How to Set Up a Tent

Before leaving for your trip, be sure you’re comfortable setting up — and taking down — your tent. That means reading the instruction booklet and getting plenty of practice. Here are a few tips for when you’re ready to pitch your tent:

• At the campsite, choose a level spot that drains well.
• Remove stones and sticks, but don’t disturb the natural ground cover.
• Always look for signs of creepy critters.
• Spread out your tent’s footprint, or a ground cloth, to protect the tent floor from moisture, sharp objects and dirt.
• Unfold the tent on top of the footprint. Pull out the corners of the floor and stake them to the ground, then assemble the poles and put them in place.
• Use taut line hitches to tie the free ends of guylines around stakes you’ve pushed into the ground, and pull the lines tight.
• Put a rain fly over the tent, and stake it down.

After camping, remember to air out your tent before packing it away. Ensuring it is dry will prevent mildew.