Finding a campsite when wild camping - that's what matters

Just put up the tent and you're done. If you look at putting up a tent as a task in itself, then you can definitely say that sooner or later everyone will be able to set up their own sleeping quarters for the journey . Practice makes perfect and after just a few days in the field you will usually notice that putting up the tent is becoming quicker and quicker. Once you have gradually internalized the peculiarities of the tent model after using it several times and even the initially difficult parts of the setup are a breeze, then you know that setting it up will no longer be a real hurdle. Unfortunately, very few outdoor enthusiasts know that the planning phase should have started much earlier to ensure a good and safe night. Camping - that doesn't just describe the pure setting up of a coated fabric attached to poles, but rather requires complete concentration in advance when looking for a place. No matter how well and safely the tent is positioned, if the camping spot has not been chosen carefully and with consideration, then even the most expensive tent model cannot protect you from an uncomfortable night. WOLFGANGS takes a closer look and shows you what requirements your campsite should definitely meet when wild camping and how you can find it.

Keep your distance from the water

Being close to water is of course a great thing when it comes to the need for cool water, but remember that being too close to it can also have negative aspects when camping. When looking for the perfect tent spot, try to make sure that a high-quality water source is within easy walking distance. At the same time, however, make sure that you do not set up the tent in the immediate vicinity of the water.

The biggest problem is that the power of the water is too difficult to observe and assess during the night to risk setting up camp right next to it. Rivers can quickly develop a higher water level and if it rains overnight, this can also have a noticeable effect on the water level. Don't take the risk of being surprised by water in the middle of the night and finding yourself in a waterlogged tent.

We know that the sound of the water before bed is a relaxing experience, but safety should always be your top priority. If you've ever found yourself in the middle of nature with completely wet clothes and dripping equipment, then you know that the next time you go camping, your main focus should definitely be on finding a place to camp.

Also note that nights in the tent will be much colder if you sleep right next to the water. The coolness of the water can be quite pleasant in the summer, but in general you can say that there are more disadvantages with this location. The surrounding air is cooled down by the water in the immediate vicinity, so this would also be noticeable inside your tent.

Keep an eye on your immediate surroundings

It is important that you check the immediate area around your potential campsite in detail before wild camping to ensure that there are no dangers lurking. Of course, the small radius around the tent is the most important, but you should also briefly inspect the surrounding area just to be on the safe side.

Trees provide us with the perfect backdrop to relax and unwind during an outdoor excursion. However beautiful these leaf-covered giants may be, many of them can be considered a potential source of danger. Especially those that are easily bent and badly damaged by wind and weather could fall over over time and catch you during the night.

It's better to take a look at the trees around you once in a while. You can usually tell the safe trees from the unsafe ones very quickly, so this check doesn't take much time. The same applies to branches that may be above your tent. Here too, pay attention to the condition of the tree and use the information you have gained to decide whether it is acceptable to set up the tent in that position. Falling branches can also become a threat.

Pay attention to the soil condition

The ground plays a key role in many different ways when looking for a suitable spot to pitch a tent . Many people simply look to see whether the spot they are aiming for is a fairly exposed spot that is not covered with leaves or pebbles. Although these points are also important, there are other points that should be considered, especially with regard to the upcoming overnight stay.

Try to ask yourself the following questions beforehand:

• Can the pegs be firmly anchored in the ground?
• Does the soil have large and noticeable roots?
• Does the floor have sharp stones or edges that cannot be removed?
• Is the ground level, or is there a noticeable tilt?
• Is the ground too soft or could I sink?

All of these questions should be answered honestly, and if the findings do not indicate that the campsite has a good outcome, you should consider changing campsites if time or the situation allows.

The pegs must be firmly anchored in the ground so that the tent has enough support and can stand up in the event of rain and wind. If, for example, part of the tent is not under sufficient tension, when it starts to rain, water holes can form on the tent after a while because the water cannot drain away. This can cause water to penetrate into the tent, which in turn means that all of the equipment is at risk of getting wet.

A rooty or rocky surface , on the other hand, can be a real burden for your equipment and your back. If you think that you won't feel such unevenness under the inflated mattress, you will often be proven wrong. In addition, the sharp corners and edges can put a lot of strain on the material of the tent and mattress or even destroy it. Even if many products in the outdoor world are designed to be incredibly resistant to external influences, a sharp stone can quickly cause an inflated pillow or mattress to burst.

In addition, such situations and events make it almost impossible to have a restful night. Days in nature are usually long and very exhausting. Only a restful night can ensure that you can continue your long adventure in nature the next day.