Secrets To Finding The Best Spot For Your Tent In Wyoming

I remember as a kid we used to camp in the backyard a lot throughout the summer, sometimes we'd head off into the woods and set up camp. We were kids, and we didn't spend much time thinking about where to put the tent.

Now, I probably spend too much time, because I'm a little pickier than I was then. Also, because one night of bad tent sleep can put me out of commission for a few days. That makes planning out the tent location one of the most important things to me. I'm also not trying to be a hero and be a minimalist when I'm loading up the truck with supplies and tools.

When you're picking out the perfect spot, there are some things to keep in mind before pitching your tent.

Is the ground flat?

The grounds' levelness is one of the most important things to consider when you're picking a spot

Is the area clear of rocks, pine cones, tree roots, or other objects that will make sleeping uncomfortable?

I've started taking a rake with me to make it easier to clear out the tent spot.

How close is your camping neighbor or the nearest trail?

I'm not camping to be in the middle of a community of other campers or being bothered by hikers on the trail. My rule, in most cases, is that if I can see them, they're too close.

Is your tent going to be exposed to the sun or other elements?

I always try to find an area with trees that will shade it and offer a little bit of protection if it starts to rain.

Are you going to have a fire, and how close is the fire pit to your tent location?

Sure, you want to be close enough to enjoy the fire, but you don't want to be so close that there's potential of embers popping onto or into the tent. You also don't want to get overtaken by smoke.

How close is the nearest creek, river, lake, or other water source?

The rule of thumb is to set up camp about 200 feet from the water. By doing that, you're ensuring that you're not contaminating the water, you're not interfering with wildlife's access to water, and if a spring or summer storm comes through, you're safe from flash floods.