Ticks prefer to live in dense woodland where there is little air movement and high humidity.
However they will conduct their ambush strategy from anywhere that has a good cover of foliage and a mat of decaying vegetation. Unfortunately this can include your garden or campsite - particularly if the area is also populated by large mammals such as deer, sheep, cows and horses. Remove foliage and decaying vegetation from the area. Keep grass short and trim any overhanging bushes. Pesticides can be used to control ticks on an animal host.