I would avoid places that people usually use, as trees and spots near the south and east "walls" of the caves.
Use spots in the middle of the respawn and mark them on your minimap; stack gps until it is hidden and then put over It some item that is everywhere on the respawn, if there is not any, you can use moon flowers (put them around the respawn as well).
To drag loot bags.. there is not good advice I can tell you, It is about Lucky. Always I have do It I use a simple bag with the loot backpack inside, then I use a "Big mount" that convers It when I step over, and push It carefully lol. If you can, ask for a Friend's help to go ahead and tell you if someone is near, so you step over the bag.