PitchGuide
How to choose a good campsite
A good campsite has what you need for the night and a good spot to pitch or park: flat, well-drained ground, some shelter from the wind and facilities that match your trip. Decide what you need before you go, filter for it, then pick the spot itself when you arrive.
Decide what you need first
Showers, electricity, drinking water, toilets, pets welcome or free to stay.
How to do it: In Pitch, pick those filters and the map shows the sites that list them. Filter campsites with Pitch
Look for flat, high ground
A flat spot sleeps better and stays drier if it rains.
How to do it: Avoid dips and hollows where water collects.
Check what's overhead
Dead branches can fall in the wind.
How to do it: Look up before you pitch, and move if you see dead limbs above.
Think about wind and shade
Shelter from the wind and some afternoon shade make a big difference.
How to do it: Use trees or your vehicle as a windbreak, and note where the sun rises and sets.
Keep a distance from water
A lake or river view is lovely, but camping right on the bank harms the shore.
How to do it: Leave No Trace guidance is to camp at least 200 feet, about 70 adult steps, from lakes and streams.
Check the altitude
Higher sites get colder at night.
How to do it: Look up the elevation when you choose, and pack a warmer layer for high sites.
Know the walk to the restroom and water
Close enough to be easy at night, far enough to be quiet.
How to do it: Walk the route once in daylight.
Read the site rules
Fires, quiet hours, pets and generators differ from site to site.
How to do it: Check the site's website or the noticeboard when you arrive.
Arrive with daylight left
Choosing a spot is much easier when you can see the ground.
How to do it: Plan the drive so you arrive by mid-afternoon. How to plan a camping road trip
Plan your next camping trip in one minute. Answer six quick questions and get your stops, nights, campsite filters and packing checklist.
Plan my tripAvailability: Pitch is an iPhone app on pre-order. Plans start on launch day, with a full refund any time before launch.
Questions
What makes a good campsite?
Flat, well-drained ground, shelter from the wind, some shade, the facilities you need and a sensible distance from water and the road.
How far from water should I camp?
Leave No Trace guidance is at least 200 feet from lakes and streams, where the site allows it. At a campground, use the marked pitches.
Can I check campsite facilities before I go?
Yes. Check the listing or the site's own website. Pitch shows fee, showers, electricity and pets for each site, with the date it was last verified.
More from Pitch
Updated October 12, 2026