Love nature, but not looking to “rough it?” Glamping may be for you
Photo by: Robert Linder (Stock Exchange)

Welcome to AllCampgrounds!

Today’s continuation of the “Camping for Everyone” series will shine a spotlight on “glamorous” camping destinations and the style of high fashion camping called “glamping.”

Thinking about camping, most folks might envision the traditional campfire get together – or, perhaps less enticingly, the idea of “roughing it” with hardcore survival skills, far from civilization. (That’s what we would call “primitive camping,” by the way, and there’s an article for that, too.)

Well, if neither of these appeal to you, you might enjoy the opposite of primitive camping – glamping.

“Glamping” is camping without roughing it. Luxury tents and cabins are the norm for glampers, who stay at campsites being called “the hip hotels of camping.”Even Wall Street Journal – not a publication one usually associates with camping tips – informs business mavens that Glamping: Its Time Is Coming. That’s some endorsement! AllCampgrounds believes everybody should get to enjoy the outdoors in the way that’s right for them, just as long as everyone is respectful of nature; so here are some resources to get started.

Now, be aware that glamping is still largely a UK phenomenon, and there are a lot of international campsites and camp grounds offering “glam” accommodations, but not as many in the U.S. as one might expect. Glamping Girl is a good place to start for glamping tips and some local and global campsites. Go Glamping is the source for information in the United Kingdom, though it also has many U.S. and mainland properties in its directory. Many Kampgrounds of America franchises also offer fully stocked cabins and what many would consider glamorous camping accommodations: check the KOA campground directory to find a KOA in your area.

The Today Show’s Luxury Travel guide highlights Top 10 Luxury Camping Trips, including global and local picks. Among these is The Resort at Paws Up, in Montana. There’s also Global Expeditions, likewise based in Montana, which provides a full complement of seasonal luxury camping properties and private campsites adjacent to major national parks. Of course, not all campsites will be set up for glamping, but with more people getting involved in glamping, maybe it’s only a matter of time before campers can choose freely between “roughing it” and all the comforts of home for their camping vacation. So far, the Great Plains is emerging as the States’ premier glamping region!

Anyone can enjoy camping with help from AllCampgrounds!
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Welcome back to AllCampgrounds! The weather is heating up, and we hope you’ve been enjoying your local camp grounds and RV parks so far! Over the last few weeks, we’ve talked about how to save gas on camping trips and revealed that camping makes you happier. We also talked about budget cuts at national parks and how you can help your local tent camping grounds and RV parks to keep kicking. This time around, I want to review one of AllCampground’s special features, “Camping for Everyone,” that can help you come up with unique camping ideas to suit the tastes of your whole group.

So far, we’ve featured …

Primitive Campers: Primitive camping is all about getting out to the “backcountry” where few amenities are available and shelters often rely on natural conditions. Backcountry campers tend to have highly developed outdoor survival skills, and a successful trip out to the backcountry relies on proper planning. Know yourself and your camp grounds well, and this can be some of the most rewarding camping experiences!

Tech Enthusiasts: More and more tent camping areas are including complimentary Wi-Fi access, and this has been a common feature around RV parks and campgrounds for a while. This means tech savvy smartphone and tablet owners can use their favorite apps to enhance their trip: check the weather, find the right trail, even identify the local wildlife with a point and click. If unplugging to camp sounds like a nightmare, you now have plenty of ways to improve your camping with technology!

Writers and Artists: If you’re the creative type, you’ll find that camping has long been a pastime for writers and artists who want to get together in a quiet, supportive place to do their thing in good company. “Writing retreats” typically include modest cabins for shelter and provide picturesque views, trails, and lakes to help inspire you. There may be scheduled activities like readings and workshops, and famous authors have been known to attend retreats to provide one-on-one encouragement.

Business Owners: If you really want to go camping, but you can’t set aside the day-to-day responsibilities of your small or home-based business, complimentary Wi-Fi might be only step one. If you need access to a printer, fax machine, or other amenities, look for a camping area with a “business center” – or one that’s associated with a hotel or resort where you can make infrequent trips to get the latest info from back home.

Children: Kids love lots of fun stuff to do: camping pie, hay rides, bonfires, and all the other traditional events we associate with all campsites. One of the best places to ensure a safe, varied, and social experience for young children is to check out your local Kampgrounds of America. This is a highly respected, family-oriented franchise with tight quality controls, and KOAs often feature a terrific mix of outdoorsy amenities and ultra-modern conveniences, including fully stocked cabins with “everything.” Check out the KOA campground directory in that post to find the Kampgrounds nearest you.

Glampers: Our next installment will focus on “glamping,” luxury camping for those who want a “glamorous” outdoor experience in some of the most picturesque international locales. Glamping is popular with eco-tourists and jetsetters, and is about as far from “primitive” camping as you can get. Here at AllCampgrounds, we believe there’s no “wrong” way to camp, as long as you stay safe and respect nature. So tune in next time for a little more on this unique camping phenomenon.

Not quite the setting for primitive camping!
Photo by: Dave Hierbert (Stock Exchange)

In today’s conclusion to our Camping For Everyone series, we discuss “primitive” camping. While most of our posts on this theme have been for newcomers to tent camping, primitive camping is advanced; it literally means camping in the wilderness in an area that hasn’t been settled or prepared for it. Most primitive camping takes place in large national and state parks, but far from established camp grounds. Though primitive camping isn’t the same as going back to cave days, it does mean going “off the grid” and exercising serious camping skills. (Sorry, RV campers – most RV resorts and campgrounds don’t offer the primitive experience!)

Here are a few tips for getting ready and getting the most from primitive camping.

Train up to it: Primitive camping usually starts with a fairly long trek to your proposed camp grounds. In fact, it really starts with packing up all of the things you’ll need to see to your personal and safety needs way off the beaten track. Both of these necessities are best handled if you already have hiking and backpacking experience. A few excursions in challenging terrain will help you know your limits and, just as importantly, teach you what you need out there and what you can safely leave behind. Speaking of which …

Prepare well: Get ready for a primitive camping trek as if you’re on a real expedition to uncharted territory. Your usual equipment for tent camping is a good place to start, but you might have to upgrade some things, particularly your shelter. A weather-capable, “rugged” one-person tent is essential. Also look at other useful tools like a water filtration system and a set of cast iron cookware for camping, such as products made by Coleman. A good water filter will make it easier and easier to get all the water you need in the wild; for examples, check out the selection from Camping World.

Find a group: Because of the challenges of primitive camping, you should never go it alone. Find a group of experienced camping enthusiasts, preferably including someone who’s familiar with the area you want to camp in. Though you’ll also have to divide rations and other essentials among each person, you’ll also have extra sets of eyes and ears to make sure that you don’t miss anything, and just as importantly, that you put it all together in a way that’s helpful, safe, and doesn’t slow down your team. Consider sharing the preparation work, too; for example, wireless signals can be awfully weak in the wild, so make sure someone has checked the weather and spoken with the local ranger station. Always make sure local rangers or other authorities know your off-grid camping plans!

An indispensable camping tool?
Photo by: Yasin Öztürk (Stock Exchange)

Greetings from AllCampgrounds!

You know, while writing for this blog I’ve made my fair share of jokes about the free wireless internet trend at camp grounds everywhere you look – but this time, I’m going to “flip the script” and talk about how you can use your smartphone to enhance your camping experience.

No fooling; while I still don’t think it’s quite as fun to bring a laptop on a camping trip, I recently became the owner of a fancy mobile phone that seems like it can do just about anything.

And since free WiFi is the norm in so many natural spaces nowadays, including RV parks and campgrounds, KOA sites, and even state parks, your super phone can help you do some great things even out in the wilderness.

Your Modern Cell Phone as Camping “Multitool”

Now, let me preface my remarks by saying this isn’t an endorsement of one phone over another; any phone with “apps” will serve for the advice here. This is AllCampgrounds, not AllCellphones, so I’ll stay neutral on the spirited debate over which platform or similar application is better. Instead, I’d like to give you a few starting points; things to look for next time you pull up your smartphone’s “market” feature and hunt for cool new things to download. Plenty of apps are useful for campers, particularly in the backcountry.

Mapping and GPS tools: Many next-gen smartphones come with built-in GPS, mapping, and navigational features. You can use these to get around in the backcountry a little more reliably than the ol’ “moss on a tree” method, and go a bit further from civilization with fewer worries. If that doesn’t appeal to you, some phones can even approximate a compass, or even help you plot a course by the stars.

Weather and trail conditions: Weather can turn on a dime, and sudden changes in conditions can lead to rockslides, snow-ins, and floods that might make trails and remote roads impassable. Even if you don’t plan on doing anything more strenuous than some tasty outdoor grilling, checking the weather before making plans for the day can save a lot of time. In a public park? You can keep in contact with the ranger station website for the latest up-to-date news, animal sightings, and trail info.

Getting in touch with nature: Not so long ago when we talked about bird watching, I emphasized how important it is to have a good field guide to birds so you can identify your finds. A printed guide is always useful, but if your signal is strong, you can substitute a smartphone app – though I wouldn’t trust today’s smartphone cameras to take really good nature shots (that’s just me). Taking this a little further, you can find out about trees, plants, animals and natural habitats when you see them.

Trip planning and budgeting: Discount camping clubs are growing, especially when it comes to RV camping parks. Some of these clubs have already developed their own smartphone apps. These programs can not only help you get from point A to point B conveniently, they can also tell you where to find discount camping at every stop along the way. Not all RV camp grounds are cost-effective, so this is a great way to stretch your dollar further while still enjoying everything the RV life has to offer.

Keeping Your Smartphone Alive and Well on the Trail

Naturally, you’ll have to make a few allowances for your trusty companion when you’re out in nature. A weatherproof case or belt holster is a good start. Also be sure to bring at least one backup battery, and if you expect harsh weather or backcountry conditions, be sure the batteries are packed dry and tight to avoid damage. Last, but not least, always have a “plan B”: your signal can cut out at any time, even using an external signal booster. A smartphone is a great tool, like any tool you might bring to the wild – but there’s no substitute for knowledge and experience when the unexpected happens!

An inspiring view from Davis Canyon, Utah
Photo by: Erik Marr (Stock Exchange)

Hello, everybody, and welcome back to AllCampgrounds!

In this continuation to our “Camping for Everyone” series, we’ll talk about camping opportunities especially for writers and artists. Now, this might seem a little odd at first; why can’t these folks go camping anywhere? And, of course, they can. But one of our goals is to show non-campers that “special” camping experience for them, one that can help them proudly say that camping is a hobby. For those with a creative spirit, that opportunity is waiting!

Do you know your options? They may not be as prevalent as they once were, but “retreats” are not unknown in the world of the creative. Writing groups in particular often organize retreats for small groups of members to go out into the wilderness (for varying definitions of “wilderness”) and share the creative process together for a while. There are several companies serving small and group retreats like this, often with tent camping and cabin facilities. Check out Venture Retreat Center for an example.

What do you” need” to create? If you’re going on a trip you hope will be creatively fruitful, don’t forget to bring the right tools for the job. For artists, this may mean paints or pens or clay or whatever you need to work in your medium; for writers, it can mean anything from a large notebook to an antique typewriter to a laptop. Be aware of how much space you need and your accommodations; do you need to pack your supplies in a sealed, weather-proof container? If you’re writing, will you be able to work longhand or do you need batteries or other equipment? Will your supplies “hold out” for the duration of the trip? How will you get the final product home without damaging it?

Social or solitary? The traditional “artists’ retreat” has been a social event, but it’s up to you whether this is your best option. In all campsites, there are many degrees of social or solitary behavior to choose from. You may select a lone cabin or one in a small group; if tent camping, you may pitch near plenty of “neighbors” or go deep into the backcountry. The only caveat is that nature can and will intrude the further away you get from modern, developed sites. If you need monk-like solitude at will (and many creators do!) then look for sophisticated franchise campsites such as Kampgrounds of America. These provide modern conveniences and plenty of privacy in a wild setting.

Now or later? Ask yourself if you’re planning to do your creating during your trip, or just let the beauty of nature inspire you to work on your projects once you get home. If you can hold out, you might get more out of your visit by spending as much time as you can “present” in nature, only stopping to take notes, do quick sketches, or set up other mental “signposts” for your future work. Plenty of camp grounds also offer events and activities you could take part in to relax and get your juices flowing. If you’re going to keep producing, make sure you’ve chosen a place where the weather and natural conditions outside your door (or flap) will be favorable to you. Don’t forget to take plenty of hikes, go fishing, or enjoy whatever else the land has to offer.

Where do you want to go? If this is your vacation, you can go anywhere you want. And if you’re looking for motivation as an artist or author, you may well want to set up camp near some important site that means a lot to you. To name just one example, Hemingway House in Key West, Florida is convenient to a number of areas that offer RV and tent camping: for example, Dry Tortugas National Park. Just about anywhere you can name has a place to go camping close by. Look for ways to bridge the natural and creative worlds!

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.



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!