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!

One canoeist reaches the “end of the line” – at least for now!Photo by: Matthew Barnett (Stock Exchange)

Hello, everybody, and welcome back to the AllCampgrounds blog. I’ll be taking on the pleasant task of posting here in our continuing quest to highlight the best in camping. Expect my posts to feature news and reviews on the best camp grounds from around the U.S. and Canada. I’ll also discuss the latest tips and gear for campers, both experienced and new. Whether your goal is to go on an intense survival adventure, meet new folks at the RV camp park, or bring the family out into the country to toast s’mores and tell stories, I’ll be providing the info you need to make the most of your trek.

As a life-long resident of Florida, I grew up spending a good portion of my summers around the 600-plus acre Markham Park in Sunrise, just a short way from the beautiful Florida Everglades. Since those happy days, I’ve been on wilderness adventures up north a piece in Massachusetts and across the pond in England and Ireland, with Canada next on my list. I jumped at the chance to “get back to nature” with AllCampgrounds, and I hope I can help you do the same.

Featured Camp Grounds of the Day

From everything I’ve heard lately, Minnesota is shaping up to be one of the hot states for camping this season. This northern state has the distinction of being the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, and a good portion of the 500 or so privately-owned Minnesota campgrounds are situated near a lake or river. There are also 66 state park camp grounds to choose from, including two national forests: Superior and Chippewa.

Canoeists will especially love the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, in Superior Forest in northwestern Minnesota. There are over 1,5000 miles of canoe routes and countless trails (called “portages”) leading between the lakes, rivers, and streams. Fishing is also abundant here, with lake trout a popular catch in the spring. Both the canoeing and peak fishing season run from about May through September.

Recently, all Minnesota state parks enacted a handy rule that you can reserve camping and lodging spots up to a year in advance. This is really helpful for planning your trip, since we all know how hard it can be to drop everything and head out to the wild!

Camping Tips of the Day

Looking to go camping quick? Two things go into every successful camping trip: preparation and gear. The more prepared and knowledgeable you are, the more you can get out of your experience. And the better tailored your gear is to the conditions you’ll be camping in, the more you’ll notice about the wide world around you – instead of thinking about what you’re missing back at home! All campsites have their own flavor, and over time you’ll gather the gear and know-how to tackle anything.

So what’s the item to start with? A tent? A water purifier? A really long extension cord? None of the above. Today I want to talk about choosing a good sleeping bag, because one thing is true no matter where you are: sleeping well is the key to getting things done with your day, whether it’s hiking, fishing, or just exploring. And good luck convincing camping-averse friends and family to come with if you can’t promise a night’s sleep!

What Makes a Good Sleeping Bag?

The big decision here is down versus synthetic filling. Down is light and provides a lot of protection against the cold, just as nature intended. But synthetic fibers, though they tend to be heavier, will normally dry out much faster if you encounter rain, snow, sleet, that kind of thing. Other factors to consider are the temperature rating (don’t be afraid to choose one that seems “too high” if you’re dealing with winter conditions) and size. Bags should offer a comfortable fit and allow you to hood your head, but unnecessarily large ones will require more insulation to be effective. Your sleeping bag should be windproof and water resistant, and the inside should be lined, preferably with a non-cotton fabric that breathes.

For those with kids, keep these things in mind: 1) leaving just a little “room to grow” will cut down on the total number of bags they need over the years and 2) depending on how you set up your trip, they (or you!) might need to carry these things around from site to site, so beware. In just about every case, the trick is to pack light, but smart.

Down verses synthetic

Synthetic sleeping bags are cheaper than down and usually non-allergenic. They dry more quickly when wet, but are bulkier and heavier than down. Synthetic sleeping bags are easier to take care of, especially if spills or stains are sponged off immediately before setting or drying.

• It is difficult to wash a synthetic sleeping bag by hand, but it can be done.Use warm water and detergent; pretreat stains ahead of time if necessary. Rinse several times to get the soap out.
• Wash a synthetic sleeping bag in a front-loading washing machine with detergent. Zip the bag before putting it in the machine.
• Dry a synthetic sleeping bag in a dryer on low heat, so as not to melt the fibers. It may also be dried outside.

Down sleeping bags are difficult to dry, and take a long time to dry fully. They are more expensive, especially if they are made from goose feathers. Duck is slightly less expensive, but just as hard to dry. Down is lightweight and extremely warm. This makes it a good choice for backpackers. Down sleeping bags do require special care.

• Make sure your down sleeping bag is completely dry before putting it away to prevent mildew, and clumping.
• Wash a down sleeping bag by hand with mild detergent.
• If you must use a washing machine use the gentle cycle, preferably in a front-loading machine.
• Always shake the bag out after drying it, and before using it to fluff out the down.
• The best way to dry a down sleeping bag is to lay it out flat.
• If you use a dryer to dry a down sleeping bag use very low heat and throw in a couple of clean tennis balls to fluff the down and break up clumps. Remember, it takes a long time to dry a down sleeping bag, but don’t turn up the heat or you will ruin your bag.

Comfort Ratings

All outdoor sleeping bags are rated by a “comfort rating” This is according to how warm they keep you in low temperatures.

• Summer weight sleeping bags keep you warm in temperatures 35 degrees or higher.
• 3-season sleeping bags keep you warm in temperatures of plus 10 degrees to 35 degrees.
• Cold weather sleeping bags keep you warm in minus 10 degrees to plus 10 degrees.
• Winter/Extreme sleeping bags keep you warm in minus 10 degrees and below.

Most children’s character sleeping bags are not designed as outdoor sleeping bags, so if you have kids, check first, and take extra blankets if it gets cold at night.

Size and Shape

Sleeping bags come in different lengths. Make sure you have enough room to be comfortable, but not too much empty space that makes it hard to stay warm.

• Mummy bags are cut so that they are narrower at the feet and wider at the shoulders. The bag conforms more closely to the body than a rectangular sleeping bag making it easier for the bodies heat to warm the space. These bags are slightly restrictive if you move around a lot in your sleep, but are great for cold weather camping.
• Rectangular sleeping bags give more room to move around and can usually be zipped together with other rectangular sleeping bags. Heat escapes from the top more quickly than a mummy bag, but some semi-rectangular sleeping bags come with a contoured hood making up for the heat loss

Hope this helps you choose a warn, snug sleeping bag for you and your kids to snuggle-down for a good nights sleep the next time you go camping! (Or at least a comfortable night of no sleep, which often happens with kid campers.)

By Sandra M. Webster