"The world is vast — as long as you have a tent, every place can be your villa." In the warm spring of April, when flowers are in full bloom, bring your whole family and invite a few close friends to go camping in the wild, set up a tent, and have a barbecue together. How fun and delightful it is...
Do you know some basic camping knowledge? This issue of "Mountain Classroom" will comprehensively introduce outdoor camping and emergency bivouacking, including how to choose a campsite, how to plan and build a camp, how to access water sources, and how to set up emergency camps in extreme environments or unexpected situations.
> Types of Camping
Camping is divided into three types based on different needs and characteristics: RV camping, conventional camping, and special-form camping.
1. RV Camping
This refers to traveling to the wild for camping in a special type of recreational vehicle known as an RV. Such vehicles are equipped with heating and cooling systems as well as electricity, allowing campers to cook and sleep inside the RV.
2. Conventional Camping
Usually takes place in scenic locations such as valleys, lakesides, or seaside areas, and is a more common form of camping.
3. Special-form Camping
Camping carried out during special travel activities, such as overseas expeditions, high-altitude mountaineering, or hiking adventures — activities that are higher-risk and more specialized.
> Factors to Consider When Choosing a Campsite
1. Season and weather.
2. The skill level and number of participants.
3. The surrounding environment and supporting facilities of the campsite.
4. Alignment with the purpose of the camping trip, such as specific training, a friends’ vacation, parent-child games, or connecting with nature.
> Priority of Considerations When Selecting a Campsite
1. Safety — the campsite must be away from danger.
2. Comfort of sleeping at the campsite, as well as convenience in dining, entertainment, washing, and sanitation.
3. Choose a campsite that has the least impact on the natural environment according to local conditions. Adhere to the LNT (Leave No Trace) principles: try to camp on durable surfaces and select locations that minimize impacts on water sources and vegetation.
> Safety Considerations for Campsite Selection
Stay Away from Danger
1. Avoid setting up camp under cliffs, on loose soil, or on steep, highly eroded slopes to prevent falling rocks, landslides, mudslides, or avalanches.
2. Do not camp under dead trees or beehives. There have been multiple incidents in Hainan Province where campers were injured by coconuts falling from trees due to strong winds; there are also occasional reports of campers being attacked by hornets after wearing bright yellow clothing or spraying heavily scented floral perfumes.
3. Do not camp on mountaintops, directly under large trees, or on relatively isolated flat areas. Some lightning strikes do not always come from above — side flashes can also be fatal.
4. Avoid camping on animal trails or near water sources where animals drink to prevent harassment or harm from wildlife. Animals that have lived on this land for years are its true inhabitants; yielding and minimizing disturbance is the best approach and a fundamental principle of outdoor ethics.
5. Do not camp on river floodplains, in the middle of rivers, on the inner bends of river channels, or at the confluence of small streams. Some rivers have power plants upstream, and during water storage periods, the riverbanks may be wide with low water flow — but once the water is released, the consequences can be dire. The inner bends of river channels are also prone to being washed away during sudden floods. Additionally, when camping on shores (sea or river), observe tide erosion marks and ensure the campsite is above the high-water mark. Calculate and monitor the daily tide times for high and low water levels.
6. Do not camp in the middle of valleys, in low-lying valley bottoms, or in the center of streams; heavy rain upstream or the release of reservoir water can trigger flash floods, causing mass disasters.
7. When camping in remote areas, be sure to understand and respect local customs and pay close attention to public safety conditions.
Water Supply
It is very important to choose a campsite near a water supply. First, you won’t have to carry excessive amounts of water, which wastes energy. Second, having convenient access to water makes daily life at the camp more comfortable. Here are four common ways to find water sources in the wild.
1. Observe the terrain: Since water flows downhill, you’re more likely to find water in lower areas such as valleys or depressions where water collects. However, avoid setting up camp too close to streams or ponds to prevent flooding or mosquito problems.
2. Observe the strata: Check if there are signs of water seepage along rock cracks or if the exposed surface rock appears relatively moist. But avoid camping in low-lying valley bottoms just for the sake of easy access to water, due to risks of dampness and falling rocks.
3. Observe plant distribution and growth: Areas with lush vegetation are usually more humid and likely to have better water availability, such as bamboo groves or wild banana clusters. Some rare plants that require a moist environment—like water dropwort, mountain mustard, or ferns—also indicate higher ground moisture nearby.
4. Observe animal tracks and behavior: Areas with frequent activity from animals like frogs, waterfowl, or kingfishers usually indicate the presence of water. The presence of herds such as lions, elephants, or cattle can also be a clue to nearby water sources.
TIPS
Tips & Tricks
The more conditions you can meet simultaneously, the higher your chances of finding a water source. In March 2010, when we were in Guangdong’s Yanjing Mountain and reached an altitude of 1,450 meters at a mountain saddle, we noticed water seeping from a rock face at around 1,390 meters. Though the flow was minimal, it proved the mountain contained moisture. Upon reaching a flatter depression on the saddle surrounded by small hills with dense vegetation, and hearing high-flying water birds calling, we sent team members to search—and quickly found water. When choosing campsites near streams, ponds, rivers, or springs, keep the following in mind:
1. The water should be clean and unpolluted, preferably flowing. Observe the plant and animal life near the riverbanks or pond edges. Lush plants and the presence of fish or frogs usually indicate safe water.
If you’re unsure whether the water is potable, scoop some up with your hand and smell it for any unusual odors. You can also apply a bit to sensitive skin areas like your lips or inner arm, and wait 30 minutes to see if irritation or itching occurs. Avoid using water sources near animal carcasses, with withered or foul-smelling plants.
2. Level the water collection route and spot. After selecting a water source, clear and level the path to make fetching water easier. Sometimes people find water but fail to prepare a safe route, leading to accidents in the dark. Also, try to separate drinking water and washing water sources, with drinking water taken upstream of washing water.
Level Ground
The campsite ground should be flat, dry, and free of moisture. When selecting ideal ground, consider the following:
1. Prefer flat and dry terrain, avoiding areas with sharp or spiky bumps. The slope should generally not exceed 10 degrees.
2. Sandy or gravelly soil with good drainage is preferable.
3. Ensure proper drainage; avoid low-lying wetlands or spots with slow water runoff.
4. Avoid shrubbery, dense woods, grass piles, or low bushes. Uneven areas can be leveled with soil, hay, or fallen leaves.
5. Do not move rocks unnecessarily, as this can create instability and harm the local ecosystem.
6. Unless forced to camp in a low area, avoid digging drainage ditches to preserve the environment.
TIPS
Case Study: Emergency Nighttime Camp Relocation
In May 2004, I led a team of 24 people through the Shennongjia virgin forest when we were suddenly hit by a once-in-50-years blizzard.
After setting up camp before dusk, we were hit by increasingly strong winds. The team was rapidly losing body heat, and it became very difficult to cook or keep warm. I began patrolling the camp to find a wind-sheltered spot to relocate, build a fire, and identify a safer escape route. Fortunately, I found such a place and ordered an emergency camp relocation.
After the first move, we had just pitched several tents in heavy rain and managed to get a fire going when another round of gale-force winds, rain, and hail struck. The tents were swaying dangerously. Though completely exhausted, we had to undertake a second relocation in total darkness. This time, the ground was very uneven, causing people to slide inside their tents—but we had little choice. Luckily, we were behind a thicket of alpine rhododendrons that acted like a windbreak. In retrospect, without those rhododendrons, a few team members with inadequate gear might have suffered frostbite.
Many real-life examples show that choosing a campsite that is sheltered from wind and sun isn’t just about comfort—it can be a life-saver during sudden weather changes by helping prevent hypothermia.
Sheltered and Shaded
1. A sheltered, shaded campsite is key to restful sleep, especially in valleys or riverbanks—always choose a wind-protected spot.
2. Orient the tent door away from the wind to help retain warmth.
3. For campsites you’ll stay at for more than two days, choose a shaded area: avoid morning sun exposure on the east side so you’re not woken up by direct sunlight.
4. If camping under trees or on the north side of a mountain, opt for morning rather than afternoon sun—this keeps the tent cooler if you’re resting during the day.
Other Considerations
1. Transportation: The location should be easily accessible, preferably near a village. Being close to a village often means proximity to a road, which facilitates camp relocation or rescue in emergencies. However, the campsite must be set away from residential areas and roads to avoid disturbances and the risk of being hit by vehicles.
2. Safety: Ensure there are nearby places or devices for help (such as villages and telephones). Avoid overly remote locations.
3. Wildlife: Do not camp within the activity range of large animals.
> Camp Planning and Construction
Campsites can be divided into four functional zones: the tent camping area, cooking and dining & public entertainment area, water fetching and usage area, and sanitation and waste disposal area.
Camp Planning Principles
1. When planning the campsite, fully consider the comfort of sleeping in the tent camping area and the convenience of daily functions. Minimize interference between different functional zones.
2. The tent camping area is usually located in the upwind position and on the flattest ground of the site. Next is the cooking and dining area, which should be downwind from the tents and at a proper distance to prevent sparks from igniting them. The public entertainment area should be downwind from the cooking zone. The sanitation and waste disposal area should be in the downwind-downwind position, maintaining a significant distance from other areas to prevent unpleasant odors. The water fetching and usage area should be divided into an upper section along the stream or river for drinking water and a lower section for general use.
3. If the campsite is small, the public entertainment and cooking & dining areas can be combined.
1. Tent Camping Area
&f All tents should face the same direction, with doors aligned and arranged neatly in rows. In cold environments, tent doors should face away from the wind. In hot and stuffy conditions, they may be adjusted slightly to face the wind for increased comfort.
&f Keep a minimum distance of 1 meter between tents. Avoid tying guy ropes unless necessary to prevent tripping. Exception: in windy or unstable conditions.
&f In wilderness camping, there’s potential threat from wildlife or malicious individuals. If signs of large animals are obvious, consider setting up warning lines (or trenches).
&f In dark, damp environments, you may encounter harassment or harm from leeches, fire ants, venomous snakes, or rats. Sprinkle lime, tar, or realgar powder around the tent area as a deterrent to crawling animals like snakes.
2. Cooking & Dining Area and Public Entertainment Area
These are generally located together or nearby but at a certain distance from the tent area.
&f Before starting a fire for cooking, ensure the ground where gas stoves and utensils are placed is flat and stable to avoid burns. Avoid digging or building stoves or gathering firewood for cooking. If absolutely necessary to gather firewood, keep it outside this area. Clear an area of at least 2 square meters before lighting a fire. It’s advisable to have a bucket of water or dirt nearby to extinguish the fire when needed.
&f As ground moisture can harm health—especially leading to rheumatism in damp, cold conditions—it’s recommended to use a sleeping mat or air cushion as a seat. To stay clean, cover it with a plastic bag or raincoat material.
&f Prepare lighting such as headlamps before dusk for mealtimes.
&f For safety, mark off hazardous areas or install protective lines nearby to prevent accidents during movement or games.
3. Water Fetching and Usage Area
&f Usually located at the water source. For flowing water, separate areas are advised for washing and drinking: drinking water from the upstream, washing and daily use from downstream. For lakes, for hygiene reasons, the two should also be separated by at least 10 meters.
&f For nighttime water fetching, go with a partner and prepare separate containers. Do not wash dishes or food scraps directly in the water source. Collect water first, then clean away from the source. Bury waste if necessary. To minimize environmental impact and follow “leave no trace” principles, campsites should be at least 60 meters from water sources.
4. Sanitation and Waste Disposal Area
Every camp, whether for one night or multiple, must designate a waste disposal area. It’s recommended to dig a “cat hole” 20–30 cm deep, at least 60 meters away from water sources, the camp, and established trails. Bury and camouflage the hole before breaking camp. Temporary toilets should be built in densely wooded areas. Never defecate or urinate outside designated areas.
Tips & Tricks
◆ Beginners should choose routes and campsites that are short and well-established to build experience gradually and identify areas for improvement (equipment, timing, etc.).
◆ Camp setup is a team effort—everyone should contribute. Before building, the team leader should explain the safe boundary of the camp.
◆ When opening tent packages, be cautious of strong winds blowing away accessories or packaging.
◆ Open and close tent zippers quickly. Avoid sitting at the entrance with the door open chatting, to prevent mosquitoes from entering at night.
◆After setting up the campsite, it is recommended that the team familiarize themselves with escape routes in case of emergencies, agree on a whistle or horn signal for emergency evacuation, and designate a meeting point and location for regrouping after evacuation.
◆When entering the tent to rest, shoes should be placed inside the tent to prevent them from getting wet from dew; the toes should face outward for quick and easy wearing in case of an emergency.
◆Except for items such as sleeping bags and moisture-proof mats, other non-essential camping gear should be placed under the outer tent awning, taking care to avoid getting wet from dew or fog.
◆It is recommended to follow the team’s unified schedule for rest and duty. During rest periods, avoid loud talking or playing around in the campsite, especially when other teams are also camping nearby. The goal of wild camping is to let the campsite blend back into nature—no need to bring urban life into the wilderness.
◆Before going to bed, place your headlamp and knives or other cutting tools within reach. In case of an emergency at night, you can quickly grab the headlamp and knife and rush out of the tent to escape. If someone needs to keep watch overnight, it is advised to have members of the same tent group together. When waking up a teammate to take over the watch, gently rouse them outside the tent to prevent any confused or unintended actions.
◆Place teammates with lower physical capabilities in the central area of the tent for rest. In harsh conditions, it is recommended to have people share tents (“mixed tents”) to look out for each other. If you need to leave the campsite or go to the toilet, it’s best to go with a partner: in recent years, many “camping events” across China have seen so many tents set up that people returning from nighttime toilet breaks often can’t tell which tent is theirs.
◆Extinguish unnecessary sources of fire before going to bed. GAS cylinders and stoves should be removed and stored separately to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Food should be safely stored to avoid attracting wildlife. In harsh environments, if cooking inside the tent or under the outer tent is necessary, ensure proper ventilation and be cautious of tent fires and carbon dioxide poisoning.
◆Before heavy rain, check whether the tent poles and ropes are secure. During rain, minimize entering and exiting the tent and touching the tent fabric with your hands to avoid water seepage. Wet clothes, shoes, and socks should be placed under the outer tent and stored in plastic bags.
>Emergency Camping and Shelter Building
When a team member is injured, lost in the wilderness, unexpectedly stranded, unable to reach the planned campsite before dark, or caught in strong winds or heavy rain, a decisive decision should be made to stay put and set up an emergency camp on the spot. If you have a tent or other gear, it is recommended to set it up according to the terrain. If not, put on warm clothing and find a shelter to rest.
When emergency camping, it is suggested to sit on your backpack. The main concerns during emergency camping are staying warm, avoiding dew, and protecting against mosquitoes, insects, snakes, and ants.
Staying Warm: You can use the “three-layer outdoor warmth clothing” method, along with wearing a woolen hat, neck gaiter or headscarf, and gloves. Rest and replenish high-calorie emergency food promptly. Also, seek suitable shelter—if you have a survival blanket, put it on promptly.
You can also make full use of the silver reflective side of the survival blanket to retain body heat.
Preventing Dampness from Dew or Fog: It is recommended to wear a raincoat (or windproof and waterproof jacket and pants). If safe, light a long-lasting overnight fire and keep it burning to produce some “smoke,” which can reduce frost and dew.
Preventing Mosquitoes, Insects, Snakes, and Ants: While applying mosquito repellent, it is advised to set up your camp on some tree branches to prevent attacks from crawling animals on the ground.
Types and methods for building temporary shelters mainly include:
1. Mountain Caves: In mountainous environments, various types of caves such as dry caves, water caves, and through-caves can often be found. Caves are both safe and convenient, offering a warm, windproof, and rainproof shelter. However, before entering a cave, pay attention to ventilation and water conditions, avoid going too deep inside, and beware of animal disturbances.
2. Deep Indentations in Rock Faces: Look for deeply indented areas in rock faces. You can pad them with dry grass or branches and leaves, and build simple windbreaks with small branches.
3. Fallen Trees and Large Trees: Use the foliage of fallen trees for cover, and modify the middle trunk slightly to create a shelter. Find two large trees spaced appropriately apart, and use tree branches to set up a horizontal beam at a suitable height. Then gather leafy branches and construct a shelter between the horizontal beam and the ground, adjusting the angle as needed based on the environment—this forms your shelter.
4. Large Tarpaulin: A large tarp is widely useful in outdoor and wilderness settings. It can be quickly used to make a soft stretcher to carry an injured person down for emergency evacuation; if a teammate suffers from heatstroke or hypothermia in the wild, a temporary first aid camp can be set up to quickly move the person away from extreme heat or cold. If you cannot reach the intended campsite before dark, get lost in thick fog, or become separated from your group, you can use a large tarp to quickly build a makeshift shelter to survive the crisis while waiting for rescue.
4. Large Tarp: Large tarps are highly versatile in outdoor and wilderness settings. They can be quickly used to create a soft stretcher for evacuating injured individuals in emergencies; if a team member suffers from heatstroke or hypothermia in the wild, a tarp can help swiftly establish an emergency shelter to protect them from extreme heat or cold; if you fail to reach your planned campsite before dark, get lost in thick fog, or become separated from your group, a large tarp can be rapidly deployed to build a makeshift shelter, helping you survive the crisis until rescue arrives.