{"id":78660,"date":"2022-12-01T15:58:11","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T20:58:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sylvansport.com\/?p=78660"},"modified":"2022-12-06T11:06:28","modified_gmt":"2022-12-06T16:06:28","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-next-campsite-the-right-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sylvansport.com\/how-to-set-up-your-next-campsite-the-right-way\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Set Up Your Next Campsite the Right Way"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
When you\u2019re on a camping trip, your campsite becomes your home away from home. Naturally, you\u2019ll want your home to be comfy and convenient; you also want it to be safe! How do you set up a campsite, so it meets all of these criteria? Read on if you want to know how to set up your next campsite the right way. We provide advice on choosing a campsite and setting it up in a safe, productive, and homey way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choose a Site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before you can set up camp, you need to choose a campsite. Walk around the area and keep an eye out for spots that look like prime campsite locations. Once you come across an area you\u2019d like to camp in, ask yourself: does it have these qualities?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Close to a water source, but not so close, it could potentially flood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Far from dead trees, cliffs, the center of open fields, and other areas that can become dangerous during heavy rain and lightning storms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Level ground for easy setup and proper drainage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Uphill so it doesn\u2019t flood when it rains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Close to your car, but far enough away that you can\u2019t hear busy roads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
At least 200 feet away from the nearest ravine or trail to prevent water contamination and hikers randomly wandering into your campsite.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Use these suggestions on what to look for to find a safe, convenient, and sustainable area for you to set up camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Set Up Camp<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you choose your campsite, the next thing you\u2019ll want to do is set up your shelter. For most, this will be a tent. Typically, you assemble tents on the ground and secure them using stakes, but there are also rooftop tents that attach to vehicles. If you\u2019re using a rooftop tent like our LOFT, setup is easy and takes just minutes; park your vehicle or kayak trailer on stable ground, mount your tent, untie the latches, lift upward, and secure. It\u2019s quick and hassle-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Locate or Set Up a Bathroom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The next thing you\u2019ll want to set up (or find) is a bathroom. Many campsites will have a porta potty or bathroom facilities not far from the main trail. If not, you\u2019ll need to set up your own loo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your bathroom area should be located a minimum of 200 feet away from your tent and any water source. Ideally, you should bring your own portable toilet and toiletries. Not only will this make your experience more comfortable, but it will also help keep you and the environment tidy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Set Up Your Camp Kitchen and Dining Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Next is your kitchen and dining area. If you want a traditional camping experience, you may opt to cook on a campfire and hang out in your trusty foldable chair. If you\u2019d prefer a more advanced setup, you can set up a camp stove and a portable dining table with chairs to make mealtime feel more like one you\u2019d experience at home. If possible, set up your cooking station, so the smoke wafts downwind; this way, the smell of food is less likely to attract animals to your campsite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Locate or Set Up a Trash Disposal Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Take care to store and dispose of your trash correctly, and never leave any garbage behind when you leave. Properly disposing of waste is part of the seven principles of Leave No Trace, which is the key to sustainable, safe-for-the-environment camping. It\u2019s also key to keeping you\u2014and your camp food\u2014safe. Leaving food unattended can attract wild animals, such as pesky raccoons and even formidable bears. This means you\u2019ll need a place to throw out or store any food; ideally, one that\u2019s at least 20 feet away from your campsite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re camping at more established grounds, you can keep food in your car, leave it at a designated food storage area, or toss it out in one of the many bins along the trail. If these amenities aren\u2019t available, place your food in trash bags or sealed containers and store them in an area 20 feet or more from your campsite and downwind. If you\u2019re worried about animals getting their hands on your grub, you can hang bags of your foodstuffs from a tree limb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Optional Set Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve set up your shelter, bathroom, dining, and food disposal areas, you can call it quits and start exploring. Or you can personalize your site further using these ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Set up a clothesline by stringing a cord between two trees to hang bathing suits, towels, and wet garments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Hang triangle flags, garlands, or streamers around your campsite for a fun, custom touch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Use string or lantern lights to give your campsite a warm glow. Alternatively, use tiki torches for illumination and to keep bugs at bay.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Throw down an outdoor rug for somewhere warm and dry to rest your weary feet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Decorate your camp\u2019s dining table with a tablecloth, placemats, and a centerpiece.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Make a custom sign for your campsite and stake it in the ground.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Hang a cozy hammock between two trees so you can rest and relax.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Personalize your tent or camper with blankets, throw pillows, and assorted decor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Not a fan of bugs? Hide from them in an outdoor screen tent with a protective mesh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
So, how do you set up your next campsite the right way? Truth be told, apart from a few general safety rules, there\u2019s no one \u201ccorrect\u201d way to set up a campsite. The perfect campsite is one that\u2019s set up to be convenient and functional for you. Using these tips on setting up your next campsite, you can make your campsite your personal home away from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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