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.

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.
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.
TIP: The campsite should be no more than a half mile from your vehicle.
Step 3: Find a level area Find a level spot that gets a mixture of sun and shade.
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.
TIP: Bring a portable fireplace. Your campsite may not have a fire pit, and you'll need a fire to cook dinner.
Step 5: Choose a spot near the bathrooms Choose a spot close to a bathroom -- ideally, bathrooms with showers.
Step 6: Pick a spot with activities Pick a spot close to activities your family enjoys, such as a playground or hiking trails.
FACT: 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.