How do I choose the best riverside campsite?
We’ve all been on that trip where you’ve been dreaming of pulling a permit all winter since the lottery opened and that one perfect campsite has stuck in your mind for months. You’ve talked it up on the shuttle and all the way down river only to find that it is already occupied when you arrive. Great time for plan B. On some rivers it may be a required place, but on others there is more freedom. This situation can pop up on the most casual class I canoe trip all the way up to some serious multi day rafting trips.
So, what do you look for in a riverfront campsite?
When you choose a campsite along the river, there are a few important factors to consider.
Image by Sage Donnelly Imagery
Distance from the water: It is important to choose a campsite that is at a safe distance from the river above the most recent highwater mark. This will help to reduce the risk of flash flooding or if the natural changes in the river’s diurnal flow bring the flow up significantly. This will also provide a buffer between you and any potential dangers that may be present in the water (such as strong currents, critters, or unexpected hazards). You also don’t want to select a location that is too far from the river since hauling a kitchen and all of your personal gear a long way away is going to suck.
Elevation and soil: Choose a campsite that is on higher ground in well-draining soil. This will help to protect your tent from becoming waterlogged from potential flooding or just water naturally collecting in a low spot if it rains.
Flat ground: Sleeping on an angle sucks bad! You don’t want to get up in the middle of the night with your tent partner sleeping on top of you. Make sure you are on as flat of ground as possible, and to keep your head up hill.
Shelter: Consider the amount of sun exposure your campsite will receive. If you are camping in hot weather, you may want to choose a campsite that has some shade to help keep you cool. This will also protect you from the wind when you are cooking or if you have a fire going. You also want to make sure no rocks or limbs are likely to fall on you so avoid overhanging trees or camping next to cliffsides where rockfall is likely.
Privacy: No body wants their boating buddies all up in their business. Choose a campsite that provides a good balance of privacy and safety. Avoid campsites that are too isolated or hard to access, as these may not be as safe in the event of an emergency.
Critters: You don’t want them up in your business any more than your boating buddies. You can grantee that they also would prefer you to keep a safe distance. Make sure you scout around the local area for local wild life. It is easy to avoid nesting birds or animal dens, but it is just as easy to lay your sleeping bag in an ant nest.
Fire pans
Image by Sage Donnelly Imagery
Another important note for river front camps is open flame etiquette on river trips. Most rivers in the US require fire pans for open flame for good reason. Imagine if you kicked off a forest fire 2 days into a 5-day trip. No one wants to paddle for their lives out of a river canyon so here’s some helpful tips for firepan use.
Make sure to check the local regulations and guidelines for campfires before setting up your fire pan as they may not be allowed. Choose a suitable location for your fire pan. Look for a flat, open area that is at least 15 feet away from any tents, trees, or other flammable objects.
Place the fire pan on the ground and surround it with rocks or other non-flammable material to create a barrier. This will help to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. Keep a bucket of water handy just incase you need to quickly dowse the fire.
When you are finished using the fire pan, make sure to extinguish it completely. Pour water over the fire and stir the ashes to make sure that all of the embers are extinguished. Once the fire is completely out, you should plan to pack out your ashes since most rivers operate on Leave no trace principles.
Kitchen set up is also an important topic for river camps and there are a lot of options depending upon your equipment set up for the trip. Again, there can be a lot of equipment that comes down the river and hauling that way up the bank can be a pain. If you are using a kitchen that requires an open flame, make sure you take the time to find a good level spot which follows the principles outlined above.
Not every trip allows you to grab that dream campsite, but there are plenty of spots on the river that you can make your camp into an awesome place to call home for a night or two on a river trip. Take the time to make the site your dream campsite. Every river trip is different and every site can be a great river experience if you are with the right crew.
