How to Choose a Campsite
A good campsite makes everything easier — better sleep, easier cooking, and a more comfortable stay. A few minutes spent choosing well is worth it, whether you're at a campground or in the backcountry.
- Look for flat, level ground for your tent.
- Avoid low spots that collect water and high spots exposed to wind.
- Check overhead for dead branches or falling hazards.
- Stay a safe distance from water and follow local rules.
Look for flat ground
The single most important campsite feature is level ground. Sleeping on a slope means sliding all night and waking up sore. Test the spot by lying down before you commit, and choose the flattest area for your tent. A little time finding flat ground pays off in a full night's sleep.
Avoid low spots and high ridges
Water flows downhill, so avoid the lowest point of a campsite, which can flood in rain. At the same time, a high, exposed ridge catches the wind and gets cold. The sweet spot is a gentle, slightly elevated area that drains well but isn't exposed to the worst of the wind.
Check overhead
Always look up before you set up. Dead branches, called widowmakers, can fall and cause serious injury, and leaning trees are a risk in wind. Choose a spot clear of anything overhead that could fall. This simple check is one of the most important safety habits in camping.
Consider sun and shade
Think about where the sun will be during your stay. Shade keeps the tent cool for sleeping in the morning, while morning sun can help dry dew off your gear. In hot weather, shade matters most; in cold weather, a spot that gets morning sun is a bonus. Match the site to the season.
Stay a safe distance from water
Camping near a stream or lake is beautiful, but keep a respectful distance — typically at least 200 feet from water in backcountry areas. This protects fragile shorelines and reduces your impact, and it keeps you out of flood zones and away from the insects that gather near water.
Mind your neighbors
In a campground, leave a comfortable gap between sites and be mindful of noise. In the backcountry, choose a spot out of sight of the trail and other campers when possible. A little distance and consideration make the experience better for everyone, including you.
Use existing sites
In the backcountry, camp on durable surfaces — established sites, bare ground, or rock — rather than trampling new vegetation. Using existing sites concentrates impact and protects the surrounding area. It's a core part of Leave No Trace and keeps wild places wild.
Plan for the morning
Think ahead to how the site will be in the morning. Will the sun wake you early? Is there a spot to cook and pack up comfortably? A site that's pleasant in the evening should also work when you're packing up at dawn. A quick mental run-through of the morning helps you choose well.
Check the drainage and wind
Beyond flatness, two factors shape a site's comfort: drainage and wind. A site that drains well stays dry in rain, while one protected from the wind is warmer and quieter. Look for natural windbreaks like trees or a low ridge, and check the ground for signs it stays dry.
A few minutes reading the land — where water would flow, where the wind comes from — helps you pick a site that's comfortable in all conditions, not just on a calm, sunny afternoon.
Trust your instincts
If a spot feels wrong — too exposed, too low, or just plain uncomfortable — it probably is. Keep looking until a site feels right, because you'll be spending the entire night there.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if ground is level enough?
Lie down on the spot before pitching your tent — if you feel yourself sliding or rolling, it's too sloped. Aim for the flattest area, and orient your tent so your head is uphill if there's a slight slope.
Is it safe to camp under trees?
Yes, with care. Trees provide shade and shelter, but check overhead for dead or leaning branches, and avoid camping directly under anything that could fall in wind.
How far from the trail should I camp in the backcountry?
Aim to be out of sight and sound of the trail and other campers, and follow the local rule for water distance — commonly 200 feet. Using established sites reduces your impact.