My Perfect Campsite

It's the time of year to beat the heat and head for higher elevation. For many people that means loading up the RV, grabbing the boat and finding a campground by the lake. My idea for the perfect getaway means loading the truck with our camping gear and our two Labrador Retrievers and getting as far away from the pavement as we can get. While these two styles are quite different, they are both perfect. Let's take a look at what makes a campsite perfect for me and perhaps for you.


To start with, there are two general types of campsites, the first being established campsites. These campgrounds exist for all sorts of campers and their camping equipment ranging from large motor homes to small designated patches of grass for bicyclists. Finding this type of campsite is fairly easy to do. On the internet, one can find hundreds of informational websites with campground information for virtually any area on the planet. Favorite campgrounds are typically found in national, state and county park systems and are available for a nominal daily fee. They are usually found near natural features such as lakes, rivers and scenic areas. Campgrounds often cater to specific types of campers, for instance some campgrounds are kid and pet friendly while others are not. There are many advantages to 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 or your group.

A second general type of campsite is referred to as a primitive campsite. As the name implies, you won�t find any of today�s modern conveniences at a primitive site and to those who prefer this type of camping, that�s the whole point. Primitive camping is my favorite way to camp. Some primitive campers carry everything on their backs and set up camp when they are done hiking for the day. I like to drive right up to my primitive camp site so that I can take along a few of my favorite things. In either case here are few things I consider when looking for the perfect primitive site. Number one is shelter. Shelter from the wind, rain, sun, noise and other campers are important to me. I also want a spot that is elevated, level, durable and clean. I don�t care much for insects and I enjoy a nice fire in the evenings.

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

About the author: Chuck Fitzgerald is the owner of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online specialty store with the �Best Gear Out There� and dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts to �Get It Right The First Time� with timely educational information. Please visit http://www.BackCountryToys.com to find great gear and to receive the Fact

RV Vacations

Many individuals choose to take RV vacations each year because they find it fun and exciting. If you are looking for something different, perhaps you want to consider traveling through the country via a recreation vehicle.
There are a variety of reasons why many choose to travel vial RV. Perhaps, you are interested in connecting to the outdoors. You can visit the great national parks, landmarks or fresh air. You can hike, fish, raft, canoe or ride your bike. Many want to travel via RV to have a vacation where you connect with nature.

It can also allow you and your family to be more comfortable than they would be in a tent. Most RVs are equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, stove, TV, beds as well as living and dining quarters, and a bathroom. Most also have awnings that you can sit under if it rains and air conditioning if it gets hot.

These vacations can be a great way for the entire family to connect. Since everyone lives together in close quarters, families can bond. It can bring families closer together and you can bond and share good times. It can also be a great way to travel with a large family because many campgrounds have activities for kids.

Children also like camping activities such as campfires, stories, songs and looking at the stars. You can also play many games. If you travel in the nature via RV, make sure you leave all modern day distractions, such as ipods and video games at home. Many people also turn off their cell phones unless there is an emergency.

If you travel via RV make sure you make reservations, especially in popular campgrounds. In peak seasons, make campgrounds will book up and you will not be able to get into the grounds.

Many campgrounds have swimming pools, lakes, playgrounds, hiking trails and other activities for kids and adults. Many campgrounds even have dances and barbeques. Check out the amenities of the campground before you go and the proximity to other attractions and landmarks.

Traveling via RV can also allow any family to be flexible. You can leave and arrive whenever you want and it allows you the freedom and spontaneity to create your own adventure. You do not have to worry about maintaining schedules. You can explore the country at your own pace.

It is also very affordable, even with the cost of gas. If you do not own an RV, you can rent one for a pretty reasonable price. You will save on hotels, airfare and other means of travel. You can also save money by cooking most of your meals in it instead of eating at a restaurant. By cooking at home, you can also eat healthier foods.


You do not need a special license to drive it but if you have never driven one before you should practice before transporting your family. There are classes that you can take also, in which you learn how to drive an RV.

The next time you want to experience the great outdoors, try taking an RV vacation. An RV motor home is well equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, stove, TV, beds as well as living and dining quarters, and a bathroom. To start your motor home trip, visit www.bankstonmotorhomes.com.

Backpacking With Children - Four Tips

Backpacking with children can be a challenge, but it is a good way for kids to learn about the outdoors and develop independence and responsibility. It is also just a great way to have fun. That is, as long as you plan well. Here are four tips to help you out.

1. Generate Interest

Forcing uninterested children to go backpacking is probably a bad idea. They are likely to resist, cause problems, and ruin the trip for all. So try to generate some interest first. A couple good outdoor movies can help. Try to find movies with characters who are the same age or a little older than your children. After watching them, suggest the idea of backpacking and gage the response.

If you aren't sure that your children are old enough for backpacking, try a camp-out in the back yard first. Let them help set up the tent. See how well they make it through the night, and try your best to make the experience fun for them.

2. Have The Children Plan With You

The more the kids are involved in the whole process, the better. Let them help in choosing the trails you will hike, but narrow the options ahead of time to those most appropriate. Allow them to suggest what foods to bring, again narrowing their options to meals that make sense for a backpacking trip. Show them how to use a map, and how to judge daily hiking distances. Then let them help in the packing.

3. Give Them Responsibilities

If they are old enough, have the children set up the tent or make the fire. If they are younger, you might have them collect sticks to burn, or prepare their sleeping pad and bag for the night. Give them things that they can handle, and let them know they are doing a good job (if they are).

When backpacking with children, it's okay to let them get a little ahead of you if there are no dangerous animals in the area. Let them be out of sight just a bit, as long as you can hear them or quickly catch up. And tell the older children that they are responsible for keeping an eye on the younger ones.

4. Bring Fun Items

Most adults love the opportunity to get away from all the things of home, and can sit talking for hours while watching the sun set. Backpacking with children, though, might require some more entertainment. Bringing a movie player is probably a bad idea, since the idea is to have a new and different experience. On the other hand, there are things that are fun and perfectly appropriate to backpacking.

For example, a pair of binoculars can keep young ones entertained for long stretches. One pair is enough, so they can learn to share. If they are old enough, a pocket knife and a quick lesson on how to make a walking stick might be a good idea. For evenings in camp a deck of cards is small enough to bring, and you can teach them a new game each night.

Finally, make sure that when backpacking with children you teach them the rules of the woods. Show them where and how to go to the bathroom, what is allowed and what isn't. Teach them to respect the wilderness, and treat it right.

Camping Necessities

Be Prepared for Your Next Camping Trip

When going on a camping trip, it is best to come completely prepared. Often times, when you are camping, you are pretty far away from the nearest gas station or large grocery chain – both are places that we have become dependent on in today’s society. Whether you are camping with the family in your RV or if you are hiking the wilderness alone, there are some basic necessities that you should not leave behind.

RV Camping Necessities

When you and your family go RV camping, you have the luxury of a large automobile with plenty of storage space for food, beverages and other camping equipment. You will also want to make sure that you have plenty of emergency equipment in case your RV runs into a bit of bad luck on the road. Spare tires, fully charged flashlights and cell phones as well as items such as snow chains or engine coolant, depending on which season you are traveling during.

When travelling across the country in an RV, you have enough room to house items such as a microwave or a miniature refrigerator, so you can plan your meals accordingly. Most of the places you stop at during your vacation will have all the amenities you could ever need such as electricity, sewer, or gasoline; however, it is still important to verify that these amenities will be available to you before you plan the stops on your RV camping trip.

Tent Camping Necessities

If you are planning on taking your family tent camping, the situation changes dramatically. First and foremost, you need a place to sleep so make sure that the tent is packed or it will be a cold and miserable weekend! You must also consider how to store and transport your food for the trip. In most cases, a large ice chest will do quite wonderfully. Many camp sites that you visit will have basic amenities such as restrooms and showers, which make camping in a tent easier and more accessible for everyone.

In some cases, it may be necessary to bring items such as folding chairs and a table so that you will have a place to eat. Although most camp sites you find will come equipped with picnic benches and fire pits, if you aren’t staying in a state park or private campground, these amenities might not be available to you.

Lastly, there are some adventurous souls who are willing to forego any kind of amenity and completely “rough it.” For these explorers, items such as canteens and tin plates for cooking and eating become almost a luxury as much as a necessity. No matter where you decide to camp, it will inevitably become much colder at night. Therefore it is important to prepare, not only with a high quality sleeping bag, but with thermal garments and quality fire starting equipment. Although great care and experience are needed in starting one, a campfire is the ultimate survival tool when you are alone in the wilderness, so make sure that you have the necessary equipment to start one. Not only is it a source of heat and useful for cooking and purifying water, it will also be extremely effective at warding off some of the larger animals during the wee hours of the night.

Successful Camping

As you can see, the necessities for enjoying yourself and staying safe on your next camping trip vary depending on whether you are staying in your RV, taking the family out for some tent camping, or exploring the wilderness on your own. Although many more items might be necessary depending on the location of your camping trip and the time of year in which you go, the items discussed above will give you a better understanding on how to prepare for your next camping vacation.

The days are long and the sun is hot. This can only mean one thing – summer is here! Summer is the season that you and your family look forward to all year long. It’s a time where family bonds are strengthened and lifetime memories are made. That’s why it is essential to make sure your RV is running properly to avoid a premature end to your vacation.



To get the most out of your vacation time this summer, a pre-trip RV check is your best bet for a hassle-free trip. However, before you even begin to look over your rig, a good starting point would be to make sure everything you need is packed and ready to go.



As for what to pack, a lot depends on where you are going, what time of year and for how long. Start by allowing every passenger one suitcase for clothing, toiletries, medication, and “must-have” items. As for the rest of the provisions, here are a few suggestions on what to take: food and drinks, skillet, garbage bags, silverware, plates and dishes, cups, toilet paper, towels, cell phone and lawn chairs.



Once you’ve taken inventory of all the items you’ll need for your trip, you can begin to inspect the most vital component for a safe and smooth vacation – your RV!



Prior to each trip, try to get in the habit of walking around the outside of your RV to see if anything is out of place. How do your tires look? Are they low on air? Have all slide-out rooms been retracted? Are all of your items and accessories properly secured? Other areas to check or adjust include: engine oil and fluids, trailer attachment to hitch, awnings, signal and brake lights, side mirrors and seatbelts.



And last, but certainly not least, you want to make sure your RV is fully insured just in case the unexpected happens. Fully insured means getting the full value of what you paid for your rig – not a depreciated amount! If your current insurer doesn’t offer this kind of protection, or if you are in search of an insurer that specializes in RV coverage, look no further than Good Sam VIP Insurance – America’s #1 RV Insurance Specialist.*



Contact Good Sam VIP Insurance today and get the coverage you deserve for a lot less than you probably would expect. As a matter of fact, Good Sam VIP members that have switched save $300 a year, on average!



To receive a free, no obligation rate quote, call 888-514-1116 and mention savings code GFN or get a quote online by clicking here.



* Based on the results from an independent study conducted by URI Information Services and Dr. James E. Fisher, St. Louis University.

Camping is a fun time for the whole family. It is a time to leave all of your troubles behind and reconnect with family and friends. Campfires, roasting marshmallows and sing-a-longs are the memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. That’s why it is essential to make your campsite a safe place for everyone.




The campsite you choose is your home away from home. It should be a clean, safe place that is devoid of any debris or low-hanging limbs. And, choosing a site that is flat and level makes it easier to set up camp and park your RV.



Once you’ve chosen the perfect campsite, there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind while setting up camp. The following tips can go a long way to ensure that you and your family have a memorable camping experience.



• Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees and hazardous terrain.



• Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Also, a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.



• Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames and heat. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Use a flashlight or battery-powered light instead.



• Make sure your fires are always attended. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically - a grill or stone surface is ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with water, making sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet.



• Dispose of trash properly. Remember to recycle - use the proper recycling bins if available.



• Watch out for bugs. Avoid attracting stinging insects by wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes.



• Beware when encountering wildlife. To ward off bears, keep your campsite clean, and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. Remember that bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable - never feed or approach a bear. Use a flashlight at night - many animals feed at night and the use of a flashlight may warn them away.



• Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion, such as calamine, to the affected area.



Good Sam VIP cares about your safety -- before, during and after your camping trip! Plus, we want to make sure that your RV has the best coverage both on and off the road. That’s why we are pleased to recommend Good Sam VIP for all of your RV and auto insurance needs. With features, such as full replacement cost coverage and personal effects coverage, you’ll have the peace of mind you need to fully enjoy your vacation. Plus, by taking advantage of your exclusive Good Sam VIP rates, you could even save a little money along the way (new customers that have switched save more that $300 a year, on average!).



To find out more about the outstanding coverage and generous savings Good Sam VIP has to offer, please call 888-514-1116 and mention savings code GFN or visit their website for a free, no-obligation quote.

Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service: The RV Rescue Specialists with over 1,500,000 successful roadside rescues!



Join today for roadside assistance benefits which include:



* Protection on your RV and all your household vehicles: all cars, trucks, SUVs, vans



* No matter where you are, we will tow you to the nearest professional service center, regardless of distance and pay nothing out of your pocket



* 24/7 Toll free dispatch



* If your trip is cut short due to a disablement with your RV, we will reimburse you for hotel, rental car and the cost of your meals up to $1,200



* Emergency Medical Referral Service



* Flat tire service, fuel delivery, lock out service



* Roadside mechanical repairs



* Spouse & children protection



Ensure that you have the coverage of Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service before you venture out on the road. Join Today and save over the regular rate!

A Friendly Voice in the Wilderness


"You get what you pay for!" That was Fred's response when I let slip at dinner that we were paying $335 less than he and Kate were for RV insurance. Iris and I have known the Smiths for years. Now full-time RVers, Good Sam VIP seemed perfect for our new lifestyle.


The first 97 miles to our Vermont campsite that evening were uneventful. Iris said, "There's the park entrance. Turn here." Now we were on a dark, winding, forested lane. I glanced down to check our speed and Iris shouted a warning.
There was no stopping in time. Thick, low-hanging branches whacked the coach hard as I struggled to get her back on the road. We shuddered to a stop. Silence.


As we pulled into the campground, Iris called Good Sam VIP about our broken satellite dish. The friendly claims agent promised us a full replacement under our permanent attachments coverage.


We certainly got what we paid for!


--Bob & Iris Jones



Get a free quote from Good Sam VIP today!

Good Sam VIP is the insurance made for RVers


Comprehensive & Collision
Good Sam VIP Comprehensive and Collision cover
the cost to repair or replace your RV if it is stolen or damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Permanent attached items such as awnings, antennas and satellite dishes are automatically protected.



Good Sam VIP offers these benefits and more:



Full-Timer’s Coverage – If you are on the road more than 9 months out of the year, Good Sam VIP offers a special full-timer’s policy. This policy provides increased liability protection plus higher limits for personal belongings that you likely carry in your RV.


24-Hour Emergency Claims Service – Call 24 hours a day to reach dedicated, trained RV customer service and claims representatives.


Direct Pay – We can automatically deduct your payment from your checking account—no bills to get lost while you’re traveling.


Full Replacement Cost Coverage - Ensure You'll Always Be Protected. If your RV is totaled or stolen in its first five model years, Good Sam VIP will replace it with a comparable new RV even if you're not the original owner. After the first five model years, we'll pay your full original purchase price—not a depreciated amount—toward the purchase of the replacement RV.



Replacement Cost Coverage must be added to a policy within the RV’s first five model years of the RV. You do not have to be the original owner to purchase this coverage option.



Emergency Expense Allowance - Need money to cover motel or transportation costs when your rig in disabled more than 50 miles from home? No problem. Good Sam VIP’s Emergency Expense Allowance pays up to $100 per day or up to a $500 maximum.


To learn how Good Sam VIP can help save you money: Get an Immediate Quote

Get Your RV Ready for Spring

Author - Ken Freund

Brought to you by Good Sam Club RV Road Service



Get Your RV Ready for Spring

Coming out of Hibernation



Winter elements can take a toll on stored RVs. If your coach has been in storage, now is the time to start preparing for those spring getaways. Taking a little time now will help ensure enjoyment all through the year.



Before hitting the road complete this RV spring-prep checklist: Begin with a thorough exterior inspection. Examine the outside, including the body and roof, for any cracks or separation and look inside for stains on the ceiling, sure signs of roof leaks. Look beneath the coach and/or or tow vehicle for signs of fuel or other fluid leaks.



Once you've determined there are no exterior leaks, wash the RV with a specially formulated soap designed for the exterior. Work in the shade, since washing a hot surface can result in hard-to-remove spots and streaks. Use specialized wheel cleaners to make tires and trim look new.



An RV that's been stored all winter needs to be aired out. Vacuum the carpet and clean the floors and other surfaces as needed.



Spring prep should include a fluid and connections check. Look for insect and rodent nests and chewed wires and hoses. Check the amount of LP gas and test appliances for proper functioning.



Drain and flush the freshwater tank. Add 1/4 cup of household bleach for each 15 gallons of capacity. Then fill the tank almost to capacity, leaving room for sloshing. Drive or tow the coach to mix the bleach. Run the hot water to get the bleach through the water heater. Then drain the freshwater tank. Refill, along with 1/4 of baking soda per 15 gallons. Drive or tow to mix the water, run the hot water, then drain and refill with fresh water. Test the water pump and water system, including the water heater.



On motor homes, generators and tow vehicles, change the oil and filter and perform all recommended services according to the owner's and maintenance manuals.



Batteries should be check for electrolyte level and connections should be removed, cleaned and after re-assembly, treated with an anticorrosive product.



Make sure all of the lug nuts are secure, check tires for cracks and other damage and set inflation pressures. Trailers should have the wheel bearings repacked.



Replace batteries and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the gauges on fire extinguishers. Check and refill your first aid and emergency kits. An emergency kit should include: flares, a gas can, reflective triangles, duct tape, jumper cables, wheel chocks, flashlight and basic hand tools.



Stock up with necessities for cooking, cleaning and entertaining. Review kitchen equipment and the inventory of favorite games, books, cards, puzzles, CDs, DVDs or videos.



To have peace of mind when you hit the road, get Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service