Not all campsites are created equally. The developed KOA’s and modern sites have paved pads, metal fire rings, full hook ups, and picnic tables. Most RV owners want a mall like campsite since they spend most of their time inside watching their plasma TV’s and AC.
They should segregate campsites. The modern RV’s can go to one area and real campers to another. If you have ever camped near big RVs you have to tolerate the generators, lighting, and cramped spaces. This ruins the peaceful part of camping and sitting around a fire.
Real campers and sportsmen prefer a more rustic campsite. We often camp in remote and undeveloped places. Predators and dangers could ruin our fun.
My elk hunting friend “Hot Nipple” and I camped in the same place for years. At 8,000 feet, we had no crowds. Darryl had a vintage trailer that he fixed up that I nicknamed the “Green Bean.” He had painted it forest green. This little camper had everything we needed.
We always looked around the area for safety issues. One concern was a standing dead pine that was leaning in the opposite direction of our camp area. There had never been a problem. Even if it fell, it was leaning away from where we camped. Darryl had headed to camp early to set up with some camp friends. I was to arrive the next day.
When I arrived, I noticed the huge deadfall lying in the back of Hot Nipples truck. The pickup cap was crushed, glass and tailgate were broken, and his camper was just 5 feet away. They were asleep on a windless night when the tree fell, in the opposite direction. Had it been a few feet to the left, the Green Bean and campers would have been mashed.
After that, we moved our camp outside the area and cut the deadfall up for firewood. We were lucky!
Picking a campsite is important. Not only does the site need to be in a certain place, but you also need to pay attention to safety risks and other problems.
Water/Drainages Nearby water means bugs and mosquitos. If you are in a tent, you need a dry place that is elevated and protected from runoff.
Trees and branches A falling limb or tree can crush you. Look for deadfalls, insect damage, and widow makers. Consider wind direction.
Campfire placement the fire site needs at least a 15-foot safe zone around it. If there is a metal fire ring/grate do not use it for cooking until cleaned or covered. Clean out the pit before cooking. Many campers pee on the fire to put it out and burn toxic plastics. Do not build a fire over tree roots. Keep a filled water bucket nearby.
Broken glass and metal These sharp edges can cut your trip short.
Scat/Tracks/Sign Look for any critter sign that could be a concern. Previous campers may have dumped leftovers, dishwater, feces, or other trash nearby that will attract critters. Make a perimeter search before setting up your camp. Campers also poop nearby and do not always properly bury their waste. This can attract bugs and beasts.
Wind and Sun Native peoples always set their camp entrance toward the east. This meant a sunrise alarm clock. Most strong weather comes from the west. Look where prevailing winds come from. Consider placing the camp where campfire smoke will not affect where you sleep.
Consider setting up a perimeter barrier. This could be an electric fence, string and cans, solar lights or physical barriers. Consider where you park the truck, horses, wheelers, etc.
Place your privy in a safe place. If you use a portable potty system, put it in a place accessible. If the user has a nighttime need, it needs to be completely visible and not tucked into the forest where predators may ambush them.
Debris piles and old wood piles these areas are habitat for snakes, rodents, and harmful insects/spiders. Inspect these areas before you set up next to them.
Know some plant taxonomy be able to identify poison sumac, ivy, and other harmful plants. Avoid them.
Camping can be a wonderful adventure or quickly turn into a disaster. Plan for the worst and you will avoid it.
Like the Boy Scouts preach, BE PREPARED!
Montana Grant
