Selecting a Good/Safe Location for Camp

[ndbwhunter]

What factors influence your decisions when choosing a site to camp in the backcountry (bivy/floorless)?

Up high and worrying about lightning?
Low in the timber next to the widowmakers?
In a meadow (high or low) exposed to the elements?

Obviously there are dangers no matter where you camp when you're back in the sticks, but what would an ideal camp site look like?

 

[tipsntails7]

For me it's based on how far away from water am I and where do I want to be in the morning for glassing . I want to get to my glass spot before first light, so the closer the better within reason.

 

[BroodBuster]

The perfect campsite is one a short ways below the ridge on a flat step amongst similar sized smaller trees that show no signs lightning strikes.

If there's dead heads lying around I'll tuck up next to a big log so any trees or branches will hit the log and not me.

Always look up when choosing a site. Scouting ahead always helps too as it's not real easy choosing a safe site on a dark night.

 

[tuffcity]

Usually the one that's flat and with the least amounts of rocks to dig into your back while you're sleeping...

RC

 

[crumy]

If in grizzly country, it has been suggested to me to try to get out of the way a little. Not necessarily on an easy to get to place near the water. While it causes some work, it reduces the "chance" that a grizzly will wanter through on his/her way to water or just walking around. I doubt there is any scientific evidence that says yay or nay to this, but it sort of seems reasonable to me. At same time they can wander wherever they want.

 

[rodney482]

Easy water access
out from under deadfall
I like High better than low

 

[Where's Bruce?]

There is no one answer, it depends on where you are and when you are there. The Arizona backcountry gets 600,000 lightning strikes a year...mostly in August. A billion volts in those thuinderheads. Coastal Oregon sees trees falling all the time when the ground is saturated and the big winds blow...not so much a problem in August. Know the weather history, look around, pay attention to what the surroundings are telling ya. If bears are a concern, get a UL electric fence. 3.5lbs is worth a good night's sleep.

 

[Jason Snyder]

1. Close to where I want to hunt
2. Close to water (preferably within 1 mile)
3. Avoid burns because of deadfall danger

If I'm camping near a meadow, I'll tuck into the edge of the timber so I get afternoon shade. I have never put much thought into bear avoidance/camp location.

 

[2rocky]

If the cows are hanging out there then it is a pretty good spot. Ask Passthru and Bohuntr about that!

 

[ndbwhunter]

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[afteamroper]

If in grizz/bear country watch for white pines, their cones are candy to bears. Had some buddies pick a spot in the dark to have a bear sniff their tent a couple of times throughout the night. Only to realize they camped in the middle of white pines that night.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I Just look for a flat spot near my water source. I think this is pretty much common sense? I've never worried about lightning or widow makers. I feel like the chances of either of those scenarios is slim to none myself.

Stop worrying and go hunting.

 

[Brock A]

I look for a few things when picking a camp site.

1. Flat
2. High up as possible while being close to water
3. As far away from littlebuff's tent as possible.

I don't worry about lightning and I use common sense when camping under a dead tree.

 

[Jeff Martin]

Sounds like a great article for Aron to write about......I wonder if the GIF ever shows up when picking a camping spot...

 

[bobhunts]

Every piece of advice above carry's weight. All have done this and all of it is good. Only thing I could add is it depends on where you are. If you are in an area where water is scarce make the trip less. That is your biggest resource to have on hand. We consume it more than any other resource. Guess that was already mentioned too but it carries a'lot of weight. Weight that is not on your pack. Widow makers are a problem here in Colorado with all of the beetle kill and lightening is always an ever present danger up high. Kept me awake for four hours two weekends ago. Good luck on your trip. Bob.

 

[tttoadman]

I pay a lot of attention to potential blowdowns. I am that one in a million who has actually been hit by a falling tree in the forest. Yes it made a noise right before it mowed me down. I try to set up camp on the edge of the ridge away from the wind. A good mix of shelter from the wind, but you are not in the line of fire of falling trees. Easy to glass from early. you can also listen to the animals walk the ridge line all night and have a clue where they might be.

 

[larryschwartz]

Definitely look up when choosing a campsite. A couple of years ago I set up camp in the evening just before dark so I was in a hurry to get the tent up while there was still light. I had a nice peaceful sleep that night but in the morning while making breakfast I looked up and saw a snapped tree top, about 12" wide and about fifteen feet long suspended above my tent in the branches. Needless to say, my prayer over breakfast included an additional thank you and I moved the tent before I hit the woods.

 

[Nuke Man]

Stupid question, what is a widow maker? Sorry FNG Illinois flat lander....

 

[muleman]

Stupid question, what is a widow maker? Sorry FNG Illinois flat lander....

A branch or tree that has the potential to fall on you and make your wife a widow.

 

[tttoadman]

Stupid question, what is a widow maker? Sorry FNG Illinois flat lander....

Most of the time they are thought of as broken limbs that are hung up in the tree waiting to shake loose. The idea of safety can easily be expanded to dead limbs, dead trees, or trees in high wind areas.