Articles
My Perfect Campsite
by Chuck Fitzgerald
It’s the time of year to beat the heat and head for higher
elevation. For many people that means loading up the RV,
grabbing the boat and finding a campground by the lake. My
idea for the perfect getaway means loading the truck with our
camping gear and our two Labrador Retrievers and getting as far
away from the pavement as we can get. While these two styles
are quite different, they are both perfect. Let’s take a look
at what makes a campsite perfect for me—and perhaps for you.
To start with, there are two general types of campsites, the
first being established campsites. These campgrounds exist for
all sorts of campers and their camping equipment ranging from
large motor homes to small designated patches of grass for
bicyclists. Finding this type of campsite is fairly easy to
do. On the internet, one can find hundreds of informational
websites with campground information for virtually any area on
the planet. Favorite campgrounds are typically found in
national, state and county park systems and are available for a
nominal daily fee. They are usually found near natural features
such as lakes, rivers and scenic areas. Campgrounds often cater
to specific types of campers, for instance some campgrounds are
kid and pet friendly while others are not. There are many
advantages to established campgrounds such as running water,
electricity, activities and other modern conveniences. With
minimal research, you should be able to find the perfect
campground for you or your group.
A second general type of campsite is referred to as a primitive
campsite. As the name implies, you won’t find any of today’s
modern conveniences at a primitive site and to those who prefer
this type of camping, that’s the whole point. Primitive camping
is my favorite way to camp. Some primitive campers carry
everything on their backs and set up camp when they are done
hiking for the day. I like to drive right up to my primitive
camp site so that I can take along a few of my favorite things.
In either case here are few things I consider when looking for
the perfect primitive site. Number one is shelter. Shelter
from the wind, rain, sun, noise and other campers are important
to me. I also want a spot that is elevated, level, durable and
clean. I don’t care much for insects and I enjoy a nice fire
in the evenings.
So where is my perfect campsite? I won’t tell you exactly, but
it’s at 7,600 feet elevation just 10 miles from the south
entrance to the Grand Canyon and is only 3 miles from the
pavement. It sits in the Kaibab National Forest amidst
countless Ponderosa Pines, has very few insects and cannot be
seen from the dirt road which is only 200 feet away. The area
has an abundance of elk, deer, firewood and natural running
water. From a nearby hill I have a great view of the Grand
Canyon. I’ve camped here many times and I don’t think anyone
else has used this spot in the past ten years. Now that’s
perfect!
Perhaps your perfect campsite has a swimming pool, electricity,
a convenience store, a club house and sewage hookups. That’s
awesome. Camping takes on different looks for different folks
and the key to getting the most out of your outdoor times is
knowing what you like and going after it. Do a little research
before heading out and be sure to go take along someone you care
about. You’ll be guaranteed to have a great time. Use this
information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get
Outdoors!
About The Author: Chuck Fitzgerald is the owner of Arizona
based BackCountry Toys, an online specialty store with the
“Best Gear Out There” and dedicated to helping outdoor
enthusiasts to “Get It Right The First Time” with timely
educational information. Please visit
http://www.BackCountryToys.com to find great gear and to
receive the Fact & Tip e-newsletter, "FreshAir.” (800)
316-9055.
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