If you've taken the time to pack all of your camping and hiking essentials and equipment and gear into your backpack, and have spent a several hours navigating yourself deep into the backcountry, you're probably going to be exhausted. However, although your level of exhaustion and tiredness may compel you to immediately pitch your tent and enter dreamland, taking the time to carefully select a campsite has many advantages. Hastily deciding where to establish your campsite can have a detrimental effect on your camping and hiking experiences. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you put thought and consideration into where you pitch your tent and set up your campsite.

If you're camping in a national park or a privately owned ground, the campsites are almost always pre-established and are usually clearly identified on a map. However, if you are camping in the wilderness you're going to have to find or establish your own campsite. Depending on whether you are camping in a controlled area (pre-established campsites) or an uncontrolled area (absence of established campsites) your selection of a campsite will require the consideration of several different variables.

If you are planning on camping in backcountry the campsite you select should be close to a source of water, such as a lake, river or stream. It is important to be close to a water source for drinking water, bathing, and washing your cooking utensils. As well, if you're lucky, you may also be able to catch a few fish. However, you should not select a campsite that is too close to the water. Water can be a breeding ground for various types of insects and various forms of wildlife may be attracted to the area as a source of water. Two hundred feet is generally considered to be ideal distance from any source of water.

If there are a lot of mosquitoes and other insects around a campsite, you might want to relocate to an area that has a bit of a breeze. The breeze will help alleviate insect problems. Lastly, if you're camping on a beach bordering a body of salt water, make sure your campsite is at least 30 feet from the high tide mark. The last thing you want is to wake up to the tide submerging your campsite.

Another variable to consider when selecting a campsite is how flat the ground is in a particular area. Flat ground is much more comfortable than uneven ground. If you are forced to sleep on an even piece of ground, make sure your head is positioned on the incline. In addition to find a campsite that is flat, you should select an area that is well shaded.

A shaded area will be cooler than an open area. In peak summer months, a shaded area will protect you from the sun and will make the interior of your tent cooler and more tolerable. Furthermore, if the campsite is shaded by large rocks and trees, these natural features will act as wind and rain barriers that will help protect you from the elements. Lastly, if you want to wake up early in the morning, have the head of the tent facing east.