how much of a concern is the camp view to you?

Bob, I had my tent set up in almost exactly that spot when I did the PT in 1970. It was stormy when we got there so the view was like looking through a cloud tunnel at Dome Peak and Spire Point. The next morning broke sunny, bright and calm. This is one of my all time favorite mountain views. Thanks for the memory!

Usually if the view is to be important, it's because I'm specifically hiking to that location for the view.

The Ptarmigan Traverse is nothing but incredible views, but this one was good enough that I took a picture from inside the tent looking out. I'd love to see that glacier now, because I think it has shrunk quite a bit. That picture was in 1973.

Nice if it happens but just one of many factors (flat area devoid of human trash not prone to puddles sheltered but not near a widow maker)

Some day, when the weather's real good, I'm going to camp overnight at that spot above McNeil Point, where there's a flat spot "carved" out of the rock. Nice sunset view. Nice star view.

We had a great view from the top of Mt. Whitney, where we spent the night on the last day of our JMT hike in 1971. The sun was setting on the Kaweah Peaks.

That's a gorgeous pic. Seeing the sunrise from Whitney (which I assume you did as well if you camped there) was easily one of the spectacular moments of my outdoor "career"). I assume that the sunset is no less so, especially judging from that picture.

We didn't see the sunrise from Mt. Whitney, because it was snowing! Shortly after leaving the peak, it turned to rain.

I enjoy views like the next guy but I enjoy a campsite deep inside the PNW Endor forest just as much.

the ideal is a site with a view of something – a large open meadow, a creek, waterfalls, or even a view down a wooded valley. something to look out upon and contemplate life and everything.

the practical might cross with the ideal if the conditions are right, but in foul weather, the practical trumps all. a protected site in wind or rain is better, but i do have an ability to find sites with an amount of protection that also allow access to a view.

one of my favorite campsites at Dolly Sods is in a grove of rhododendron that sites just above Red Creek. in foul weather i'm sheltered, but can look out to a waterfall from within my tent. another site i like to use is in a pine stand, but overlooks the slope down from Red Creek camp to Alder Run.

as i hike, i catalogue places that i think would be good sites and eventually work those into my travels. there are only so many places to find good views and resources – clean water, a place to cook, and a flat spot to sleep can be tough sometimes.

I guess I'm just a hobbit at heart. I like a cozy, secretive place best. I'll enjoy a view when I'm hiking or walk over to watch the sunset, but I prefer my campsite sheltered and cozy.