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.

Big trees of Sequoia National Park
Photo by: Mo Moore (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to AllCampgrounds, fellow campers!

From today on, we’ll be beginning a whirlwind tour of major camp grounds, parks, and natural reserves throughout the United States.

There are thousands of camp grounds coast to coast to choose from, whether you’re camping RV resorts or looking for something a little more wild and rustic!

We’re not going in any particular order – variety IS the spice of life, after all – so I think we’ll pick up with KOA campgrounds, California. Expect to see famous, infamous, and just-about-unknown sights as we hit the trail

What is a KOA Camp Ground, Anyway?

KOA is Kampgrounds of America, a franchise of campgrounds that has properties in most U.S. states and throughout eight Canadian provinces. Like any other franchise, KOA camp grounds all adhere to certain standards; for example, all KOA grounds are “pet friendly” for those who have dogs or cats, and service animals are always welcome. KOA also makes much of its 600-point annual inspection process, which is used to ensure all grounds are in top shape. And this kind of rigorous standard is really something, since there are almost 500 KOA “kampgrounds” in operation, all owned and operated by entrepreneurs who “have what it takes.”

KOA Versus the World

If you want to learn about camping quick, KOA has a good reputation as a place to start, especially if you plan to bring along the whole family. Kids and Fido (or Fluffy!) generally get along pretty well at one of these sites. Next on the list for newcomers and families alike is national and state parks; and of course, there’s always your local, privately-owned camp ground.

Using local grounds can be a good way to start a family tradition, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into; these can vary pretty widely in quality. For that, don’t underestimate the value of a local camper who has explored the area’s sites frequently; such sources of sage advice are usually easier to find in your own backyard than Timbuktu, no matter how great the views are there.

KOA Campgrounds California: Where to Start?

From the Sierra Madres to the Pacific coast, California has natural sites to suit every adventurer’s palette. And if you’re going to use a KOA ground, you’ll have plenty of options: there are well over 30 camps distributed around the state, and many of them accommodate tents, RVs, and those who want to stay in a cabin. Heck, there are even luxury features like swimming pools and wireless internet (!!) at a few, if you’re into that sort of thing.

The big winner for this year is KOA San Diego Metro, selected as one of the top KOA camp grounds nationwide in a survey of over 250,000 visitors. The site is very family-oriented, with hayrides, pancake breakfasts, and events all year around. Way up north, Crescent City KOA serves as the gateway to the state’s legendary redwood forests, and accommodates just about everyone, from RV campers to those who’d rather tent right in the woods. Last but not least, there’s Yosemite West KOA, offering direct shuttle service to Yosemite National Park’s most famous hiking trails. For more info on KOA, check out their site, where you can also find the KOA campground directory.

Now, is KOA right for everyone? If the thought of having wireless internet in your tent makes you wonder what the point of camping was in the first place, you might not adapt well to the experience. But as a starter, especially for today’s fast-paced, plugged-in generation, it’s a little less likely to be a shock than your average summer camp. And remember, you can rough it just as much or as little as you want at any good ground.

That’s all for KOA, but not for California. As we truck on, we’ll be looking at more sites and tackling tips and tricks for keeping your camping adventures fun. Don’t forget to write in and share your own favorite camping experiences, whether you’ve visited one of the “featured” camp grounds or have a suggestion of your own. We’re listening.

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. Lay down a tarp or plastic sheeting where you will be setting up your tent. This will help keep the floor of the tent dry if it rains. Turn the edges of the tarp or plastic under, and don’t let it extend further then the edge of the bottom of the tent.
2. Set up the tent so that the door faces South or South East. This way wind and rain won’t blow in if there is bad weather.
3. Start by stacking the corners of the tent first, then set up the poles.
4. Put sleeping bags and personal gear into the tent. Be sure to avoid putting anything up against the walls of the tent since moisture often condenses on tent walls.

Setting Up the Cooking Area

1. If you are in an area that allows it, gather dead wood for the campfire. Make sure you check ahead of time to see if this allowed at your campground. If it is not, be sure to bring an adequate supply of firewood and a hatchet with you. Stack the wood near the fire pit, but not where it will be tripped over in the dark.
2. Most campsites have picnic tables. Position the table so that it is not in line with the smoke from the campfire.
3. Place coolers and food items near the cooking area. Try to keep them in the shade. Add fresh ice every couple of days to keep food from spoiling. Unless you have animal proof containers you might want to store them in your vehicle overnight. This may seem like a real pain, but so is having to drive to the nearest store after a skunk or raccoon has raided your supplies.
4. Place a bucket or jug of water near the campfire in case of emergency.
5. Have a garbage bag nearby for use during the day. Remember to dispose of it before going to sleep, or at least put in your vehicle to avoid attracting wild animals.
6. Set up a lantern near the table so it is ready when you need it. If you have children a battery operated lantern is probably a better option than one that runs on fuel.
7. Arrange some type of seating around the campfire area, but not to close. There are some great folding camping chairs available, some even have shades and cup holders. Just because your roughing it doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable.
8. If it is allowed-set up a cloths line between two trees. I stress the if it is allowed. Some State Parks frown upon this incase it damages the trees. Make sure you check first. Always read the rules of the campground to avoid being asked to leave.

This may seem like a lot of work, but if everyone pitches in it will go quickly and doing it all in the beginning will give you more time to relax later.

By Sandra M. Webster