The Best Spot To Pitch Your Tent

Are you going camping for the first time? Or has it been a long time between camps? Experience campers are probably aware of these tips but it’s always a good idea to go over them again. Camping Plus has put together a little guideline with the best spot to pitch your tent to improve your camping experience.

TIP 1: CHECK BEFORE YOU GO

Always pitch your tent before you go. That way you know all the parts/ropes/pegs are still present. This way there will not no unpleasant surprises when you arrive at your campsite. Always carry some repair tape. Cloth tape and/or Duct tape are recommended. Also, bring a few spare pegs and one or two replacement pole sections if your tent uses fibreglass poles for a quick repair.

TIP 2: LEVEL AND CLEAN SURFACE

Always pitch your tent as soon as you arrive at your campsite. Try to find a level surface. If the site has a slight slope, pitch your tent in such a way that when you sleep, your head is at a higher level. Sleeping ‘upside down’ is not comfortable. Always remove rocks, roots and other rubbish from your site to avoid damage to the tent floor. To protect the floor put an extra tarp or shade cloth tarp under your tent.

TIP 3: TAKE NOTE OF THE WIND DIRECTION

You cannot always choose the perfect site but you can determine in what direction offer the best spot to pitch your tent. Always make sure that the entrance of your tent is away from the wind. Strong winds entering your tent can ‘lift’ the tent and cause damage. Also, make sure you don’t pitch under old trees with dead branches which can fall on top of your tent (and you) at any time.

TIP 4: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Never pick the lowest spot as a downpour can make your tent end up in the middle of a ‘lake’. In summer always find a shady spot so your tent stays cooler, but in winter you might like it warmer. Also be aware that the sun’s UV rays will reduce the life of polyester and nylon tent flys but not cotton tent materials.

Camping Plus team recommends always carrying a few spare parts for your tent including ropes, pole sections and pegs. If you haven’t organised the perfect tent for your weekend getaway, browse through our best tent selection here.