March 12, 2010
One canoeist reaches the “end of the line” – at least for now!
Photo by: Matthew Barnett (Stock Exchange)
Hello, everybody, and welcome back to the AllCampgrounds blog. I’ll be taking on the pleasant task of posting here in our continuing quest to highlight the best in camping. Expect my posts to feature news and reviews on the best camp grounds from around the U.S. and Canada. I’ll also discuss the latest tips and gear for campers, both experienced and new. Whether your goal is to go on an intense survival adventure, meet new folks at the RV camp park, or bring the family out into the country to toast s’mores and tell stories, I’ll be providing the info you need to make the most of your trek.
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February 23, 2009
Whether you’ve been following the last few posts on Ice fishing and want to give it a try, or you’re thinking about trying to land a few in the upcoming spring/summer fishing season its time to think about one of the more, err how shall we say “gross” aspects of catching fish to cook while camping.
Okay, you’ve caught your fish, you want to cook your fish and you want to eat your fish. The first step is, you have to kill (gasp) your fish! Oh, come on. Did you think fishsticks came from the fish fairy?
The easiest way to go about this necessary task, unless you are into sushi, is to give the fish a sharp rap on the top of the head with a blunt object such as a the handle of a hunting knife, the back of a hatchet, or even a rock. Of course if you have a hatchet or sharp knife anyway, you could just cut the head off, but some people think this is cruel. Personally I say 6 of one, half-a-dozen of the other. The fish has to die, the quicker the better.
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February 16, 2009
Part of the camping experience involves other outdoor activities. Though we are nearing the end of the winter season, Ice Fishing is still an activity that campers may enjoy in many backcountry areas. Many state parks have lakes that are great for this also. There are of course rules and regulations that must be followed. Check with your state for the correct rules and necessary licensing. Other than that there are some basic safety rules that should be followed.
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February 12, 2009
Most people think of camping as a summer event, early fall at the latest. Well believe it, or not there are many people who actually prefer winter camping. (Personally, the juries still out for this camper). Winter camping is available in several State and National parks, such as Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, and in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
February 9, 2009
Lightning StormPhoto by: Julia Starr (Stock Exchange)
Lightening is beautiful and fascinating, but it can also be deadly. The National Weather Service estimates that there are 100,000 thunderstorms in the United States each year, and lightening is present at each and every storm. In fact even though we were all told as children that the sound of thunder was God bowling or some such story, it is actually the sound produced when a lightening bolt causes the air around it to expand and contract with an immense force.
February 5, 2009
Chipmunk, Lake Tahoe, CA
Photo by: Alpeviolen (Stock Exchange)
A few years ago, right before we went on our annual camping trip, the news was full of stories about children getting attacked by bears while they were camping. In fact there seems to be an up rise in the occurrence of bears attacking people over the last decade. The really scary part is that several of these attacks did not take place in the backcountry wilds, but in established camping areas, parks and other recreational facilities. I will admit that I was particularly diligent the first night and slept with one eye open. Fortunately nothing larger than a chipmunk hopped up on the sugar from a stolen Oreo visited our camp.
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February 2, 2009
Camping is a time to experience nature. One great way to do this is hiking. That’s not to say that the two have to go hand in hand, but most campgrounds either have day trails, or are located near areas where trails are available. These trails are usually clearly marked, come in various distances and are already mapped. If you are thinking to yourself, what fun is hiking on a trail that everyone uses you obviously haven’t spent much time in the woods. There comes a time (especially for first time hikers) when all those trees look alike. It is easy to become disoriented. Unless you are already a pro at using a compass and a topographical map you should start small and work your way up to a full wilderness hike.
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January 30, 2009
Tent Camping
Photo by: K Rayker (Stock Exchange)
Once upon a time the most important advice a camper could adhere to was don’t pitch your tent facing into the wind, and dig a trench to avoid flooding. While it is still a good idea not to pitch your tent into the wind, digging holes or trenches could get you thrown out of some campgrounds today. So what can you do to ensure a safe and comfortable campsite?
Choosing a Spot to Set Up Your Tent
1. Make sure you arrive at the site before dark. You want to be able to check the area before you set up your tent.
2. Look for a flat area that is not at the bottom of a slope. What’s wrong with a slope? If it rains the water may run down the slope and flood your tent.
3. Avoid setting up to close to a stream or river, or even a lake if there is a chance of flash flooding.
4. Look for animal tracks. A large number of wild animal tracks in one area probably mean the animals use it frequently as a pathway. You don’t want any critters traipsing through your tent in the middle of the night.
5. Look for broken glass and trash as well as rocks and sharp branches. Unfortunately not all campers clean up after themselves.
6. Check for anthills and wasps nests.
7. Try to find a spot that is in the shade, but not directly under a tree.
January 23, 2009
Camping tents come in all shapes and sizes. From compact one-man domes to large, sprawling multi-family units, tents are made to suit any camper’s needs. Determining what style of tent is right for you can be a challenge, but it is not impossible.
The first step in evaluating your tent choices is to look around you. Knowing your surroundings and the weather you will be camping in is vital to assuring you are well-protected as you sleep under the stars. Smaller, more compact tents made of dense fabric work best for cold or windy areas. The less open area you have exposed in your tent, the less body heat will be cooled by the chilly air. The weather can change drastically from day to night in many camping spots, so a safe bet is always to plan for an overnight temperature around 32 degrees during a summer camping trip. Pack an extra blanket or sleeping bag if necessary to be sure that you stay warm even during the coldest nights.
The number of campers you have in your party is also essential when evaluating your tent choices. Most tent companies build tents according to the number of people that will be sleeping in them, so an accurate body count is necessary. If you are camping alone, a one or two man dome tent will be more than adequate. If a larger group is going, plan on a tent just big enough to sleep all of you. Many tent companies make tents with separated sleeping units, so even people who are not exactly comfortable sleeping in the same room can enjoy camping together.
The final important consideration when selecting your tent is it’s size and weight. Camping in a designated campground area makes larger tents much more manageable, but if you are camping off the beaten path a smaller, more compact unit is important. Many manufacturers are producing lightweight portable tents made of light fabrics and sturdy, lightweight support beams to ease stress and strain for those who carry tents long distances. If your trip requires a hike and a larger tent, employ two people to help pack the load. One can carry the tent fabric and one can carry the poles and stakes to help distribute the heavy load.
Camping can be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a spare day or two. Proper planning is vital to ensuring you have a safe and pleasant trip, so look over your tent options carefully and choose the right style of tent to avoid any unnecessary stress or backaches while out on the trail.
January 15, 2009
Many people assume that when warm weather ends, so does the opportunity to spend time outdoors. This is a common misconception. As long as you think ahead and prepare well, you can camp and enjoy the great outdoors year-round. Camping in the cold and snow does require a bit more preparation, but it can be just as enjoyable as sleeping out in July.
Photo by angela7dreams (Flickr)
The most important consideration when camping in the winter is staying warm overnight. While temperatures in can be in the 40s and 50s during a nice winter day, nights can dip well below freezing. A well-insulated sleeping bag and thermal undergarments can help ward off the chill, as can a draft-free tent. Some people prefer to camp with a small generator to power a heater in the winter. If you go this route, make sure you place your heater a safe distance from any flammable materials.
Deciding what to eat during a cold camp trip can pose a bit of a quandary for the novice camper. Warm, filling meals are vital to maintaining energy levels, so the basic sandwich may not be adequate. Soups and stews make the best choices, as do chili. A pound of ground beef, a can of your favorite beans, some canned tomatoes and a few spices make a hearty meal in minutes. Just make sure you keep fresh fruits and veggies in an insulated cooler to prevent freezing.
Check local regulations carefully before doing any out of season camping. Certain states prohibit camping during the winter due to storm and avalanche dangers, so it’s vital that you know you can be safe before heading out. Make sure you stick only to approved trails and paths to reduce your chances of becoming stranded during a storm, and keep flares on you in case you do get lost in a squall.
Photo by Steve Jurvetson (Flickr)
Camping in cold weather offers an entirely new experience, even for the most seasoned camper. The beauty of the wilderness is winter can be fascinating, and enjoying it can be simple and very pleasurable with just a few simple precautions.
