How to Choose a Campsite (Beginner’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Spot)

Everything beginners need to know about picking a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable campsite

Kat Culler

12/15/20254 min read

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Introduction

Choosing the right campsite can make or break your entire camping trip—especially if you’re a beginner. A great campsite feels peaceful, safe, and comfortable. A bad one? Loud, uneven, buggy, windy, or just plain stressful.

Luckily, picking a good campsite isn’t complicated once you know what to look for. This guide walks you through how to choose the perfect spot at a campground or dispersed camping area, plus tips to avoid common mistakes so your trip stays simple and enjoyable.

If you’re brand new to camping, my Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Car Camping is a great place to start before choosing a campsite.

Types of Campsites (Which One Should You Choose?)

Before choosing a campsite, it helps to understand the different categories available to you.

1. Developed Campgrounds

These sites are located inside state parks, national parks, national forests, and private campgrounds.

They often include:

  • Parking pad

  • Picnic table

  • Fire pit

  • Bathrooms (vault or flush)

  • Water access

Best for beginners
You get structure, amenities, and safety.

And if you’re planning your first trip, my Car Camping Checklist can help you pack exactly what you need for any type of campsite.

2. Dispersed or Free Camping

Found on national forest or BLM land.

These sites are:

  • Free

  • More private

  • Less crowded

But usually have:

  • No bathrooms

  • No water

  • No designated fire rings

Good for beginners only after a few campground trips.

3. Walk-In or Hike-In Sites

Small walk from your car (anywhere from 100 feet to ½ mile).

Quieter and more private but require carrying your gear.

Better once you’re comfortable with car camping basics.

What to Look For When Choosing a Campsite

This is where most beginners get stuck—so here’s exactly what to consider.

1. Flat, Level Ground

A level site is more comfortable for:

  • Sleeping

  • Cooking

  • Setting up chairs

  • Parking your car

Avoid:

  • Sloped sites

  • Rocky or uneven pads

A flat area makes everything easier.

2. Shade vs. Sun

Think about the time of year.

Shade is helpful when:

  • Camping in summer

  • You want a cooler tent

  • You're staying multiple nights

Sun is helpful when:

  • Nights are cold

  • You're camping in early spring or late fall

  • You want to dry wet gear

Ideally: morning sun + afternoon shade.

Temperature can make a big difference in campsite comfort — here’s how to stay warm while car camping if nights get chilly.

3. Distance From Bathrooms

Close—but not too close.

✔ Convenient
✔ Safer at night
✘ Avoid hearing doors slamming
✘ Avoid foot traffic through your site

A short walk away is ideal.

4. Access to Water

Sites near water spigots are more convenient, but be sure to:

  • Follow campground rules

  • Keep food away from water sources

  • Watch for muddy or buggy areas

If the campground has no water, bring a large water jug.

5. Privacy and Space

Look for:

  • Trees or brush between sites

  • Extra room for your gear

  • Distance from roads or trails

Privacy makes your campsite feel peaceful, even in a busy campground.

6. Campfire Rules & Safe Setup

Some campgrounds restrict fires depending on weather or fire danger.

Before choosing a site:

  • Check if fires are allowed

  • Look for an existing fire ring

  • Avoid sites under low-hanging branches

Always follow local fire safety rules.

7. Proximity to Trash Bins

Close enough for convenience but far enough to avoid:

  • Smells

  • Noise

  • Animals

Choose a site near-ish but not directly beside the trash area.

8. Wind Exposure

Avoid ridge tops or open fields.

Choose:

  • Tree-lined sites

  • Natural wind breaks (bushes, boulders, hills)

Wind can make cooking, sleeping, and setting up your tent more difficult.

9. Noise & Traffic

Avoid sites near:

  • Park entrances

  • Main roads

  • Trailheads

  • Playgrounds

For a quiet experience, choose sites deeper inside the campground.

For quick tips that make setting up your site easier, check out these 25 Car Camping Hacks for Beginners.

How to Choose a Campsite When Booking Online

Most state and national parks use Recreation.gov or ReserveAmerica. Here's what to look for in listings:

Photo Gallery

Check for:

  • Shade

  • Terrain

  • Privacy

  • Tent pad size

  • Fire pit placement

Map View

Look for:

  • Distance from bathrooms

  • Distance from trash bins

  • Nearby amenities

  • Whether it's close to busy loops

Reviews

People often mention:

  • Noise

  • Bugs

  • Wind

  • Privacy

  • Cell service

  • Hidden pros/cons

Always skim reviews—they often reveal things photos don’t.

How to Choose a Campsite When Arriving First-Come, First-Served

If the campground is FCFS:

  1. Drive the loop slowly

  2. Look for open sites with good shade + privacy

  3. Check the tent pad for level ground

  4. Walk the site before committing

  5. Make sure you’re not setting up in a drainage area

Trust your instincts — if it feels “off,” choose another spot.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Campsite

  • Setting up too close to the bathrooms

  • Parking on uneven ground

  • Camping directly under dead branches (“widowmakers”)

  • Choosing sites near standing water (BUGS!)

  • Picking a site too close to other campers

  • Not checking fire restrictions

  • Arriving too late in the day

Arriving before sunset solves 90% of campsite problems.

If you’re planning your first trip, here are 10 things I wish I knew before my first car camping trip that will help you avoid common mistakes.

What to Bring to Make Your Campsite Even Better

Your campsite will feel more comfortable with:

  • Camp chairs

  • Folding table

  • Lanterns or string lights

  • Tablecloth or mat

  • Bug spray

  • Cooler with easy-access snacks

Even simple additions make a big difference in enjoyment.

And if you’re planning meals for your trip, here are some easy camping meals for beginners that are perfect for any campsite.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right campsite is one of the most important skills in camping—but it’s also one of the easiest to learn. With a bit of practice, you’ll quickly start recognizing which sites feel comfortable, peaceful, and safe.

Start with well-marked campgrounds, arrive early, take your time, and trust your instincts. Soon enough, choosing a great campsite will become second nature.