5 Tips For Finding the BEST Campsite

[@HockeyDad6631]

Great Video! I think an often overlooked high country tip, especially if you use floorless shelters/tarp tents, is to be mindful of which direction the morning and evening thermals will be coming from. Cold air slides down hill causing a constant (and chilly) breeze for several hours in the morning and evening. Pitching your tent with some kind of natural barrier like a downed log, huge boulder, brushy plant, etc., between you and the direction the thermal comes from can help block that. Otherwise you may feel like you're in a wind tunnel all night. Also, with floorless shelters a level spot is a must. I've had my feet poke out the bottom of my shelter once or twice before I got more picky about my pitch spots...

[@journeyman7189]

Solid tips everyone. I concur with Brigham, a level spot is key. Don't pitch beside a yellow jacket nest. You will only do that once. Nate

[@jessicafrench8829]

In addition to level, I look for sites that don't have any big lumps that can't be moved, such as roots or embedded rocks.

[@outdooraf]

Other than being flat and level, widow makers are my biggest concerns

[@billyrandell]

True story. Waking up alive is underrated.

[@boopernator]

I will attest to find the most level spot to pitch the tent. On my last hike I picked a poor spot and ended up sliding towards the side if my tent during the night. Sometimes I will just lay down on the ground where I think I will pitch my tent to see if it's level enough. Great information, thank you for sharing this info from your experiences.

[@moimeme725]

If there is a campfire in the evening or morning, I try to avoid being downwind from the firepit. That avoids getting sparks and smoke in the tent.

[@gigihenderson8567]

I always take a footprint, so when I have settled on a spot, I lay it out and lie down on it. That lets me look up to see the widow-makers or wasp nests, and also gives me the best orientation, so the head is at the top of the incline.

[@TheScorpion615]

Take footprints?

[@gigihenderson8567]

@@TheScorpion615 I am referring to the ground cloth that you put underneath your tent. They are called footprints because they are cut just to fit under your particular tent.

[@charlieparker3270]

Tayson's suggestions are all good. I especially like the "take your time" process. I am usually too quick to pick. That video, though, makes it seem easier because the area is relatively free of undergrowth and is flat over a wide area. It isn't always that way! I'd like to see that video made where conditions are less optimum.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Awesome! Thank you! Maybe next time.

[@Vivypips]

Yeah, I was thinking the se thing. I live in the PNW, and typically the trails are very uneven. I've gotten used to sleeping with my feet on the downward incline.

[@jessechampers4715]

I also try to find a spot so that in the morning and evening Well give me shade. I get my compass out and fine E and W

[@JeffMyers1]

Looks like there's a new version of the Shadowlight pack coming.

[@edschneider3385]

Thanks for another great video! I value sharing these videos with our scouts. A couple notes… Depending where you are in the country, I would move “look-up” near the top of the list. The emerald ash borer has decimated forests in the midwest leaving an unimaginable number of standing dead trees (snags). Some days, it’s hazardous to simply be in the woods! Of much lesser importance, I would add knowing location of sunrise/sunset. This could prevent your tent from turning into a sweat lodge at 6am as some of us recently experienced on the BRT!

[@swnorcraft7971]

Sleeping in a hammock nullifies some of your criteria for a good camp site.....also provides THE best sleep. The size of the trees and distance between them where you're at makes for an excellent hang in a hammock. Carefully selected gear can keep hammock use just as light as using a tent. Any extra weight is a worthy trade off for me because of the excellent comfort that sleeping on the ground cannot compete with. You touched on a couple of the 5 W's of camp site selection......The need to be out of the wind, and to be away from Widowmakers, trees or limbs that could possibly fall on you during the night. The other W to stay away from is wigglers or wildlife. You don't want to be in the midst of insects, rodents or snakes. You also don't want to be on or near a wildlife trail. In bear country, it may put you between the bear and it's food source. You would also be encroaching on the habitat of non dangerous game. The two desirable W's are proximity to water for cooking and drinking and wood to burn (if not in high fire risk area). Everything you shared makes good sense. I hope my offering does the same. Your mileage may vary. Thanks for sharing......

[@Lv4_o2]

Nice info/vid, a lot of tips my husband has taught me.😊

[@thomascumiskey4198]

Good tips! Thanks

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ice2dance]

LNT principals. Know before you go, the rules and regulations for the area your in. General LNT guidelines is to camp at least 200 feet from water and trail. Looks fun. Keep up the good work.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for the info!

[@donnydread7631]

I like to check the forecast, and find wind direction. Then I like to plan out an area on the opposite side of the ridge.

[@daveh9907]

Most of the time it's not to difficult using a Hammock...lol, Thanks for your years of camping wisdom!

[@TaysonWhittaker]

You got that right!

[@sk-wx1cf]

as long as you're in a place with trees! desert and alpine areas can be problematic for hanging a hammock.

[@daveh9907]

@@sk-wx1cf Unfortunutly I have to watch youtube videos to get close to places that exceed 100 feet altatude. Not that Michigan is all bad...I long for some granite mountains.

[@jbh.6257]

Flat spots are not always easy to find. I think you guys should put some R&D into a “sticky” air mattress so I don’t keep sliding off !!! You are welcome to sent me a prototype 🤓

[@aengusw8896]

How should we feel about possible fire restrictions?

[@garrycollins3415]

Roots. I'll take a slope over a root every time.

[@countrygirl63baker64]

You bring up some excellent points, don't forget to also look about for ant homes, hornet nests, looks for holes in the ground as well! Nothing will ruin int more than after a long hike and careful work setting up tent and camp only to have found your tent on an hornets nest!!😮 Not very relaxing at all!! 😅

[@joethompson4805]

Hmm Shadowlight Version 2 in the works??

[@sk-wx1cf]

If so, it's missing the upper side pockets; that would be a downer.