Finding the Perfect Campsite

Are you planning a family camping trip for the summer? Maybe you’re planning an epic backpacking journey? Whatever the case, camping is a fantastic getaway that’s affordable, fun, and gets you back into nature.  

One of the most important aspects to camping is getting a good night’s sleep. This is why being able to find the perfect campsite is a critical skill. It may not seem important, but being able to have a great campsite, in a central location, with excellent facilities is key to keeping the group happy. Read on to learn more. 

Consider the Location

First and foremost, it is imperative to consider the location of the campsite. This applies to two aspects of your trip – you need to find the best location in terms of where you stay in the park/forest and the best campsite in the actual campground.

You want to be at a campground that is conveniently located so you can easily explore, enjoy traditional camping activities, and visit nearby attractions. There is nothing worse than spending half of your stay traveling around in a car. If your group plans on spending most of the time at the park’s beach, be sure to pick the campground that’s nearest the beach. If you know what you want to see and do while on vacation, you can better plan where your home base should be.

Whether you select your campsite online or in person, look for sites that aren’t too far from the facilities (but not too close as this will increase the noise and traffic in your area). If you’re in a scenic location, try to get a spot where you can enjoy the scenic views! Be sure this perfect campsite also has an area for shade and a clean, flat surface for your tent’s footprint. Be sure to clear any small rocks or sticks in the footprint area to avoid any potential sleeping problems during the night.

Read the Reviews

Whenever you are booking any type of accommodation, it’s always a good idea to read reviews that have been left by people that have stayed there before. This is the best way to get an honest picture regarding the campsite and what you are likely to experience. If the campground you are considering is bad and people have been unhappy with their stay, you should find a bunch of negative reviews from dissatisfied customers warning you to book somewhere else. There are plenty of trusted websites that will give honest reviews on campgrounds and finding perfect campsites. And of course, you can always ask around to friends and family for recommendations.

Check out the Facilities

Staying at a campsite does not mean you need to expect the basics and nothing more (unless you’re in the backcountry!). There are campgrounds that offer great facilities nowadays, including clean showers, laundry facilities, swimming pools, Wi-Fi, sponsored family events, and even food trucks. Of course, if you’re into ‘glamping,’ you can always find a great yurt to stay in, or find campgrounds with coffee cafes, yoga classes, and game rooms.

Finding the perfect campsite all depends on the type of experience you want to have. Some campsites are more rural, yet will still have places for you to get equipment like radios and have an emergency center. In other cases, you can go completely out into the wild, camping in the backcountry with just you and your sleeping bag. It’s totally up to you.

Consider the Price

Price should never be the sole reason for choosing a campground, as you need to take all of the other factors into account. However, all too often it’s the most important area of consideration. After all, one of the main reasons for staying at a campsite is to save money and enjoy an affordable vacation. To find a lower rate, perhaps you can find a campsite in the off-season when prices are lower or check online for offers or discount codes. Be sure to shop around and compare prices. Sometimes, booking online ahead of time will save you some money, as well as avoiding making reservations via a third-party website, which often charges you more.

Hopefully, these four points will help you select the perfect campsite for your next adventure. 

Happy Travels!

Julie

This post was published in collaboration with other companies and may contain affiliate links.  All opinions in this blog are my own and are not affected by any advertiser or product. Per FTC guidelines, this website may be compensated by companies mentioned through advertising, affiliate programs, or otherwise. Any references to third-party products, rates, or websites are subject to change without notice.