Camping Supplies Checklist

After many years of camping I've found that having a list of supplies to take with me before camping is the best way to be prepared. Whether you will be hiking, canoeing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, you will want to check out this list before your next camping adventure. Where and when you'll be camping determines much of what you'll bring both as necessities and luxuries. Consider night time temperatures, the likelihood for rain or snow, and whether or not you can build a campfire.

1. ESSENTIALS: a. Tents b. Flashlights and batteries c. Sleeping bags d. Tents e. Folding chairs f. Tarp with rope or cord g. Knife h. Lantern i. Waterproof matches j. Insect repellent k. Axe l. Sunscreen

2. COOKING: a. Propane stove b. Plates c. Propane or fuel d. Dishwashing tub and towels e. Cooler f. Dishwashing soap (biodeg.)

3. CLOTHING: a. Bathing suit b. Hat c. Sweatshirt/light jacket d. Rain coat/umbrella e. Beach towel/blanket

4. HIKING a. Backpack b. Whistle c. Hiking boots d. Water bottles e. Hiking socks f. Pocket knife g. Running shoes h. Food container i. Compass

5. OTHER ITEMS: a. Binoculars b. Fire starter c. Camera, film, batteries d. Wood/kindling

You can save time by keeping much of your camping supplies packed all the time in plastic storage containers - convenient for loading and storing between trips. You can use the checklist above by marking the appropriate supplies and then crossing it off as it is packed. Make sure you check your list twice, it's never fun to be in the great outdoors and not be prepared! Have fun!!

http://www.geared4camping.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_R_Smith

5 Camping Traditions That Make Camping a Fun Event For All Members of the Family

No family camping trip is complete without the practice of some popular camping traditions. Singing songs around the campfire, setting up tents, etc. are all camping traditions that are deeply-rooted in history. Make your next camping vacation one to remember by incorporating these fun camping traditions into your stay.

1. Setting up Tents

Staying in tents is not only an economical way to camp out - tents are a traditional dwelling that Native Americans used long before Europeans arrived. The tents that Native Americans used were known as Tipis. Tipi is a Sioux word for "dwelling." The shape of Tipis allowed them to shed wind and rain. Nowadays, tents are far more compact and easier to carry around. The nights you and your family spend camped out in a tent while listening to the sounds of the night and going outside to admire the star-studded sky will become lasting memories.

2. Campfire Songs

Campfire songs are an oral tradition that cannot be traced back to a particular culture or time in history. Singing around the fire is a common practice across many different cultures and popular campfire songs have a variety of origins. The popular campfire song, "Home on the Range," is Kansas' state song while "Blow the Man Down" is a traditional sailor song from the 19th century. Some campfire songs even have spiritual significance. Both children and adults love to belt it out in front of a campfire. Bring a guitar, hand drums, and/or tambourines to make singing around the fire with your family even more fun. Only the crickets will hear you so it doesn't matter if you don't exactly qualify as a good singer, let loose and enjoy singing around the fire on your next camping trip.

3. Campfire Storytelling

While packing your tent, food, and everything else you need for your family camping trip, don't forget to stock up on great campfire stories! Storytelling is a tradition in every culture of the world. Native Americans have been telling stories for thousands of years in North America. Telling stories around the campfire with your family will bring you closer together. Let your imagination run wild and make up your own stories or consult a great storybook and pick out the best stories you can find.

4. Making S'Mores

No one knows exactly where everyone's favorite campfire treat originated but there was a recipe for a similar treat in the 1940 Girl Scout Handbook that was called "Some Mores." Everyone in the family can enjoy this delicious sandwich cookie that consists of fire-roasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and graham crackers.

5. Campfire Cooking

Whether you're going to cook with a charcoal grill, dutch oven, campfire, or camping stove, making and sharing food with your family is a lovely tradition that shouldn't be left out of any camping trip. Cultures around the world have different methods of outdoor cooking and in North America the Scouting movement and wilderness educators are excellent sources of information on the subject.

Margie Dettman, is the owner and operator of the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Natural Bridge, one of the most popular sites for camping in Virginia. Her work has allowed her to become very familiar with family vacation hotspots such as the Natural Bridge campground and cabins in Virginia, enabling her to give insider tips for fun family vacations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margie_Dettman

What is the Best Family Tent For a Family Camping Trip?

Camping can be an economical way to get a family vacation, but if you want it to be a pleasant one, you need to choose the best family tent for your needs.

Today, since everyone seems to be pinching pennies due to the serious economic downturn, there are many people who cannot afford going on holidays. Hotel prices are extremely high in most tourist destinations, especially when it comes to families with kids. Camping can prove to be a great solution for those who want to go on holidays on a budget. It is fun, easy and can be a great opportunity for kids to connect with nature. Let's see what you should look for when choosing a family tent.

First of all you need to buy a lightweight but durable tent. A family tent should not be heavy, because you will need to carry it all the way to the camping site. You also need plenty of room so as to have where to sleep and store all your gear.

Tents are usually sold based on the amount of people they can accommodate, therefore, if your family consists of 4 people, the best family tent for you which will allot you enough space is a tent meant for 6 people. If you want to buy a tent for four people, keep in mind that you might not have enough space to put your clothes and gear.

Moreover, you need to make sure that you buy the proper tent for the right season. Some tents can be used all year round, while some others are specifically made for winter or summer. A three season tent is probably the best choice, since going on winter holidays with the family is highly unlikely.

One of the most important factors you need to check is the ease of installation; some tents are way too complicated. You need to buy a tent that will not require an hour or two of your time. Setting up and pitching your tent can prove to be a daunting task, unless you check its installation manual in advance.

Next, check out our selections for best family tent and get tenting and camping tips at http://www.bestfamilytent.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trent_Markim

Camping Dartmoor

For those who love camping, Dartmoor offers a wonderfully windswept retreat to explore, hike and enjoy. The Dartmoor National Park is one of the smallest in the UK, covering 954 square kilometres (368 square miles) and is mostly moorland with tors, which are granite hilltops, peat bogs, rivers, a few remote villages and the prison at Princetown. Although there are 450 miles of footpaths and bridleways, Dartmoor is designated as 'Access Land' and although it is privately owned, the public has free access rights over it.

Wild Camping on Dartmoor

Although there are organized campsites on Dartmoor, wild camping on open land is acceptable on Dartmoor. Campers cannot pitch a tent on farmland, moorland which is enclosed by walls, on archaeological sites or within 100 metres of a road. Otherwise you are free to backpack, tramp the moors and sleep beneath the stars as you please.

Things to do on Dartmoor

The most common pastime on Dartmoor is hill walking and visitors should be well prepared with proper hiking boats for the rough, sometimes wet terrain. Clothing, maps, a compass and emergency supplies should be carried, as the fog can descend, leaving hikers marooned.

Cycling both on the road and off-road is popular on mountain bikes. The Granite Way is a dedicated cycle path. For those making their own way, an off-road cycling map is recommended. There are many pre-planned cycle routes available on the Devon County Council website too.

The granite tors of Dartmoor are popular with climbers of all abilities, particularly around Haytor and Leigh Tor. The many rivers on Dartmoor provide not only a natural home for wildlife but also some great canoeing. After heavy rains the swollen rivers can make for some exciting and challenging conditions. The River Dart has some excellent whitewater areas. Fishing is also popular on Dartmoor.

Dartmoor Letterboxes

One pursuit which is unique to Dartmoor is letterboxing. A little like Geocaching or treasure hunting, people have hidden 'letterboxes' all over Dartmoor. Guidebooks can be bought listing clues to letterbox locations and when discovered the letterboxes usually hold a visitor's book for signing, and a rubber stamp which can be used to stamp the finder's record book. The stamp and visitor's book are then hidden again for the next seeker. Letterboxing adds an extra dimension to walking and camping on Dartmoor, especially for children as it captures their imagination and adds an element of excitement and purpose.

Every year, millions of people choose camping or caravanning as their preferred holiday type. However, the limitless options facing campers can be daunting - from the choice of region and campsite to the selection of activities and visits. Everyone knows that planning is one of the best ways to get the most out of any holiday. CampStead is an Internet-based organization dedicated to helping campers make the right decisions. Our website reunites all the information the camper requires, ranging from area descriptions and suggested activities to online reservation of pitches and bookings. To read more and to start planning your camping holiday to Dartmoor, please visit Camping Dartmoor. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Norris

Camping - A Great Family Vacation!

It seems all to familiar, almost cliche-like now- tough economic times have us watching every penny we spend. Typically the first expense a family is forced to dismiss is their vacation. Ironically, its the very avenue we reward ourselves with for all the efforts we've tended to throughout the year. It seems now, more than ever, a vacation is certainly warranted.

Many times when considering a vacation, the idea of packing the family up and heading out into the 'unknown' is, well, not an option. Some view it with insurmountable odds, claiming it'd be to much on the little ones, or one must be experienced in the great outdoors in order for it to be successful. These 2 points could not be further from the truth, nor could the argument that camping is to expensive. With the three P's of camping, 1) Proper planning 2) Proper place 3) Proper packing, this outdoor experience is one likely to become a family vacation tradition! (I've seen this tradition grow to include, but not be limited to, extended family, neighbors, co-workers, etc.).

It is imperative, as with any thing in life we chose to do, that homework be done in the early phase of planning a camping trip. Sixteen years ago, when I began camping with both my 6 month old son and my then 2 year old son, websites with virtual tours of camping facilities were not yet available. However, in my quest to do it properly, the months of February and March were spent driving hours to visit possible locations to pitch our tent in the coming months. Oh, these trips were made into fun loving, adventurous outings, the car packed with goodies and loads of easy roadway games! Now though, the computer is a great way to explore various camping sites, what they offer, prices, etc.

When trying to determine the best possible camping facility for your family, there are many factors to take into consideration. (For this writing consideration is taken, but not limited to, family's with children age 1 year plus).

- How far from home do you wish to be? Children get sick, this is an outdoor vacation.
- What activities does your family enjoy? (bike riding, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking )

* if swimming at facility, (pool, lake) is there a lifeguard on duty?

* can fishing poles, bikes be rented?

* for the adventurous, fishing license required, can caught fish be kept (cooked for dinner?)

* canoes, rafts, etc. are they allowed on lake, can they be rented- age specified?

* inquire as to arts/crafts and other activities facility provides free of charge.

- Minimum stay/ night requirement? (its advisable while enthusiasm may rend wild, 3-4 nights for first trip)
- Electricity, running water provided at individual campsite? (some do however, cost/night more)
- Shower/toliet facilities, are there any and how old.
- Forest Ranger on duty, 24/7? (this is important as we had a bear visit us twice in one night and Ranger on duty came from his home, 5 minutes away. At another facility, no Ranger on duty in PM hours.)
- Without physically visiting campgrounds it may be difficult to determine average age of campers, geared toward family or 20 year olds. (One facility in Upstate NY bands played all night, every night, with 4 and 5 yr. olds this was quite disruptive!)
- What is cancellation policy in the event of rain, child sick,etc. (most are very accomodating to re-book up to one year after scheduled stay.)
- Is there commissary store for incidentals on property? (having to drive around unfamiliar territory at 9:00pm for Children's Tylenol- yes, there will be a check-list provided so you have it all, but just in case)

Obtaining this information prior to reserving a campsite allows a formidable decision leaving much less room for error.

...and subsequently much more time for enjoyment and relaxation. Look for future information pertaining to picking the perfect campsite and of course, just what to bring.

Judy Baldaccini Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Baldaccini

By Judy Baldaccini

Camping: It's what you are missing

I have written a number of articles on camping. I have because camping is one of those activities that can really bring a family together. I can remember all of the camping trips on went on with my father when my brother and I were just kids. From those trips we learned a great deal from him about living and enjoying the outdoors as well as respecting it and leaving it better off then we found it.

Camping gives you a great starting point or base camp if you will, to venture off into other activities. Many campgrounds allow for various hiking trails, fishing spots, canoeing, and so much more. I have been to campgrounds that even take it a step further with guided tours of the environment that teach you the various wildlife that surrounds you and the vegetation that grows there. I never thought I would find this stuff interesting but it truly is and quite fascinating I might add.

Of course you can do simple day trips for these same tasks, but there is nothing like going on a long hike through the trails at Rickett’s Glenn and returning to your campsite, getting the campfire going, and sitting around with family and friends and talking about the day, what you saw and what you experienced.

Not too soon after the aroma of your dinner (for us its normal barbecued chicken) roasting over the open fire can be smelled from every campsite around. If you have never experienced cooking dinner out in the open over a fire, trust me, you are missing quite a bit.

Later in the evening, when the sun goes down and the crickets come out, it’s marshmallow time. Why for some reason do we as a people only eat marshmallows after roasting them over a fire I will never know, but the kids (and some adults, I won’t mention names) absolutely love it. I believe the kids get more fun out of looking for the perfect stick to put the marshmallows on then the marshmallow itself.

If you are feeling really ambitious you can make that campfire treat that has been around for generations, smores. They are simple to make, in between two graham crackers you will put a piece of chocolate and a roasted gooey marshmallow. Trust me they create a sugar rush unlike anything you have ever had.

These activities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what camping brings to the table. I have stories that I could write a book about and I am sure, once you get your family into camping, you will too. Would you like to make some extra money writing about your camping experience? You can join Bukisa today and start earning residual income on every article that you write about camping.

By MICHAEL PODLESNY

Planning A Vacation At Yosemite Park

With its beautiful waterfalls and stunning rock formations, the Yosemite National Park is an ideal destination for anyone who is planning a vacation in California. Yosemite, one of the oldest national parks in America, is widely known for its valleys, meadows, mountain cliffs and many other captivating sights. The park also boasts of an exclusive collection of flora and fauna. At Yosemite you will find different species of native trees, wildflowers and animals. The huge trees in the Mariposa Grove called ‘Giants of the North West’ also add to the beauty of this place.

The scenic beauty of Yosemite enthralls visitors of all age groups. With a wide range of exciting activities, it has got lots to offer to almost each one of its visitors.

A vacation in Yosemite can thus be a highly rejuvenating experience for you and your family. But to make the most of it, it would be good to plan the following things before you pack your bags:

How To Reach There?

Since Yosemite is easily accessible from almost all metropolitan cities, reaching there is not an issue. If you are keen on driving, you can drive your way to the park. Alternatively, you can take other means of transport. Also, there are bus tours to the park but for these you need to make reservations. The reservations can be made online or by directly visiting a tour operator.

When Is The Right Time To Go?

The park is accessible throughout the year, though certain areas like Tioga Pass, Glacier Point etc. are closed during the winter. Spring and autumn are known to be the best times to visit this place. Also, some areas of the park may not be accessible by car during a certain periods. So if you plan to travel by car, you will have to plan your visit accordingly, so that accessibility is not an issue.

Where To Stay?

For this, firstly you need to decide in advance the number of days that you would like to spend there. If you plan to spend the night, it would be advisable that you get the reservations done for camping or lodging accordingly. The park has many campgrounds, most of which are on a first-come, first-served basis. Although plenty of hotels and lodges are also available, making reservations in advance would help you find the place of your choice.

What To Do Once You Reach There?

There are lots of interesting activities like rock climbing, river rafting, skiing etc that you can take up at Yosemite. Guide books and other reading material are available online at the Yosemite book store that would help you decide things in advance. At the park you can also choose to hike or take a ride. If you really wish to get a first-hand experience of the scenic views of this place, hiking would be a great option. But if you do not prefer to walk, you can get an easy ride through the park in a tram or a bus.

Planning a few essential things would go a long way in making your Yosemite Park vacation, a safe, comfortable and memorable experience. For great articles check out the Yosemite National Park resource and information site that covers everything from planning an affordable California vacation to activities such as Yosemite camping. Always updated with great resources on Yosemite.

By REED TIERI

Family Vacation on the Cheap - Go Camping Free Style

Looking for more affordable family vacation? Camping can be the perfect fit for low priced vacation. No matter what, whether you choose national forests or camping grounds in state parks camping will be a memorable family getaway. One may choose several methods and way while planning camping outing, but most families prefer the free style camping. When I say free style camping that means just get a tent and let the fun ball rolling.

Comparing the cost of RV parks or camp site with lots of amenities against the cost of free style camping accessories shopping; the cost is minimal with free style camping. Free style camping needs accessories such as tents, sleeping bags and other camping travel gear for your vacation; the cost is minimal. Also, amenities at camp site will not let you enjoy the real camping experience.

Camping free style gives you a chance to spend time together with family and friends. You can have fun conversation & singing around the campfire, enjoy the mother nature in wide open and these all activities you can do staying away from usual routine life. Camping combines fun, excitement, adventure including a rare experience of getting close to each other while you are on family trip.

As mentioned earlier, you'll need to purchase the basic camp equipment such as a tent, preferably one that will house the whole family, food, a cooler, ice, sleeping bags, camping stove, as well as the following items: pillows, cleaning supplies, folding table, cookware, utensils, cups, and toilet paper (especially if there are no restrooms around), first aid kit, and board games, fishing gear, flashlights, and extra batteries.

Going back to the shopping area for camping, you will need to get the basic camping equipment such as tents which can house whole family, sleeping bags, pillows, camping stove, frozen food, beverage cooler, cleaning supplies, cookware, utensils, cups and toilet paper if needed. Do not forget to carry first aid kit, games, flashlights, battery lamp and extra batteries. Considering your personal preferences do not forget to carry fishing gears and bikes. Regular campers suggest keeping tarp under the tent. Generally tarp prevents water entering into the tent. You can say that tarp serves as a tent floor. These items can be purchased online from Amazon.com or any local shop. These purchases are one time investment

for all future similar family vacation trips.

In addition, now that you have the basic supplies, you can always supplement your gear with additional things, which you might need for the next camping vacation. You can easily check online websites to find a campsite in your state, as well as the low cost for staying in a national park or forest reserve.

Today's busy life has made hard to have some quality time with family together. Camping vacation gives a chance to bring family closer without any distraction to tighten the love bond unique way. Whether mom or dad takes kids for fishing or hiking and one of them can have their leisure time alone. Or may be everyone goes together for adventure activities. Trust me; camping reunites the family unique way than any other type of getaway trip.

Last but not the least; do not forget to carry your camera along with extra batteries to capture all those laughter and memories which you will be able to share over the coming years. I strongly recommend camping for family vacation if you are looking for affordable vacation all together. Leo S, expert of the Family Vacations Deals & Planning tips guide, prooves that you don't have to be "RELUCTANT" for Budget family vacation. Leo also invites you to get advantage of Travel Tips Blog at Grab2Travel.com to help you save money & time with useful tips!

By LEO S