Now this could easily be a chapter in a book and perhaps will be a full-out written article later on but since this is a post I will try to keep the suggestions to brief bullet points and by no means is this comprehensive.

-Near a water source but not so close as it could flood or rise during a heavy rainfall and preferably a running water source like a stream, creek, or river so mosquitoes will not me so bad a nuissance. Generally 200ft away from the water source and hiking path.

-Level ground

-Look above and avoid where trees may have diseased branches, hung up broken branches, or “widow makers” that may fall on your campsite. Look for dead trees and avoid camping in their height radius. Coniferous trees are most liable for these problems

-On a higher point of ground for natural runoff and drainage during precipitation

-Try to avoid sandy or soggy soils

-Avoid areas with standing water or puddles

-An area with plenty of kindling and wood that is not laying directly on the ground

-During the warm months I prefer my tent to face the prevailing winds East to West so I can open my front and rear windows to get the fresh air flow. During the colder months I face my tent North to South so the sides block the prevailing winds. This is also important when planning out your fire position in camp and how to build it.

-Use the sun to benefit you. During cool months try to position your tent so it is in a clear path to get the sun all day from East to West. During warm months look for trees that will cast a shadow over your tent all day.

-Look for signs of large or regular animal activity, this is especially important when the wildlife include bear, moose, mountain lions, wolves, badgers, and even skunks. Animals are in general territorial, if you don’t want a visit by one, take their territory in consideration and respect the wildlife.