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How to use locations and pins

Learn how to read GPS pins and reach your destination without stress.

Basics

Pins are landmarks - they don't always show the exact location. Understanding their types and accuracy will help you safely reach your destination.

Accurate pins - high precision

They indicate a specific camping spot. Accuracy: approx. ±10 m.

  • Show actual tent/camper spots
  • Often confirmed by multiple users
  • You can go straight to the pin
  • Great for planning GPS routes

General pins - medium precision

Show only approximate area. Accuracy: ±100-500 m.

  • Mark general camping vicinity
  • Need to find a spot on site
  • Good as a starting point
  • Read description for more info

What affects accuracy

GPS device

Phone or dedicated GPS - difference even 5-50 m.

Terrain

Forest and mountains worsen signal - error can increase by 100 m and more.

Time added

Older pins (before 2010) can be less accurate.

Author experience

Beginners may add less precise locations.

Author experience

Beginners may add less precise locations.

Safe navigation

  • Treat pin as starting point, not destination
  • Download offline maps before departure
  • Have backup: compass, paper map
  • Save return points
  • Share your route with someone
  • Charge phone, take powerbank

Common problems and solutions

Pin shows empty clearing

  • It may be just an area, not exact spot
  • Look for roads and paths nearby
  • Check description for clues
  • Check comments and reviews

Can't find the place

  • Check area within 200 m radius
  • Look for fire traces and clean spots
  • Think about seasonal limitations
  • Terrain may have changed (flood, landslide)

GPS shows something different

  • Check coordinate format
  • Make sure you have correct system (most often WGS84)
  • Give GPS a moment to stabilize signal
  • Compare location in several apps

What to avoid

Here are the most common mistakes that can put you in danger during navigation.

  • Don't blindly trust pins in wilderness
  • Don't rely only on phone
  • Don't ignore road conditions in descriptions
  • Don't start journey without backup navigation
  • Don't assume pins are always accurate
  • Don't forget to tell someone about plans

Practical tips

These simple tricks will help you better prepare for your journey and avoid navigation problems.

  • Take screenshots of maps for offline
  • Mark important points on route
  • Use several apps for comparison
  • Check latest place reviews
  • Have paper maps in wilderness
  • Test GPS in known places