Wilderness camping is a stylish way to escape the real world and enjoy nature. However, to ensure you get the most out of your trip, you must choose a suitable campsite. Here are some tips for selecting a wilderness camping site:
Preparation:
This is one of the most critical parts of planning a camping trip. Before leaving, make sure you know where your next campsite is and that the trail between them isn’t too strenuous. Also, find out if there are any fire restrictions in place or if it’s advisable to pack a stove.
Distance:
The distance of the trail between campsites can significantly affect how enjoyable -and how safe- your trip is. You want to establish a campsite that’s close enough for you to get there and back comfortably in one day, but far enough away from the last site that you won’t have any neighbors.
Terrain:
As well as choosing a suitable location between sites, it’s important to choose appropriate terrain. Steep slopes can make it difficult to pitch your tent, while unstable ground can make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep. Puddles and ponds are not only unpleasant to sleep near at night, but their presence will also necessitate packing up your tent in the rain.
Fire Restrictions:
If you’re bringing a stove on your camping trip, then it’s vital that you check whether or not there are fire restrictions in place. Even if fires are allowed, it’s best to avoid them wherever possible so as to prevent any mishaps from occurring.
Logistics:
If it’s your first time camping, it’s a good idea to choose somewhere relatively simple logistically. Your equipment list should include things like a first aid kit, a map, and a compass, as well as the obvious items like a tent and sleeping bag. You also want to make sure you have enough food for each day of your trip, as well as something to purify water with if necessary.
Finally, don’t forget to pack some toilet rolls. There’s nothing worse than forgetting something essential like that, especially in the middle of nowhere!
Three best wilderness campsites in Michigan
1. Sleeper state park Michigan is located along the banks of the Au Sable River. It’s by far the most popular campground in Michigan, and for a good reason. There are 123 sites to choose from, and the campsites themselves are relatively private and spacious, which makes them perfect for bigger groups and families. With 124 miles of trails to explore, Sleeper state park is Michigan’s largest and best-equipped campground. Each campsite includes a picnic table, cooking grate, fire ring/grill, tent pad, lantern post, and parking spur. There are several bathrooms located throughout the park with running water in the summertime.
2. The second best wilderness campsite is Tawas Point State Park. It’s a smaller site with only 47 available camping spaces, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for when it comes to views – seriously! The park itself is located on the shores of Lake Huron, meaning you get a majestic view that stretches across 64 miles of water whenever you climb the observation tower at the center of the campgrounds. Tawas Point has a little bit of everything, from picnic shelters and grills to kayak rentals and canoeing opportunities.
3. Finally, the third-best wilderness campsite in Michigan is Rockport state park. Like sleeper state park, it’s located along the banks of a river, but unlike sleeper, its terrain is more suited to kayaking and canoeing. Rockport State Park is also great for bird watching, with numerous eagles, ospreys, and herons calling the site home. One of the more unique features of Rockport is a 16-acre raised bog nearby, where visitors can go on boardwalks to view a wide range of flora and fauna. There’s also a little section of the campgrounds where dogs are welcome to stay. Remember that they must be kept on leashes at all times.
Each campsite includes picnic tables, cooking grates, fire rings/grills, tent pads, and parking spurs. There are several bathrooms with running water located around the park for visitors’ convenience.
Conclusion
When deciding on a campsite, remember that it’s important to choose appropriate terrain. Steep slopes can make it difficult to pitch your tent, while unstable ground can make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep. Puddles and ponds are not only unpleasant to sleep near at night, but their presence will also necessitate packing up your tent in the rain. In general, keeping your tent on the flat ground makes for a much better camping trip.
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