Your camp is a very important part of enjoying your hiking/backpacking experience. For this reason, special attention should be paid to the arrangement of your camp. Your camp should be set-up at least 200 feet from any sources of water or lavatories. This promotes a sanitary and efficient camp. Your tent should not be set up in a hole or other area where rainwater can collect. It is extremely unpleasant when water pools under your tent, soaking through the bottom and getting you and all your gear wet. Placing your tent on a slight incline helps to prevent the pooling of water underneath it. Placing a tarp underneath your tent prevents water from seeping in through the bottom of your tent. Always stake down your tent to prevent it from blowing away. Your tent should also be a good distance away from your fire or cooking stove to prevent it catching flame. A tarp or other large covering device is handy for keeping wind and rain out of your fire/stove or camping area. See also Bear Country in the Backcountry travel section for information on bear proofing your food and camp. Click on the tent door below to travel there.