Is this campsite right? The pros and cons.

Picking a campsite can be hard, especially if you don't have experience. I have stayed in some interesting places. Some interestingly good, some interestingly bad. If you take nothing else away from this post, I hope you remember to evaluate before hand what you want most out of your campsite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLp_S_3Ku9c

One of my favorite campsites is Indian Cove in Joshua Tree National Park. The Roaming Roadies took this time lapse of the awesome backdrop we fell asleep and woke up to. This campsite is located in a dry desert area with no access to a lake or water front. This campsite has no shower station or running water. As for facilities all you have are vault toilets.

Basically what I am getting at is there aren't many luxuries available in the desert. This is why I say remember to evaluate before hand what you want most out of your campsite. If what you want is an incredible one-of-a-kind view, you might have to sacrifice running water. If you can't live without a flushing toilet I would not recommend this site.

We would be here forever and you would not finish reading this if I went through the pros and cons of every campsite I have ever visited. So instead I am going to make a list of general pros and cons that campsites might have. That way when you go to make a reservation you have already weighed your options and know your must-have amenities.

General Campsite Pros:

sunset and/or sunrise views

location

site size (camper count)

shower station

running water

flush toilets

electric hookups -newer campsites might come with a charging station for your cameras

campfire ring

picnic table

food storage container

pet friendly

waterfront

hiking

rock climbing and/or bouldering

General Campsite Cons:

pack in only -no vehicle access

additional fees per person or car

vault toilets

coin showers -bring quarters

close campsites -no privacy

no shade cover or trees

tent only sites and/or RV camper only sites

walk up sites only -no guarantee of reservation

BONUS** If you are wanting to document your outdoor adventure, look for campsites that report a low rate of usage. If you don't have as many neighbors you will have more freedom to take awesome night pictures like this one the Roaming Roadies took in Oxbow Regional.

Now that you know what to look for, or what not to look for, you can be confident your campsite is right for you. Remember, if you want a specific camping experience you might have to sacrifice some amenities. But that is the beauty of the outdoors. You deserve the fresh air.