My Perfect Campsite
By Chuck Fitzgerald, Fri Dec 9th

It’s the time of year to beat the heat and head for higherelevation. For many people that means loading up the RV,grabbing the boat and finding a campground by the lake. My ideafor the perfect getaway means loading the truck with our campinggear and our two Labrador Retrievers and getting as far awayfrom the pavement as we can get. While these two styles arequite different, they are both perfect. Let’s take a look atwhat makes a campsite perfect for me—and perhaps for you.

To start with, there are two general types of campsites, thefirst being established campsites. These campgrounds exist forall sorts of campers and their equipment ranging fromlarge motor homes to small designated patches of grass forbicyclists. Finding this type of campsite is fairly easy to do.On the internet, one can find hundreds of informational websiteswith campground information for virtually any area on theplanet. Favorite campgrounds are typically found in national,state and county park systems and are available for a nominaldaily fee. They are usually found near natural features such aslakes, rivers and scenic areas. Campgrounds often cater tospecific types of campers, for instance some campgrounds are kidand pet friendly while others are not. There are many advantagesto 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 oryour group.

A second general type of campsite is referred to as a primitivecampsite. As the name implies, you won’t find any of today’smodern conveniences at a primitive site and to those who preferthis type of camping, that’s the whole point. Primitive campingis my favorite way to camp. Some primitive campers carryeverything on their backs and set up camp when they are donehiking for the day. I like to drive right up to my primitivecamp site so that I can take

along a few of my favorite things.In either case here are few things I consider when looking forthe perfect primitive site. Number one is shelter. Shelter fromthe wind, rain, sun, noise and other campers are important tome. I also want a spot that is elevated, level, durable andclean. I don’t care much for insects and I enjoy a nice fire inthe evenings.

So where is my perfect campsite? I won’t tell you exactly, butit’s at 7,600 feet elevation just 10 miles from the southentrance to the Grand Canyon and is only 3 miles from thepavement. It sits in the Kaibab National Forest amidst countlessPonderosa Pines, has very few insects and cannot be seen fromthe dirt road which is only 200 feet away. The area has anabundance of elk, deer, firewood and natural running water. Froma nearby hill I have a great view of the Grand Canyon. I’vecamped here many times and I don’t think anyone else has usedthis 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’sawesome. takes on different looks for different folksand the key to getting the most out of your outdoor times isknowing what you like and going after it. Do a little researchbefore heading out and be sure to go take along someone you careabout. You’ll be guaranteed to have a great time. Use thisinformation and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. GetOutdoors!

About the author:Chuck Fitzgerald is the owner of Arizona based BackCountry Toys,an online specialty store with the “Best Gear Out There” anddedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts to “Get It Right TheFirst Time” with timely educational information. Please visithttp://www.BackCountryToys.com to find great gear and to receivethe Fact