Things to think about:
- Trees (dead or leaning): Avoid setting up camp near dead trees or limbs that could fall.
- Water runoff: Be aware of slopes; dig a small channel to divert rainwater away from your tent (be sure to restore area before you leave).
- Bugs and other insects: Mosquitoes thrive near standing water; camp in breezy areas to avoid them.
- Vegetation: Dense vegetation can attract wildlife; be cautious of where you camp.
- Animals (bears and others): Avoid camping where you eat to reduce the risk of animal encounters.
Like desert camping you can dry camp or wet camp while in wooded areas. Account for either and plan accordingly. Don’t assume that since you’re in the woods/mountains water will be flowing all year. Springs can dry up and snow run off varies from year to year and it’s never the same.
Wooded areas contain a hidden danger that is commonly overlooked when considering a campsite. Dead trees or limbs are a potential hazard to consider when setting up one’s tent or bedroll. Try to avoid areas with large amounts of dead or dying trees (beetle kill or old burn areas for example).
Another thing to look for is signs of water runoff. I’ve set up camp to have it start raining hard and shortly after, water was flowing under my tarp. If you’re camped next to a slope or hill, remember the water is going to run downhill. Dig a small channel if you think it’s going to rain and protect you and your tent.
In the mountains you have lakes, ponds, streams and standing water. These all mean one thing, mosquitoes. The best way to avoid them is to be up high where there’s a breeze or away from standing or slow moving water sources. Remember though, being up high you’re more exposed to the weather. Avoid low areas with a lot of standing water or marshland. These areas breed mosquitoes.
Woodlands tend to have more animals since there’s more food/water for them. You’ll have mice like the desert but you’ll also have dozens of others like bears, badgers, mountain lions, squirrels, marmots, pika, deer, elk, moose and the list goes on.
To help avoid animal encounters try not to camp where you eat. You’ll eliminate a lot of animal issues by doing so. Like with desert camping the same rules apply, look for signs and holes in the ground. If you see a bear or other animal you think might be an issue, push on to put some distances between you and it.
Single wall tents and sometimes regular double wall tents are subject to condensation. A good way to limit condensation is to camp under the cover of trees. Condensation forms on the trees and not your tent. Just don’t forget about dead trees and limbs.
