How to Determine if a Campsite is Suitable for a Long Stay

Choosing a campsite for a long stay requires careful consideration beyond just a scenic view or a convenient location. To ensure a comfortable and safe camping experience for an extended period, you’ll need to assess several key factors. Here’s a guide to help you determine if a campsite is suitable for a longer stay:
1. Location and Accessibility
Proximity to Essentials
Access to water: A reliable water source (like a river, lake, or well) is critical for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and sometimes bathing. Make sure the water source is safe to drink (or that you have a way to purify it). Ensure it’s not too far to carry water but also not too close to the tent (at least 200 feet away) to avoid attracting animals.
Distance to supplies: How far is the nearest town or store for resupply? A long stay will likely require you to replenish food, fuel, and possibly other gear. Make sure the campsite is accessible enough to reach supplies when needed.
Access to emergency services: In case of an emergency, you should know the nearest town or ranger station. Consider how easy it would be to get help or evacuate the area if necessary.
Transportation Access
Roads or trails: Ensure the campsite is accessible by road if you're using a vehicle for resupply or transportation. For backcountry campsites, make sure that hiking trails or access roads are manageable over time.

Weather considerations: If the campsite is accessible only by boat, snowmobile, or off-road vehicle, ensure that you can still access it throughout your intended stay, taking into account potential weather changes.

2. Campground Facilities and Amenities
Shelter and Tent Space
Adequate space: Check that the site has enough flat, dry ground for your tent, kitchen area, and other setups. If you're camping with multiple people, ensure that the campsite can accommodate everyone comfortably with space for privacy and storage.
Shelter options: If you’re staying long-term, consider if there are any shelter options other than tents, like a built-in lean-to, a shelter from the elements, or a spot for a hammock. In wet conditions, a tarp or extra tent space can make a big difference.
Toilets and Waste Disposal
Access to bathroom facilities: If you're staying for an extended period, the availability of a toilet or at least a vault toilet nearby is essential. If it’s a primitive site, ensure you have the proper gear for digging a "cathole" and disposing of waste.
Trash disposal: Ensure there is a proper waste disposal system in place. Some campsites offer trash bins, while in others, you may need to pack out all your waste. Always leave no trace and check that you can manage the waste generated over time.
Clean Drinking Water
Water access: Having access to clean drinking water is essential for any long-term stay. If the site doesn't have a tap or potable water, ensure there's a nearby stream, river, or lake where you can filter or purify water.
3. Safety and Environment
Wildlife and Environmental Risks
Wildlife activity: Before settling in, assess the area's wildlife activity. Is the site prone to bear sightings or other dangerous animals? Research the types of wildlife in the area and how to mitigate encounters (using bear-proof containers, proper food storage, etc.).
Natural hazards: Check the terrain for potential risks, such as flooding (especially if near a river or stream), falling branches, or rockfalls. Avoid setting up camp in flood-prone areas or where there are clear signs of erosion.
Weather Conditions
Protection from the elements: For a long stay, you’ll need to be protected from the weather. Make sure the site offers shelter from wind, rain, or extreme sun. Natural windbreaks (like dense vegetation, trees, or rock formations) can provide added protection.
Microclimates: Be aware of local microclimates. Some areas may be warmer or cooler than others due to elevation or proximity to bodies of water. The spot you choose should provide comfort across the range of temperatures you might experience.
Sun and Shade
Shade for warmth: You will likely spend a lot of time outdoors, so look for a balance of sun and shade. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to dehydration and heatstroke, while constant shade can make it difficult to dry clothes or cook. A balance of the two is ideal, with shaded areas for hot days and sunny spots for warmth during cooler periods.

4. Campsite Comfort and Livability
Long-Term Storage and Organization
Space for gear: Consider whether there is enough space to store your equipment safely. If you plan to stay for a long time, your tent will become a storage area for gear, food, and personal items. Look for dry, level ground and trees or a sheltered area where you can hang your gear off the ground, minimizing exposure to wildlife.
Setup for Cooking: Will you have a designated space for cooking? A flat, safe area to cook your meals (away from the tent) is important. Additionally, look for a location that minimizes smoke exposure from campfires, but also provides good ventilation if you're using stoves.
Comfort Factors
Privacy: If the campsite is in a busy area, the constant presence of other campers can become tiresome over a long stay. Look for a site with enough space or natural barriers to provide a level of privacy.
Noise levels: Consider the noise level in the area. Prolonged exposure to loud environments can detract from the peacefulness of a long camping experience. Check whether there are any local sources of noise like roads, streams, or high-traffic trails.