06/05/2026
🏕️ Picking the right wilderness campsite could save your life. Here's what most campers overlook:
Finding a flat, dry, ant-free patch of ground is just the beginning. Once you're deep in the backcountry, the stakes get much higher and the checklist gets longer.
Look UP before you lie down. Dead or leaning trees, loose roots lifting from the soil, and overhanging rock faces are all red flags. Rocks dislodged by freeze-thaw cycles can travel shocking distances, and fresh stone without lichen growth is a sure sign of an active boulder field. Steer clear.
Watch out for what's above on snowy slopes. Avalanches don't only happen on massive mountain faces. Even modest hills can send a snow slip your way, and being caught in a sleeping bag is a lot worse than being caught on foot.
Water is both a resource and a risk. Never camp right on a riverbank just because the weather looks good. Flash floods triggered by storms miles upstream can roll in with zero warning. Look for dead vegetation caught in branches as a sign of high-water marks, and always camp on higher ground if there's any doubt. Dam discharges and spring snowmelt can raise river levels fast, even on sunny days.
Coastlines can fool you. Tides change daily and spring tides can reach well beyond the seaweed strandline you're using as a guide. Always carry a tide table.
Scout before you set up. Walk around your chosen spot and stand still long enough to feel how the wind actually moves through it. A seemingly sheltered area can be surprisingly gusty, and vice versa.
Finally, check for insect nests, animal trails, and foraging grounds nearby. Getting woken up by wildlife at 2am is nobody's idea of a good trip.
Plan smart, stay safe, and always trust your gut. If something feels off about a site, move on. 🌲
