How to Choose a Camping Spot on a Road Trip

Road trips are great fun, but you can't sleep in the car every night. Instead of springing for a motel, pop your tent in the perfect location.

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Don't go into the woods without the camping equipment advice and tips in this Howcast video series.

You Will Need

  • Visitor's center
  • Level ground
  • Lake or river
  • Bathrooms
  • Playground or hiking trails
  • Portable fireplace (optional)

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Stop at a visitor center

    Stop at the visitor's center to ask about different campsites. Ask a about local hazards, such as fire ants, poisonous snakes, bears, and poison ivy before setting up a tent.

  2. Step 2

    Pick a spot near the road

    Pick a spot near the road. When you're on a road trip, you don't want to waste time hiking to and from your campsite.

  3. The campsite should be no more than a half mile from your vehicle.

  4. Step 3

    Find a level area

    Find a level spot that gets a mixture of sun and shade.

  5. Step 4

    Camp near water

    Set up camp near a lake or river. You don't want to waste valuable car space on perishable food, but you're going to have to eat, so camp near a good fishing spot.

  6. Bring a portable fireplace. Your campsite may not have a fire pit, and you'll need a fire to cook dinner.

  7. Step 5

    Choose a spot near the bathrooms

    Choose a spot close to a bathroom -- ideally, bathrooms with showers.

  8. Step 6

    Pick a spot with activities

    Pick a spot close to activities your family enjoys, such as a playground or hiking trails.

  9. Carbon monoxide poisoning causes approximately 30 deaths and hundreds of injuries each year, many from people sleeping in an enclosed area with portable heaters and lanterns.

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