While there are millions of places to take your camping tent, there are certainly some that aren’t going to be ideal for both yourself and the environment. First, always consult local information as to where you might legally pitch your tent without running into issues of land closures or private property.
Once you’ve located your camp zone, then consider where you might like to set up camp for the night. While campgrounds take the guesswork out of the equation, public-use land such as BLM land leaves the choice up to you. Micro-landscape features will have a big impact on your overall enjoyment, so be mindful of the following:
Ridgelines tend to catch more wind overnight, and setting up camp here can be asking for a windy evening. And while setting up your tent right next to a lake may appeal to many, these thoroughfares to water are important to local wildlife, and should be left free to not impede their access. Take a look at the landscape above your potential campsite as well, as nobody wants to set up underneath a rock-fall area. Camping on durable surfaces is the second Leave No Trace principle, and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
And finally, consider your space from others enjoying the wilderness. You likely came out here to enjoy some quiet, and they probably did as well!