Pitching a Tent

Set it up right the first time to avoid hassle later

While you should use an established tent pad if there is one, sometimes you have a choice of spots. Tent position is important for comfort, safety, as well as aesthetics. Stay away from low ground where rain might puddle. Avoid pitching under a lone tall tree in case lightning comes up. Position the door for a morning sunrise or water view. Above all, you need to be familiar with setting up your tent quickly. Have the family practice at home. A backyard sleep-out can be a fun start to a camping adventure.

Make it Easy

Practice setting up a new tent at home first. After you reach camp, use a hammer or mallet to pound stakes into hard or rocky ground. Bring a few extra stakes in case one is lost or bent. Be sure to stake the fly out so it doesn't touch the body of the tent, or else you'll get wet. A roll of duct tape is handy for quick fixes of tears in the tent fabric or broken or split poles.

Choosing a Tent Site

Look for a level spot, avoiding low ground that may flood if it rains.
Spread the ground cloth first, being sure it is a few inches smaller all around than the tent body.
Lie down to be sure that the ground is level and that there are no rocks or sticks that can cause discomfort or damage the tent floor.
Pitch the tent so doors and vents are aligned with the wind direction for maximum ventilation.

Poles

Today's tent poles are usually several pieces of aluminum tubing connected with shock cord.
Although poles can withstand pressure and bending after the tent is set up, the joints are actually quite fragile.
Assemble the poles gently, and do not leave them lying on the ground to step on.
After they are assembled, feed them carefully through the tent tunnels to prevent ripping the tent fabric.

Grommets and Stakes

Gently flex the poles and insert the tips into the appropriate grommets, and then the tent body will be erect.
There are often clips on the tent body that snap onto the poles for added stability.
The second set of grommets is for the tent stakes. Press stakes into the ground with your hand or foot, or use a rubber mallet to pound stakes if ground is hard or rocky.
Before staking, you can move a freestanding tent for optimum placement.

Rain Fly

The rain fly is like a rain coat: It's waterproof to repel rain but allows ventilation into the tent.
The rain fly usually clips in via buckles or hooks near the base of the poles.
The rain fly should be staked out at a 45 degree angle to allow ventilation and to prevent it from touching the tent body and allowing moisture to get in.
In high winds achieve additional stability via staked guy lines or tie to nearby trees or rocks.

Watch Ranger Rick and Nick Knack learn how to pitch a tent with camping expert John Sahadi.

For ideas to plan your next camping or outdoor adventure, check out Knack Car Camping for Everyone, published by Knack, an imprint of The Globe Press. From choosing a sleeping bag and setting up a tent to overcoming challenges like weather, insects, and safety concerns, Knack Car Camping for Everyone offers the tools you need to make camping a pleasure.