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Shelter close to water

by Josh
(US)

Any shelter should be close to water, insects or not. If you are even within hiking distance, you're going to have insects. Im sure of this because I'm an avid hunter and fisherman.


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In response to this statement:

- A site too close to water may lead you to be troubled by insects.

see: http://www.wilderness-survival-skills.com/survivalshelter.html

Comments for
Shelter close to water

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Jul 25, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		away from water
by: Shaykh Idris

It is not just insects that get at one who camped close to water; apart from animals that come to drink, there may be such creatures as Alligators & crocodiles, both of them partial to campers, especially such as have caught a few fish and have them set nearby. Another matter is that good old flash flood, the one where it rains fifty miles upstream, but takes out everything downstream. Surely, tote your water to your camp from the stream or lagoon, but don't sleep within seeing distance of it. Unless you are on a boat!
Jul 16, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		reply to anonymous
by: Josh

That is very true. Although you said you live in Washington...I can see where you are coming from. I am in NC near the coast and everywhere there is water. But yes the mosquitoes here are also inescapable. Thank you for commenting!
Jul 05, 2009
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starstarstar 		Still...
by: Anonymous

In the northern Washington forests where I live, regardless of water, the mosquitoes are inescapable in the summer without repellent, a fire, or a sealed shelter, so I agree with you on the bug idea, but that is not the only flaw with sheltering near water. First of all, if the ground is wetter than usual, it can put a giant damper on retaining warmth. Also, unless it's only a small stream or pool, water can also bring with it cooler air temperatures. If you have ever stuck your head into a creek culvert, you will know that there is always a cold wind coming out the other end. Cold air is not desirable for a shelter.
You are right when it comes to the bugs, but unless you are willing to put tons of effort into bedding, I disagree with your theory of "always camp next to water."

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