Don’t Sleep Under a Widowmaker!
Today’s lesson…Where You Sleep Matters: The 6 Secrets to Safer, Happier Campsites
You never know when something might happen, you need to bug out, and next thing you know, you have to bed down for the night.
OR
You’re a dad who doesn’t camp out much but wants to look like a rock star to his kids by picking an amazing campsite.
Choose better campsites with these Pro Tips…
Heading out into the wild? Your adventure’s success starts with where you sleep. One bad site can mean a night of misery—or worse, danger. Use these “6 W’s of Campsite Selection” to make smart, safe, and satisfying choices every time.
🔥 1. Wood
Fire is life in the backcountry. Whether you’re staying warm, cooking dinner, or fending off bugs, easy access to firewood can make or break your experience. Look for dry, deadfall in the area—not green or living wood. Avoid spots where firewood is completely stripped, as that means high use and low supply. Remember: A good campsite makes gathering fuel convenient, not a chore.
Fire Starter for Outdoor Use – Quick Ignition Logs for BBQ, Fireplace, Fire Pit and Campfires
💧 2. Water
Always choose a site near a clean water source—but not too close. Staying at least 200 feet away from rivers, lakes, or creeks helps preserve water quality and reduces your exposure to floods or wildlife traffic. Water is your lifeline, not just for drinking, but also for washing, cooking, and even emergencies. Bonus tip: Scout upstream to make sure there’s no contamination before filling up.
Sawyer Water Filtration
🌬️ 3. Wind
Wind can cool you down on a hot summer night—or turn your tent into a kite. Consider natural windbreaks like ridgelines, large boulders, or thick clusters of trees. If you’re in an open field or mountaintop, pitch low and anchor deep. Wind exposure can lead to serious cold stress, especially in exposed elevations. Choose wisely, and you’ll sleep like a rock.
🌞 4. Weather
Your environment can shift fast. Avoid low spots where cold air settles or where water might pool during a storm. Likewise, steer clear of high, exposed points that are lightning magnets. Pick slightly elevated, level ground with good drainage and protection from sudden downpours. Look for signs like dry leaves, old fire rings, and packed earth to know the site’s been tested by weather.
Kelty Tents and Shelters
🐻 5. Widowmakers
These are dead trees or hanging limbs that can fall on you in your sleep—or during a windy afternoon. Scan the trees above and around your site. Anything leaning, cracked, or hollow should be a red flag. A campsite should offer you peace of mind, not the looming threat of gravity. No fire pit or flat ground is worth a night under a potential hazard.
🐾 6. Wigglies
From snakes and scorpions to ants and ticks, “wigglies” love certain habitats—tall grass, damp leaves, and rocky crevices. Avoid those zones when picking your tent spot. Take a few minutes to flip a few rocks and brush away ground debris before setting up. A clean, clear site keeps pests away from your sleeping bag and your boots.
Want more Everyday Emergency wisdom?
Get hands-on skills, survival tricks, and gear tips by checking out the full library of guides at Prepared.
Until then—choose your camp like your life depends on it… because sometimes, it does. 🏕️
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This information may not be relevant to you right now, so I recommend one or all of the following…
- Saving it to an email folder titled “Prepared”
- Saving it as a PDF in a file called “Prepared” so you don’t have to worry about your email provider
- Printing it out and putting it in a binder with a word on the front in big fat letters…yes, you know it…”Prepared”.*
*No. 3 is the gold standard EMP proof recommendation.