Self-made igloo
Michael Faes (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to AllCampgrounds!

You know, one of the best things about camping is how creative it is.

RV campers and tent campers alike are always finding new ways to enjoy and learn about nature.

What better way to “Leave No Trace” than bring back one of the oldest and most eco-friendly ways of camping?

If you never let winter stop you from getting outside, then AllCampgrounds has the great idea you’re waiting for: igloo camping. Sound impossible? It may be easier than you think!

A Little Bit About Igloos

Many folks traditionally associate igloos with Arctic societies like the Inuit of Alaska. It might seem strange that a dwelling made of snow and ice can actually keep you warm, but it’s actually true, and HowStuffWorks has it covered with this article: How an Igloo Works. Igloos are usually used only for hunting purposes, not as homes; but the igloo makes for a surprisingly well-insulated and weatherproof shelter you can learn to make.

What About Igloo Camping?

How to Build an Igloo: The basic form and construction of an igloo are both surprisingly close to how you may imagine it. That said, though, igloo design shares a few important points with all campgrounds: location is everything. Since you probably don’t have a nearby snow field cold or solid enough to cut ice blocks from, you’ll also need plastic boxes or another mold to shape your “bricks” before you get started building.

Camp Igloo: Hearing the pros and cons of igloo camping from real igloo builders will help you figure out whether this is right for you. Naturally, igloos are usually set up in the backcountry, and many areas can only support them in the cold of winter. It’s fairly warm inside, safe to cook, and offers great sleeping conditions … but don’t replace your all weather tent if you want to make frequent trips out. Putting up an igloo is tough work!

Igloo Mania: A thorough piece, beginning with how two friends got started with igloos, and going on to offer an in-depth peek into the world of igloo camping, including a step-by-step narration of the whole construction process. Eight pages of detailed information; how to pick spots, create your igloo, get the most of it, and improve on it. A very interesting article – and it shows how igloo camping can grow on you!

Find that aurora!
Photo by: Brian Stevens (Stock Exchange)

It’s only October, but tent campers know that the best way to get the prime spots at many parks and campgrounds is to plan ahead; and if you’re feeling adventurous this winter, then it’s always best to be prepared!

Yes, while winter sees many camp grounds around the U.S. close down for the season, there are always those that stay open year round. The intrepid tent camper can also look for backcountry adventures – only for the outdoors expert, of course!

Today, AllCampgrounds will review some nifty sites on the web for those who plan to brave the cold and enjoy some winter camping this year.

Winter Camping and Backpacking: From REI’s impressive (and growing!) roster of expert advice comes a great general overview of camping in the snow. You’ll get a big boost from the pre-trip checklist and detailed advice on the best clothing for a cold weather excursion. Also includes a winter camping checklist that’s indispensable for making sure you don’t leave anything out. If you’ve never done any winter camping before, check this first; you won’t regret it, and if there are any areas where you need a little more detail, you can always supplement this guide with another one, such as …

Outdoor Action Guide to Winter Camping: Covering both basic and intermediate topics, this guide goes into a bit more detail on subjects that REI leaves out. You don’t have to know all there is to know about winter camping to do it, but it does have its own special challenges (and potential dangers!) so additional sections on food, winter water, avalanches, snowshoeing, and winter rescue will go a long way toward rounding out your knowledge. Concerned about the fundamentals? You’ll also learn how to properly set up a campsite in winter and maintain your tent. Great for backcountry campers.

Winter Campers: WinterCampers.com is the leading site and community on the internet for people who relish the unique sights and challenges of winter camping. There are a slew of truly intriguing things here, from a huge archive of articles down to a webcam of the Adirondacks, videos, a blog, gear reviews, and tons more. If you want to know everything there is to know about cold-weather camping, and connect with plenty of others who are invigorated by the cold, this is the hub. Even if it doesn’t make your day, you might find it a good place to get your burning questions on the subject answered.
Next time on AllCampgrounds, we’ll be sharing a list of camping destinations all around the U.S. and Canada known for providing exceptional cold-weather and winter camping opportunities. Until then, stay warm, and we’ll see you next Friday.

A young bear
Photo by: Tobias Zierof (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to AllCampgrounds!

Bears are in the headlines again, with a fatal grizzly bear attack at Yellowstone making big news around that park.

The attack took place at Wapiti Lake Trail, known as a trail for backpacking enthusiasts who want to get off the beaten path.

This is the only such bear event at Yellowstone in over 25 years, but it isn’t the only place bears have been spotted lately: at Grand Lake, Colorado, a group of 7th and 8th graders were thankfully unharmed when a bear wandered into their campsite, rummaged through their foodstuffs and helped himself to some granola bars.

This is all despite chaperones taking the right precautions in keeping the food away from the camp!

So, now seems an important time to remind our readers about bear safety.

Here are some resources on AllCampgrounds you can use to prepare for bear encounters:

All About Bears: A quick overview of bears, their habitat, and basic behaviors.

Bears and Camping: Campsite selection and food safety to avoid bear approaches.

Meeting a Bear in the Smokies: What to do if you encounter a bear while camping.

Bears and You: What to do before, during, and after a bear encounter.

The best way to deal with bears is avoid them completely. However, it’s not always possible to keep clear of bears in their habitat, even when you’ve followed every precaution. Lately, there’s been a huge proliferation of bear repellent sprays on the market. Most commercial options are “pepper spray like” and are intended to be used when the bear has already spotted you. Consult with your local camping gear store and get recommendations from other campers before deciding on the right spray for you.

A bear’s sense of smell is very sensitive, and bears are often attracted to scents like food (cooked or otherwise) and animal waste; for that reason, some campers swear by ammonia as a bear repellent. Ammonia cannot (and should not!) be “applied” to the bear; but rags soaked in ammonia or bleach and placed strategically at areas of interest are known to keep mildly interested bears from proceeding into camps. This is a good way to add another layer of protection to your camp grounds, especially if you have children, a pet, or other special reasons to be concerned about wildlife attention.

Not all parks and camp grounds are in bear territory, and a bear attack remains an exceedingly rare event. For the most part, bears do not want to interfere with humans, and the few bear attacks that take place usually involve a mother bear who has been frightened in some way. Nonetheless, be aware of bears and other critters when you camp, whether you’re tent camping or out in your RV. Picking the right site, being careful with “bear bait,” and knowing how to handle an emergency will make that “lightning strike” chance of camping trouble all the less likely.

All that’s missing is bookshelves!
Photo by: Vivek Chugh (Stock Exchange)

Howdy, all!

In today’s AllCampgrounds blog, we’ll provide some more great sites for you to visit and learn even more about tent camping, gear, outdoor activities, and the nationwide camper community that’s out there and waiting to meet you.

Though we try to cover a little bit of everything in AllCampgrounds, we’d be remiss without a little tip of the hat to super-specialized venues around the web.

We hope you find these resources just as valuable as our own site, as they’re some of the best!

Backpacker Magazine: Backpacker is known for its great articles and guides on hiking and backpacking, as the title suggests; but the fun doesn’t end there. In addition to gear, skills, and nature-spotting information that’s great for hikers, you can also find out about great camping destinations and learn a lot of things that will spruce up your tent camping excursions, no matter what you like to do in the great outdoors. After all, just about every great trail is associated with camp grounds, usually a national or state park – and Backpacker’s interactive map lets you pinpoint those terrific trails from your computer.

Camping Life Magazine: Camping Life is the quintessential magazine for everybody, whether your thing is tent camping or RV parks. As you’d expect from a top-flight camping magazine, a big portion of this beefy guide is devoted to the best campground destinations. Features include everything from the exotic to the ordinary: 25 Best Spring Campout Locations, to the finer points of Outfitting an RV, and whether or not to Campsite RSVP. Whether by e-reader or campfire, it’s a great choice for campers!

Family Camping & Canoeroots Magazine: While most of the other outlets on today’s list is way out there in the 21st century – with customized versions for your iPad and iPhone screens. And what will you be seeing on those screens? Canoeroots has a long history of being the premier camping magazine for canoeing enthusiasts. The website makes great use of embedded video and all the latest “new media” to really show you a thing or two, and the online magazine also distinguishes itself in some other ways: it even has a dedicated camping food blog! Whether you want to learn about camping bathrooms or camping pie, the truly diverse Canoeroots has it covered. And if the website is a little too much like watching TV for your tastes, you can still subscribe to the print edition.

RV Life: What would a post like this be without mentioning RV Life, one of the staples in the RV lifestyle? You can even get a print subscription to the magazine – assuming you’re in one place long enough for that! Chock full of information for RV campers in every issue, it has informative columns, articles, and blogs, reviews RV camp grounds and resorts, and tells you all about travel experiences and adventures for you and your rig.

Whitewater rafting fun in Alberta
Photo by: Jeff Mackay (Stock Exchange)

Last time on AllCampgrounds, we got started looking at the thrilling and often challenging world of river rafting. Now that we know the basics of finding a river and a raft – and that you don’t have to bring Jean-Claude Van Damme along to safely work your way through a beginner river – it’s time to look at some basic techniques for navigating that current.

Tips and Tricks for Your First Rafting Trip

Get informed before you go: Not all campsites are right for rafting, but there are thousands of camp grounds around the U.S. and Canada that offer guided trips downriver. For your very first trip out without a guide, you definitely want to select a camp that focuses on its rafting as a main feature, even if only to find out from experienced rafters what kind of challenges you might face around the bend. In many places, you can get handy river guidebooks to study, too.

Make sure everyone is comfortable: When it comes to rafting, there’s safety in numbers, even in well-developed camp grounds. To get the most out of your trip, you’ll need at least a small crew of friends. Make sure everyone is “on the same page” and understands the river, the currents you’ll be up against, and procedures in case of emergency. We’ve all seen the cartoon where one guy on the boat is facing the wrong way – don’t let this be YOUR team on your first time out!

Always start on Class II rivers: It’s a good idea to get some professional instruction in water rescue and emergency response before moving on to Class III river rafting. Besides that, a few good trips on Class II rivers will teach you the vital skills to keep an eye out on what’s ahead and anticipate any trouble, without losing the concentration you need to keep your raft on track. There’s no stop, slow, or reverse on a raft, and even for the best, the decision-making skills take a while to cultivate.

Take things head on: It may seem counterintuitive at first, but the main thing to remember in rafting is that you can’t fight the current. If, in spite of everything, you’re going to hit an obstacle, it’s almost always better to hit it square-on. This reduces the odds that your raft is going to tear, turn, or flip over. And speaking of which, be prepared to (safely!) “abandon ship” if need be, floating downstream with the current to a safe exit point. The best way to do this is on your back, with your legs out in front of you.

Which way?
Photo by: Cheryl Scott (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to your Internet “home on the range” here at AllCampgrounds. As part of our continuing series on the best in hiking, we’re going to hit the trail today and showcase some of the hottest places to go hiking nationwide. Many of these scenic and historic trails are situated convenient to tent camping, and a few are accessible near RV parks and campgrounds, so nobody is left out. The longest, best-maintained trails wend their way through both modern and primitive camp grounds, and include breathtaking scenery that non-hikers just won’t get a chance to enjoy.

Obviously, everyone has their own opinion on what makes a trail memorable, but all of these are classic, unique, and historic; in other words, they’re part of the American landscape. Mountainous trails are preferred by many experienced hikers, but that doesn’t always mean that you have to scale peaks to enjoy a hike through the area. There are many well-established trails through the foothills of famous mountains – though the most strenuous mountain hikes can be dangerous due to weather conditions and heights.

AllCampgrounds Picks: Some World Class Hiking Trails

Appalachian National Scenic Trail: Offering 2,175 miles of publicly-owned footpaths running from Maine all the way down to Georgia, the Appalachian Trail, unlike the Oregon Trail below, is a purpose-made hiking trail. The trail is one of the most expansive around, and stretches across 75 parks and forests in 14 states. Naturally, conditions vary on the trail, and hikers have to be alert to trouble spots, but there are few better opportunities to enjoy truly undeveloped land across such a wide area. Check out the trail map for more information on the route and nearby facilities. On any long Appalachian Trail hike, occasional “town stops” are highly recommended.

Oregon National Historic Trail: The Oregon Trail is one of the major landmarks in American history, leading pioneers westward to the Pacific in search of fortune and freedom. Even those who aren’t history buffs are familiar with the famous Oregon Trail computer game, one of the first popular games ever released. In the real world, today’s Oregon Trail runs over 2,000 miles through six U.S. states, largely through undeveloped territory that holds traces of explorers and adventures of yore. Both short and long hikes are encouraged, but be aware that some segments of the historic trail are in private ownership and may not be accessible.

Yosemite National Park: Half Dome: Yosemite National Park is known as one of the most majestic public spaces in California, and it’s also home to an iconic hike, one of the most challenging anywhere in North America. Permits are required for the Half Dome Day Hike from Friday to Sunday; this journey usually takes about twelve hours and gains almost 5,000 feet in elevation. About 100 “search-and-rescue” operations are conducted every year on the first part of the trail alone; only top hikers with some mountaineering experience can summit Half Dome successfully, though partial hikes are possible for less seasoned hikers. Luckily, Yosemite itself provides plenty of nearby camp grounds for tent camping purposes. Cabins and lodges are also available. Don’t miss the safety video for a blow-by-blow account of the hike!

Presidential Traverse: Definitely not for beginners, the Presidential Traverse is a grueling but highly rewarding trek across New Hampshire’s White Mountains, many of which are named for U.S. presidents. Though definitions vary, most sources agree that a successful Traverse is about twenty miles long, and involves 8,500 feet in elevation gain. The Presidential Traverse is usually attempted in June, when the days are longest and the weather is mild. See the linked FAQ for more on this daunting quest! Also visit White Mountain National Forest for more from the park service in this area.

Evidence of beachfront hiking!
Photo by: Timo Balk (Stock Exchange)

Good to see you again at AllCampgrounds, your premier guide to camping on the web.

You know, in theory nothing could be simpler than hiking: at heart, it’s just walking, set in someplace fun and interesting to be.

Just about all campsites have some kind of hiking opportunity, whether it’s a full-fledged nature trail, a nearby mountain, or a landscaped pathway around the camp grounds.

But as simple as it seems, if you’ve never hiked before or you’re new to camping the best hiking trails, there are a few things you should know.

And, naturally, AllCampgrounds is here to give you the inside scoop.

Hiking: What to Know Before You Go

Pack light, but smart: No matter where you are, tent camping or RV, day or night, winter or summer, one of the major factors in how well you hike is how well you pack. Extra water is a must, but don’t weigh yourself down; you could sap your endurance, slow your progress, and throw off your plans. Bring healthy, energy-packed snacks like trail mix – that’s exactly why it’s called that – and don’t forget first aid supplies just in case. Stop to hydrate whenever you feel even a little thirsty; don’t wait!

Invest in the item that makes the most difference: If you have the wrong footwear, you may not even make it down the trail. Hiking boots are made to cushion your feet and protect your body on uneven trails; sneakers aren’t. If you’re shopping for hiking shoes for the first time, make sure they fit correctly, and “wear them around” before you use them in the outdoors: not just for a few minutes, but several hours, to understand if there are any points of friction. Soon, you’ll know what works for you – and there’s nothing worse than getting a blister on the trail. If you feel discomfort, turn back.

Pick the right trail and know it well: Choosing the right trail is a combination of your experience, endurance, and the natural setting you want to hike in. Obviously, trails in the foothills and mountains are more difficult than trails in the woods, which are more difficult than trails in fields and open areas. There are many “starter” trails maintained in established national parks. The terrain that you choose is going to make a big difference in how long you can stay out; you should always bring a map, compass, and a flashlight in case a hike takes longer than you expect. Consult with weather reports and ranger stations, and be sure you’re “in the know” about any trail challenges.

It pays to be prepared: Keeping point #1 in mind, there are several things you might consider bringing along in case of an emergency. I definitely recommend a first aid kit for unexpected falls or sprains, especially when working on a harder trail or visiting one for the first time. Other helpful items you might consider are matches, a whistle, a knife, extra clothing, and blankets. With practice, it’s possible to “be ready for anything” (within reason!) without overburdening yourself.

In an upcoming AllCampgrounds post, we’ll share more hot tips on hiking enjoyment and safety, and visit some of the wildest, most popular, and most stunning scenic hiking trails around the United States. Until then, campers!

Prairie dogs at rest
Photo by: Thomas Ricks (Stock Exchange)

Today’s AllCampgrounds blog continues our hunt for the wildest, wackiest, most majestic, and most amazing wildlife you can see at parks and camp grounds around the country. So far, we’ve spotted bald eagles and followed the trail of the American bison, known far and wide as the buffalo. Now, we’ll drop in on nature’s latest TV star, the prairie dog. Prairie dogs are fascinating creatures with habits that have intrigued and enticed everyone from your average nature lover to documentary filmmakers. These manic little ground squirrels are private by nature, but there are some places perfect for getting a glimpse of them – and doing some prime tent camping while you’re at it.

Badlands National Park: This park, in South Dakota, is known for its natural “architecture” – 244,000 acres of rock formations ranging from tall, narrow spires to long, flat buttes cut from the land by thousands of years of erosion. Dotted here and there are burrows full of prairie dogs, who coexist in an ecosystem that also includes buffalo, coyotes, foxes, and ferrets, among others. Camping facilities are ample at Cedar Pass and Sage Creek. Cedar Pass contains just shy of 100 level, developed sites, while Sage Creek is for primitive camping, and is free of charge.

Prairie Dog State Park: If you need to go camping quick, then take your search for prairie dogs to Kansas, where they’re so numerous there’s a park named after them – complete with a giant prairie dog statue at the entrance. There are 58 tent sites here, and though all campsites on the grounds include utilities, you can enjoy primitive camping at your discretion. In addition to a whole “town” full of our prairie dog friends, this park is home to a spectacular variety of birds; the lake is a hot spot for bird watchers during migration season. Visit the local birding checklist for details on what you might see!

Wind Cave National Park: South Dakota is the heartland of “prairie dog country”, and Wind Cave National Park gives you the chance to enjoy almost 30,000 acres of grassy plain and pine forests where prairie dogs roam. Of course, these little guys stay out of the cave that serves as centerpiece of adventuring in this particular park, but don’t pass up the chance to do some spelunking with guided cave tours while you’re there. There are over 100 miles of passages to explore, and as the fourth-longest cave in the world, more chambers are discovered all the time. Winds inside can run up to 70 miles per hour!

KOA Devil’s Tower: Found in Wyoming right within spitting distance of Devil’s Tower National Monument, this Kampgrounds of America site caters to all your camping needs. It’s a great jumping off point for touring the grounds of the Tower, since there are no RV hookups at the monument, though tent camping is available. Anyone who knows camping knows you can’t go wrong with KOA offerings, which range from basic tent sites to posh cabins. KOA Devil’s Tower is served by the western-style Longhorn Cafe and is a popular destination for participants in the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Mountain View RV Park and Campground: Mountain View is another pick for the Devil’s Tower area and for visiting the Tower’s robust prairie dog population. Super-sized pull-through RV sites are the norm here, and offer full electric and water hookup. There are also cabins and ample tent camping, which happens to be convenient to the park’s pool. Mountain View accepts discounts from the Good Sam Club, which we learned about in an earlier post on camping discounts.

The American bald eagle, a “rite of passage” for many bird watchers
Photo by: Rob Sylvan (Stock Exchange)

A while back on AllCampgrounds, we got started with a great new series where we’ll show you just where to go to enjoy some of nature’s most spectacular creatures while you enjoy your tent camping or RV camping vacations. We got started with some of the top camp grounds in the nation for seeing bald eagles and other rare and amazing birds, but there’s just one thing missing: a guide to getting started in this fascinating hobby. After all, everybody should be in on the fun. So, we’re going to talk Birding 101 today.

Basic Equipment for Beginning Birders

Virtually all campsites have some bird population, but if you’ve ever tried to “sneak up” on one, regardless of species, you know that getting a good look can be tricky. Some basic equipment and skills can go a long way toward enjoying your birding trek. The first thing you’re going to need is a strong pair of binoculars, and in this case, a good, long-term investment often beats out a bargain. You’ll need to be able to see your quarry clearly from hundreds of feet away, and they have the advantage of flight – low-end binoculars are tempting, but not if you can’t make out the birds!

The other thing you’ll need to get started is a printed field guide to the local birds. Some of the camp grounds we showcased before do offer detailed descriptions and photographs of nearby species, along with their habitat and dietary preferences; but if you plan to identify your finds, you’ll need to carry a birding guide with you out in the great outdoors. A good birding guide will also offer tips to finding the notable birds in your area, state, or region, with full-color illustrations so you know just what you’re looking at. Some smartphone applications can simulate this, but full-sized pictures are best.

Optional equipment includes a bird call – one that sounds like the birds who live in the area, naturally – and a rough-and-ready camera suitable for outdoor photography. Luckily, camera technology is so advanced these days that you probably won’t have to spend too much to get good shots of birds who are relatively close by. There are even some disposable cameras that do pretty good work in full daylight conditions (but forget about night photography or action shots if you go that route.)

Bird Watching Organizations to Help You Get Started

All campsites known for bird watching are bound to have some helpful information for beginners. But if you’re eager to go camping quick and get started right away, consider joining a bird watching organization. These are stacked top to bottom with eager enthusiasts who are always happy to share their hard-won knowledge with newcomers, and professional bird researchers are often involved. Try the American Birding Association, Association of Field Ornithologists, or the National Audubon Society.

This buffalo is ready for his close-up
Photo by: Gabriela Pernecka (Stock Exchange)

One of the most iconic scenes of the American prairie is of the herd of buffalo, some of the most striking and powerful animals out of our shared heritage.

Buffalo, also known as American bison, are the largest land animals in North America and are exclusive to this continent.

In the Old West, the buffalo meant survival to frontier settlers; and as time went on, these giant creatures were nearly hunted to extinction for their meat and hide.

Luckily, the buffalo is one of nature’s great success stories, with a little help from concerned naturalists.

Today, there are camp grounds throughout the Midwest that offer prime opportunities to see the American bison live and in person. Let’s visit a few now.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: This federal nature preserve in Oklahoma is where the buffalo first began to stage its comeback in 1907. The land is kept in an “open range” condition suitable for sightseeing via automobile, and drivers must be extremely aware of the wildlife. Doris Campground provides single-unit and group tent camping, including some “semi-primitive” camp grounds. There are just under 100 sites total, administered wholly on a first-come, first-serve basis. RVs are also permitted, but must meet strict rules on length and occupancy. For info on buffalo sighting, see the American Bison page.

Denver Mountain Parks: The Denver Mountain Parks system in Denver, Colorado is known for maintaining two healthy, vibrant bison herds. Around Interstate 70 or just off Exit 188 on Interstate 25, you’re likely to see full-grown bulls and cows wandering by roadside fences, especially in the fall. There are eighteen parks with ample camp grounds in the Denver system, but the keystone for bison-watchers is Genesee Park. Genesee serves as caretaker to one herd and is the largest mountain park, over 2,400 acres. When you’re not viewing bison, you can enjoy great mountain hiking trails. Daniels Park also keeps a herd, on 1,000 acres with plenty of scenic overlooks.

Terry Bison Ranch: Open all year round in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Terry Bison Ranch offers an RV park and campground as well as plenty of tent camping areas. Bison tours by train and guided trips down local trails by foot or horseback are available every day but Christmas. There’s also a full-service restaurant, The Senator’s Steakhouse and Brass Buffalo Saloon. They sure do know how to eat down in Cheyenne, and one of the weekly staple events is the Sunday lunch train, with beef, chicken, pork, and salmon. The trains not only bring you right through “bison country” – you can also catch sight of goats, donkeys, camels, and plenty of other critters. Extensive photos are available.

Antelope Island State Park: Located on the biggest island in the Great Salt Lake of Utah, Antelope Island State Park is home to 500-700 wandering buffalo depending on the season. Camping is available at the Bridger Bay campground for both tent and RV, and you can make reservations any time of the year. The centerpiece of the island is a working ranch, and guests are encouraged to go on driving “safaris” to see the famous herd.