Does this Florida Keys tent look like home away from home?
Photo by: Fred Green (Stock Exchange)

Good morning, everyone! It’s good to see you back here at AllCampgrounds.

We’ve been rambling around the U.S. and having great outdoor adventures for quite a while now; today we’re going to take a more leisurely pace and talk about organizations around the country that can help you get the most out of camping.

Remember, all campsites represent a community of people who love the outdoors, and there are literally millions of campers who visit camp grounds all around the country every year. Let’s look at some different ways to get in touch. Next time? Resources just for RV parks and campgrounds.

For Kids

Boy Scouts of America: A fixture in American life (along with its “sister” organization, the Girl Scouts of America), the Boy Scouts have been teaching young folks the importance of the outdoors since 1910, with the Girl Scouts joining in a scant two years later. Both organizations teach valuable skills for surviving and thriving in nature, and also offer a learning community that promotes values like honesty and fair-dealing. With a total of over seven million active youth and adult members, both organizations really do their part to help kids enjoy nature, a perfect preparation for your camping trips.

American Camp Association: Even though you may not hear much about them these days, traditional summer camps are still going strong. In fact, residential summer camps serving kids of school age are found in every state in the United States. Though these camps tend to offer cabins rather than tents, they go a long way toward preparing children to cherish, protect, and enjoy the outdoors, with programs that last anywhere from a few weeks of summer to practically the “whole run.” As for the ACA, it accredits almost 2,500 camps that have attained the highest standards for health, safety, and enrichment.

National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping: A special resource for children who might need a little hand, NATWC is the umbrella organization that oversees U.S. groups dedicated to helping at-risk youth through awareness and appreciation of the natural world. Though the website is oriented toward professionals in the field, including those holding outdoor jobs, but the rest of us can also find out more about camps offering programs to children in need and make contact with professionals who can help.

For Everyone

Camping Women: A nationwide, all-volunteer nonprofit helping women who love camping get in touch and coordinate safe, friendly, and enjoyable group camping experiences. In addition to great events by chapter, it provides national camping events, a monthly magazine in .pdf format, and even nominates a Camping Woman of the Year. Non-members can enjoy the site’s camping tips and comprehensive collection of links, while members old and new get resources to meet friends and even start new chapters.

American Hiking Society: One of the most fun things to do on any camping trip is go hiking, and the American Hiking Society helps you do it in style. For more than thirty years, AHS has defended America’s best trails and given hikers new ways to enjoy them. Whether you’re just getting involved in hiking, or coming off your third Presidential Traverse, you’ll find in-depth discussions on safety, gear, outdoor skills, and sundry topics, as well as how-to guides, valuable ‘net links and preferred gear stores and brands.

National Recreation and Park Association: An advocacy organization that provides information on all aspects of recreation on public land. Frequented by many in the field, those of us on the outside can learn a lot from the monthly magazine, research and initiatives, and volunteer opportunities. If you want to build your understanding of parks and camping by taking a look on the “inside”, then NRPA has some unique offerings that can really supplement, and enhance, your enjoyment of America’s parks.

Barringer Crater near Flagstaff, Arizona
Photo by: Mike Gieson (Stock Exchange)

Good morning from AllCampgrounds!

In our effort to find the best camping trips around North America, we’ve gone above and beyond– literally. Today’s blog will show you around tent camping and RV camp grounds outside Flagstaff, Arizona, near the impact site of the Barringer Meteor.

This natural marvel “dropped in” from space some fifty thousand years ago, but its now-famous Crater was only studied intensively starting in the 1800s. Considered a “national natural landmark”, it’s a little under three-fourths of a mile around and almost 600 feet deep. It also serves as the backdrop for all kinds of camping!

Meteor Crater RV Park: At the heart of Crater tourism is Meteor Crater RV Park. Completely fenced and gated, this place has 71 full-service pull-through sites with two ADA-compliant bathroom and shower facilities. Besides the fantastic Mexican restaurant, Meteor Crater is known for stargazing on beautiful, clear desert nights. On a full day, you can take in the Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, and yes, the Meteor Crater – and still be in time to have dinner at Hole Enchilada and catch a falling star. Online reservations are available!

Woody Mountain Campground: This ‘ground offers the shady grandeur of cool pine forests, making for a nice defense from the Arizona heat. A general store, sandwich shop, and playground give the place a secluded, down home appeal, but it’s actually at the crossroads of dozens of great local attractions. Both tenting and RV camping is reasonably priced, and come with free wireless internet. If Meteor Crater isn’t a big enough dent for you, you can also check out the Grand Canyon (which we covered in depth in a previous AllCampgrounds post.)

J and H RV Park: Tucked away in the hills of Flagstaff, J and H is an award-winning RV site that’s been recognized time and time again by organizations like the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, the Arizona Travel Park Association, and Outdoor Hospitality Magazine. Equally friendly to seniors and children, it prides itself on a warm and welcoming atmosphere away from modern hassles. Free cable TV and free wireless internet grace every one of the 50 full hookup sites, and the staff use the friendly, community feel of this small park to keep quality sky high.

Arizona State Parks System: Sad to say, the former state park closest to the Crater has been shut down due to budget restrictions. The nearest current state facility is Riordan Mansion State Park, which has just been rescued from closure with a three-year agreement with the Arizona Historical Society. Riordan Mansion, in Flagstaff, is centered around homes belonging to the two Riordan families who resided here from about 1904.

The nearest state park with overnight tent camping facilities is Dead Horse Ranch State Park, which has four separate camp grounds: there are 100 total RV sites and a variety of primitive and developed sites. Each separate area is serviced with top-quality camping bathrooms that are ADA-compliant and feature hot showers

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.”

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!

View from the top of a mountain at Yellowstone
Photo by: Steven Ritts (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to your premier “camp grounds” on the Internet, AllCampgrounds.com.

Since we talked so much about KOA camp grounds the other day, I thought it would be a good idea to give a little general background on the many beautiful national parks in the U.S.

After all, the national parks are part of the public trust, and they are some truly beautiful, pristine places – and great for getting acclimated to the unique joys and challenges of camping … without wireless Internet.

What Types of National Parks Are There?

It’s kind of surprising at first to learn that “park” is a pretty broad term. The National Park System encompasses national battlefields, cemeteries, historic sites, historic trails, memorials and monuments, and a whole range of other significant sites. Even the White House is part of the National Park System. But for the purposes of finding good camp grounds or just enjoying nature, there are three you should probably pay special attention to.

National Parks: These are what most folks are thinking about when they think “national park.” They include large, generally unspoiled natural areas that showcase the splendor of the land. Hunting, fishing, or otherwise “using up” the resources of the land is illegal here, but exploring and tent camping is perfectly fine. These are some of the last places where you can really get lost. Famous sites like Yellowstone fall into this category.

National Preserves: These are common in Alaska, and are basically national parks where hunting or fishing (and other less enjoyable pursuits like mining and oil exploration) are still allowed. Though most of these are out in the frozen north, there are a few really amazing sites to be found elsewhere in the U.S., like the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas, perfect for hiking. There are also preserves in Texas and Florida.

National Recreation Areas: Centered on large reservoirs, these sites offer water sports and recreation. Though they’re mostly set in the vicinity of large populated areas, there’s also surprisingly good “backcountry” camping to be found. Some of the greatest fishing spots in the U.S. are located in National Recreational Areas; for example, the Amistad National Recreation Area in Texas hosts almost 200 bass tournaments every year.

What are the Rules for Using National Park Camp Grounds?

Whether they’re private or public, all campsites have some rules, and if you want to go camping quick, you’re best off knowing before you go. Generally speaking, you should try to leave the park exactly as you found it: that includes little (but important!) things like litter and big things like not interfering with the wildlife. The golden rule is “leave no trace.”

There are often specific areas in national parks where tent camping is permitted. Likewise, in the more populous areas of the parks, fires are usually restricted to certain places, such as grills designated by the park. Further out in the trail, it may be okay to make your own fire ring, but be sure you have sand or water close at hand to keep it safe.

There are often other things to be aware of, and these change from site to site and. As any outdoor adventurer knows, one quirk of the landscape and a little “act of nature” can have you facing unexpected conditions in a hurry: fire, flood, or worse. Touch base with your local ranger station and get the facts before you go too far afield. It also doesn’t hurt to inform the rangers of your plans. They’re there to help you (and nature!) stay safe.

But That’s Not All …

There are also National Forests (of course!) and a slew of other public lands where you could find your home away from home. We’ll be exploring those and more as we continue our journey on the AllCampgrounds blog. For now, I’m about ready to set up camp, so see you next time!