One of the most intimidating aspects of getting started backpacking is where do you sleep. While some backpacking trips will require permits and your site will be assigned. Many trips will fall under dispersed camping or free camping. This means you are camping outside of a designated campground. This freedom is why many enjoy backpacking so much but there are some guidelines that need to be followed for safety. So how do you choose the perfect site for camping while backpacking?
Is dispersed camping allowed
If you don’t already have a designated camp site reserved in advance. Camping will fall under dispersed camping or free camping rules. Be sure that this type of camping is allowed where you are planning to go. While dispersed camping is allowed in national forests and many national monuments there are areas where it is prohibited. Most state parks and national parks do not allow dispersed camping. For Backpacking trips within those parks reservations must be made in advance.
Flat Ground
No one wants to find their backpacking partner has rolled over to your side of the tent in the middle of the night. When looking for a site be sure that the ground is flat. A flat campsite makes for a more comfortable nights sleep and will help to prevent any flowing water from flooding your tent in the night should a storm come through. If a flat site cannot be found I prefer to set the tent up in a way so your head is heading up hill. This will keep you or your partners from accidently rolling over in the night.
Look up
This step may not be necessary in some areas but it will save your life in others. While evaluating the prospects of a site be sure to look up and check the trees for any dead or snagged limbs. If a storm blows in and causes them to fall they can be deadly. The danger isn’t limited to limbs, also look around the site in all directions for trees that are unhealthy or have died but are still standing.
Sheltered from the wind
A big storm can reek havoc even on the most securely staked tent. Most of the time while backpacking your tent is the only shelter you have. There’s no camp bathroom’s or parked cars to find refuge. This is why it is important to select a site that has some protection from the wind. This can include some brush, a treeline, large boulders or just a small berm that will deflect some of the wind. While not always possible it certainly makes for a less stressful night should the wind pick up.
Privacy
This one is not necessary but something we prefer. When assessing the site think of where people will come from if they come down the trail. No one wants other groups having to walk through your camp to get to their own or have everyone looking in your tent while eating breakfast. When possible face the door of your tent where you can keep an eye on anyone walking up but not facing the trail directly so everyone can see you. A small area of brush can be a good screen to increase privacy.
Backpacking is about the views
While no we all aren’t chasing after that perfect Instagram sunrise shot with coffee in hand looking out the tent. Keep in mind where the views will be when selecting a camp site. The views are one for the things that set backpacking apart from camping in a campground after all. Be sure to select a site and position the tent so you have an amazing view without even having to get out of the warmth of your sleeping bag.
Away from trails and water
When camping outside of establish camp sites be sure to keep your distance from trails and water. You should be at least 200 feet from trails or water sources. Following the 200 foot rule will keep our streams clean and prevent other hikers from accidently stumbling through your camp.