Waking Up with the Wilderness
If you’ve never woken up in a tent, have you ever really woken up at all? Some of us know about the special kind of magic in those mornings outside, where our wakeup is slow, maybe to the soft pitter-patter of rain, where the fresh smells of pine or eucalyptus hit us before we even open our eyes, and rays of sun fill our tent with a kind of lazy warmth that asks us to get up, out, and on with our day. The team at Loch Ness Shores often hears from campers who open up their property because they want to share that special magic with others.
On the flip-side, campers pitching a tent in the wrong spot may find themselves waking up every hour with high winds knocking them around, a soggy sleeping bag, and a rock under their back. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions when choosing the best campsite location, whether you’re a seasoned wild camper or just starting out.
The Art of Finding the Perfect Spot
Picking a site that is close to water is always a good idea, not only for cannonballs and skinny dipping, but because having to haul water back and forth to camp is only fun once. Make sure you choose a spot that won’t be affected if the water source overflows or floods, and that your waste won’t run back into it. After all, Mother Nature is not your actual mother and will not clean up after you as if you were a small child.
When it comes to the products you use in the wilderness, it’s important to be mindful. Spitting toothpaste on the ground is polluting, too. It can be toxic to animals and plant life. Alternative solutions include all-natural products (like “Uncle Harry’s All-Natural Alkalizing Toothpaste”). The same goes for soaps and lotions (did you know that tea tree oil makes a great natural deodorant?). Placing friendly signs around the campsite, reminding guests of the 7 Leave No Trace Principles, is a good way to encourage campers to keep it clean. Placing trash cans and recycling bins (even one) will discourage littering.
As the video suggests, weather plays a big role in selecting a campsite. If it’s hot and humid, choose a space with plenty of shade and water. If it’s cold and windy, pick a spot near something that will block the wind and offer some protection. Bring appropriate rain gear, cold-weather clothes, and a stove for heating up water for tea, oatmeal, and hot chocolate—treats that make the world go ’round.
Respecting the Wilderness
Be mindful of the critters in the wilderness. Look out for ant hills, termite mounds, wasp nests, and worn paths leading to a den of newborn cubs. Speaking of bear country, food should be hung from trees in sealed bags at least 6 ft from the base of a tree (12 to 15 feet high), or in a bear-proof canister far from everyone’s campsite. Remind your fellow campers to never sleep with food in the tent, and that includes any scented products (lotion, soaps, toothpaste, medicine, etc). And definitely do not leave an empty package of smoked salmon in your car.
As Hipcamp suggests, it’s also important to be aware of trees with rotted branches on their last limbs—dry, bent and about to fall over. Don’t camp underneath them. Better yet, don’t build campsites by any dead things at all. Instead, go gather up all those dead sticks and build a community bonfire!
The Beauty of Camping at Loch Ness Shores
At Loch Ness Shores, we believe that the freedom to pitch your tent and wake up to the sounds of nature is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. Our campsite offers ample space for you to find your perfect spot, whether it’s nestled in the trees, overlooking the loch, or tucked away in a peaceful meadow.
With stunning views of the iconic Loch Ness and easy access to hiking trails and wildlife spotting, Loch Ness Shores is the ultimate destination for those seeking a true connection with the Scottish Highlands. Come experience the magic of waking up in the wilderness for yourself. We can’t wait to share it with you.
