Trying to choose the best place to camp on your next big trip? While you can’t guarantee a perfect pick every time, you can choose a campground that is more suitable to your liking. Just consider these four questions during your search to help narrow down your options.
1. How much of the week do you want to spend driving?
Even if you’re taking a week off to go camping, a lengthy drive can make it feel like you’re only getting three or four days to camp. Consider how much time you want to be on the road versus camping. If you would rather spend most of the week cooking up meals by the campfire and swimming in the lake, choose a campsite nearby or just a day’s drive away.
2. Are you bringing kids?
Children can play a large part in determining which campground you choose. If you have younger kids who aren’t experienced campers, it’s best not to travel far away or to an area without showers or bathrooms. If, on the other hand, your kids are older and have been camping many times, you can broaden your options.
3. What kind of outdoor activities do you enjoy?
Activities like swimming, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and fishing are common camping activities, but some campsites have better lakes while others offer nicer hiking trails. Determine which activities you enjoy the most and then find the campsites considered best for each.
4. How authentic do you want your camping experience to be?
If the thought of camping somewhere without typical bathroom facilities freaks you out, there are plenty of well-developed campgrounds that offer showers and toilets as well as a great camping experience. If your camping style is more primitive, then try to locate a spot that’s at least 100 feet away from a water source.