The Camp Site

The ideal campsite just doesn't exist. What might seem just right for one camper may be of no interest to the next. You may want to camp near a lake for swimming and boating, your buddy might prefer a stream for fishing. Another fellow may want the ocean, another the mountains or open prairie. Some of your fellows may want to camp where they'd meet other campers. The rest of the gang might insist on privacy. So the ideal campsite is in the mind of each individual that goes camping-what he wants. There are, however, five features of a campsite, no matter where it is, that you should think about:

(1) Well drained ground. Getting high and dry is the idea. Pick a spot where the wind and light breezes blow and where water will drain off rapidly. Try to pitch your tent on a level spot, high on a gentle slope and if you can get gravelly soil covered with tough grass, it's even better for drainage. Keep away from lush vegetation (marsh), and clay soil (puddles and mud when it rains).

(2) Favourable exposure. Face the tent south-east to get the forenoon sun but look for shade during a couple of afternoon hours and for protection against strong winds. Of course, if you can get a pleasant view across a lake, beside a burbling stream or with a long view of a mountain peak you've really got it made.

(3) Safe surroundings. Don't camp directly under large trees, for dead branches and lightning are a danger, nor in tall grass or near swamp (mosquitoes), nor in heavy underbrush (black flies) or right at water's edge (midges or "no-see-ums").

Be careful of gullies in case of sudden flash floods, overhanging cliffs which may have falling rocks or rock slides. Naturally, you won't camp in the midst of poison ivy, poison oak or other plants of this kind.

(4) Pure water. Your drinking water should come from a pure well, spring or brook. If you're not entirely sure, purify it, or bring water from home.

(5) Good wood supply. Not only fuel for fires but also for the construction of camp gadgets. If wood is not readily available then you will have to bring in or arrange to have brought in other fuel, such as charcoal or gasoline stoves.

When you find this kind of a campsite that has most of these features get permission to use it if it's on private land and be certain to leave the campsite better than you found it.