AboutDavid Sweet Expertise I`ve been an avid camper for over 40 years, I`ve worked in several National Parks, and I`ve been About`s camping guide (camping.about.com) since 1997.
Experience
Camping Experience I've been camping since I was 9 years old, some 40+ years ago. I started out with just a sleeping bag and a lantern for 1 night sleepouts, gradually graduating to full-fledged camping with all the appropriate gear: sleeping bags, tents, pads, screen rooms, stoves, coolers, shower-bags, Dutch ovens, and more. I still have most of this gear after 20+ years of use. Along the way I also acquired backpacking gear and have done my share of backcountry adventures around the country. But now, as I've gotten older and my back has gotten stiffer, my wife and I have upgraded to a popup camper for most of our camping trips.
Where I've Camped I grew up in Kentucky and did most of my camping as a kid on the banks of the Licking River. As a teenager and into my twenties I camped mostly in the Red River Gorge in Daniel Boone National Forest. We never camped in campgrounds, but rather in backcountry locations, preferring peace and privacy to campground amenities and crowds. In my thirties I ventured west and lived and worked in several national parks over the next ten years: Grand Canyon, Sequoia, and Mt. Rainier, to name a few. These times were my most active for backpacking, hiking and camping. All my free time in the parks was spent exploring the backcountry, and in those ten years I saw quite a lot. Now that I'm in my 50's I prefer to camp in the public campgrounds like national parks, national forests and state parks. We don't use hookups, even with our popup camper, but flush toilets and hot showers are welcome amenities that can't be found in the backcountry.
What I've Learned After all these years I've learned some simple basics about camping: be prepared for the weather, bring whatever it takes to sleep comfortably, eat good foods, and have respect for the outdoors. I've also learned that there is no one right way to camp. If you're satisfying the basics which I mentioned, then you are doing things the right way. You don't need a lot of expensive gear or hi-tech gadgets. The whole idea is to break out of our normal lives and relax awhile in the geat outdoors.
How can I help you? My full-time job since 1997 has been as the guide for About's Camping site. My goal is to help fellow campers find the information they need to better plan and enjoy their outdoor adventures. Whatever your questions are about camping, I can help you. If I don't know the answer to your question(s) myself, I will guide you to other Web sites that do answer your question(s).
Question I am planning a trip to Havasu Falls {when ever} with in this year.
What are the necessary equipments I need to pack? How much does it cost
for a permit and where do I get that? How much is it per night and if you
have any online sites where I can go to and view I would love it. I have been
searching on line but nothing shows up about the cost and etc.. So I thought I
would ask the pros. But my biggest concern is how much is the cost per
night. Thanks!~
Answer Hi Keon,
Supai is, in my opinion, the ultimate Grand Canyon backpacking destination. You'll need good hiking boots, a backpack, tent and sleeping bag plus plenty of water until you get there. Take whatever else you would pack for a backcountry excursion. There is a small general store there that has most essentials. You MUST have reservations before going. Costs per person: $35 entrance fee, $17/night camping fee, $5 environmental fee. A 50% deposit is required to secure your reservation. The campground is primitive.
I was there in 1978. I hiked the old cross-country mail route to get there, which went about 14 miles through Rattle Snake Canyon. The normal hiking route is about 8 miles. Remember that getting there is easy because it is all downhill, but returning is all uphill. It was the most scenic place I visited in the 3 years that I lived and worked at Grand Canyon Village on the south rim. Be sure to stop at the little restaurant there and try some Indian fry bread. :-)
Summer is extremely hot and dry, so if you can plan your trip in the fall, all the better. This part of the Grand Canyon is not run by the National Park Service. It is the home of the Havasupai Indians, who have lived here for centuries and govern this part of the Canyon.
I envy your trip and know that you will have the adventure of a lifetime. Safe travels!
