Accessibility



How are you going to get to your camping spot? Is it a "drive up camping spot" or is access via a foot trail. If access is via a foot trail, I would suggest finding a spot with a half mile or less hike for your first trip.

Views / Attractions

What's at the camping spot? Does it have good views? No sense going and camping in a boring place when there are many beautiful camping spots available.

Water

Does your camping spot have access to clean water? If not, you'll have to pack in all of the water you need, including plenty to put out the fire with.

Firewood

Is there access to firewood at the camping spot. If you want a campfire, you don't want to have to carry in the wood you'll need! Be sure that you are allowed to harvest firewood for the area you are going. In most areas, you are allowed to pick up dead wood, but not cut down live trees. Live trees do not burn well, anyway.

Campability

If you're going into "uncharted areas" or plan on camping where there is no established camping spot, be sure that the terrain is such that you can pitch your tent without rolling down a hillside or sleeping on the rocks all night.

Tips for finding a spot

Here are a few places you can start looking for camping spots:

Local state parks

Local national forests

Your local city/county water supply lake

Ask friends who camp

Search online for "camping your state here" etc.

Be safe...and have fun!