Picture your perfect campsite. What do you see?
Are you at a group site with playgrounds for the kids? Maybe you see yourself on the bank of a river, nestled deep in the woods.
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What might be perfect for one person isn’t necessarily ideal for another. And if the reality doesn’t match your expectations, it can really hinder your camping experience. Here are a few key things to consider during your campsite search so you can find one that’s right for you.
Do the Right Research
You’ll want to get a well-rounded picture of where you’ll be camping. If you seek information from a variety of sources, you’ll be more confident in the site you choose. Here are a few resources to get you started:
- Talk to Friends: Your best resources for campground reviews are your friends. People love talking about their experiences—both good and bad. They’ll give you the most unbiased opinion of a site or destination.
- Read Reviews: Online reviews are another great way to learn about the campground you’re looking to visit. RVParkReviews.com is one place to get started.
- Call the Campground Office: Booking online is convenient, but if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call the campground before booking. The number can be found at the bottom of the campground details pages on Reserve America.
- Search for Photos: In addition to looking through photos on the campground reservation pages, perform a Google image search to find photos that other campers have posted online.
More: How to Efficiently Pack for a Camping Trip
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Know Your Preferences
You’ve chosen the campground; now you have to find a campsite. Over time, you’ll learn what features are most important to you, but here are a few basic details to get your campsite search started.
The Ground
Find out what the ground will be like at your site. Grass is generally preferred, though dirt is doable. The key here is knowing what to expect. If you’re camping on hard dirt, it helps to bring extra mats or an air mattress.
You might want to ask the campground manager if they have spots available with a small patch of grass where you can set up your tent.
Space
Consider the layout of the campground before choosing your spot. If you want more peace and quiet, pick something on the outskirts of the campground. If you have children, you may want to be closer to common areas or playgrounds. Some people like to be close to the showers and restrooms while others prefer to get away from additional foot traffic.
Additionally, consider the size of the site. How many tents and people do you have to accommodate? Do you have a dining fly? Check the campground map to ensure you have the room you need to comfortably eat, sleep and relax.
Shade
Tree cover is important in summer months, especially when camping with small children. Without some semblance of shade, your only respite from the sun is in your tent, which can get hot if it’s sitting in the sun all day.
If there are no sites available with natural shade, consider bringing your own. A pop-up canopy can do wonders in both rain and sunshine.
Proximity to Activities
Activities are a great way to break up the day and explore your surroundings. If the campground is in a remote place, check to see what’s offered within the park. Some activities and amenities to look for include:
- A playground for kids
- A body of water where you can boat, swim or fish
- Trails nearby for hiking and exploration
- A field for games like soccer, volleyball or baseball
Privacy
Consider the proximity of your neighbors when choosing a campground or campsite. If you have kids, it might be fun to choose a family campground where kids and parents alike can mingle. If you prefer to set up in a quiet location, you’ll want to look for a campground or campsite with more privacy.
More: 10 Things That Can Ruin a Camping Trip
