Choosing a camping spot on a road trip is an important decision. Knowing what amenities you are looking for and how to avoid dangerous areas will keep you and your fellow travelers comfortable and safe. Also, knowing what types of sites will offer reasonable pricing will help you avoid blowing your budget. The following explains how to choose a camping spot on a road trip.
Steps
1
Check the weather report in any areas your are considering camping.
Check your mobile television, Internet, or radio for a weather report.
Avoid areas that are predicted to have inclement weather if at all possible. This will help you avoid safety problems due to issues such as high winds, flooding, or extreme temperatures.
2
Consider your budget and needs.
Determine whether or not you are comfortable with wilderness camping or would rather camp in a site with more amenities, such as showers and laundry facilities.
Wilderness sites are often the cheapest and offer more privacy than other settings.
If state or national parks are in the area, many offer camping grounds. They often have more amenities than wilderness sites, but are generally more crowded and expensive.
3
Contact friends and/or family that have camped in a particular area.
If you know anyone who has camped in the area you plan to stop in, ask for his or her recommendations.
Ask what he or she liked and disliked about the campgrounds. Match this with your personal preferences to determine whether or not you'd like to stay at a particular campsite.
4
Visit Internet forums that focus on campgrounds.
If you have Internet access during your road trip, use it to find a place to camp.
Consider staying at campsites that have plenty of positive reviews.
Avoid campsites that have repeated mentions of safety issues or other problems.
5
Contact the campsite prior to arriving.
If you have already decided where you would like to camp, contact the campsite and attempt to reserve a spot.
6
Arrive at the campground as early as possible.
If you were not able to make prior reservations, this will give you the best chance of getting a spot.
Tour the campground before committing to stay there.
Avoid campsites that are near roadways, train tracks, or loud campers if you are concerned about noise.
Sites near the entrance of the campground will get the most traffic while those near the back will get the least. Take this into consideration when you are thinking of privacy and noise.
7
Choose a campsite.
Before you set up a tent or any other equipment, thoroughly inspect any site you are considering.
Check for broken glass, poison ivy, insects, and other potential hazards.
Trees, bushes, or shrubs on the side of the prevailing winds are helpful in blocking wind gusts.
A level site is best for setting up equipment.
If you feel unsafe in the site you are in, asked to be moved to a different site. If the entire campground feels unsafe, consider leaving and trying another campground.
