Posted by admin | Camping | Posted on October 24th, 2010
What sort of a traveler are you? When you visit new places, do you usually look for luxurious accommodations like a five-star hotel? Are you more of the bed-and-breakfast type? Or are you willing to rough it, be one with nature and stay at a local camping site?
Even if you’re the type of person to stay at a luxury hotel or a charming guest inn while paying a particular city a visit, you are definitely missing out on a lot if you will not try out camping – at least once.
On the other hand, if you’re a true-blue camping enthusiast, you will be glad to know that there are a good number of excellent camping destinations across the US where you will have truckloads of fun!
The 15 Best Camping Destinations In The US
Rather than visiting one theme park after another, you will definitely have a better taste of what a city or a state in the US has to offer by going camping.
When you stay at a campsite, there are a myriad of things to do, little nooks and corners of nature to explore and a wide array of exciting things to do outdoors.
To give you an idea about where you should head off to for your first, second, third or tenth camping trip, here is our top 15 list of the must-visit camping destinations in the US:
1. Mather Campground
Nearby nature destination: Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Arizona
No outdoor camping experience will ever be complete without paying homage to the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, one of the best and greatest tourist attractions in the US.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has campgrounds which are open year-round. If you’re planning to go during summer, make sure to book for reservations six months in advance.
2. Wawona Campground
Nearby nature destination: Yosemite National Park
Location: Sierra Nevada, East-Central California
The Wawona campground at the Yosemite National Park is also home to the historic Wawona hotel which dates back from the late 19th century. All in all, there are 13 popular campgrounds within the vicinity of the Yosemite National Park.
Horseback riding, golf, hiking, trekking, skiing and rock climbing are just some of the activities that you can indulge in while staying at the Wawona campground.
3. Bowman Lake Campground
Nearby nature destination: Glacier National Park
Location: Montana
Located at the northern border of Montana, the Glacier National Park is both a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. New campers, however, should be warned because it is one of the most remote campgrounds within the park.
But you’ll definitely be stunned by the beauty of the outdoors with a view of the majestic mountains and the Bowman lake. This is a great camping stop for those who want to have the authentic outdoor camping experience.
4. Blackwoods Campground
Nearby nature destination: Acadia National Park
Location: Maine
How do you feel about exploring the only national park in New England, which covers more than 47,000 acres of land? This is the exact type of place that you will get to explore by staying at the Blackwoods campground within the Acadia National Park which attracts nearly 3 million visitors per year.
5. Moraine Campground
Nearby nature destination: Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Colorado
The Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915 and it offers five drive-in campgrounds. What makes this particular area unique is that there are about 200 back country campsites all across the park – just keep in mind that there are no hookups for electric, water or sewer systems for your motor homes.
6. Grant Village Campground
Nearby nature destination: Yellowstone National Park
Location: Wyoming
This is one exciting sight to see: the Grand Geyser, the largest predictable geyser at the Yellowstone National Park which spouts boiling water at over 150 feet in the air.
That’s just one of the many things to see when staying at the Grant Village campground within the Yellowstone National Park at the northwestern part of Wyoming.
7. Malibu Creek Campgrounds
Nearby nature destination: Malibu Creek Sate Park
Location: California
Those who live near Los Angeles in California have already probably spent a weekend or two at the Malibu Creek State Park campground. The park used to be owned by 20th Century Fox where several television shows and movies were filmed.
Aside from camping, you can also go horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, swimming and bird watching. [California Camping]
8. Point Reyes Campgrounds
Nearby nature destination: Point Reyes National Seashore
Location: Marin County
There are four hike-in campgrounds that you can choose from when exploring the Point Reyes National Seashore. You can pay this national seashore a visit; you can make a day trip to it from San Francisco.
One of the most interesting things to see while camping here is when you’re just in time for the arrival of the 7,000 harbor seals which haul out at the Point Reyes National Seashore.
9. State Park Campgrounds
Nearby nature destination: Fontainebleau State Park
Location: Mandeville, Louisiana
Nature lovers would have a blast camping at this state park in Louisiana. Nearby attractions include the St. Bernard State Park, the Bayou Segnette State Park and the Pearl River Wildlife area.
10. Big Sycamore Canyon Campground
Nearby nature destination: Ventura County
Location: Central Coast, California
The entire Ventura County itself is a nature lover’s haven where you will have a mixture of modern amenities like art galleries, bookstores and coffee shops – while at the same time enjoying a 42-mile shoreline of great looking beaches and wilderness areas within the Los Padres National Forest.
There are other campgrounds located at Ventura County, including the Camp County Park, Rose Valley, Ventura River, Dome Springs, Pine Mountain, Kenny Grove County Park and Kings Camp.
11. State Park Campgrounds
Nearby nature destination: Guadalupe River State Park
Location: Texas
Located at the German Hill County in the state of Texas, the Guadalupe River State Park offers campers access to the Guadalupe River. Whitewater rafting and canoeing are just some of the outdoor adventures that you can get to experience here.
12. Chickasaw Campgrounds
Nearby nature destination: Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Location: Oklahoma
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is named after the Indian Nation who was relocated from the area during the 1830’s. Today, the area is a natural haven where campers can hike, go boating [Boat Camping], fishing or swimming.
13. National Park Campground
Nearby nature destination: Big Bend National Park
Location: Southwest Texas
The Big Bend National Park is vast and rugged where campers will have a great view of stunning landscapes. You will also have a blast discovering the flora and fauna that the park has to offer – along with a glimpse of desert and mountain animals.
14. Cumberland Campgrounds
Nearby nature destination: Cumberland Island National Seashore
Location: Camden County, Georgia
If you want to have a primitive camping experience, there is no better place to do it than at the campgrounds at the Cumberland Island National Seashore.
There are serene beaches on the barrier islands just off the Georgia coast and it’s yet another must-visit for campers from all across the nation. [Beach Camping]
15. Isle Royale Campgrounds
Nearby nature destination: Isle Royale National Park
Location: Michigan
Finally, taking the last spot at our top 15 best camping destinations in the US is the campgrounds at the Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. The national park was established in 1931 and was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1981.
The secluded forests and diverse wildlife make this destination a must-stop for campers like you on your next outdoor adventure.
Posted by admin | Camping | Posted on September 28th, 2010
When it comes to planning a camping trip, one of the first things you should do is pull out your handy-dandy my checklist for camping notes. If you don’t have such a checklist, then take the time to make one. All too often many campers will find out, after they arrive at their favorite camping hot spot, that they are without some important items that they really didn’t want to forget. Of course, many people think of the obvious stuff to pack for their camping adventure, but it’s those incidental things that usually come out and bite you. To prevent yourself from frustration when you begin setting up the camping site, take the time now to plan ahead and make, or breakout, that camping checklist.
One of the huge benefits to having a camping checklist is that it allows to you know what you have on hand versus what you’ll need to purchase. When you take the time to have a thorough list of the camping gear needed for your trip; you will have a much easier time getting prepared, not to mention the obvious thing, that you won’t forget important camping essentials. In addition to this, you’ll know exactly what you will have to purchase when you determine gear needs to be replaced. Often times we get to the store then forget exactly what we need and don’t need for our trip.
Creating a ‘my checklist for camping’ is easy to do and like was mentioned at the outset, you only need to do it once and you’ll be able to refer to it each time you’re ready for your next camping adventure. If doesn’t take very long to do, probably less that 20 minutes, just begin with the obvious camping gear than expand out from there. It’s also a great idea to imagine you’re going through the campsite, setting up the gear, etc. As you think of tools and accessories, write them down. Things will pop into your head from this exercise and before you know it, you’ll have a great camping checklist.
If you find that you want a little assistance with your camping checklist, you can find all kinds of camping templates online. Many of these will list the camping gear staples that you’ll definitely need. Once you find a list you like, copy and paste it into your favorite word processor and begin to add or modify it to suit your needs. Remember that not everyone will have the exact same items on their camping checklists. You need to be sure that for you everything is accounted for and will ensure that on your next camping will be one what goes off without a hitch and leaves you with great memories.
Posted by admin | Camping | Posted on September 15th, 2010
The best camping gear for your trip largely depends on what kind of camping vacation you’ve planned. You could be car camping, RV camping, back country camping or even canoe camping and each trip has special considerations.
The easiest trip to plan for of course is a trip in your trailer or RV. A vacation of this type is fun because it it gives you all the luxury of home in a sort of “condensed” space. Even in a a smaller trailer though the floor plans and sleeping arrangements are very well thought out giving you maximum sleeping comfort and space. Kids love to be in trailers and RV’s so this type of camping vacation is really perfect for you and your family to get away from home for a few days. The kids will love it and both parents are going to be comfortable and cozy. As far as the camping gear goes when you’re in an RV you can bring pretty much anything at all that you wish to bring without it being a huge burden. Many are equipped with running water and all the basic necessities of home so in that sense this is really the easiest type of camping vacation to go on. I suppose though you do need to know in advance which campsites support RV camping.
Of course some folks don’t believe that camping involves sleeping in a bed and having your home kitchen at your disposal and would rather “rough it” a little bit. My thoughts exactly… But the thing is you need to pack a little lighter in order to get everything you need. You can buy specialty camping cookware and sleeping pads, camp stoves, and sleeping bags that are all of an ultralight nature and they are therefore easier to pack and carry. You don’t need to pack like this so much if you’re using your car as a homebase or even a site that you can drive up to directly but if you decide that camping and hiking will be the vacation for you then you definitely should consider using some of this gear. It really does make life easier when you’re on the trail.
Of course there are the folks that prefer canoe camping or kayak camping. Well this is a lot of fun, and very relaxing in it’s own way but if you plan on having to do any portaging on your trip then it may be done more easily if you brought along a set of wheels so you don’t have to unpack your boat every time you come to the next shoreline. As well you would be extremely wise to use drybags for your gear that you can clip right to your boat. This will not only do an excellent job of keeping your stuff dry but will keep you from losing it all in the event of an upset. Boats do tip over on occasion and you need to be as prepared for it as you can be by wearing a life jacket, clothing that dries quickly when wet and all of the required safety items. You can even buy drybags that double as a backpack! As far as your camping gear goes I’ve always felt that the ultralight gear is best suited for this type of trip but let’s face it, if you’re the type of person to go on a backwoods adventure for a few days away from everybody, then you likely won’t mind spending a few extra bucks on the right gear to help you do it more easily.
If you feel you need more guidance there are websites and e-books available on the internet to help get you started on your camping adventure.
So I guess the bottom line is this. All camping gear is not created equal. What you may use for camping with your kids and family may not be the best to use when back country camping. The same thing applies the other way around. If you’re new to it then the best thing to do is research what people are using and why and make your decisions based on that. You don’t have to spend the most money on an item to get quality but if you “nickel and dime” yourself on your gear it will likely come back to haunt you in that the gear simply will not last. Do your research, spend a bit but not more than you need to, and you’ll find your gear will last you for years and years to come.
Posted by admin | Camping | Posted on September 2nd, 2010
Start your holiday and go camping…
Nowadays, there are variations of camping tents. There are tents for one person, tents for two people, and tents for entire families. You could choose camping tents based on your budget . One place you should look at when you try to find camping tents is Walmart camping tents.
Good camping tents would have room for chatting , preparing and sleeping . That will be great to have your own rooms and you should never get difficulties to buy that nowadays. Tents that have private rooms for doing your activities are good for camping. If you add the screen tent, you will have a nice little campsite .
Family Camping Tents
Type and size of family camping tents required will depend on the size of the family that will be using it. The thing to remember about tents is that the size is stated by the number of people who can fit comfortably inside, with no additional items inside. A two-person tent for instance, can hold two people in sleeping bags, with everything else they brought with them left outside.
Family tents should be more permanently than individual tents. It may not be ideal if the plan involves setting up a different campsite every day if you use family tents. They are great for temporary shelter for a few days, but can be heavy and inconvenient to set up and tear down on a daily basis. They are usually used in campsites for families spending a few days at the mountain, lake or village.
Camping Air Mattress
Air Mattress also one thing to be considered. When going camping, always plan on how the camping air mattress will be inflated. Not all air mattresses is completed with air compressors. Always remember to bring air compressors for just that reasons. Besides, lugging a large air mattress to the dedicated compressor and back can be a trial of its own. Having a foot pump makes inflating a camping air mattress easier and will not require someone to manually inflate one by blowing into it for hours.
Walmart Camping Tents
Walmart is one of online store with great camping tents variation. You can view many tents, starting from the Coleman, Aerobeds and others. You can also choose to buy individual tents or family tents.
Individual tents are so compact that they do not take up any space at all when traveling. They are great for hikers because they fold down small enough to fit on top or on the bottom of your backpack. These camping tents do come in handy for many different things.
Family tents for sure is bigger than individual tents. Three separate rooms allow children to sleep in their own area while the parents sleep in the larger middle section.
The thing everyone needs to remember about camping tents, including Walmart camping tents, is that must be dry before putting away. If they are not dry, it will caused small leaks throughout the tent. Camping tents can become covered with mildew and the mold and mildew can eat right through the canvas or nylon.
The material of which family camping tents are made should also be considered, as may of the new tents are designed to be tear resistant as well as waterproof. Despite what the weather report claims, it is always best to plan for the worst and enjoy the great weather when it comes.
Posted by admin | Camping | Posted on August 20th, 2010
When buying things for a camping trip, camping equipment catalogs are proven useful and efficient especially when you don’t have time to go on a store.. Usually camp equipment catalogs are printed for it for easy viewing purpose. The Camping Equipment Catalogs is certainly aimed at a camping market that is young and just starting. Today these catalog have every item that you can possibly think of that is related to camping. The glossy and bulky catalogs are now passe. The newest trend nowadays are the on line ones. These on line ones are complete and the choices in equipment has a wider range. The Internet has become a popular source for this type of catalog. The number of Camping Equipment Catalogs found on line are slowly increasing.
Camping has become a favorite past time whether one is single, with a partner or even the whole family. It is considered as a number one activity. It is time for bonding and fun in the wild. When camping, the equipments you bring can make or break the whole trip. The on line Camping Equipment Catalogs are of great help especially if one is to busy to buy on a real store. It is also a good help because these Camping Equipment Catalogs have buying guides or articles that sometimes go with every item. There are also testimonial from other campers that might have used the items.
Due to the popularity of these on line stores, it has created niches for a specific type of camping. It could be outdoor, rv and so on. It is now easier to look for equipment because the on line catalog can match specific needs. Different types of hiking boots, tents and sleeping bags are all available in Camping Equipment Catalogs.
These catalogs have become competitive among each other. They have added different leading manufacturers so that you can be guaranteed to have a nice camping trip. Some on line Camping Equipment Catalogs are giving away promos and discounts depending on the holiday it may fall in. You can be amaze at how much one catalog can have a different options for any specific needs. The Camping Equipment Catalogs have forms and all you have to do is to input what you need. These camping equipment catalogs are one thing that you need when get ready for a camping adventure.
Posted by admin | Camping | Posted on August 8th, 2010
Before you go camping, you’ll want to make a list of all the outdoor camping equipment you’ll need for your trip. You don’t want to make the mistake of getting out there only to remember that you forgot something. To make an adequate list, you might want to go online to see some sample lists. That way, you ensure that you have everything for your camping trip. If you’re going camping and hiking, you’ll need camping and hiking equipment. But if you’re just going camping, some basic camping supplies will do. If you don’t have outdoor camping equipment, buying new stuff is quite fun. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on the equipment, there are some ways you can go about getting it cheaper. So stock up and have fun on your camping trip.
What You’ll Need
The basic outdoor camping gear is going to suffice for your camping trip, provided that you don’t need all of the luxuries of modern day camping equipment. A tent, a sleeping bag, a cooler and some eating utensils will do just fine for any camping trip. You can often get that stuff for around a hundred dollars or less; if you know where and how to shop for it. If you want more outdoor camping equipment, there is a lot to choose from. There are portable grills and ovens, lanterns, heating pads, and much, much more. If you have the money, you’ll quickly find that you can fill up a few carts with all of this stuff. However, do you really want to carry this stuff around once you’re out there? Wouldn’t it be better to just get out there and go camping without having to look after all of this stuff? These are all choices you should make before you go shopping for all of this outdoor camping equipment.
Hiking
You also have to think about how you’re going to get to your camping spot. Are you going to drive there? If so, you can really bring all the outdoor camping equipment that your car can carry. That way, you can just park and unload. However, if you’re going to be hiking to your camping spot, you might want to think twice about getting all of that outdoor camping equipment. After all, you’re going to be lugging that stuff over long distances and you’ll soon kick yourself for thinking you’ll need all of that.
The trick to camping is to get just what you think you’ll need. Camping is about roughing it in the great outdoors, after all, it’s not about how much outdoor camping equipment you can amass.
Posted by admin | Camping | Posted on July 29th, 2010
Are you planning a camping trip in the near future or are you interested in the thought of it? This is an recreational activity which is fun and very exciting for all. Camping means that lots of options are open to you when looking for a location. Here we take a look at a few locations from many that you can explore at your convenience to give you some ideas for your camping adventure.
The best locations usually for camping are the state parks. The state government runs them and monitors them so that they are fully maintained and secure at all times. The admission for the fee is definitely worth it, even if you decide that you don’t want to camp there. A state park offers many things to do whilst visiting and camping is just one of those that could do. A lot of the state parks have numerous hiking trails for a nice walk with streams, ponds and lakes where you can see wildlife, and weather permitting, you may even want to dip your toes or swim in the waters. State parks also offer gift shops with lots of nice souvenirs which you can take away with you to remind you of your enjoyable camping adventure.
Apart from state parks, there are also campground parks that you can go to for camping in. Most people associate camping with these parks in the United States. These campground parks cater for campers especially and designed in areas that are suitable for this pastime. There are a large number of campground sites available so you have a good choice. These campground offer many activities so that you are can join in if you wish; these include boating, fishing, hiking trips, swimming and many more others so you never get bored or get stuck for things to do. You will also meet other people and make some new friends. These parks also have first aid offices, games rooms, onsite laundry rooms and security posts around the campground which all come in handy.
When people talk of camping, the first thing that comes to mind is being in the woods. Campground parks and state parks are usually located in areas that are wooded, but you will also find them along the beach which are also ideal for camping. With the beach and camping, there is actually more that you can focus on than just the coastline. There are beachfront areas in which many individuals and companies have set up around ponds, small streams, rivers and lakes. As the majority of these are privately operated and owned, you will often need to make a reservation to stay there and pay a fee so that you can set up camp there.
Another location that many people would not associate with camping is their own backyard. Most people do think of camping as going out and finding a location away from home. As an experienced, you may find that a state park is preferable for camping – you can enjoy a beach or a public campground, and get away from it all. Camping in your backyard is a nice option if you find that are not able to get away for one reason or another. Camping in your backyard is good if you are a beginner and if you have small children in your family. Children can then get used to the idea of what it feels like and become familiar with it before you take them out on a real trip.
The locations mentioned above are for you to keep in mind when planning your next camping adventure. Look at the distance of your intended destination from your home, what it costs for a reservation, and what onsite facilities and activities are available. These are all things you need to consider to ensure that you have chosen the best location, no matter how long or short your camping adventure is.
Posted by admin | Camping | Posted on July 27th, 2010
Is camping adventure in your list of future activities? If it is, is it going to be your first time? Or have you gone camping before? If you have not and this is your first time, you will need to carefully consider the supplies, gears or equipment that you must carry with you. Many people under circumstances like yours find it stressful to figure these things out. Well, the pointers that follow may help.
A camping adventure, especially if it is going to be an extended one, will require bringing along with you a variety or related items. These items normally include those that are called camping supplies and those that are known as camping gears. Supplies often refer to food, clothing, health and related products, and the like. On the other hand, gears refer to camping equipment and safety materials.
Campers easily understand what they need to bring when we talk about camping supplies. Aside from bringing along the right amount of food and clothing, they know that medicines, sunblocks and first aid supplies are also important. But when it comes to camping gear or equipment, not too many of them are too certain of what they need to bring along. Keep in mind that a camping adventure is not only about relaxing and enjoying. You also need to consider your safety and comfort. We can share with you a general idea of the what and the why of camping gears.
Coming first is a tent. This is a basic item which anyone going on a camping adventure must have. The number of tents that you need will depend on how many you may be in your group. You need multiple tents if you are a fairly large group. For your safety, you need to ensure the quality of your tents. If you have yet to buy them, select the ones that are sturdy, waterproof, dependable and made of strong materials. You may also bring along tents even if you plan to camp in a motor home, and venture to camp outdoors for a night or two, just like many campers in motor homes are wont to do.
Sleeping bags come next as essential camping gears. Camping entices you to move around a lot and you may feel tired at some point. Whether you camp with your family members, friends or your romantic mate, sleeping bags will always help make adventure comfortable anytime you need to recline. Try to bring light sleeping bags along with heavy sleeping bags, even during summertime. You will not always have a way of knowing when an excellent weather may suddenly turn cold. Be ready for any contingency.
Sleeping bags go well with an air mattress or sleeping pad. There are campsites with grounds that are not level. There are also camping tents that do not provide maximum comfort, especially the traditional ones. In these cases, pads and mattresses can add comfort and safety to your camping adventure. These items do not cost much. You lose nothing by bringing them along with you on your next camping trip.
Your ideas of what to bring with you on your next camping adventure along with what we pointed out as essentials will make your camping trip a delightful experience. Equip yourself with the right gear and supplies and make the most of your camping adventure.