all times.
Collect trash in a sealed container or bag and dispose of it in your campground’s dumpster. If there is no dumpster in your campground, you can dispose of it at home.
Conclusion
Setting up a camping site is relatively easy. By following these steps, you will have a good camping experience while connecting and admiring the beauty of nature.
Before going camping, it’s advisable to practice using your camping equipment at home. This way, you can figure out any missing items and sort them out.
Have you set up a camp before? Did you enjoy your camping experience? Share your experience in the comments.