Setting Up Your Campsite

While camping almost everything revolves around where you are going to sleep, where you are going to eat and where you are going to play and sit. When you get to your campsite the first thing you want to do is plan where you are going to set up these areas. Some of these areas might already be designed and set up by the campground management especially the RV campsites. Usually these areas are set up in the right places so you shouldn't have to move too many things around. Just set up all of your camping equipment and enjoy your camping trip.

Sleeping Area

If you are tent camping some of the unimproved campsites might not be set up at all. The sleeping area should be set up first. Look for a flat spot with plenty of room to set up your family tent. Clear out all the rocks, sticks and make sure there are not any large roots that might damage the tent floor or make sleeping uncomfortable. Then set up your tent in this area.

Story Time

Oh. I almost forgot. And watch out for animal burrows!

OK! I know I am getting sidetracked here but I just got to tell you this story!

One camping trip me and my wife got to the campground late and had to set up the tent in the dark. We were tired from the drive and were ready for bed. I found the flattest part I could find with my flashlight. I kicked away a few rocks and sticks and figured the spot would be good enough just for the night. I set up the tent and we quickly settled in.

A few hours later my wife woke me up and said, " Honey. Something keeps poking me in the back!" I told her it was just her imagination and I rolled over and went back to sleep. A little while later my wife vigorously shook me awake and said,

"HONEY! HONEY! THERE IS AN ANIMAL UNDER OUR TENT!"

Alright she finally got my attention. I rolled over and rubbed the sleep from my eyes and we moved her sleeping bag away from where she was sleeping. She pointed right at the spot and said, "He's right there." I shined my flashlight on the spot and I saw it. It must have been some rodent trying to get out of its burrow and he kept poking up through the bottom of the tent.

So in the middle of the night I was forced to move the tent to a better spot by a scared wife.

Alright, Back to business.

Eating and Cooking Area

The next area you want to set up is the eating and cooking area. Set this area up far enough away from your sleeping area so you don't attract bugs and wildlife to your sleeping area.

It is a good idea to set this area up close to your vehicle so you don't have to lug all of that heavy equipment a long distance.

Keep this area clean and all of your food secured in your cooler when not in use. If you are in bear country make sure you use proven techniques to store your food so you will have something to eat when you need it.

Play and Sitting Area

The play area and sitting area should also be located away from your tent. It should be far enough away so your family members will not trip over the stakes and guide ropes of the tent. I like to include the campfire pit in this area. Also if you decide to set up the campfire here your tent will not suddenly burst into flames from being too close to the fire.

Setting up your family campsite properly will increase the enjoyment and provide for the safety of your family. Follow these simple camping tips and you will have fewer problems to deal with during your camping trip.

Next article in the family camping course: Camping Cooking Basics