Things To Do When Camping

Author: Salem Hassan

Camping is a great way to save money and still be able to go on vacation. Getting out to nature can give you the stress free escape you want or even need from the everyday struggles and technologies. If you are new to camping or it has just been a while since your last trip, you may have a hard time trying to figure out what to do. It basically all depends on who you go camping with and and what you really want to do. Some may just want to spend time outside and relax with no phone calls and watch the stars at night while others may want to spend the time doing fun activities with your family and friends without the constant distractions of the internet or other things that might steal their attention. For those who want to do a wide range of activities, here are some of the things you can do.

Depending on the time you get there, you may want to relax a little bit instead of jumping into activities right away. Fishing can be a way to relax after that long drive you may just had. You can sit back and wait for those fish to hook onto your line. If your family all goes out on the boat, you may want to make sure they don't make too many movements or they might scare the fish away.

If you are traveling with kids, you can bring card games like Uno or even just a deck of cards and play poker, speed, or rummy. You can also have a little scavenger hunt with your kids. While they're playing cards or running around, go take some items, like plastic eggs with goodies inside, and hide them around your camp. Give them some directions and let them loose. Just be sure to not forget where you put everything!

When it gets dark, that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. If you brought some graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows, then bring on the s'mores. Build a campfire and you can start cooking. If someone knows how to play the guitar and remembered to bring it, you can all sing songs and even make some of your own, or just sing acapella! If you and your kids are up for it, you can tell ghost stories that you learned as a kid or just some funny ones you know. Being out in the open is perfect for stargazing also. Put out the fire, and make sure it's all out, and look up at the stars. Try to name as many constellations as you can and create some yourself. Don't forget to watch out for shooting stars and make a wish!

These are just a few activities you can do out there, but even if you can't find or think of anymore, then these can keep you entertained. Also, don't forget to allow some downtime between the activities. Part of being on vacation is to relax and have fun!

For more information about camping, please visit http:// www.suncoastrv.com‘>http:// www.suncoastrv.com

About the Author:

Salem Hassan is a business marketing director for BreezeGoSEO.com, an Internet Marketing Agency. Salem writes on a wide spectrum of topics related to family, business, consumer best interests, marketing, and other related topics.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Things To Do When Camping

Guide to Choosing Accommodation on a Hiking Trip

Author: Jonsky

Most people who've never been hiking for more than a day or not at all might think that tents are the only accommodation for hikers. There are quite a few options for you to shelter at night. Using tents is one option but you can also stay in huts, lodges, hostels, bed and breakfasts, and trail shelters.



These are options you can take in your trip if they're available. Other than using your own tent, all the accommodations incur a small fee. Many hikers use a variety of lodgings on the course of a hiking trip.



Using Tents in the Wilderness



Hikers on a multi-day trips usually carry with them lightweight camping tents. Some hikers like to pitch a tent out of sight in the wild and if possible away from other hikers and campers as well.



In some places like in North America, a tent is usually the only option for accommodation. You'll have a hard time looking for bed and breakfasts or lodges because there aren't any.



This is not such a big deal because many hikers in North America prefer to camp with no other people around. You need to remember that if you camp, make sure you leave the campsite as it was when you're done. This is called no-trace camping. Leave nothing behind and take your garbage with you.



Using Tents in Designated Campsites



While some hikers like to be left alone, some actually look for company or like to be in the company other hikers. This is a safer option to camping in solitude because there's safety in numbers.



In Europe, designated campsites usually have food stalls where you can buy or prepare your own food. In the US, campsites are available in parks where campers are designated to a group site.



Taking Shelter in Huts



While huts are rare in North America, it is quite common and popular in Europe especially in mountainous areas. They're found in remote places away from populated areas and usually only accessible on foot.



You get basic accommodation facilities including cooking facilities. You can also buy a hot meal at a reasonable price. This type of accommodation is so popular that it's usually full during the high season. Be sure that you book in advance or you'll be sorely disappointed.



Bed and Breakfast and Backpacker's Hostel



In Europe, B&Bs are everywhere especially along hiking routes. The facilities and service is a bit better than the ones you see in huts. The same goes for Backpacker's Hostels. You'll find cooking facilities, a common room, laundry machines, hot shower and a friendly environment.



You get to meet other hikers and share stories or just enjoy each others company. These accommodations are usually listed in trail guides especially if they're hiker-friendly.



Staying in such places don't require you to carry any camping gear, not even sleeping bags and cooking gear. They're usually situated near local attractions including historical sites and other places of interest for tourists.



There are usually no locks for the rooms so you might want to carry your gear with you when you go out. Quality varies from spotless to roach infested. Choose ones that have good reviews from other hikers.



Trail Shelters




The difference between trail shelters and accommodations such as B&Bs is that there are no services in trail shelters. There are no laundry and cooking facilities so you'd have to rely on your camping gear. Trail shelters are popular in the northern parts of Scotland.

About the Author:
Jonsky writes for Hiking-Camping-World.com where you'll find camping gear such as lightweight sleeping bags including kids sleeping bags.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/guide-to-choosing-accommodation-on-a-hiking-trip-857387.html

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.