How to Choose the Perfect Campsite
Tips to Select the Best Campsite and Stay Relaxed While on Holiday
Oct 23, 2009
Waking up while floating in pool of muddy water will test any camper's resolve to enjoy a camping holiday. Whether pitching a tent or staying in a RV, a few basic considerations will ensure the whole family enjoys the camping holiday.
Campsites Must Provide Enough Shade
A good campsite receives some sun during the morning hours to dry out the dew or rain of the night without heating up the inside of the tent or RV. This is especially important in areas where the rainy season is during the winter months.
Direct sun from midday to sundown, will increase the chances of campers contracting sunstroke as the harmful UV rays of the sun are on its brightest during this time of day. In summer, not having shade in the afternoons might also cause the temperature around the campsite to soar and add to the discomfort of all.
Choose Level Ground to Make Camp
One disadvantage of sleeping in a tent is that pitching a mattress on sloped ground will rob the camper of a good night's sleep. Nothing is worse than clinging to the side of the mattress the whole night to prevent the body from rolling onto the canvas floor. When selecting a campsite, take note of the slope of the ground. If it slopes too much, try to find a more level site.
While using an RV will eliminate much of the discomfort of sleeping on a slope, care should still be taken to find the most level spot. Camping stoves and fridges works best when in a level position and are usually equipped with a level indicator for this purpose.
Check to see if there are depressions in the ground that could cause water to accumulate and form a puddle when it rains. Make sure the ground does not slope too much to the one side and if the campsite is downhill, check for obstructions preventing water from rushing through the campsite when it rains. Usually a small trench, dug by the previous occupants, is a good indication that the campsite might become waterlogged.
Inspect the Campsite for Insect Nests and Sharp Objects
Camping implies being outdoors where the fauna and flora receives preference. Campers should not use pesticides to exterminate insects and rather use preventative measures .To prevent ants or termites from taking over the campsite, campers must check the prospective campsite for signs of termite or ant mounts before pitching tents on the ground.
To protect the canvas floor of the tent, remove any thorns and other sharp objects before erecting the tent. Especially while camping in the wilderness areas of Africa with the Camel Thorn Trees in abundance, many campers found their inflatable mattresses flat halfway through the night due to the large thorns penetrating the canvas and puncturing the mattress.
Choose a Campsite Close to Running Water and Some Distance from the Ablution Facility
When camping in a RV, filling the tanks or cans with water can become problematic if the tap is too far from the campsite. Tent campers also need water for cooking and drinking and walking across the whole campground to fetch a glass of water will undoubtedly cause some irritation.
While it is convenient to be close to the ablution facilities, especially during the night, ablution facilities tend to be noisy and with a constant stream of traffic. Pitching a tent too close to the entrance of the ablutions, will result in fellow campers trampling past, or even across, the campsite to visit the building. Choose a campsite some distance away, but still within comfortable walking distance, to ensure quiet and privacy during the camping holiday.
Camping remains the best option for a family vacation and by choosing the correct campsite, the whole family will enjoy the experience.
For tips on how to camp with children in the wild see: Camping with Children at Mabuasehube
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