Discovering the outdoors is one of life's great pleasures. Camping in the open, with few or no amenities, refreshes the soul. It isn't always so easy to accomplish this aspiration, however. Whether you are an experienced camper or are entirely new to the experience, knowing how to find a campground is an essential skill. You need to be able to read the terrain, keep yourself and your family safe, and pick a spot that has what you want.
Research the Area
You might have a favorite campground you visit annually, or you may be planning your first trip outdoors. Either way, finding a new campground often feels like uncovering buried treasure. You can discover new and exciting places to camp with some legwork.
Pick a Region
Begin by thinking in terms of geography. Depending on where you live and how far afield you are willing to travel, many options are likely available. Consider what you want from your experience. Camping near a lake or along the coast is an excellent choice for first timers. Access to water is wonderful during the summer months. Desert camping has many charms, as does camping in a dense national forest, or on largely untouched Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Don't rule out staying in private campgrounds, either.
Study Your Options
Once you have a general region picked out, begin looking for campgrounds in the area. Online resources are indispensable for finding and booking campsites. The days of pulling up to a campsite and praying a spot is available are mostly over.
- Recreation.gov is the online portal for discovering and reserving sites in the Federal system. Most national parks have dedicated reservation portals through this website. For example, you can make reservations to stay in Yosemite and Yellowstone through their respective Recreation.gov online gateways.
- Many state governments offer online information portals to help find and reserve campsites. Many -- though not all -- rely on Reserve America, which includes state and private parks, for booking reservations. Those states not listed on Reserve America can be found at these links: California, Oregon, Washington State, Colorado, Arizona, Oklahoma, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine, and Hawaii. Also, the Parks Canada website has information for those seeking camping opportunities to the north.
- Commercial sites and organizations, such as AAA, Hipcamp, Campendium, FreeCampSites, Kampgrounds of America, and many others facilitate locating improved fee-based campsites and free sites.
- Apps also help. Check out apps associated with The Dyrt, Recreation.gov, and Reserve America, Hipcamp -- all of which are available for iOS and Android -- to find campsites, book reservations, and explore your options.
Know Your Level
Look at areas that are likely to be within your comfort zone. Do not plan to camp in an unfamiliar environment during extremes of weather. Stick to improved sites until you are ready for more advanced experiences.
Plan Ahead
Scout your location before you make plans. Read online reviews, study area maps, and get a sense of what's available at your chosen campground. Try to understand the area before you go. This helps you prevent potential issues and maximize your time outdoors.
Consider the Weather
Avoid planning your trip when nighttime temperatures are likely to drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, check multiple sources for weather information. Do not rely on a single weather service. Pro tip: Many campsites on national forest or BLM lands have ranger stations or visitor's centers nearby, and these often have information on local weather that is far more relevant to campers.
Bring Navigation Equipment
Do not rely on your phone or electronic devices. These are nice to have, but always keep an analog compass and map of the area with you. Know how to use these. Also, learn how to read the terrain and landmarks. Basic navigation skills can save your life.
Size Up a Campsite
Now that you've picked a campground, you need to select the perfect site -- or at least, the best available site -- for you. The further in advance you book your reservation, the better the selection will be. Many campgrounds allow, or even require, reserving a camp when you arrive on-site. Check with the specific campground you plan to visit well in advance of travel.
Choose an Improved Campsite
Campgrounds with established amenities, such as flush toilets, showers, dump sites, recreational vehicle (RV) hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, and camp hosts are typically referred to as improved campgrounds. These almost always require a fee. They are more comfortable than camping in rough or unimproved sites.
Consider Dispersed Camping Opportunities
It is often possible to camp in unimproved, preexisting sites that are scattered across public lands. This is known as dispersed camping. Almost all state parks and BLM lands require campers to choose preexisting sites, meaning you cannot pitch a tent anywhere you please.
Typically, these sites have no amenities. You must bring your own water, pack out all trash, and bury human waste, or properly store and remove it for sanitary disposal. Finding dispersed sites is not easy. There are few guides or online resources that identify dispersed camps. You have to do the legwork yourself, but the reward might be a site few know about.
Pick the Right Spot
Choosing a campsite is more art than science. Weather plays a role, as does experience. Look for a site that strikes a balance between functionality, beauty, and convenience.
Think About Light
A camp might look great at sunset. But what happens at sunrise? Cloud cover, elevation, and natural topography might all impact when light hits your tent walls at dawn. You may love a campsite at dusk, but find yourself awake well before you are ready if you pick the wrong spot.
Find the Water
Camping comfortably relies on access to water. Most improved sites have spigots or fill stations. Identify these and pick a spot close by if you need to haul water to camp.
Consider Drainage
Water flows downhill. This fact is exceptionally important in the middle of the night, when your tent is swamped by sudden rainfall. Look at the natural lay of the land in and around your campsite. Figure out how water is likely to flow, and avoid placing your tent in natural depressions, gullies, or in the path of drainages.
Look for Shade
Trees, rocks, and foliage are great features of any camp, and they provide some shelter from wind, rain, and the sun. Just be careful not to pitch your tent directly underneath a tree, to avoid dangerous falling branches. A barren campsite may become unbearably hot during the day, and one on an exposed bluff may leave you vulnerable to strong wind.
Know Your Neighbors
Whenever you are considering where to camp at an established site, do not ignore other campers. Often, campers are friendly, helpful, and a pleasure to share a campground with. However, many campers later regret choosing a spot without thinking about how noise and activity will impact their stay.
Seek Privacy
Seclusion is often high on the list of perks for campers. Some people prefer to be in the open, near others. A campsite with natural privacy, away from other campers, might be preferable, however. Keep this in mind when selecting a site.
Keep Wildlife In Mind
Before you go, you need to know camp rules about wildlife. Any campsite located in bear habitat requires special preparation and food storage precautions. Never store anything that smells like food in your tent. Even if bears aren't present, find out what other animals inhabit the area and learn how to interact with them for your safety.
Figure Out if You Need Hookups
Camping in trailers and RVs is an entire world unto itself. If you plan to travel with your shelter in tow, you need to verify that a campsite has the hookups and access you require to be comfortable.
Determine Legal Access
State lands, including national forests, BLM lands, and various state parks have different standards and requirements for camping. Check ahead to learn the rules and regulations before you go.
Campsites within national parks are in very high demand. Some national parks now require reservations just to drive through. Most campsites are reserved through Recreation.gov, though in some national parks, it is possible to find first-come, first-served campsites. Expect to encounter substantial crowds during peak season.
Reserve In Advance
Camping has become a very popular pastime for many, and it is increasingly difficult to reserve spaces. Plan well ahead of your vacation, and if you intend to take the risk on a first-come, first-served campsite, have a backup plan in place.
Note that many state and federal reservation systems open the campsite application process as far as 6 months in advance. Watch for updates, and keep tabs on when reservations become available. Planning ahead gives you a much better chance of snagging your dream campsite.
Find a Campground and Go!
Camping is a timeless activity. Although high demand and restricted access can make it a challenge to snag the campsite you want, getting a head start gives you the advantage. The effort is worth it. Few other activities offer such an immediate and powerful connection with nature. Do your research, find the right spot, and give yourself and your family an experience that will last a lifetime.
