Country-Yall.com » Camping

Stuff To Keep Into Mind When Preparing To Camp Out

Andrew Kennedy — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:18:29 +0000

Camping before I had children could be so spontaneous! I would call my friends, grab some clothes, a sleeping bag and a tent, and head out. After a quick stop for food, we were on our way.

Pop-Up Campers – Is a Pop-Up Right For You?

Garrett McCord — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

As everyone here is well aware of, camping is a great way to take in all that nature has to offer. Popup campers are a cost effective, simple way to enjoy comfort while out in the wilderness. A great alternative to tents, pop up campers can be rented or purchased for a price that won't hit too hard on the wallet. Brand new popups can be found from around $4,000 all the way up to $12,000. There is also a huge used market out there for such campers. Used popups can be found for very fair prices.

A big plus to popups, being a trailer, have the ability to be towed behind nearly any vehicle with a hitch. A small car can even handle the load with ease. Of course, a hitch will likely need to be purchased as well. Popups have a nice, low profile, which is good for two main reasons: Minimal vision obstruction and minimal wind resistance (which hurts fuel economy significantly, as seen with traditional pull behind campers).

Popups are surprisingly roomy when expanded, and one who hasn't taken the time to check out the inside of a set up unit would be pleasantly surprised. Families with children can fit comfortably with their own separate areas.Also it is thought that popups are difficult to set up, but this is most definitely not the case, not even in older used models. They simply crank up and secure to their position, and you pull out slide out areas , if applicable, and you'll be ready to go.

Never forget to put down the stabilizers on each end of the camper to ensure it can't tip when somebody is in it. Popups can be set up very easily, from the most ignorant beginner to the most experienced expert. Remember- popups have had years and years of time to perfect the design and the easiest, quickest setup method has been optimized. Setup time total ranges from 30 minutes to an hour, which is longer than an RV, but the difference in cost more than makes up for this pitfall. Also, most big tents can easily take this much time to get properly set up while providing far inferior protection to the elements.

A popup camper should be considered by anyone interested in a cost effective "home away from home" in the great outdoors. You'll have the security and comfort that your old popup tent never could. Popup campers are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

By: Cam R Snyder
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Camping – Ten Great Reasons to Start

Garrett McCord — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

You may have already decided to start camping and have your very own reasons for doing so. However, below you'll find many more great reasons to go camping.

1. Camping is inexpensive compared to most types of vacation

Whether you are a lone camper, a couple or a large family, camping is a very inexpensive way to take a vacation. Not only is the per night cost of your stay significantly less than a night in a hotel, once you have purchased a tent and other equipment, all of the major costs have been covered in the initial outlay.

And now that you own your tent and the equipment that goes with it, you can use it again and again, not only every year but as many times as you can get away during a season. Vacation in a hotel or apartment and you are faced with high accommodation costs each and every trip!

Camping vacations are tremendous value for money at any time, and in times of recession when we all have to tighten our belts, they may be the only viable option for a vacation at that time.

Put simply, a camping vacation can save you and your family a fortune in vacation costs.

2. Camping gives you independence and freedom from the herd mentality

A typical package vacation or guided tour often means being herded from start to finish, beginning with the need to arrive at the airport at a specific time (often at an unsociable hour) and continuing during your time at the resort ....a merry-go-round of schedules, activities and the rules and regulations of the hotel and the holiday rep.

Camping gives your much greater choice and freedom to do what you want, when you want...and if your don't like the campsite, move on to another one nearby.

3. Get closer to nature

So many of us live in towns and cities and live our lives at a pace where we rarely get the chance to experience what is going outside our technological world. It is so easy for us to lose touch with the natural wonders that surround us.

Camping lets you get closer to nature and wildlife, to see, smell and hear things that we do not normally experience in our everyday lives.

4. Get closer to each other

Getting away from it all in a tent can bring couples and families closer together. The opportunity to spend quality time together in a relaxing environment, without the distractions of a computer or television, can give you the opportunity to slow down and do things together that you would not have time or the inclination to do back home.

5. Step back in time and experience doing things the simple way

Assuming that you are not planning a camping vacation with a microwave oven, TV, computer, fridge and the other "must haves" of modern living, camping will enable you to experience getting back to basics and the enjoyment of doing things in a more simple and maybe skillful way.

6. Your pets can enjoy a vacation too

I must admit that I have not seen anyone take their cat or rabbit camping yet, but dogs will often be seen on a campsite with their owners. You can not only save on the expense of boarding kennels but also allow your pet to enjoy a vacation with the family too.

7. Take your accommodation with you to a festival

Taking your tent to a music festival gives you the best of both worlds; the enjoyment of camping and living in inexpensive accommodation nearby. And when the days entertainment is over, you are but a short walk away from the comfort of your bed.

8. Recreate memories

Many of us will have experienced camping as a child, maybe as a scout or girl guide, or simply with friends. Others like myself and my wife took camping holidays in the early years of our relationship when money was in relatively short supply.

In adulthood, after many years of expensive and often sophisticated vacations, a camping holiday can be a great way of reliving those simple and happy memories of the past.

9. Build and tailor your accommodation to your specific needs

Hotels and apartments are much the same and you get what you are given. With so many different types of tents and an even greater choice of equipment and accessories, you have the means to put together a tent that is tailor made to the needs and requirements of you and your family.

And every time you arrive at a campsite you get the opportunity to put it all together again (and of course take it all down again when you leave). And each time you go camping you can make it a little different. You might even own a selection of tents for your different camping needs. We own a 6 berth tent for longer camping vacations, a 3 berth tent for weekends away and a compact tent for touring holidays in a MX-5/Miata roadster.

10. You can make new friends

Sitting next to your tent, relaxing or enjoying a meal al fresco, it is easy to strike up a conversation and potential friendship with your neighbors. Likewise you might get to meet some interesting locals when you are out walking or visiting local sites.

You may also join a camping club and get to take part in rallies and other events where you can get to meet fellow campers on a regular basis.

Overall, camping is a great way to meet other people, in wonderful locations and at low cost. But be warned, you could get addicted to it!

By: Alan J James
The Author is a keen Camping Newbie who has a developing blog with the aim of providing other camping newbies with advice and inspiration to go camping. Please visit the Camping Newbie blog at http://campingnewbie.blogspot.com

Camping Trips Create Great Family Memories

Garrett McCord — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

It is not always that a family or group of friends could get together and enjoy some activities so why not plan your camping trips ahead in order to get the most out of it. In activities wherein many people are involved, it is very important that everything is well planned and the equipment well prepared so that everyone would have fun and ensure the safety of every participant.

The key to succeeding in planning is to start with the venue or the place where the activity will be held. Check on the place, book and secure the location.

Take note of the weather changes that might occur and be ready for circumstances that may arise. Once the place is set and ready for the trip, plan the activities that everybody may be able to enjoy. Consider the age range of the people involved in the camping and be sure to check on everyone's specific needs to see which may need additional help such as those who are asthmatic, with high blood pressure and others that might need special attention.

The children should also be properly supervised to ensure their safety. Do not just travel without an emergency kit handy. One of the basic things included in the kit should be alcohol, towels, medicines, water and band-aids. All camping trips should have at least one first aid kit.

The camping activities should then be planned carefully so that everyone will have fun. Be sure that both the children and adults will be able to participate in these activities.

Some examples of activities include fishing, cooking, or simple karaoke inside the tents. For more active participants, you can prepare extreme sports such as rock climbing, hiking, biking, and bungee jumping, cliff diving or swimming. Feel free to involve these participants in the planning process too. Ask for their suggestions as to what activities they would like to do during their camping trips and you'll be amazed at how their suggestions would make the planning a whole lot easier.

Be sure to prepare every needful equipment, gear and accessories so that the trip would be worth it. Remember that both proper planning and execution constitutes successful camping trips

By: Tom Houser
Tom is an experienced camper who has been camping all his life. He has taken many family trips and many canoe trips as well. Click here for information on choosing a good sleeping bag sleeping bag
By T. Houser

Spend Your Summer Vacation At Horse Riding Camp

Garrett McCord — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:03:53 +0000

Owning your own horse has more than likely been part of many childhood dreams. However if you live in the city or don't have a great deal of money, one way to realize this dream is by attending a horse riding camp. This is a marvelous way to spend a su...

The Keys to Survival in Cold Weather Hiking and Camping

Garrett McCord — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:32:07 +0000

It is much more difficult to survive in a cold weather environment than it is in a warm weather environment like tropical forests when it comes to finding food, water and shelter. They're much like the desert but at the opposite spectrum of temperature...

Backpacking For Beginners – Starting on an Exciting Journey

Garrett McCord — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:37:12 +0000

There are some things to consider before you start backpacking for the first time. Beginners need to know about backpacking equipment, gear, supplies and essentials. Backpacking can turn into a horrifying experience if you're not prepared with the basi...

Hiking and Camping in Hot Weather

Garrett McCord — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 02:38:47 +0000

When hiking in hot weather you are either hiking in the rainforest or in the desert. Both are complete opposites of each other so your camping and hiking gear would be different also. Hiking in the Desert. Deserts are areas that receive less than 9 inc...

What You Should Know About Camping

Garrett McCord — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:36:02 +0000

So many unfortunate things can occur while camping; you need to ensure you have packed provisions to deal with any circumstance. A functional knowledge of first aid is precious on any camping out excursion. One popular camping out activity is walking, ...

Water Purification In The Great Outdoors

Francisco Jose Carrasco — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:28:36 +0000

When camping, access to water is one of the most important aspects of a camp site. After all, after a long day of hiking, everyone is thirsty and no one wants to have to go very far to get a drink. But even if you are right next to a stream, you still have one hurtle you must clear in order to replenish your liquids-the water has to be made safe. Ingesting water straight from a mountain stream is a great way to end up with giardiasis, or "beaver fever." This disease is a common cause of gastroenteritis in humans, and it can result in some fairly nasty symptoms. So in an effort to avoid explosive diarrhea told you the symptoms were nasty, a responsible hiker needs to treat water before drinking it. Fortunately, thanks to modern science and technology, this is fairly easy to accomplish.

The first approach to ensuring safe drinking water is also the oldest and simplest-just boil the water. This tactic has been used for hundreds, probably thousands, of years. The bacteria that cause beaver fever cannot survive in water that has reached boiling temperature. In order to be sure that all bacteria have been killed, bring the water to a rolling boil and keep it that way for at least one minute. There are both advantage and disadvantages to this method of making water safe. While it is cheap, requiring only a fire and a pot, it is also fairly time consuming. It also presupposes that you have the ability to create a fire, which is not always the case. Therefore, it is best not to rely on boiled water when hiking.

A second method of creating safe drinking water when camping is to use iodine tablets. This method is my personal favorite, because it is both simple and quick. Iodine tablets are very small, about the size of an Aspirin, and they are easily purchased at any outdoor equipment store. To purify water, simply drop in a pill and wait the amount of time recommended on the bottle; thats it. Iodine tablets are great because theyre simple, effective, fairly inexpensive and easy to carry. However, the iodine does leave a discernable aftertaste, which some people find unpalatable. Also, iodine tablets do nothing about any dirt, algae or other foreign matter that may be floating around in the water.

Water filters consist of a hand pump and an intake hose. When the pump is utilized, the hose draws water from the stream and forces it through an internal filtering element. This element traps and removed bacteria that can cause illness. These devices come in a variety of shapes, sizes and costs, although somewhere in the range of 75 is about average. Water purifiers have the advantage of being very effective and fairly easy to use. They do take up more space in a backpack, but they are also quite lightweight.

Finally, water purifiers operate on the same principle as water filters. The main difference is that in addition to removing bacteria, purifiers can also render them inactive using an additional chemical or electrostatic process. That way, anything remaining in the water will at least be harmless. Purifiers, like filters, take up some space in a backpack and are fairly lightweight, but purifiers tend to be more expensive than filters, usually somewhere in the neighborhood of 125.

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for sweatpants, sweatshirts, outdoor gear, sports clothing, and model motorcycles. Click here when you want to find sweatpants, sweatshirts, outdoor gear, water purifiers, water filters, iodine tablets, and model motorcycles.

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Coffee Makers for Camping – Gadget Coffee Lovers Must Have

Carol Hughes — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:01:23 +0000

Camping is a great hobby and a fun interest for many people. It can be very relaxing to connect with nature and spend a couple of days in the desert or woods enjoying nature. You are able to swim, fish, or just enjoy doing perfectly nothing. Simply because you are in the wilderness doesn't mean you can not savor a good cup of coffee though. There are a lot of a dissimilar methods you can brew a cup or a pot of coffee while camping. Coffee Makers for Camping are easily available for your convenience now.

Canoe Camping For First Timers

Garrett McCord — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Canoe camping is my preferred way to camp. It's peaceful and quiet and an awesome way to get away from it all but if you've never tried it, then you need to know what to expect.It 's a sort of romantic way to experience life in a way tha...

Camping Safety Tips to Get You Ready For Summer

Garrett McCord — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Camping is an excellent recreational activity for families to enjoy together whether you prefer camping in a tent, RV, or pop-up trailer. This summer make sure to take a few precautions while enjoying your trip. Everyone will have a fun and memories to...

RV Camping – Westchester County Is The Place To Be

Garrett McCord — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the close proximity of Westchester County to Yew York City, it does make for a very good and attractive RV camping site in the area. Westchester County does have a lot to offer nature lovers and people looking for all forms of camping.

RV camping at Westchester County can be a lot of fun and convenient too because the vast expanse of the RV camping park offers a lot of facilities to the RV campers who visit the park in thousands every year. Irrespective of the park you choose to camp in, you will have full excess to all the facilities any other park has to offer. Croton Park and Ward Pound Ridge are to of the popular parks at Westchester County, these parks have a vast range of hook-ups and the rates vary according to the time you need to use the facility.

Naturally, locating a good camping site for your RV is just the first accomplishment of your trip. For this there are maps and instructions available at the Park office and you can easily locate good camping spots with the aid of these facilities. Once you have decided on a spot, you can park your camper or RV and then explore the country side.

There are many activities to take part in, and you literally have a choice of what you want to choose to do. Perhaps you could start with the Seven Wonders of Westchester. These are the seven most popular sites in the Park. These include; Caramoor Center for the Arts, the Hudson River Museum, the Katonah Museum of Art, Kykuit, Lyndhurst, Neuberger Museum of Art, Philipsburg Manor, and the Performing Arts Center. Scores of people visit these sites daily. Then there is 'Playland', which the first ever planned amusement park of the Unites States.

Then there are the scores of American Revolutionary War sites. These sites are easily reachable from any of the camping sites of Westchester County. If you are there for Independence Day, this is the place to celebrate your freedom. Some of the best places to visit are Thomas Paine's Cottage and Patriots Park. After visiting these places you can get back to the camp and continue your celebrations with some burgers and a BBQ and perhaps watch or take part in the County's firework display.

Westchester Camping County has a few words of advice for their patrons who visit the site in thousands each year. The peak season for RV camping is the entire summer months, and also during the week ends, and you want to get yourself a good camping spot, ensure that you make reservations well in advance. Millions of people are vying for the very same spot you have your heart set on. So, reserve in advance to avoid hours of driving around the park to locate a suitable camping site for your RV.

By: Abhishek Agarwal
Abhishek is a Camping freak! Visit his website http://www.Camping-Guru.com and download his FREE Camping Report "Camping With The Family: How To Have A Safe, Fun, And Inexpensive Vacation" and learn some amazing Camping tips and tricks for FREE. Learn how to have the perfect vacation on a shoe-string budget. But hurry, only limited Free copies available.

The BBQ Grill Apron!

Dave Valsunkski — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:03:43 +0000

There is nothing more that a man hates and that is wearing an apron, it does not sit well for most men. It is like asking a man to wear a dress or skirt. However for men that work in the kitchen understands the necessity of wearing an apron and for the sake of safety will tell you the need to wear a bbq grill apron.

Hiking and Camping in Bear Country

Garrett McCord — Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The most important factor to keep in consideration is that bears and other wildlife are as their name implies-wild. While bear sightings are very rare in the mountains in Breckenridge, you should keep in mind that the goal is to coexist with these creatures, so you should do your part to keep these animals wild and safe. Under no circumstances should bears be captured, harassed, or fed. In fact, feeding a bear will likely make them become more aggressive toward the next group of humans it comes across. Before you go out playing in the Breckenridge mountains, take these precautionary tips into consideration:

• Make noise.

Although the mountains boast a calming and relaxing environment, an unassuming bear can feel startled if snuck upon. For maximum safety, make mountain activities a group effort. The more noise you make, the less likely a bear will approach. If a bear hears you, it's unlikely that it's going to come to the noise. It would rather keep to itself and leave you alone. When bears are surprised by mountain visitors sneaking up on them, they are more likely to feel threatened. Talk, sing, or hum as you explore the mountains. Local shops in Breckenridge sell bells that you can tie around your neck, automatically making noise for you as you hike trails.

• Stay calm.

In the rare event that you do come across a bear while hiking, try to keep a cool head. Slowly lay down your pack or anything else you are carrying and back away from the animal. In most cases, the bear will either move along on its own or take interest in your pack. If the bear does approach you, make yourself look big by extending your arms above your head, and make loud noises.

• Clean up.

Bears are hungry creatures and will likely follow the smell of food the longer it lingers. After you've finished cooking, burn all excess grease and food from grills and stoves. Be sure to wipe your table or eating area clean as well. Additionally, try to situate your camping area so that your tent and sleeping bag do not smell of food. Because the clothes that you've cooked in will retain the grill's smell, store those in bear-proof containers as well.

• Store it.

Keep your food and garbage in the trunk of your car or suspended from a tree. Get all food at least ten feet off the ground and four feet from the trunk of the tree to be safe. Remember, vehicles are not bear proof-the trunk is the safest storage place if your car is nearby.

• Get it out.

Don't burn or bury your trash-a bear will just dig it up and create a mess. Pack it in bear-proof containers and pack it out with you. Many camping areas are equipped with bear-proof garbage cans for your use.

Remember, bear encounters in Breckenridge are extremely rare. Bears are solitary creatures that like to stay to themselves. Hikers and campers can continue to coexist with mountain wildlife by remembering these basic tips of hiking and camping in the Colorado high country, so get out and have a good time in Breckenridge.

By: Christine J. Cook
Chris Cook lives part time in Breckenridge, Colorado and loves to share her expertise on the mountains with visitors. If you're planning a trip to the Rocky Mountains, visit this site for your Breckenridge lodging: http://www.summitvacations.net

Campgrounds – Ohio Offers Its Best To The World!

Garrett McCord — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Buckeye state may not offer the mountains like other states but has still got lots of places and beautiful sceneries for vacationers. In Ohio while camping you can have the chance to enjoy the Midwestern hospitality offered by Ohio campgrounds. In fact the Ohio campsites may be seen as ones which made your family camping trip the most enjoyable.

Though Ohio is considered geographically a small state,but it has quite a few of campsites it can boost about. This state of Ohio is fractioned into five camping regions which are distinct: that is southwest, northeast, and northwest southeast. Each of these regions has a distinct style and flavor to offer for campers.

In case you desire to camp at the central region of the state; for example, you will have a number of fascinating options. First of all is the Rippling stream campsite which is in Baltimore, Ohio. Apart from the state offering a full picnic area, rippling stream has a game room movie night, hayrides, bingo, and horseshoes. There's also a swimming pool for you to take a dip when you tire from hiking.

If you want to research Ohio campgrounds in the northwest region of the state, try surf motel and RV campsite in Marblehead. This is called Ottawa counting camping ground, which looks out over beautiful Lake Erie and also bordering the popular Kelly's Island and the beautiful Put-In-Bay. This ohio campground also offers quite a few of amenities such as picnic tables, out door pool, and other stuff like fishing and boating.

If you're moving around southwestern Ohio, make sure you stop at Forest Heaven which is located in Chillicothe. This ohio campground is considered as a primitive campsite, which is particularly land of tranquility. Forest Heaven is one of the Ohio campgrounds that brings people to simple living style .It also has luxuries to offer, such as electricity, hot showers ,flush toilets and laundry.Spend your time here by doing activities like fishing for one day, walking for next, and swimming ,boating ,riding etc while in Ohio campgrounds.

Ohio is a place for family vacations, as this whole state is family oriented. There are too many Ohio campgrounds you can choose from. Camping is the best form of activity for a family to get together, irrespective of the region of Ohio you are vacationing in, there are also lots of family oriented summer activities where the whole family can have fun.

Simple pleasures together create more stronger bonds within the family .Simple pleasures can be such as dining together on the picnic table, sleeping below stars will become the most cherished memories for you as well as for your children. Ohio may not be as glamorous as Las Vegas and may also not provide amusement parks of Florida but Ohio campgrounds have lots of place for the family fun. Once you spend time at an Ohio campgrounds, for sure you and your family would want to return for more fun and frolic.

By: Abhishek Agarwal
Abhishek is a Camping freak! Visit his website http://www.Camping-Guru.com and download his FREE Camping Report "Camping With The Family: How To Have A Safe, Fun, And Inexpensive Vacation" and learn some amazing Camping tips and tricks for FREE. Learn how to have the perfect vacation on a shoe-string budget. But hurry, only limited Free copies available! Camping-Guru.com

Camping Supplies- The New Age Additions!

Garrett McCord — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:18:41 +0000

Outdoor camping supplies include everything that you need to make it through a few nights in the wilderness. This list will include equipment for protection from the elements, cooking utensils and equipment, sleeping gear and emergency lighting. Apart from these there are eating implements such as spooks, forks, plates, cups and knives.

There is also the inclusion of the very important water purification tablets. With these implements you can plan the most fun filled camping trips of a lifetime. A well planed camping kit will keep you safe from the changing weather conditions, allow you to prepare good meals and rest when you are tired, all this and easy portability too. Many campers like to include some sort of entertainment equipment such as a ball game or board game, fishing, hiking, boating and even hunting are all forms of entertainment campers undertake on a camping trip.

Emergency equipment is the most important of the camping kit and is most often ignored by many in their excitement of putting together camping tents and other equipment. It is very essential to be prepared for an accident at any time. This preparation not only includes having a first-aid kit but also means being prepared with the knowledge of what needs to be done in the event of an accident. Be sure you add some simple emergency medical kit to your camping gear.

There are many first-aid kits available in the medical stores and they are small enough to not take up too much place, and yet are well equipped with the right medication. These first-aid kits will include bandages, gauze, insecticide, and antifungal ointment and pain relievers such as sprays. Some additional items you must keep are chap sticks, anti-diarrhea pills and saline solution.

Once you have taken care of the emergency medical kits you will want to give some though to comfort during the trip. So give some though to the kind of shelter and bedding you will like to have. Choosing a comfortable place to camp and preparing it for the next few days is important to make a good trip. This will ensure you have a good rest and leave you rejuvenated the next day to enjoy the natural out doors and any activity you may wish to undertake.

Make sure you choose a lightweight but comfortable sleeping bag for your kit. Also include a waterproof trap such as a plastic sheet to spread on the ground over which you can set up your tent. This trap will keep out the moisture from the tent and the bag. Then include a sleeping pad, which is a padded mat you place your sleeping bag on. Then there is a selection of tents, choose one that fits your needs, not too heavy or big, just big enough to protect you from the elements.

Last but not the least is your cooking implements and equipment. Get yourself some canned food and drinks that need the minimum preparation. However, you will need to have some sort of fire equipment and will be able to pick up a compact stove at the local store. Keep your eating utensils to a minimum as with the other items and you will have yourself a compact, lightweight camping kit to last you many enjoyable days of camping in the lap of nature.

About the Author

Abhishek is a Camping freak! Visit his website www.Camping-Guru.com and download his FREE Camping Report "Camping With The Family: How To Have A Safe, Fun, And Inexpensive Vacation" and learn some amazing Camping tips and tricks for FREE. Learn how to have the perfect vacation on a shoe-string budget. But hurry, only limited Free copies available ! www.Camping-Guru.com

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Choosing the right type of camping stove

heybert00 — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:01:10 +0000

Post from: country music videos Choosing the right type of camping stove A camp stove is a must-have for every outdoor enthusiast, but there are many factors to take into account when purchasing one. The first consideration when buying a camp stove is fuel type. Cartridge stoves are generally lighter and more maintenance free than those fueled [...]

Choosing the right camping lights and lanterns

Garrett McCord — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:15:21 +0000

A night at your favorite camping site is always memorable with all those exchange of stories after a adventure and of course, for roasting marshmallows. Hence, when preparing your camping gears and supplies, make sure you will bring reliable camping lanterns along. We say reliable because safety should be your foremost concern when considering which among available lighting options should fit your pack.

There are many options around, ranging from candles to gas lanterns and battery operated ones. Before you choose one, consider first the benefits and precautions each lighting gadget has. Price may come in as consideration but keep in mind that quality and safety should always be your priority. If you are tight on budget, have plenty of time to look around stores, both online and offline to compare prices.

Let us go over candles first. Candles are probably the cheapest and easiest to find with many local stores selling it but it can also pose the most risk as it can be easily blown by the wind and start a fire. Candles also give less light than gas or battery lanterns. Although it is not highly recommended, but if you still decide to bring candles on your trip, be sure it will not be somewhere breezy and you will keep a protective sheath around it. And as a rule, never light it inside your tents. More so, leave it unattended with children around or fall asleep with it burning on.

Next option is gas lanterns. This could be the most expensive among all lanterns for camping because you will have to refill the tank as often as necessary. Additionally, it can be risky too especially if you are not careful in refilling the liquid gas. It is a known fact that liquid gas is highly flammable. Propane is available in ready canisters and cylinders so you will not have to use a funnel to refill the lantern. What makes gas lanterns a great choice is that it can give illuminate bright and steady light even in an utmost darkness. Also, if you are camping somewhere cold, gas lanterns give extra heat.

If we would camp out tonight, we would probably take the battery operated lights as many people would agree that it is the safest bet. It gives off enough light but make sure it is fully charged or you have plenty of extra batteries with you. The downside of battery lanterns is usually recharging since the light can go dull easily especially in colder areas. Many of these lamps can be recharged with your car however.

Whether you choose to bring candles, gas lanterns or battery lanterns, do not forget to bring extra flashlights for emergencies. All campers should have their own waterproof and shockproof flashlights, especially the kids who may lose their way to the camping site. A freestanding flashlight will also be helpful so you will not have to hold it while doing other things.

Also, keep your lanterns protected. There are many protective cases available in stores to ensure it will work fine when you need it.

Camping is fun and exciting but as other things, if we are not careful, it can cause harm to ourselves and our properties.

About the Author

Rachel Nunez is ready to answer your questions about camping lanterns. For
more tips and information about baby camping
lanterns, check out http://www.lanternsforcamping.com

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Cachuma Lake Campground – A Great Camping Experience

Garrett McCord — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

If you are looking for a great place to go camping, whether it is tent camping or you have and RV, you should check out Cachuma Lake Campground in Santa Barbara County. Located off Hwy 154, it is a beautiful lake that offers many activities year round. Widely known for fishing, this campground/recreation area also offers wildlife tours, hiking, boat rentals, a swimming pool, miniature golf, and so much more. There is no swimming or skiing allowed on the lake however, so keep this in mind when you go. The lake hosts fishing tournaments through-out the year, and is home to the UCSB Rowing Team.

So, now you know what the park has to offer, let me tell you a little more about it. The campground is a County run park, camping is first come first served. They do not take reservations. They have a large number of full hook-up sites for Rvers as well as partial hook-up sites. They have an even larger number of tent sites. In most cases, when you arrive they will give you a map of the campground, tell you which sites are available and you can drive around, choose the one you want and go back and pay for it. Most of the campground is dirt, they do allow campfires year-round, and they have a wonderful little store in case you forgot or run out of something. There is also a wildlife museum in the park and they occasionally host special events for kids. Prefer hiking? Try out one of the many trails available around the lake. They range from short walks to longer hikes. Maps are available at the park.

Want to see wildlife? This is the place to do it. Because the park is located in the mountains you will most definitely see raccoons and probably a skunk. Keep your trash picked up at night and the raccoons won't be a problem. Skunks? Don't do anything to scare them and they will leave, they are just passing through anyway. You will also see squirrels, birds, and other small wildlife. Go down by the boat launch ramp and you can feed the ducks, carp will come and eat with the ducks too if you're lucky! You can wear yourself out riding your bike around the park on the roads leading to the various campsites. They also have Yurts for staying in if you don't want to stay in a tent.

Cachuma Lake is located only half an hour from the Santa Ynez Valley. Day trips into Solvang, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez are a must. There are a variety of fun shops, wine tasting, and excellent restaurants in the Valley. If you would rather go to Santa Barbara, you can head the other direction from the lake and it is about forty-five minutes or so depending on traffic. The most important thing to remember about camping there is to have a great time! Roast some marshmallows, make new friends, and catch a big fish! Enjoy Cachuma Lake and you will want to return.

By: Christy Tuller
Christy Tuller is an expert on several topics and enjoys camping. For more tips, ideas, and photos check out my blog Camping In The Western States at http://mrstscampwest.blogspot.com

Items For A Wilderness Survival Kit

heybert00 — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:01:56 +0000

Post from: country music videos Items For A Wilderness Survival Kit Wilderness survival is dependent upon planning. Knowing key elements to bring enhances the chances of survival. Wilderness survival is difficult, if not impossible, without proper equipment. The first column below lists the contents of a comprehensive survival kit for the prepared.Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife Water filter [...]

Boondocking Safety Advice For RVers

Garrett McCord — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Many RVers are held back from the joys of boondocking by concerns about boondocking safety. Aside from wanting the amenities and full hook-ups, safety concerns are the reason most people cite for preferring developed pay-campgrounds.If you've made...

Canoe Camping: A Unique Wilderness Experience

Garrett McCord — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:48:43 +0000

The Canoe was a means of living and a way of life for many indigenous tribes throughout North America and islands and peninsulas in the Bering straight. The natural advancements in civilized life have altogether made this tool a mere curiosity for most. Rivers used to basically be like modern roadways of old times and the canoe was a great means of bringing food and rations while making the sojourn down to a more civilized area.

Today you'll find urban adventurers seeking solace from cubicle life by taking float trips into seemingly uncharted territories. Canoe camping has advantages over a hike camp in a few different ways that make the outdoor experience somewhat different. Basically with a canoe you can carry a good deal more than you can tromping through the woods with just a backpack. The amount of food that can be stored can have you lasting weeks longer. In addition, you can reach some of the most rugged territory that is off the trail and see some of the most wildlife you've ever seen. A French fur trader, if alive today, can attest to the value of the canoe as an indispensable tool in the wilds of Canada; the canoe trip was a daily way of life.

The following information will go over some preparatory criteria you will want to look into before going on a canoe trip, as well as some suggestions for destinations.

Planning a Canoe Trip

Although a nice meandering stream in a balmy afternoon looks pretty harmless from the bow of a boat, with a slight weather change, things can quickly get hairy. So, before you embark on the first canoe voyage, try picking a short stretch of river on a predictably nice day.

Timing in the weather is essential. A river or stream after rainfall can swell and completely change conditions of the float. A river section that would normally be safe enough to take the babies out in their water wings can, after a heavy rainfall or sudden ice melt, swell and accelerate to scary speeds that an expert wouldn't tackle. As a side note, remember that mountain weather can change in the blink of an eye, so for instance if you were taking a Canada canoe trip, even in the middle of summer you can get caught in a frigid, nearly freezing session of hail or arctic blast from the north.

To avoid a poor experience, planning can prevent you from a variety of pitfalls. By mapping, charting the course and finding a camp site, you can avoid such regrets as: getting lost, missing cool attractions or side hikes, going when the mosquitoes are really out for blood, and possibly avoiding a search and rescue incident.

Meet the Kayak

The kayak is basically a smaller, one-man version of the canoe that typically has a spraydeck to keep the rider dry. It's not functional for carrying much gear but it did provide a fast means of maneuvering and hunting. The concept came from native peoples from the arctic to make such chores as seal hunting much more effective. It's common to be used in all of the inlets and ice weaves that normally wouldn't be easily maneuvered by regular boats.

Today it is used for some of the most extreme white water sporting challenges ever. From surfing ocean waves, to playing in washing machine-like river eddies, the amount of fun had by outdoorists and athletes garners its own summer Olympic event. For the outdoor enthusiast it's worthy for a day of fun as opposed to a canoe journey.

Alaska and Canada kayak trips are just as popular as they were 1,000 years ago among natives. Now adventurers can watch icebergs and glaciers calve off while practically sitting in the water. Further south, in the tropical waters of Mexico, a Baja Kayaking trip brings adventurers closer to coral or schools of light-strobing cuttlefish within oar's reach.

About the Author

Black Feather (http://www.blackfeather.com/kayak.htm) plans and outfits outrageously fun outdoor adventuring trips such as a sun drenched Baja Kayaking trip or a rush inducing Canada canoe trip. Their record brings 70 percent of clientele back for more. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

Article Source: Content for Reprint

Overnight Summer Camp – How To Choose The Best Weight Loss Camp For Your Child

Garrett McCord — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 05:35:18 +0000

Twenty-five years ago weight-loss camp campers were mostly teenage girls who were at least 100 pounds or more overweight. The menu usually consisted of food such as beef liver, fish and alfalfa sprouts and the only form of exercise was running and doing sit-ups. The ultimate goal at these overnight summer camps is to lose as much weight as possible in as little time as possible. They were often considered special needs camps. There are also many teen and adult weight loss camps.

Today things are a lot less extreme than they were in those days - approximately 39 percent of the campers are boys, the kids usually need to lose between 21 and 41 pounds, the menus offer a much broader range of food, and the exercise is a lot of fun, with activities that include fun sports like tennis and kayaking. The weight loss camps today emphasize very healthy lifestyles and long-lasting skills that the kids can take home with them and actually put into use.

To summarize, these so-called "fat camps" usually resemble regular overnight summer camps and just happen to specialize in teaching excellent decision-making techniques as they relates to food.

Now according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 16 percent or so of children from ages 6-19 are overweight or obese and this number that has tripled since 1981.

The number of overnight or sleepaway weight loss camps has remained about the same. There are about 16 to 20 of these camps out of 10,000 sleep away camps in the United States alone with some of these having offshoots in other locations. There are many other weight loss camps in other countries.

In most of the overnight summer camps the children will be between the ages of 7 and 12. This age group tends to be most successful because parents have more to say about the child's eating and exercise habits. Usually bad eating habits are less instilled in the younger children.

All sleepaway fat loss camps work at building good habits, not just dealing out quick fixes. You will find these camps have classes on good nutrition, proper portion control, emotional eating, handling situations like pizza parties, birthday parties and ice cream parties.

You'll find they teach by example. In the old days weight loss camps offered 1,250 to 1,350 calories each day. Today they're more realistic, usually about 1,800 to 2,000 calories daily. On the menu along with healthier foods you'll also find there are hamburgers, pita pizzas, baked potato chips and low-fat baked goods.

It's long been a misconception that overnight weight loss camps don't offer enough food and they overwork the kids. It's actually the opposite. The right amount of food is served and they provide workouts for the kids at the right level. Campers never find they are hungry.

Changing the camper's behavior is the key to sustaining weight loss. Many campers learn to cook, shop for groceries, order out at restaurants, and work with camp psychologists on managing stress, frustration tolerance, and identifying emotional eating.

Generally the campers want to be there. Years ago when their parents made them go they didn't want to. Kids are happier that they're making a change and develop confidence and independence as a result of the experience. They learn to make healthier choices also. Kids learn to feel better, breathe better, run faster and become more active as a result.

Some overnight weight loss camps can cost about $1,000 a week. Many of the camps offer scholarships and that's worth exploring. Your health insurance may cover some of it because of the weight loss therapy. And some churches run free weight loss camps, but may be harder to find.

Choosing the right summer camp for your child may mean doing a lot of research and checking out reviews of weight loss camps. Talking to parents who have sent their kids to those camps would give you some idea as to the successful experience the child has had. Ask the director of the camp you're considering if they will give you some names of previous campers' parents so you can contact them. Cost may be a factor too. There is a wide range when it comes to cost and be sure to compare weight loss summer camp ratings online and offline. Check the public library for Consumer Reports magazine's ratings.

Any overnight summer camp is great because it will force the child to have structured time in the summer and even traditional overnight camps focus on kid's fitness and health, serve healthier food and encourage a lot of exercise. If you can't find or afford a weight loss camp, you should choose a camp anyway even if it's a special camp like arts or science that has some activity. The important thing is to keep overweight kids active in the summer.

About the Author

For more information on choosing the best overnight summer camp or finding the best sleepaway or weight loss summer camp online and offline go to http://www.OvernightSummerCamp.biz a nurse's website specializing in overnight summer camp tips, help, facts, free tuition resources, including information on overnight summer camp reviews