Rule of Three Camping: How to Set Up a Safer, Smarter Site

Ever felt cramped or unsafe after pitching your tent? The rule of three camping solves that. It’s a simple checklist that keeps your campsite tidy, protects you from the elements, and makes life on the road easier.

The idea is straightforward: three key elements, three simple measurements. When you line them up, you get a layout that works for tents, motorhomes, and even tarp shelters. No fancy math, just practical steps you can do in minutes.

1. The Three Distances

First, think about space. Measure roughly three meters (about ten feet) between your shelter and any fire pit, between the shelter and a water source, and between the shelter and the nearest obstacle like a rock wall or a tree. This distance keeps heat, smoke, and runoff away from your sleeping area.

If you’re in a motorhome, swap meters for feet – about 10‑12 feet works fine. The point is to give fire, wind, and runoff room to move without scorching your roof or getting you wet.

2. The Three Angles

Next, position your shelter in a triangle shape. The “camping triangle” isn’t about a warning sign; it’s a layout trick. Place your sleeping area, cooking zone, and waste station at the three corners of an imaginary triangle. This keeps traffic flowing and reduces the chance of stepping on gear.

When you walk from bed to stove, you follow one side of the triangle. When you dump trash, you follow another. The third side stays clear for entry and exit. It feels natural, and you’ll notice fewer trips over cords or gear.

Finally, the third rule is about time: limit each activity to three minutes of set‑up or breakdown. This keeps you from over‑packing and makes packing out as quick as packing in.

Put these three ideas together and you get a campsite that feels stable, safe, and easy to manage. You’ll sleep better, cook more efficiently, and spend less time worrying about where everything goes.

Want a quick check before you settle in? Grab a pen and write down:

• Distance to fire (≈3 m)
• Distance to water (≈3 m)
• Distance to obstacles (≈3 m)

Then sketch a triangle with sleeping, cooking, and waste spots at the corners. If something feels cramped, shift it a bit until the three distances are met.

The rule works whether you’re on a beach, in a forest, or at a backyard plot. On a beach, the wind side becomes your fire‑free edge, and the water source is the tide line. In the woods, aim for a clear flat spot and keep the triangle away from low‑lying flood zones.

People who use the rule say they waste less fuel because the fire stays downwind, and they avoid costly damage to their gear. It’s also a great way to explain campsite etiquette to kids – they can see the triangle and understand why you’re not cooking right next to the tent.

So next time you pull into a spot, remember the rule of three camping. Measure, shape, and time – that’s all you need for a comfortable night under the stars.