Do You Camp by a River?

[woodsman]

Wheal it kind of depends on the area I'm camping in and the time of year. If the river is notorious for flash floods than I'll probably keep my distance, otherwise there is nothing more reinvigorating than waking up and going for a swim .

[Refrigerator]

There is nothing to compare to the sound of rushing water and nature to the mind and soul. Very nice and comforting. I have some of my best sleep time camping near a river or stream.

[JDSport]

I like camping next to any body of water be it a pond, lake, river, or ocean! I have not run into any issues but we don't get flash floods in the areas I camp so I guess I am lucky.

[Jade]

I love to be near the water's edge, but know better: we always find a place to pitch camp that is above any sign of water/flooding from past events, but allows us the view and sounds we seek from the water.

[Tony]

I love to camp near streams and brooks but I make sure that I am on the elevated area. I can't predict flash floods so it is better safe than sorry. What are the first signs of flash flood anyway?

[le Metis]

Originally Posted by Tony

I love to camp near streams and brooks but I make sure that I am on the elevated area. I can't predict flash floods so it is better safe than sorry. What are the first signs of flash flood anyway?

You need to be aware of what weather is happening upstream, the river's water shed, water levels, clarity, sounds, and any dam releases...

Besides checking the weather, here's a site that I use before heading out...

USGS Real-Time Water Data for Virginia

[IndianaHiker]

Another thing to consider when camping near a river or body of water is its effect on the temp and dew in the morning hours. Being a backpacker I live to stop for the night near water. Makes it easier to resupply in the morning.

[Hayley]

Sure. We love to camp by the river. Obviously, we make good decisions. If there is a known danger, we'll camp elsewhere, but on a normal trip, yes, for sure.

[dinosaur]

We're talking about the weather here, right? Your bed in your house is a potentially dangerous site. It depends on the weather.

[Amelie]

I would choose to camp by a river every time. I hadn't heard about the flash fllood event - but surely a daily weather forecast is the best way to avoid getting into a dangerous situation?