You probably have a good idea of what is the right camping site for you. Perhaps you would like to go camping in the mountains or maybe in a forest. Regardless of the camping site chosen, it is vitally important to research the area beforehand. This information can make the difference between having a wonderful camping trip and having one filled with “unexpected surprises.” Some things to keep in mind in your research of a camping site should include:

1. Time of The Year: Is this the best season to camp in this area? If not, what other precautions must I take into consideration? Will I need to update my camping equipment to accommodate colder conditions? Do the wildlife pose a risk to me during this time of year? Is this area susceptible to certain natural disasters during this time, such as flooding or tornadoes? If so, how can I plan to reduce their impact on my camping trip?

2. Attraction or View: Does this camping site have interesting wildlife or a unique view? Will the time of year I am going adequately showcase these attractions?

3. Any Man-Made Distractions: Modern construction is a wonderful thing which allows our cities and towns to grow with progress. Unfortunately, while camping most would prefer to avoid these distractions. Do yourself a favor and check with people in the area to ensure there will be no planned road development or other major construction projects during the time you are camping. This will save you some aggravation and ensure you are camping at time when you can enjoy nature the most.

4. Road Access: Do you have a road within a ½ mile of your camping site? If not, can I make do with limited camping equipment? If weather gets bad and I need to evacuate, do I have a four wheel vehicle or will I need to be able turn back at the first sign of bad weather?

5. Water Source Access: Will I need to bring in water or do I have a nearby clean water source? If I do have a water source, what water purification steps will I need to take and what equipment will I need?

6. Terrain: Does my current camping equipment meet my needs in this area or do I need to make some additional purchases?

7. Access to Neighboring Town: If needed, is there a town or store nearby where you can get additional supplies? No matter how well you plan there will always be something you forget. Knowing you can get pick up these supplies nearby will set your mind at ease and keep you camping instead of having to cancel the trip prematurely.

8. Access to Emergency Help: If needed, is there a hospital nearby where you can go for emergency help. Also, will your emergency cell phone work in that area. It is a very good idea to know if the phone will work prior to having to actual use it. Be sure to go to the area and test it. If an emergency does come your way, you will be glad you did.

By applying these tips, you should be able to find a quality camping site that meets your camping needs in terms of safety and satisfaction. With a little pre-planning you should be on your way to having your next adventure. Good luck and don’t forget your map and compass.

Just looking for some ideas of what to mix up in a trail mix that will keep me energized for a hiking trip.

Having fun with your kids this summer should not be a hassle or expensive. You have many options in your own backyard or nearby parks or recreational areas. Make a summer of fun your kids will remember forever.

When the summer heat is getting to you, consider water fun on your own property. Set up a cheap kiddie pool, a slip and slide, or a sheet of plastic, or even a regular sprinkler and let the kids run through it. Invite their friends over to play and provide an easy-to-eat treat like popsicles. Decorate your driveway or sidewalk with wet footprints or handprints. Play with squirt guns or spray bottles. Have a water balloon fight. Blow bubbles. Make mud pies. Play in the rain. Wash the car and spray the kids with the hose. Let them get you wet, too.

In the cool of morning, evening or on moderate weather days, have a day to enjoy nature. You could call it a nature hike. Visit a walking path at a local park or find a new trail to hike. A nature hike can be just a walk or it can be more than that. Think of off-roading a little bit. What kinds of rocks, leaves, plants and flowers can the kids find? Have them use a bag to store their favorites. When you get back home, go online and research the names of the plants you collected. Here are some more ideas for fun with nature: take pictures of nature with a camera. Take the kids to a scenic area with a set of watercolors and ask them to paint what they see. If you live close to the ocean or lake, pack a lunch, sunscreen, drinking water and some beach toys and go there. Spend the day digging in the sand, building sandcastles and searching for seashells. There are all kinds of ways of interacting with nature, like planting a vegetable or flower garden together. Visit a pick-your-own fruits farm. Instead of just having a picnic lunch at the brightest time of day, try having a sunset picnic at a park or beach. On the other hand, get up early, pack breakfast, and have a sunrise breakfast. Walk barefoot in the grass and pick the wildflowers, if it is allowed. Do some cooking outside on a grill or a campfire, or just toast marshmallows. Pitch a tent, perhaps even in your own backyard, and sleep outside. The moon, stars and planets are nature, too.

When thinking of summer activities for the kids there are always all kinds of games and sports. You do not have to join a team or class because they can get expensive, but if you have the resources and interest in pursuing that path, ask the kids if they would like to learn a new sport or activity. The summer is a great time to try something new without the commitment that often comes with starting it during the school year. Go for a bicycle ride around the neighborhood. Teach the kids some jump rope rhymes from your own childhood. There is hopscotch, too. Plan a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt. For a scavenger hunt, all you need to do is create a list of twenty or so items that are frequently found outdoors in your area. Pass out the list to each of the kids. The first person or team to find everything, or the most items, and wins a small prize. For a treasure hunt leave clues around the house or yard, with each clue leading to the next clue, until they reach the treasure, maybe a snack or small prize. There are many more ideas for outdoor sports and games, like playing kickball with the neighborhood kids. Fly kites. Compete in a three-legged or other race. Create an obstacle course. Play freeze tag. Build paper airplanes and have a flying contest.

With some help from your kids, you may come up with many more ideas. Water, nature, and sports and games are great sources of cheap and healthy entertainment. The summer time is a great time to be outdoors, but please remember the sunscreen, hats and monitoring the amounts of sun exposure. Older kids with later bedtimes may even be able to enjoy many of these activities after the sun goes down.

Want to go on a vacation trip with your family or with friends to exotic tourists’ havens but don’t have the budget? Then camping might just be the thing for you. Whether you’re an experienced camper or have no clue about camping, this fun activity will be a snap if you follow proper guidelines.Where to go camping
When you’ve already set your mind to going on a camping trip, it’s time to choose where to go camping. Most cities or states have their own camping sites. Check your local listings, or ask around for nearby camping grounds. f camping near home just isn’t adventurous enough for you, check out other well-known camping sites across the nation.
Most camping sites have fun and exciting activities available for everyone. Some camps offer picnic areas, hiking trails, games, and even river rafting. At night, you can enjoy sitting around a bonfire with the entire family or friends and talk about the day’s activities, tell exciting stories, or sing happy camp songs while roasting marshmallows.
However, some campgrounds prohibit campfires for safety reasons. Make sure to check with the campground personnel before doing so to avoid violating any rules. When on a camping site, make sure to observe and follow the rules and guidelines about campfires and outdoor cooking.What to Bring On a Camping Trip
When on a camping trip, bring with you the proper camping equipment and supplies. One of the basic camping necessities is perhaps a tent. The size and number of tents should depend on how many of you are going on the trip. Choose quality tents, and test the tent before the trip to familiarize yourself with the way it is put up.
Food is also very important when going out on a camping trip. Although some campgrounds have canteens that sell food, bringing your own will probably be a lot cheaper. Some campers will even opt to bring portable gas stoves and grills, so they can cook right on the campsite. You can even go fishing for your lunch, for a more enjoyable experience.
Bring your personal necessities like a change of clothes, extra shoes and socks, anti-mosquito lotions, sun block, and even cigarette cases to protect your pack of cigarettes from being crushed or getting wet. It is important to have a camping checklist so as not to forget anything. Be sure to double check the list before leaving for the trip.
When planning a camping trip, plan it ahead of schedule to avoid last minute panic. Inquire about the campsite weeks, or even a month before the designated date of the camping trip. Decide on the length of your camping trip so you can bring the exact amount of foodstuff and other necessities.Make your camping checklist
Take time to think and jot down on paper the things you will need on the trip. Think about the activities you will be doing and what items will be used. After making the list, check if you already have some of the items, and shop for the items that you don’t have.
It will also be a lot easier if you ask tips or advice from others with more camping experience. They would be able to tell you what you need and what you should eliminate from your list to avoid excess baggage. Once you’re all set for the trip, prepare to have an unforgettable camping experience.

I’m making a scrapbook from our holiday at local mountain this summer where the guys did their extreme mountain biking thing. On one page, I have pictures of the various signs on the trails,I’d like to add a “Do’s & Don’ts list to the page. Can anyone give me suggesations? (I don’t bike, & my teenaged boys who do are out for the night).

Boat storage is something that all boat owners have to worry about sooner rather than later. Most new boat owners experience a few moments of confusion as soon as they realize they need a good place to keep their boats. It can be hard to decide whether or not to store a boat indoors or outdoors. Both storage options offer benefits and negatives. In many situations the final decision is based upon what is easiest and most convenient for the boat owner.

Outdoor boat storage is often the most common and well known and popular type of boat storage. If you are a boat owner that lives near a marina or has easy lake front access then outdoor storage might be the best option. It allows you to easily access the water from your boat whenever you feel like it without having to go through the trouble of transporting your boat. Those who enjoy water sports and outdoors sports will find this arrangement more convenient than other options.

Some boat owners even store their boats outdoors on their own property. Depending on the area it is not uncommon to see boats sitting in backyards or front yards waiting for the families’ next trip to the local lake. Before storing your boat outdoors, take a moment to contact your boat manufacture to make sure the boat you have purchased will be safe outside for long periods of time. This storage option is free and convenient for anyone who owns their own boat but cannot afford indoor storage.

The downside of storing a boat outdoors is the danger of the elements. Rain, wind, and the constant water will lead to damage that can be expensive to repair. In some cases such as bad storms and harsh weather boats stored outdoors can be completely destroyed. There is nothing worse for a boat owner than hearing the news that their boat has been damaged past all hopes of repair.

Another downside of storing a boat outdoors on private property is that not all boats can be easily transported even if you live near the marina. In some situations you will have to pay yearly (usually in the winter) to have the boat moved to your home for storage. This can be an extremely expensive process since outside help will have to be hired to help with the transportation of the boat.

Indoor boat storage has recently seen a rise in popularity. Many boat owners who are tired of dealing with transportation issues have started taking advantage of indoor boat storage. In these situations many boats are kept in one storage facility that is usually quite close to, or part of, the local marina. These facilities make it easy for boat owners to get their boats in and out of the water.

Along with the convenience of being close to the marina indoor boat storage also gives boat owners a chance to take care of boat maintenance. Most indoor boat storage facilities offer large spaces for each boat stored on their property. The large amount of space offered by storage facilities gives boat owners the chance to have routine maintenance and repairs done quickly and easily.

The greatest downside of indoor boat storage is the price. Indoor boat storage is often extremely expensive since a large area is needed to store each individual boat. The storage rates often rise with the size of the boat. There are also additional fees for storing a boat in a heated indoor storage facility. The prices most indoor storage facilities charge can be more than some boat owners can reasonably afford.

The benefits and downsides of indoor and outdoor storage should be considered before making a final choice. It is important that all boat owners make the choice that is best for them and their family. Do not be influenced by too many outside influences, use your own situation and knowledge to help you make your final decision. Once you have gone over the options and made your choice between indoor and outdoor storage never be afraid to change your mind. If you have decided to take advantage of outdoor storage to save money but feel that your boat is being damaged by exposure do not hesitate to look into indoor storage facilities.

Choosing between indoor and outdoor boat storage can be time consuming. Checking into indoor storage options and finding outdoor storage facilities can take time. When you have made your final decision you and your family will be able to enjoy your boat for years to come.

Before you actually set out for a camping activity, you should always make a plan. A plan helps you prepare for the actual night outdoor. In preparing for a camping activity, the first thing that you should do is to choose a perfect camp site. The camp site is a primary factor that you will consider in planning your activities for the whole camping activity. It is also an important consideration in determining which tools and gears you will bring and use. A great campsite will eventually make your camping experience fun and fruitful without the need to suffer from unexpected circumstances. Below are some of the basic factors that you should consider when looking for the best camp site:
Accessibility to the location
The actual campsite should be in an area that people can easily locate and drive to. Make sure that you won’t have to struggle in driving just to reach your camp site. In case you cannot drive to the actual location, make sure that there is a foot trail and that you find it easy to go to from your camp site. Even the foot trail should not be very far. The maximum length of the trail should be about half a mile.
Attractions around the site
Pick a camp site that is very appealing and engaging. Keep in mind that you will stay in the camp site for several hours so you have to make sure that the place is actually interesting enough for you. The place should be a spot for recreation, exploration and relaxation. It should not be dull and boring for you and your fellow campers. Make sure that you know the nearest points of attraction that you can visit. Also, check if the actual places of attraction matches your chosen activities.
Water source
If you are planning to camp out for several days or even weeks, it will be impractical if you have to store and bring water from your home. As such, it will be better if you pick a camp site that is near a reliable water source. Fresh water sites should be prioritized. Before your actual camping activity, make sure that your prospect water source is clean. If you have some doubts, you may either reduce your camping days or you should consider bringing beverages with you.
Collection of wood
One of the most awaited activities in a camp night out is the creation of a camp fire. In order to make a perfect camp fire, you need a good source of wood. Keep in mind that although you might be camping in the forest, there are many places where you cannot collect woods. Note that you cannot cut wood to make a camp fire because such is illegal in many places. Also, bear in mind that live wood will not burn easily and make fire. Instead, you will need dry wood. So, you have to pick a camp site that is near an area that’s abundant of dry woods.
Site recognition
Make sure that your camp site was used by other campers before. This will ensure you that the place is somehow safe and secure. If you camp in a new place, you will have to prepare the place for camping and that might take a lot of time. Also, make sure that your camping site is recognized by the respective authorities in that area. In case of disaster and or accidents, you can be sure that local officials will alert you and extend their help to you primarily because they recognize their territorial jurisdiction and responsibility over your camping area.

I am planning on taking my son hiking a month before his 3rd birthday. We will be going to the Smoky Mountains. Does anyone have any suggestions on what type of equipment I should bring? He weighs about 30 pounds.
Thanks!

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We all love a family camping trip in the summer. We make plans to hit our favorite camping destination where you can fish, swim and sit around a campfire in the evenings. Summer is the premiere time for a camping vacation. Or so many people think.
More and more couples are taking camping trips in the fall months to take advantage of lower campsite costs, smaller crowds and cooler weather. Many campsites reduce their fees after Labor Day, making fall camping less expensive than summer camping, an especially nice savings during the current economic times. Because school has started, there are fewer kids and teenagers camping in the fall, making the campgrounds a little quieter for young and old couples to have a relaxing, and maybe romantic trip. The nights are often chillier as well, offering the perfect opportunity to snuggle up under a warm blanket with a friend or loved one. Plus, the scenery during the fall can’t be beat. The greens of summer turn into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Fall camping does require two additional planning elements not necessarily considered when preparing for a summer camping trip.
1. Pack heavier clothes and bedding: The days may be sunny and warm, but nighttime temperatures can drop quickly and dramatically. Pack for the unexpected. If you think one sweatshirt should be enough for your trip, you should probably bring two.
2. Check the weather patterns where you will be camping: Prepare for potential changes in weather. Fall weather is more volatile than the summer. Pack rain or snow gear even if the forecast calls for blue skies.
Other supplies do not have to vary much from your traditional summer camping trip. Your camping packs should still include plenty of food in airtight containers, a fully-stocked first aid kit, and essential camping supplies, such as matches, flashlights, lanterns, plastic tarps, rope, and firewood. TFall Camping Destinations
I am partial to the Northwest for outdoor camping and hiking trips. There are a large number of campsites open in Oregon and Washington year round, perfect for fall camping.
1. Castle Rock Campground: Located on Three Rivers, the Castle Rock Campground in the Siuslaw National Forest offers fishing and camping and is open year round.
2. Detroit Lake: Located in the heart of the Oregon Cascades, Detroit Lake offers a number of year round campsites as well as hiking, fishing, boating, and other fun outdoor activities.
3. Washington Coast: For exceptional coastal camping, visit Cape Disappointment, Pacific Beach, or Twin Harbors, all year round.
4. Cape Blanco State Park: This park located on the Oregon coast offers miles of coastal hiking, lighthouse tours, and extra large, private, sheltered campsites.
For more information on year round campsites in your area, go to either www.oregonstateparks.org or www.parks.wa.gov/.
Fall camping is an easy way to enjoy a three day weekend in the great outdoors. Simply take a few added precautions when planning for your camping trip by bringing a few extra supplies and know the area you will be staying in. These simple steps will make any fall camping vacation, whether in the Northwest or beyond, an enjoyable excursion.

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