Great care should be taken when choosing a place to pitch your tent. Consider the
following to help ensure your stay is as safe and as comfortable as possible.
Choose a pitch that is:
1. A flat, level area of ground clear of foliage and debris ..
2. Offers shade (especially from the morning sun if you wish
not to bake first thing! See graphic below) ..
3. Offers shelter from wind and gusts (Avoid open areas)
4. Avoid pitching directly under trees (in case of falling
branches), or the banks of a river or lake.
4. Position tents well apart. Some sites suggest a minimum of
six metres (20ft) to prevent the risk of a fire spreading.
5. Guy lines are a major trip hazard. Take care when
approaching a tent especially at night.
6. Do not obstruct campsite tracks or walkways with tents or
guy lines.
7. Familiarise yourself with the campsite and be aware of
potential hazards such as lakes, rivers, ponds and cliff edges.
Regardless of what time you
arrive at your pitch, consider
the position of the sun at
dawn.
During hotter months,
(unless you’re in shade), a
tent can feel like a pressure
cooker first thing in the
morning. Not so bad if you’re
an early riser and want first
dibs in the shower block but
unbearable if you ‘re longing
for a mid morning snooze.
Choose your pitch so that it
is in shade for the first few
hours of sunlight.
West is best!
TIP!
E
W
N
S
z
z
z
z
Z
E
W
N
S
z
z
z
z
Z
z
z
z
z
Z
Noon
West (Setting Sun)
East (Rising Sun)
shade
shade
Choosing your pitch
Choosing your pitch
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