A tent: home away from home?
Photo by: Ben C. (Stock Exchange)

Good morning, campers! Today on AllCampgrounds we continue our “Camping for Everyone” series with a look at the group that can be some of camping’s toughest customers: children. If you’re a life-long camper, you may be used to roughing it and want your children to appreciate the beauty of nature; but just how to go about it in a media-saturated world where young teens and adolescents send thousands of text messages a month? It can be done! Our handy guide will have your kids camping quick.

Plan a family outing: Unless your child is the adventurous sort and is already interested in “getting away” to summer camp, you should probably introduce camping with a family outing. The outdoors can be pretty strange if you’re not used to it; add to that the stress of being away from home, fitting in with plenty of new kids, and having to unplug and you’ve got a pressure cooker that could distract from what’s really important.

Set some standards: Part of the challenge of getting a modern kid to camp these days is teaching them to unplug. Even in the morning before school and in those little spaces between classes, kids find ways to stay connected with quick text messages and e-mails. Even though many camp grounds offer internet, you’ll want to set standards and boundaries for using it and other high-tech toys. For example, you could set a certain time limit through the day or permit texting only before bed. In any case, be sure the rules you come up with are ones you’re willing to follow yourself!

Bring something from home: This is the flip side of the advice above. Even though you want to give kids the opportunity to get in touch with nature, going slow and being consistent is usually better than going “cold turkey.” An item from home (it needn’t be a cell phone!) that they can enjoy at the end of the day will keep them grounded. As you continue to camp out with your kids, you can set higher expectations for them to be “present” in nature. A handheld game unit might be a good bet (don’t bring the entire game library) or anything else that your child enjoys.

Pick camp grounds “where a kid can be a kid“: When it comes to children, not all campsites are created equal. There are plenty of camp grounds that offer fun low-tech activities for kids, like hayrides and bonfires. Some of these may not be “cool” enough for a savvy youth, but unlike in a residential summer camp, most of the events are optional and parents can get in on the fun too, if desired. One of the best resources for this is Kampgrounds of America. KoA camp grounds are franchised, all adhere to set quality standards, and generally have lots of fun things for young folks to do. If there’s no chance to get “bored”, camping is much more likely to leave a positive impression.

Start small, end big: There’s no reason that you can’t bring the whole family to enjoy the wonders of a place like Yellowstone National Park, or even backcountry camping in a rugged setting. But as a first trip, it might be asking a little much. Smaller trips give kids the chance to learn about nature and outdoor safety in a protected environment. If you start a family tradition of going camping every year or on certain special occasions, it’ll be easier to move up to more and more unspoiled territory, and it’s just possible that everyone will get more out of it, too.



Safety in numbers?
Photo by: Phanuphong Paothong (Stock Exchange)

Welcome, one and all, to the AllCampgrounds.com blog! Today we’ll be talking about one of the most important parts of getting by at all campsites: managing your presence.

We’ll look at a few of the keys to making sure you and your fellow campers leave nature as you found it.

Consider this a review for old hands and a great way for newcomers to camping to learn the ropes.

“Leave No Trace”: Learn It, Live It, Love It

The old dictum has actually been expanded into a pretty useful website on environmental ethics courtesy of The Leave No Trace Center. Of course, it’s not really possible to leave NO trace at all; humans and animals are bound to leave footprints and small signs of passing that no one can control. For everything else, there are a few simple rules that anyone can master …

A Checklist for “Doing Right” by Mother Nature

Know your stuff about foodstuff. Just ask any resident of New York City what happens when an animal species becomes all too familiar with humans and their food: they get surly, demanding, and eventually, aggressive. One of the easiest and most common ways to provoke a negative encounter with wildlife is with improper cooking and storage of foodstuffs.

If you’re cooking in an area where larger animals are known to roam, do it a reasonable distance downwind from your camp. Leftovers and waste should be safely stored in a tamper-proof container that seals tight to prevent scents from attracting animals. Don’t forget that small animals, such as raccoons, can be just as persistent as larger ones about getting into your dinner! Never bury food waste, as many animals can still smell it.

Most importantly, never, ever feed any wild animal.

Be extra vigilant of your dog. The number of camp grounds that allow domestic animals such as dogs and cats is on the rise, and virtually all campsites welcome service animals. But be aware that, no matter how well trained, your dog can agitate the local wildlife if left unchecked. In the wild, your dog answering the “call of nature” could be interpreted as a hostile scent marker, so remove all waste as soon as you can. Likewise, if your animal gets loose, he or she can lead other creatures right back to your campsite, so be sure to leash like you would in any public space.

Don’t disturb or remove anything: It’s fun to observe nature, but if nature is observing you back, you might be too close. Don’t succumb to the temptation to interfere with the local habitat. Even simple parts of the ecosystem like plants, berries, pine cones, and logs have plenty of significance to the creatures that use them for food or nesting. If activities like bird-watching are on your agenda, bring equipment like binoculars and cameras that will allow you to keep a safe distance. Fishing enthusiasts, consider catch-and-release.

Don’t leave anything behind. Be especially sure to double and triple-check your doused fires, ensuring there are no live embers left behind. Smother flames completely with water, sand, or dirt to be completely sure. Take away everything you bring in, and dispose of waste at approved dump sites. Anything that is left behind could act as “signposts” for curious animals, making camp grounds less secure in the future.

At all campsites, awareness and respect are the keys to getting along with nature. Make a little extra effort to know the land, and you might find a second home in the wild that will be “just the way you found it” for years to come.

Mud Lake, Alaska
Photo by: Jeremy Sauskojus (Stock Exchange)

Hello, hello, hello! In today’s AllCampgrounds blog, we cross another state off our list by zooming out to the frozen tundra of Alaska!

Now, unless you’re an Eskimo, your goal will probably be to camp in what passes for summer in this icy region, but rest assured there’s phenomenal natural beauty for you to enjoy when you do.

There’s also some of the greatest trout fishing anywhere in the world.

The Camping Scene: Basic Info, Common Precautions

Alaska has over 100 park units and 2,500 camp grounds to choose from. Overnight camping fees of $10 to $20 a night are fairly standard in these parks, but so are outdoor toilets, well water, fire pits, and fire wood. Virtually all campsites operated by public entities are within a short distance of lakes or streams. Alaskan camp grounds are just as well-maintained as those in other states, but do have some unique issues to be aware of thanks to the harsh climate.

Naturally, the most serious issue facing campers in Alaska is the cold. Frostbite and hypothermia can set in quickly, and you need to be prepared. Brush up on your winter camping skills. Though the Alaskan summer isn’t as fierce in some places, it can still hold surprises. Dress in layers, but be aware that overdressing can slow your reaction time and cause you to sweat, actually having the opposite effect you intended. Stay hydrated and keep the body, including the head and hands, well covered.

Backcountry campers also have to be aware of bears and avalanches. Remember that in Alaska, the wild frontier is always a lot closer than it may seem. Only experienced frontierspeople should really “go primitive” around here!

Tent Camping, RV Camping and More in Alaska

Want to go camping quick? It’s not hard to find camp grounds even a short distance from major population centers like Anchorage and Fairbanks. This is only a quick overview: we’ll come back for more in a future post. Alaska covers a huge territory; it’s sparsely populated and full of chances for exploration.

Eklutna Lake in Chugach State Park: Offering 50 tent camping sites in the Eklutna Lake Valley, beneath the majestic peaks of the Chugach Mountains, this site offers up to 15 consecutive days of camping. In addition to all the great water sports you can enjoy, be prepared to spot moose on the lakefront. Mountain goats and other, less hospitable critters such as bears and wolves inhabit the backcountry.

Tok River Recreation Site: Sad to say, you can’t find RV space just anywhere in Alaska, but Tok River offers ten sites for motorhomes. Great riverboating, a public campfire area, telephone access, and a “camping bathroom” round out the facilities.

Kenai Fjords National Park: For camping right on the Gulf of Alaska, try Kenai Fjords. This national park offers fully-featured boat tours and kayaking. With the help of a ranger, you can enjoy a walking tour that brings you up close and personal with Exit Glacier. During the winter, the closed Exit Glacier Road provides a wonderful space for winter sports like skiing and sledding. Be aware of the black bears!

You just can’t get away with writing about Alaska without mentioning the fishing scene. During prime fishing season, thousands of hardcore enthusiasts descend on Alaska every year to do battle with record salmon, halibut, and trout. A lot of the top fishing takes place in the Kenai Peninsula region, above, but there are plenty of spots to choose from.

Klutina Salmon Charters and Campground: This place offers full-service charter fishing for king and red salmon on Klutina River along with camping for tents and RVs with full electrical hookups. Well water, picnic tables, fire pits, and dump stations are available, along with rental cabins.

Alaska is so enormous, it would take a month of posts to crack into it region-by-region. Hopefully, though, this is enough to spark the imagination of our pioneering AllCampgrounds readers. Next time, a change of weather and another terrific camping destination. Until then, my friends, time to make camp!

Niagara Falls
Photo by: jnystrom (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to AllCampgrounds. In today’s adventure, we’ll be seeking out the finest camp grounds for getting a glimpse of one of North America’s most storied natural wonders: Niagara Falls, which you can visit from New York or Ontario. These massive waterfalls account for thousands of feet of water movement per second, and offer some of the most striking natural vistas anywhere on the continent. Though I wouldn’t recommend going over them in a barrel, you’ll definitely want to go camping close by!

The Best Camp Grounds on the Falls

Everyone has heard of Niagara Falls, so let’s focus on the local camp grounds …

Niagara Falls Campground and Lodging: At only six miles from the Falls, you can’t ask for a better site. There are plenty of LARGE, full hookup RV spaces offering 50, 30, and 20 amp service, as well as some tent sites. With taxi and plenty of rental cars available, you can make the short hop to Niagara any time.

Niagara County Camping Resort: Comes with pull-through RV and tent camping on 64 acres of prime rustic land. There’s also a beach, two ponds offering fishing and swimming, and even a free petting zoo. The resort is 22 miles from Niagara, and very affordable. Plenty of activities available for both kids and adults.

Niagara Falls KOA: For convenient access to the Falls, you can’t go wrong with KOA camp grounds. Situated a scant ten minutes from Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls KOA offers the usual full complement of great features for the whole family: indoor swimming, laundry and restroom facilities, games, and more. You can also book tours of the area conveniently from your KOA space.

Seeing the Falls Up Close: Local Attractions

Usually, we don’t talk much about “attractions” per se, because the land is the attraction. But in this case, the Falls themselves being a major tourist phenomenon, it’s important to know a few things about getting eye to eye with them. Many of the best opportunities around the Falls require a ticket and some planning, even if you’re camping out.

Maid of the Mist: Offering a one-of-a-kind boat tour of Niagara Falls, the Maid of the Mist takes passengers around American Falls and Bridal Veil, concluding with a close-up view of Horseshoe Falls. You can take the tour starting on either the Canadian or U.S. side of the Falls and return to your point of departure at the end.

Cave of the Winds: The one and only way to reach out and touch the Falls from right within, this tour brings you down into Niagara Gorge and through to the famous “Hurricane Deck” where visitors are only 20 feet from the waters of Bridal Veil Falls. The decks are equipped for adults, children, and the handicapped.

Top of the Falls at Niagara State Park: After that kind of adventure, you might want to sit down for a simple bite to eat. Niagara delivers with the Top of the Falls Restaurant, located on Goat Island and offering a breathtaking view of Horseshoe Falls from one of its many decks.

Woods Canyon Lake in N. Arizona
Photo by: Margaux Sherman (Stock Exchange)

“Camping for Everyone” is a new feature here on the AllCampgrounds blog, intended to help spread the joys of camping to folks who have special concerns or interests in the outdoors.

Though not all campsites are for everybody, there are great camping experiences to be had no matter your level of wilderness savvy; this series will highlight tips and tricks for those outside the “hardcore” camping demographic.

Your Business Doesn’t Stop When You Go Outdoors

If you’re a small or mid-size business owner, you know that you can’t just get up and go out into the woods whenever you want. You are the show; once you’re gone, the show stops. How can you balance your responsibilities with your urge to commune with the wild, and still get maximum enjoyment out of your trip? Here are some thoughts.

First and foremost, try to schedule time when you can unplug. It might go without saying, but I know there are some real workaholics out there (I’m one of them!) so I’ll emphasize: If you possibly can, you’ll have a much better experience if you can schedule time to really can focus on relaxing and being present in the moment. The same is true of camp grounds or luxury hotels. But if you really can’t …

Be aware that many camp grounds offer WiFi. I’ve made plenty of jokes about this in the past, but it’s true that many, though not all campsites offer fairly good quality wireless internet service. You can schedule time to check your email or take care of other common tasks that way, assuming you have a laptop (if you don’t have one, get one; it complicates airports a little, but you’ll be glad you have one after you’ve enjoyed a few trips you “just don’t have time for.”)

To find camp grounds with quality WiFi worldwide, check Camp Wireless.

Know that there are cool camping gadgets for just about anything. You shouldn’t go far into the country without some basic wilderness knowledge, of course; but if your goal is to “get there fast, then take it slow”, rubbing two sticks together might not be for you. That’s okay! Mankind has risen to nature’s challenges for thousands of years using one important element: our tools. And the newest firesteel is just as good as fire-by-friction; heck, my friend the former Eagle Scout tells me today’s Boy Scouts use these.

Pare down your duties to the minimum; delegate or wait on everything else. If you’re a one-person show, there’s not much delegating you can do. But before you bring a laptop on a trip, check your phone plan. Will it cover you where you’re headed? If not, or if roaming might be a problem, dump your expensive iPhone for a day and go with a basic pre-paid phone geared to the area you’ll be visiting. This can also help keep you safe, without the temptation to act like you’ve moved your office into the woods for a week. And that means you’ll get much more satisfaction from your journey.

There are campsites around the country and the continent to suit every taste, and AllCampgrounds is here to help you find them. If you’ve got an experience to share, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. “Camping for Everyone” will continue soon, along with our usual slew of great reviews, tips, and information. Thanks for reading!

The Florida Everglades
Photo by: Robert S. Flaum (Stock Exchange)

Welcome to today’s AllCampgrounds blog. In this edition we’ll be exploring a topic near and dear to me, tent camping in Florida; specifically, camping opportunities in the fascinating Florida wetlands known as the Everglades. Home to the iconic Florida alligator, this “river of glass” encompasses miles of sawgrass prairie in the southern part of the state. A national park protects about a quarter of the total land, just over one and a half million acres, and provides fantastic camping opportunities. Other camp grounds can be found around Everglades City and Florida City, both nearby.

Camp Grounds and Backcountry Camping in a World Heritage Site

The Everglades area is one of the most important natural environments in the U.S., and is a prominent feature of local politics. Airboats are no longer allowed in the protected region thanks to the potential for disturbing the local wildlife, and RV camping facilities are relatively limited. However, there are hundreds of sites for tent camping available year-round. The in-season runs from December to April, during Florida’s brief, dry winter, when mosquitoes are less likely to be troublesome.

From May to November, intense thunderstorms and heat reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit prevent all but the most avid adventurers from visiting the park, which offers limited services during that time. Animals such as the Florida panther roam freely, making it especially important to understand the unique features of the land. Raised, Native American-inspired “chickees” are used in areas where camping on dry land is impossible, but expert navigational skills are needed to get from site to site. No fires are allowed on chickees or ground sites, and you’ll need a free-standing tent.

Though airboats are no longer permitted, motorboats are still allowed in most Everglades waterways. Canoeing and kayaking is also available, but even skilled paddlers need to realize the weather can put a real crimp in your plans. If it’s your first trip, come “overprepared” and with modest expectations. Better yet, choose a short stay in one of the park’s beach sites, which offer a little more comfort than the average wet-sites: though there is no “camping bathroom”, there are few insects and only one wildcard, the tides. You’ll also be able to build fires as long as they’re below the high tide line.

Campsites and Exploration Opportunities Around the ‘Glades

Not all campsites in the Everglades area are on public land. There are other options, including RV camps, fishing, and airboating outside national park grounds. Everglades Holiday Park is one good option, especially if you want to get “up close and personal” with the Florida gator. There are 36 sites for tent camping and 100 “deluxe” RV sites.

Glades Haven Cozy Cabins is a great way to establish a long-term “base” for a few short excursions into the Everglades. With 17 full-sized cabins offering stove, refrigerator, screened-in porches, and climate controlled rooms, you’ll have a great jumping off point for Everglades adventures; especially since you also get access to a private dock and ample boat rental. Fishing guides and sightseeing tours are also available.

The Everglades isn’t an easy place to camp, but it is truly unique, and one of the best ways to get a glimpse of “true” prehistoric creatures. If you stick with it and give yourself time to master the ins and outs, it can be one of the most satisfying tent camping experiences out there. Just be sure to follow the golden rules of camping: “know before you go” and “leave no trace.”

Polihale Beach, on the west coast of Kauai, Hawaii
Photo by: Gregory Runyan (Stock Exchange)

Aloha, everybody! On today’s AllCampgrounds blog we’ll be camping another of the 50 states as we look to get the low-down on all campsites in Hawaii. Tourists, surfers, and adventurers visit Hawaii’s pristine beaches every year to enjoy beautiful sand and crystal clear waves; but did you know there’s also a tent camping scene there? Amazing, but true; there are over a dozen sites around the Big Island, with several more dispersed across the rest of the land that makes up Hawaii. Now, I’m not going to lie to you; camping in Hawaii can be a tiny bit complicated. That’s why, as far as this post goes, I’m going to make sure you have all the info and resources you need to get started.

Parks & Camping on the Big Island is the first stop. It’ll tell you about the camping permit situation and other things you need to know when you’re selecting camp grounds on the Big Island. It’ll also link you to the state’s convenient permitting system, as you’ll need to get one before you can camp at most sites in the state. You can also get a quick run-down of the state parks and their features here.

Alternative Hawaii has a breakdown of regulations and descriptions of the state parks, national parks, county parks, and state forest reserves that Hawaii offers. You can find information on tenting or renting cabins from here, and it’s definitely informational enough to get you rolling, even though rules vary from island to island and site to site.

Now, if you’ve been reading along with these links so far, you might be thinking: “Yeesh! You REALLY have to know your stuff to go camping in Hawaii! Isn’t there any way to make this simpler?” Thankfully, there is. Things are a little bit more copasetic when you take a look at privately owned camp grounds. But, Hawaii being Hawaii, there are relatively few to choose from! Let’s look at a few …

Arnott’s Lodge offers a “BYOT” (bring your own tent!) lawn for tent camping. It’s only $10 per person, and includes your very own outdoor “camping bathroom” and hot showers, as well as access to other amenities. But what Arnott’s is really famous for is their expeditions, including close-up lava viewing, scuba diving trips, and star-gazing at the Mauna Kea Volcano 14,000 feet above sea level. These treks are designed for experienced hikers, and based on similar adventures in Australia and New Zealand.

Camp Olowalu is another option. It offers 36 sites for tent camping, with enclosed cool water showers, portable bathrooms, and a sink with drinkable water. For a more convenient travel experience, you can rent full kit from the camp, so you don’t have to lug all of your usual gear back and forth (though, if you’re like me, you’re too fond of the “old faithful” not to!). There are some reports of dolphin sightings around this camp …

Let’s say you’ve seen the above and you’re not quite impressed. If you want to brave camping on public land in Hawaii, you’ve got a lot of fantastic options that more than make up for a little bureaucracy. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has two drive-in sites and requires no permits (though there’s also no reservations!). Tenting is in vogue here, though cabins are also available at the Volcano House Hotel.

There’s also Haleakala National Park, occupying the slopes and subalpine forest around the dormant Haleakala Volcano on the island of Maui. Though camping permits are required, there is no additional fee, and this is a perfect spot for campers who want their experience wild and “primitive.” To get more details, visit this third-party guide to Haleakala.

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful states, and as campers know: if you haven’t camped it, you haven’t seen it! Stick to your guns and don’t let a little extra regulation scare you away: the thrill is worth it. Aloha!

Could this be paradise?
Photo by: Benjamin Earwicker (Stock Exchange)

Hello and good morning to all! Hope you’re ready and raring to go with more great camping info as we move on to a whole new frontier in campgrounds, Illinois.

This northern state is a little bit unusual in that almost three-fourths of the entire population lives in the northeast, principally around Chicago.

That leaves a great deal of this nearly 58,000 square mile landmass relatively sparse, and there are plenty of great places for tent camping, RV camping, and more dotted around the landscape.

One of the most beloved camping areas in the state is the national park with the funniest name, Kickapoo State Recreation Area. The park is one of the most versatile you can find. With hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and even scuba diving, Kickapoo is a real natural wonderland. Kickapoo includes two large camp grounds for tent and trailer, with 184 sites total. However, sites cannot be reserved in advance at Kickapoo, so be aware of possible scheduling issues during peak season.

Kickapoo is especially amazing when you consider the park’s history: as far as anyone knows, it is the first U.S. park to be built on strip mined land. Over the last half-decade, nature has literally reclaimed the damaged areas; lush, green vegetation has filled in the industrial scars and retaken the ponds. Amazing! The park’s rangers and well-wishers are rightly proud of this, and you can be, too.

For a change of pace, try out Mendota Hills Campground. With three fishing lakes and one for swimming on 130 acres of land, it offers all the fun you could want on water, with a few bonus features besides. There’s a driving range for you golf enthusiasts, a basketball court, regular tournaments for horseshoe players, and dances in the “activity barn.” There’s also a bunch of activities for the kids, including a desserts-only potluck held once a year (maybe because that’s how long it takes them to get off the sugar kick!)

Only a little over an hour from Chicago, Troll Hollow Campground boasts one of the most close-knit camping communities in the state. Opened in 1972 and operated by the Jacobsen family ever since, many of the regulars have been around for a large part of THC’s nearly 40-year history. Not only does it offer a great seasonal camping value, but it’s conveniently located to restaurants, public golf courses, and a number of state parks.

Right on the Kishwaukee River, Blackhawk Valley Campground has 130 sites for motorhomes, and tents, offering water and electric, pull-through, and back-in full hook-up options. Open April through October, Blackhawk Valley publishes its itinerary of fun year-round activities on its website. On the agenda for 2010 is a mini-golf tournament, hay-rides, “Christmas in July”, and a whole bunch more.

This is really only a quick glimpse of what’s on offer for campgrounds Illinois. We’re bound to look at more parks and campsites around Illinois in the coming days; we also have Hawaii, Alaska, and plenty of other great locales on the agenda. Be sure to drop by the AllCampgrounds blog for the latest on camping destinations and tips! We’ll see ya real soon …

Beaver Pond
Photo by: Pamela Anne (Stock Exchange)

Welcome one and all to AllCampgrounds, the best site on the web for info on camp grounds, nature travel, parks and more!

To kick off our journey through some of the greatest parks and camp grounds in the U.S., I thought we would visit the world famous Yellowstone Park.

Everybody has heard of it – it even inspired “Jellystone Park” of Yogi Bear fame – but do you know what makes it so special? You will after our virtual visit!

The Start of Something Great: The World’s First National Park

Sprawling across over two million acres of untouched land in northern Wyoming and two other states, Yellowstone has the distinction of being the first national park in the world. It was signed into being in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant and has been a national institution ever since, becoming known around the globe as one of the last true wildernesses. It includes sites like Yellowstone Lake and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone forged by the Yellowstone River. It’s also revered for its geysers and hot springs; especially “Old Faithful”, known for spraying water over a hundred feet in the air every hour or two since it was first discovered. Old Faithful is so punctual that when the park was “young”, it was often used to launder clothes! Nowadays, it’s part of a protected Historic District along with the Old Faithful Inn.

It’s no surprise so many campers flock to this natural wonderland each year.

Tent Camping and RV Camping Grounds in Yellowstone

As the world’s premier destination for campers, Yellowstone offers something for everyone. There are literally hundreds of camp grounds and lodging sites to choose from, especially in the confluence of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park nearby. Camping is always “in season” here, though options change with the weather.

There are twelve camp sites within the park itself, seven operated by the National Park Service. But since these are “first come, first serve” they can tend to fill up quickly when the weather is nice during the peak Memorial Day to Labor Day season. Luckily, you just can’t run out of options when it comes to Yellowstone.

Grand Teton RV Resort is fairly representative of the kind of place RV campers will find in great abundance around the Yellowstone area. In addition to 50 amp RV hookups and tent camping sites, it has a variety of cabins to suit your taste, and amenities like showers, laundromat, supplied firewood, a grocery store and a video arcade. Snowmobile rentals are available in the winter.

Yellowstone Holiday Lodges has cabins, RV sites, and even its own marina on the shores of Hebegen Lake. Hebegen offers opportunities for fishing rainbow and brown trout, and the full-service marina supports all the waterskiing and sailing you could desire. Its environs are also great for bird-watching, and only a cool fifteen minutes from the outer edges of the Park – making this one of the most convenient options.

Yellowstone Park KOA is the local offering from the famous “kamping” franchise. In addition to the usual complement of cabins, cottages, RV hookups and tenting grounds, it includes an indoor pool, hot tub, and amazingly, “homemade fudge.” Who knew?

Xanterra Parks and Resorts operates camp grounds at four different sites within the park. Of their sites, only Fishing Bridge, an RV area, offers water and sewer. Bear in mind that within the Park itself, overnight camping outside of designated areas is not allowed.

Not that I’d suggest you shouldn’t take full advantage of Yellowstone camping, but don’t forget you can also spend some time at Old Faithful Inn. The Inn dates back to 1903 and has over 300 guest rooms. In the winter, guests shift to the Old Faithful Winter Lodge. Check out this review from Frommer’s Travel Guides to learn a little more.

Well, folks, that’s Yellowstone, and we can put a pin in Wyoming, though we haven’t seen everything it has to offer just yet. We’ll hit the road and continue our journey to more great sites (and great sights!) in the next AllCampgrounds blog.

Moonrise in Tonto National Forest Photo by: Lisa Langell (Stock Exchange)

Howdy, all, and welcome back to your source for all things camping, AllCampgrounds.

From yesterday’s discussion about national parks, I wanted to dig in deeper and talk with you about the great camp grounds around national forests.

These huge, densely wooded areas are home to complex ecosystems and plenty of wildlife, and spending a few nights in one is a unique experience not to be missed.

All About National Forests

There are over 150 national forests in the United States, covering just under 200 million acres. Use of the national forests for timber, mining, and other industrial purposes is permitted, but there’s also a long tradition of balancing these uses with the needs of people to connect with the land and the protection of animal habitats. The forests are closely linked with America’s frontier heritage, after all: the vast majority are west of the Mississippi, and represent what remains of the land as Old West pioneers found it.

Things to Know About National Forest Camp Grounds

National forests are protected by the National Forest Service. Reservations for camp grounds in these forests can be made online or by telephone using Recreation.gov, part of a comprehensive initiative to make access to pubic land and rec facilities a little easier for everybody. Note that a national forest’s camp grounds can’t usually be booked to capacity; about half of the available sites in each forest are considered “first come, first serve.”

Pets are welcome in national forests as long as they are leased and under the control of an owner at all times. Tent camping is permitted in most areas at a prescribed distance from paths and trails, and some forests even have RV hookups, though this isn’t as widespread as in other kinds of parks. The key thing to remember is that damaging any live tree is always prohibited, and national forests, even moreso than national parks generally, are extremely sensitive to fire, which may only be allowed at developed sites.

Most developed sites have at least one outhouse, for those who appreciate a “camping bathroom.”

A Few Outstanding National Forests

George Washington National Forest, Virginia: Combined with the Jefferson National Forest to form one of the largest public wild spaces in the U.S. Including about a million acres of pristine, undeveloped land, Washington is the site of several endurance races along its vast network of hiking trails, and is a flush habitat for black bears.

Sequoia National Forest, California: Home to almost 40 groves of the world’s largest tree, the giant sequoia, which can grow up to nearly 300 feet. Though there are a scant few taller trees, none can match the diameter of the giant sequoia. Tucked away in southern Cali, Sequoia National Forest and its surroundings also play host to avid winter sporting. Skiing is especially popular here. Learn more about the park and its activities here.

Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri: Offering a huge range of hiking trails, bike paths and even horse trails, as well as ATV and handicapped accessible areas, Mark Twain stretches across the most counties of any national forest. Hunting and fishing is allowed throughout most of MTNF, and non-hunters can enjoy creeks and mountains stretching on mile after mile. Look here for more info on camping and wilderness areas at MTNF.

This is just a taste of all that the national forests have to offer, and we’ve only just scratched the surface of the modern camping scene and all its opportunities for fun and adventure. We’ll continue our quest to learn about all campsites in the U.S. in the next installment of our blog!