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Setting up Camp!

When you have decided on your camping spot, you will need to think about how you will set up your camp. If you're only camping for a couple days or you move around a lot from hiking or kayaking, you won't need to be as concerned. For longer stays, 1-2+ weeks, you will need to put some serious thought into it.

Setting up your tent(s)

You should consider all the problems that can arise from where you put your tent. Below you we have brought up some questions and answers that might help you.

Will your tarp(s) cover your tent(s)?

- Properly covering your tent(s) with a tarp is one of the most important parts to camping in Nootka Sound. The basic rain cover that comes with tents is not suitable for the weather in Nootka Sound. If your tarp(s) do not fully cover your tent(s), you risk having to leave early during a rain storm.
- You should also consider placing a tarp underneath your tent for added protection. Then curl up the outer edges of the tarp and place rocks on them to block incoming water and bugs.

Will your tent(s) be on flatground?

- Having your tent on a rocks, mounds or hills can cause injury to your feet and make sleeping difficult.
- If the camping spot is on the side or bottom of a hill, you risk having water runoff into your tent from rain storms or nearby creeks.

Will smoke from the campfire drift into your tent(s)?

- If you plan to have campfires, you should consider that smoke could drift into your tent which can make it difficult to sleep and make your clothing smell.
- Placing a tarp wall between your campfire pit and your tent can help.

How will you set up your tarp(s)?

Tarps are often overlooked by campers, especially when it's sunny and with no rain in the forecast. Regardless of the weather conditions, you should always set up your tarp(s) to properly cover your picnic table, cooking area, iceboxes, seating area and your tent(s). Sometimes using multiple smaller tarps are easier to deal with instead of one big one. You will need lots of rope and bungee cords. If there aren't enough trees in your camping spot, you might want to use your vehicle if there are areas to tie to, or bring some pvc pipes. You might also want to find a tarp book at a local book store or AbeBooks Canada. Remember, tarps aren't just for protection from the rain, they also keep your camp clean from tree nettles and bird droppings. How to make your camp more comfortable - Using outdoor carpets between your picnic table, seating area and tents really helps make your camping spot more comfortable. - Placing a carpet inside your tent provides better support for your feet when standing inside your tent.

Where you will set up your Shower Shelter?

- You will want to set up your shower shelter in a location that offers full privacy and possibly close access to your tent or camper.
- You may want to create tarp walls outside of your Shower Shelter for added privacy and for a dryer location to get dressed.

Where will you store ice boxes?

Selecting the right area for your iceboxes is important. Ice is often the key to the length of your trip. Try to move your iceboxes into shade (below a picnic table, inside bushes, between trees, inside a tent (not if you sleep there). Using a tarp to cover the iceboxes is also a good idea for added protection and keeps rain water from finding its way into your ice. Additional precautions may be required if bears are in the area.

Where will you Cook?

Using the end of your picnic table for your stove and cooking supplies is often a good place. If you have a BBQ, you can put it a few feet away from the table, which gives you the ability to use the stove and BBQ at the same time.

Recommended Camping Products from our partner Cabelas

	Poly Tarp Multiuse tarp for your auto, ATV or your next camping, hunting or fishing trip. Resists water and mildew. Aluminum grommets. 5-oz. poly material. Imported Sizes: 6'x8', 8'x10', 9'x12', 10'x20'.
	Universal Bungee Jumbo Pack No matter how top-heavy, awkward or bulky the load, these multisized bungee cords keep contents secured. Natural rubber core is covered with fibrillated polyethylene, making it rotproof, UV resistant and long wearing.
	RPM Tent Carpet Liner Keep the inside of your tent warm and dry with this Tent Carpet Liner. The waterproof backing prevents leaks and it's stain-resistant so it will look great for years. This plush warm carpet is enjoyable to walk and sleep on. It's lightweight, easy to use and move. Cut it to fit the size of your tent floor.