Selecting a Camping Destination that Fits Your Needs

Monday, January 10th, 2011

Since camping is a recreational activity, it sometimes takes some playful reminding to campers that it should remain that way. Camping isn’t about going into the Great Outdoors and slapping at mosquitos until you can’t tolerate it enough to be outside – it’s about enjoying a fresh, earthly experience that many of us with indoor heating and air often ignore.

Of course, if you don’t plan on slapping at mosquitoes all night, it bears mentioning that camping is a more inclusive activity than most, and ill require a larger degree of preparation. This preparation is designed to put all of your work on the front end, so that once you’re out in the wilderness, you can finally enjoy the comforts and amenities you planned for even while living in the woods.

Selecting your camping destination will be an integral part of preparing for your overall camping experience – in fact, it might as well be the first thing you do. The camping destination factors in different variables, such as the people you plan on camping with, the style of camping you prefer, your starting location, and how long you’d like to stay.

The next factor you’ll want to look at is what kind of experience you want to have – and the experience you want to gain. If you’re looking to become a more dedicated camper, go ahead and challenge yourself by finding a more remote place. If you just want a little bit of outdoors experience with none of the loss in comfort, a campgrounds where other people might be camping might be an ideal place.

The most important factors to consider, again, are who’s camping. What would you enjoy? What would your friends enjoy? What would your family enjoy? Start with those questions and narrow down your choices.

If you’ve whittled down your choices, you should be ready to decide if you want to go to a more “civilized” campground or if you simply want to find a spot deep in the woods somewhere. After making this choice, be sure to do some research about different options you have.

When I went camping in the Wisconsin Dells, my friends and I considered three camping sites, and put it to a vote. We had done a little research and ultimately chose a camping site that, while not too rustic, ended up being enjoyable for all of us.

Find a location near to civilization – such as a small town with small shops for supplies and food – and you’ll be set. Finally, run a typical day at this campsite through your mind and see if there’s anything you haven’t considered you might need. This will help you realize if you’ve made the right or wrong choice.