How to find the perfect place to pitch your tent

A good night’s sleep can make or break a camping trip. This is why it is important to find the perfect place to pitch your tent before going to sleep. Once you decide on a campsite, make setting up your tent the first priority.

It’s much easier to find a good spot while it’s still daylight. Many factors go into the perfect spot, so it is important to look around and weigh your options before making the final decision.

Flat ground

Arguably the most important factor when choosing a tent spot is how flat it is. It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep when you’re waking up in the middle of the night to readjust yourself on your sleeping pad. Normally pulling yourself out of the bottom of your tent is a surefire way to wake yourself up and cause you to lose valuable sleep time

Surface

Consider what surface you’re pitching your tent on. Is the ground rocky and gravely or soft sand? Take the time to pick up stray rocks and sticks before laying out your tent. If you plan to camp in the grass, make sure there are no spiny plants hidden.

There is nothing worse than taking your shoes off to get into your tent at night and being poked by prickly plants through the bottom of the tent. I’ve done it myself before normally because I have been in a rush. You will enjoy your trip far more if you are well rested.

Wind protection

If you plan to camp somewhere windy, figure out which direction the wind is blowing. Try to find a sheltered area behind trees or rocks to protect you from the prevailing wind. This will make pitching the tent easier and you won’t have the tent blowing all around you when trying to sleep.

View

Perhaps not the most important for a good night’s sleep, but choosing a site with a good view to enjoy in the morning is rewarding. If the first thing you see when opening your tent door in the morning is a stunning vista, then you’re sure to set yourself up for a good day.

I understand that if you arrive late at night you may be pitching your tent during the dark.  It’s worth stopping just an hour before the sun goes down so you can pitch your tent in the light. You’ll be able to pick a great view to wake up to and it will make like easier for you.