Locating your Campsite
If you are not actually on a 'campsite', for example when out hiking in
remote regions, then care should be taken when deciding the actual
location of your campsite (before we come to layout).
If you are on high, exposed ground go down to find a sheltered spot.
Similarly though, when on low, wet ground seek higher shelter. Look for
somewhere sheltered from the wind, on rising ground that has no risk of
flooding, and no risk of rockfalls/avalanches.
Remember that hot air rises, cold air sinks. Valley bottoms often contain
pockets of colder air, and can be areas for frost and damp mist.
Ideally you should be near a good, clean water supply (although not too
close. Pitching camp near the water you will be invaded by insects!). On
river banks look for the high water mark, and be wary of flash floods in
mountain ranges where streams can suddenly turn into 5m of water with
almost no warning!
Choose ground that is reasonably flat and free of rocks and roots.
Don't forget to check above your head too. Look for dead wood in trees
that could fall, bee's and hornet's nests are not very nice neighbours
either. Keep away from solitary trees as they attract lightning. In
forested areas keep to the edges of the forest. Take careful note of any
tracks, including those made by game. You will not want unwelcome animal
visitors in the night.
Do NOT camp at the following;
- Hilltops exposed to wind (move down and look for shelter on the
leeside)
- Valley bottoms and deep hollows. They could be damp and more liable
to frost.
- Hillside terraces where the ground holds moisture
- Spurs which lead down to water (often routes to animals watering
holes).
Waste
Disposal
First
Principles
Waste will be disposed of. That
should be the rule for camp.
Simply do not leave any waste, of any description, anywhere at any time.
When you arrive at the site you should already know what the
warden/landowner wishes you to do with any rubbish (you dont? Go and ask
now). My knowledge of local, 'modern' sites is that they have specific
areas for rubbish disposal, clearly placed bins, and an incinerator of
their own. They also tend not to let people dig any pits/trenches for any
use (campfire, rubbish disposal or latrines). Make sure you know what you
can and cannot do on your site.
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Wet Pit
If permitted a simple wet and dry pit should see to most of your needs.
Simple to construct, you just excavate an area around a metre square, and
at least 20 cm deep. Clearly rope off and mark the pit, and make sure it
is placed so that people will not be falling in it every two seconds.
Cover with a layer of interlaced sticks and a filter layer of grass/leaves
etc. These layers should be renewed daily.
When you have finished with the pit, it should be filled in with earth and
completely covered. It should then be marked with a sign placed into the
ground at that point with a date on which it was created.
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Dry Pit
A dry pit is constructed as above. The two pits should be next to each
other, and fairly close to the campfire and kitchen area. For the dry pit
you simple need a -hole-in-the-ground'. Only place thoroughly washed or
burnt material here, otherwise you will have animal visitors and insects
paying you a visit, making life in camp a bit more uncomfortable!
Never place any glass or sharp materials
(e.g. a ripped tin can) in the pit.
When you have finished with the pit, it should be filled in with earth and
completely covered. It should then be marked with a sign placed into the
ground at that point with a date on which it was created.
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Wet Bin
Most campsites frown upon anyone digging holes in the ground, most
certainly when they intend to leave some form of waste in the hole!
Instead you will want to construct a bin. You will need two types, a wet
and dry.
The details of construction have already been covered in the camp gadgets
section.
Make sure you replace the bin bag at regular intervals and either store in
a place that is out of reach of any person/animal or, ideally, immediatly
dispose of this rubbish at an appropriate area. Most campsites have proper
bins for waste disposal anyhow, but if you are camping in the middle of
nowhere, you will either bury your rubbish or take it home with you!
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Dry Bin
Only washed items should be placed in the bin. Any cans or containers
must be flattened first.
See camp gadgets for details.
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Oil
Can Filter
A filter will be required for all those mucky and greasy wet items you
want to dispose of. If you are allowed to dig into the ground at your
site, make yourself a trench a just bigger than your can, and at least
30cm deep. Stuff your oil can with grass, leaves and bracken.
Place a grid (either metal or make a lattice from natural materials) over
the hole and place the filter on top. Make sure you replace the filter
materials often.
Use to filter any wet, or more useful, greasy waste.
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Incinerator
If the site does not have an incinerator of its own you will need to
make one. Any rubbish that can not be burned on the campfire should be
placed in the incinerator. The ashes should be removed at regular
intervals and disposed of as above.
You will need a large metal can (an 'oil-drum' type is ideal). Pierce the
can with holes all round and place over a fire. You may find it easier to
fill the can with earth and use a large nail or spike when making the
holes.
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Tin Cans
Empty tin cans can be a bane at many campsites. They are difficult to
dispose of. Quite simply you have two choices.
You either burn them, then bash them flat and bury them.
or you crush them and carry them home.
Most modern tins can be recycled now so simple clean them, flatten them
and store apart from the others.
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