Choosing a Campsite...

**Big Flounder** · 05-17-2016, 09:44

Getting ready to do my first overnight trip in a few weeks. I'm going to spend 4 days/3 nights on the NCT in the upper peninsula and was wondering what type of things everyone here looks for when choosing a hang/camp site along the trail. Yeah, I know a couple of trees are a must so lets nip that reply in the bud you smarty pants types!

Obviously there are laws concerning distance from water sources and such, but I'm wondering what little things make or break a possible campsite location for you guys and gals.

**12trysomething** · 05-17-2016, 09:51

Here are the basics I look for. I hope this helps.

**OneClick** · 05-17-2016, 10:38

The first thing I look for are the pines! That's usually easy in MI. When I hike, the leaves are not out yet so I always like the scenery and cover they provide, along with a nice "carpet" of pine needles.

Any "unofficial" trails and roads nearby will break it for me. Other than that, just a nice clean/flat area is nice to have.

**Big Flounder** · 05-17-2016, 11:32

Thanks guys! 12trysomething, that video was very helpful and nicely done.

**sidvicious** · 05-17-2016, 11:41

having water nearby is huge if you can swing it.

otherwise, a nice view and/or immediate area; decent ground to walk on while in camp.

this video is LOONG [designed so to punish relatives]. its a two day hike. DAY ONE was settling for a site on a mountain top. the slope was probably 30* or so; not a choice site, but doable. DAY TWO is a choice site by a stream.

the contrast shows the choices hammockers make at times, and why.

EDIT: i rarely, if ever, hit an existing site. IF i do, i'm certain i'm the only one around.

**Namtrag** · 05-17-2016, 11:55

I don't have a lot of experience yet, but on our first trip, we tried to find reasonably level ground near, but not in, an existing site. That way, we could use the fire ring that was already established. We also double checked for widowmaker trees and limbs, and tried our best to avoid spots with big rocks under where the hammocks would be since we aren't 100% confident yet that we won't come down in the middle of the night. I used the 2 hiking poles at arms' length method to find suitable spaces, and it seemed to work pretty well. After a couple of times hanging, I am starting to be able to tell pretty easily if the trees are the right distance apart.

**ihavea4** · 05-17-2016, 12:23

Originally Posted by Namtrag

I used the 2 hiking poles at arms' length method to find suitable spaces, and it seemed to work pretty well.

I've never heard of that before.... I'll have to give it a try! I've always just made sure the trees are about 6 paces apart, give or take. I'd reiterate about the widow makers. Make absolutely sure there's nothing that could call on you overnight. It's easy to get excited about finding the perfect spot and forget to look up.

**Namtrag** · 05-17-2016, 12:27

Originally Posted by ihavea4

I've never heard of that before.... I'll have to give it a try! I've always just made sure the trees are about 6 paces apart, give or take. I'd reiterate about the widow makers. Make absolutely sure there's nothing that could call on you overnight. It's easy to get excited about finding the perfect spot and forget to look up.

Yes, it's illustrated in Rob's video above, about at the 2:00 mark. You just extend your arms out with your hiking poles and make sure there is a foot of space on either side between the tips and the trees.

**bser272** · 05-17-2016, 12:56

Originally Posted by markr6

The first thing I look for are the pines! That's usually easy in MI. When I hike, the leaves are not out yet so I always like the scenery and cover they provide, along with a nice "carpet" of pine needles.

And the smell! Gotta love the smell of pines...

**Campdavid** · 05-17-2016, 16:49

If you have to use an existing site, try to find a tree a bit farther away for hanging your food (assuming you will be doing that, prolly a good idea in the UP). Here's the thing...while in the BWCA last year my dad and I found a great tree to hang our food. Many others must have thought the same thing about that tree. It's not that the bears knew where the food was but the local mouse population sure did. It seems they had a "super highway" built up the tree and down the branch....oh and were familiar with climbing rope. They emptied our supply at least as fast as a bear could have!

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