Traveling Ted is a blog that takes readers along on my adventures hiking, canoeing, skiing, and international backpacking. Many blogs focus on one aspect of backpacking, but I tackle both the outdoor adventure side and international exploration as well.

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Will you be staying on one campsite for an extended period of time? Keep reading to find out how to choose and set up the best campsite for you and your family: 

Long-term campsite

Long-term campsite – Photo attribution: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-pink-and-gray-camping-chairs-2662816/

Pack Well 

The key to setting up the perfect long-term campsite begins with packing the right gear. Your main goal should be to take the essentials, while also minimizing the load you need to carry. This is especially important if you are hiking to your campsite instead of driving. 

When camping for a longer time, you may want to extend your gear options. For one, you may want to carry extra emergency supplies such as a more comprehensive first-aid kit. Water purifiers are also a good way of ensuring that you have constant access to safe drinking water. 

tent camping site

Can’t beat a bed of pine needles for a long-term campsite option.

At the same time, you need to factor in comfort as well. For instance, a pop up canopy tent can be an excellent feature. It can be used as a sheltered spot to set up a makeshift kitchen, dining area, living room, or just a versatile space. 

Find a Good Camping Site 

When you’re camping for a shorter time, minor inconveniences aren’t so difficult to put up with. When settling down in one space for longer, staying in a poorly chosen campsite can begin to grate on your nerves. Due to this, you should make an effort to find a suitable campsite from the beginning. 

Turtle Flambeau Flowage canoe camping tents

Big Agnes tents abound at the Turtle Flambeau Flowage canoe camping trip

Firstly, make sure that it is close to a water source, or you will find yourself having to lug containers of water back and forth every day. During the rainy season, look for high ground that will not flood easily. If you are expecting rain or wind, look for a somewhat sheltered area where you can set up your tent. This way, you won’t have to absorb the brunt of the bad weather. 

Organize Your Campsite 

Before you explore the surrounding area, you need to set up your campsite. Naturally, this means setting up your tent first. However, you shouldn’t stop there. 

From the beginning, organize your campsite so that the layout is as efficient as possible. To start, figure out where your fireplace or cooking station will be. Remember, it should be set up as far as possible from trees, plants, or any flammable debris. 

Epic fails while camping

Catching a cool breeze camping along the Maine Coast

Next, consider food storage. This should be within easy distance, but not so close to your campsite that you become a target for wildlife. Always put your food in bear-proof canisters and store them at an elevated level. 

Once you have figured out the main layout, you can get more creative with setting up the rest of the area. Maybe you want to put up a hammock, and set up tables and chairs. 

Organize Your Tent 

When you stay in a tent for a longer period, you can’t live out of a backpack, nor should you strew your belongings across the tent. Instead, you need to organize your tent.

If you have only packed the bare minimum, you may be able to organize your belongings with just the features that are a part of your tent. Most modern tents come with various pockets to store clothes or belongings. 

Wisconsin River camping

Etiquette Island camping

You may also find gear lofts, which are elevated mesh spaces where you can keep items so that they don’t take up extra space. Make use of these so that the inside of your tent gives you peace of mind. 

If you have a more significant load, it is a good idea to take a couple of large plastic lidded boxes. This way, you can individually store clothes, kitchen utensils, and anything else that you want to put away. These plastic boxes also give you the opportunity to store certain items outside your tent, freeing up more space in the process. 

These are the top tips to follow if you want to organize a long-term campsite. By doing this, you will be able to have a clean, organized, and efficient space that will be fun for you and the whole family.  

Adventure on!