Natural feature campsite
Overview
A natural feature campsite is an informal camping location chosen for its terrain, vegetation, or landscape characteristics rather than for built infrastructure. It relies on existing durable surfaces and features instead of designated pads, platforms, or constructed sites.
Key points
- Located using natural terrain features such as flat ground, tree cover, or wind protection.
- Typically lacks constructed elements like tent pads, fire rings, or picnic tables.
- Site selection is guided by local regulations, Leave No Trace principles, and environmental conditions.
- Durable surfaces and good drainage are core considerations.
- Often used in areas without formal campground infrastructure, where dispersed camping is permitted.
Details
Natural feature campsites are selected based on how well a location’s terrain and surroundings support low-impact overnight use. Hikers consider factors such as slope, ground hardness, existing vegetation, proximity to water (in accordance with regulations and good practice), and exposure to wind or falling debris.
These sites differ from established campgrounds or designated tent pads by relying on what the landscape already provides. A natural feature campsite might be a small bench on a hillside, a patch of durable ground between trees, or a flat area on rock or gravel. The aim is to find a place where a shelter can be pitched or a sleeping system can be laid out with minimal disturbance to soils and plants.
Because there is no built infrastructure, campers typically bring their own solutions for shelter, cooking, and sanitation, following local rules about where camping is permitted. Site selection also takes into account potential environmental impacts and any specific requirements or guidelines provided by land managers.
In many thru-hiking contexts, natural feature campsites are a routine part of travel between towns and designated sites, especially in dispersed camping zones or remote sections.
Related topics
- campsites-terrain-and-built-infrastructure
- fundamental-campcraft-and-campsite-routines
- leave-no-trace-and-impact-overview
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Illustrative hiking footage
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