How To Find The Perfect Campsite

Posted by Anna Johnson on April 17th, 2023

When planning a camping trip, there is perhaps one element and one decision that will be more important than anything else, and everything that comes next (including how much you enjoy your trip) will link back to this choice; the campsite itself.

The right campsite will make all the difference to your camping adventure, enhancing your outdoor experience or making it truly unpleasant. With that in mind, here are some useful tips that will help you find the perfect campsite. Remember, what you think is perfect might be different from someone else’s interpretation, so always make sure you’re making the right choice for you.

Consider Your Needs

The first thing to think about when you are working out which campsite is going to be right for you is to consider your own needs. If the campsite can ensure your needs are met, it’s going to be a good one for you. So what is it you want? Some things to think about include the following:

• Running water
• Bathroom/shower facilities
• Electricity
• How many other people are around you?
• Access to tourist attractions
• Good walking trails
• Do you want to use a tent, an RV, or do you have a RoofBunk that you are going to sleep in?

There are many other things to consider, but these will give you a good idea of what you might need to know before you can be sure if a site is worth your time and money.

Do Your Research

Once you know what will make you happiest when you are camping, you can start to research the campsites in the area you want to visit. You’ll quickly be able to determine which ones tick all your ‘must have’ boxes and which ones you can eliminate from your list.

Start by reading the reviews from people who have stayed in these places in the past – they’ll often talk about specifics which will help you see what’s good and what’s bad. You can also look at Google Earth to see exactly where the site is. This will help you understand how to get there and ensure that it is close to the things you want to explore while you’re away. Or, if you prefer, you can check that the campsite is miles away from anyone and anything, as sometimes camping is about getting away from it all and not being close to civilization.

Make Reservations

Although it might be possible to start driving and come across a campsite (or even head to the campsite you specifically wanted) and book in there and then, it’s not guaranteed. A lot of the time, campsite owners will want people to book in advance so they can make sure there is space and that the area is ready – this is especially important if you are staying in a caravan, yurt, or similar that is already on site.

Therefore, it's best to make a reservation after spending all that time determining the right campsite and making your vacation plans around that specific spot. Do this as soon as you’re sure that you’ve found the right place to stay so that you won’t be disappointed and have to start your search all over again when you try to book and they’re already full.