So where is my perfect campsite? I won’t tell you exactly, but it’s at 7,600 feet elevation just 10 miles from south entrance to Grand Canyon and is only 3 miles from pavement. It sits in Kaibab National Forest amidst countless Ponderosa Pines, has very few insects and cannot be seen from 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 Grand Canyon. I’ve camped here many times and I don’t think anyone else has used this spot in 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 key to getting 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!

#7: Prepare for worst. Know first-aid and CPR.

#8: Use of food and water. It’s okay to ration food, but don’t ration water. If you are thirsty, drink. Decision making skills drop drastically when you are dehydrated.

#9: Slow down. If you are hiking only for exercise, you’re missing best part. Nature is all around, slow down and pay attention. You’ll be rewarded many times over.

#10: Take a friend along. Like most things in life, sharing your hiking passion with someone you care about is awesome.

There are literally thousands of great places to hike in North America and dozens of quality websites to learn more about sport. Check out our on-line education center or connect with a local hiking club for hikes in your area – but in any case it is up to you and only you to get most out of your hikes.

Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!