Choosing the right campsite can be the difference between a peaceful night in nature or a night spent tossing and turning, feeling uncomfortable, or even unsafe. If you’re new to camping, don’t worry—picking a great campsite isn’t as hard as it sounds! With a little planning and these helpful tips, you’ll soon be setting up your tent at the perfect spot.

1. Understand the Different Types of Campsites

Before you dive into choosing the best campsite, it’s helpful to know that not all campsites are the same. There are a few types you can choose from depending on your preferences and experience level:

Developed Campgrounds: These are usually found in state or national parks and offer amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and sometimes even showers and electricity. Developed campgrounds are ideal for beginners because they’re easy to access, offer a bit of comfort, and help you ease into the outdoor experience.

Backcountry/Primitive Sites: These are for the more adventurous campers who don’t mind hiking to a remote spot. There’s no running water, no restrooms, and you’ll need to pack everything in and out. If it’s your first time camping, you might want to stick to developed sites until you gain more experience.

Dispersed Camping: Sometimes referred to as “boondocking,” this type of camping happens outside of established campgrounds, usually on public lands like Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. It’s free but comes with no amenities. You’ll need to be completely self-sufficient.

For first-time campers, I recommend starting with a developed campground. These sites offer conveniences while still letting you experience nature, and they’re much easier to plan for. You can Google KOA, Passport America, or just “campgrounds near (location)” to get an idea of what’s available and what they offer. Once you get the hang of camping, you can always branch out to more remote areas.

2. Location, Location, Location!

You don’t want to drive for hours only to find yourself at a campsite that doesn’t match your expectations. So, let’s talk about location.

Think about what kind of experience you’re hoping for. Do you want to be near a lake for fishing or swimming? Do you prefer a site surrounded by trees for shade? Or maybe you want wide open spaces with mountain views?

A few things to consider when choosing a location:

Activities: If you want to hike, check to see if there are trails nearby. If you love water activities, find a campground near a lake, river, or beach.

Distance: How far are you willing to drive? Some campgrounds are close to major cities, while others might require hours of driving down winding roads.

Weather: Check the weather forecast! You don’t want to pick a campsite at high elevation only to find it’s much colder than you expected.

Personal Experience: The Drive Matters!

On one of my first camping trips, a friend of mine had just bought an RV and we were so excited that we picked a campground four hours away. Two hours in the RV broke down. Twelve hours later, we were back home. It was a camping trip–with no camping. Check your vehicle before getting on the road…a topic for another blog.

3. Check the Campsite Amenities

When browsing for campgrounds, be sure to check what amenities are offered at each site. This will help you decide what to pack and what you can leave behind.

Here are a few important amenities to look for:

Bathrooms: Do they have flush toilets, or are they pit toilets? Some campgrounds even have showers.

Water: Is there drinking water available, or do you need to bring your own? This is super important, especially if you’ll be camping for more than a night.

Fire pits and grills: Many campgrounds provide fire pits with grills for cooking, but some might have restrictions due to fire danger.

Trash disposal: Does the campground have trash bins, or is it “pack in, pack out”? You’ll need to know if you’re responsible for taking your trash with you.

Camp store: Some developed campgrounds have a small store nearby where you can buy firewood, snacks, or ice. This can be a lifesaver if you forget something important!

The more amenities a campsite offers, the easier your trip will be as a beginner. Start simple—there’s no need to rough it too much on your first go!

4. Look for Flat, Shaded Areas

When you arrive at your campsite, take a good look around before setting up your tent. You want to find a flat, shaded area for a comfortable night’s sleep. A sloping or rocky site can make it hard to get comfy, and you’ll wake up feeling stiff or sore.

Flat ground: Find an area that’s as flat as possible. This helps you avoid sliding down in your sleeping bag during the night. It also makes pitching your tent much easier!

Shade: If you’re camping in a warm area, setting up in the shade can keep your tent cooler during the day. Trees also provide some shelter from wind or light rain. However, be mindful of dead branches above—also known as “widowmakers”—that could fall during a storm.

Avoid low spots: Don’t set up your tent in a low area where water might collect if it rains. This is key to staying dry!

5. Stay Away from Hazards

While camping is meant to bring you closer to nature, it’s important to stay safe by avoiding natural hazards. When picking a campsite, steer clear of these potential dangers:

Falling branches: As mentioned earlier, always look up to check for dead or hanging branches that could fall in high winds or rain.

Flash flood zones: Avoid setting up camp too close to rivers, streams, or in low-lying areas. A heavy rainstorm can cause flash flooding, even if it’s not raining at your campsite.

High winds: Try to choose a spot sheltered from strong winds, especially if you’re camping in an open area. Look for natural windbreaks, like trees or hills.

Bugs: If possible, avoid areas with standing water, which can attract mosquitoes. Camping near a river or lake is nice, but be prepared with bug spray and proper clothing to keep the pests at bay.

One time I booked a campsite in Maryland during a cross-country road trip. The day before, I checked the camp’s website for any news updates or warnings. Turned out there was a major tick infestation happening; current visitors were even leaving reviews saying there were ticks EVERYWHERE. I canceled that booking and made other arrangements. The moral: Look online or call the campgrounds to check for any updates or warnings before you arrive to your site.

6. Be Mindful of Noise and Privacy

If you’re camping to relax and escape the noise of everyday life, you’ll want to consider how close you are to other campers. Some campgrounds are packed with people, while others offer more secluded sites.

Noise: If peace and quiet are important to you, try to book a campsite that’s farther from the main road or camp store, as these areas tend to have more foot traffic and noise.

Privacy: Look for campsites that are separated by trees or bushes for a little more privacy. Some campgrounds have sites that are close together, so if you prefer a more remote feel, check the campground map before booking.

7. Know the Campground Rules

Each campground has its own set of rules, and it’s important to respect them for the safety of everyone and the protection of the environment. Before you head out, familiarize yourself with these common rules:

Quiet hours: Most campgrounds have designated quiet hours (usually between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.) when noise should be kept to a minimum.

Fire restrictions: Always check whether fires are allowed, and follow the guidelines for building a safe campfire. In some places, fires may be banned during dry seasons.

Wildlife safety: Follow the campground’s rules for food storage to avoid attracting wildlife, especially bears. Many campgrounds provide bear-proof containers for this purpose.

Leave No Trace: This is the golden rule of camping. Always clean up after yourself, take all your trash with you, and leave the campsite better than you found it.

8. Book Early and Be Prepared

Finally, remember that the best campsites—especially in popular national parks or during peak season—can fill up quickly. Many campgrounds allow reservations months in advance, so it’s a good idea to book early if you have your heart set on a specific spot.

If you’re new to camping, I recommend planning your trip during the off-season (spring or fall) when campgrounds are less crowded and the weather is mild.

Conclusion: You’ve Got This!

Choosing the best campsite might seem like a lot to think about, but with a little preparation, you’ll be able to find a spot that’s perfect for you. Start by deciding what type of camping experience you want, check out the amenities and location, and always keep safety and comfort in mind.

Your first camping trip should be all about enjoying nature and making memories—so take your time finding the right campsite, and you’ll be set for an amazing adventure. Happy camping!