Even though those Christmas holidays are months away, there are lots of other occasions that will be popping up this summer – in short, you’ll need a gift for that camper on your list. If you happen to know someone that loves to camp, there is nothing better than buying them something that they can use all summer long. Still, finding the right camping gift can be tricky, so here are so ideas to help you out.

National Park Pass: this is simply a fantastic idea. The National Parks network within the United States is home to fantastic camping sites. The pass itself will only set you back $49.99 – and the best part is that 80% of the proceeds go right back into those parks that you love so much.

Nomad Journals: this line of camping journals is one of the best out there. The recipient of this gift will be able to write down notes, collect various items, and then also make superb scrapbooks. The journals only cost around $25, so they are perfect for a birthday or smaller occasion.

Ice Cream Maker: come on, who doesn’t love a cold ice cream on a hot day? Find one that is portable and easy to use – everyone will love this gift! You can buy an inexpensive one for around $30.

Now that you know what to get that camper on your list, you will get invited to all those gatherings and parties. The best part is that these items are all under $100; they are all practical; and they are all fantastic – now, doesn’t that sound great?

Located in east-central Arkansas, the St. Francis National Forest is often called "an island in the river," as it emerges from the delta plains of Arkansas and Mississippi. The Forest is 21,201 acres of majestic oaks, sycamores, and buckeyes, providing campers with a chance to get back to nature in a bountiful woodland paradise. The peaceful solitude and breathtaking beauty surprises many of its first-time visitors.

St. Francis National Forest boasts a pair of man-made lacks full of largemouth bass, crappie, redeyed bream, and Channel catfish. Bear Creek Lake spans 625 acres, with the Beech Point and Lone Pine campgrounds nestled on its shores. Beech Point has 17 camp sites, while Lone Pine has 14. Neither one has hookups or RV waste stations, but each site can accommodate tents, cars, and RVs. There are also tables and grills at each site.

Storm Creek Lake is at the southern end of the Forest and is 425 acres, making it large enough to allow a variety of recreational water vehicles. The Storm Creek Lake campground is the highest of the three, having an elevation of 100 feet. There are 12 total camping sites available, all with the same sparse amenities of its two sister campgrounds. Don't expect all the comforts of home. There are no showers or flush toilets. This is roughing it at its finest. But there is plenty of good fishing. Seasoned anglers won't want to miss out on the fun of St. Francis National Forest.

The weather forecast should always be consulted before embarking on any camping trip. But even the most careful planning can't guarantee sunny skies. Weather can be incredibly unpredictable, with potentially dangerous storms rolling in without a moment's notice. If you ever get caught in a thunderstorm, there are a few safety measures that should be followed at all times.

While the high winds and rain of a thunderstorm can be a nuisance, requiring you to secure camping supplies and shelter, the true threat is lightning strikes. Being outdoors during a lightning storm is always dangerous. Lightning kills more people each year than hurricanes and tornadoes combined. So if you notice dark clouds on the horizon or hear distant claps of thunder, be certain to take the proper precautions.

If possible, take cover in a building or car. However, if you get stuck outside, don't panic. Stay away from fishing rods, golf clubs, bicycles, camping equipment, and any other metal objects that could attract lightning or conduct electricity.

If you're swimming or boating when the storm hits, get out of the water immediately.

You never want to be the tallest object around, nor do you want to be close to any tall objects. Stay clear of trees or structures like fire towers. They can both serve to attract lightning.

Try to crouch down and place your hands on your knees. You want to stay low while at the same time limiting your exposure to ground currents, so never place your hands on the ground or lie down flat.

If you're out in a field with others, don't huddle together. Drop any metal camping gear and spread out at least 100 feet apart. That way if someone were to get struck, the others will be safe and able to provide assistance.

If you have never been camping before, you might have a long list of questions. A few of them may be logistical things, like where will I be able to shower, or how many bears are there in my area? These questions are important to sort out before you take off on your trip. Perhaps one of the most important things to learn about camping, though, is what types of items you will need to pack up to make your trip a success.

The items that you will need will depend in large part on where you end up camping, but there are a few pieces of gear that are essential, if you aren't going to be staying some kind of trailer or RV. The first, of course, is the tent. Make sure that you select a durable tent that will stand up to some wind and rain. It's not pleasant to get soaked in the middle of the night. You will also need to make certain that you have a comfortable sleeping bag. Remember, you'll be on the ground or on an air mattress, so consider how much plush you will need in a bag to get you through the night.

Be prepared for all weather conditions. In many parts of the country there can be chilly snaps even in the early and late summer months, particularly after a rain. So bring extra clothes, socks, and shoes. It's best to layered so that you can dress to be comfortable. Also, make certain that you prepare for the rain. Bring rain gear so that you aren't wet and dripping. Your trip will be much more enjoyable.

The naturalist ethic supports the idea that one should hew as close to nature as possible when in its deep and confounding bosom. As it applies to camping, it's hte idea that you should leave behind the conveniences and distractions of the modern world when you go out into the wilderness. You won't find many campers that will leave behind the modern miracles of Gore-Tex, synthetic tents and flashlights behind, but you won't find many that will miss their Blackberries.

When you are deciding to go on a camping trip, come to an agreement with your partners as to what level of technology it's acceptable to bring. If you're traveling in avalanche prone areas, it would skirt close to irresponsibility not to bring transponders with you in case your party gets buried in mountain material. On the other hand, bringing a laptop and a few spare batteries would sort of defeat the purpose of getting away from it all. Likewise, a boombox could either liven up the atmosphere of a morning cook-out or completely ruin it.

Part of the joy of getting into the wilderness is the glorious silence. Particularly for urbanites, the silence that you become enveloped in when you're out in the wild has almost magical qualities. It allows you to focus on your inner self rather than become constantly distracted by the human noise surrounding you. This silence is a national treasure. Disrupting it could annoy your fellow campers, even if you think that they can't hear it. In the great silence of the outdoors, sound travels a long way. Be considerate when you're on walkabout.

Some newlyweds go camping on their honeymoon, either because they love camping or because they're strapped for cash, or both. The skeptical among you are probably already thinking about the bugs, the cold, the grime, the rain, and all the other things that can make camping uncomfortable and decidedly unromantic. However, if you plan it right, you can enjoy a wonderful and hassle-free camping honeymoon.

If comfort is a priority, or if you're inexperienced campers, you should camp at a national park or some other location where you can set up camp near your car. Car camping may not be adventurous, but it lets you take more of the things you might need, and you'll be able to escape to a motel if things turn sour. If tents aren't your thing, you might consider staying in a cabin or a cottage.

If you go the tent and sleeping bag route, make sure you plan for the weather. Choose a tent that will stand up to a heavy downpour (you can test it with a garden hose), and choose sleeping bags rated for the coldest temperatures you might have to endure. Choose sleeping bags that can be zipped together. Be sure to look into pads that can be placed underneath your sleeping bags, which will create a comfortable cushion between you and the hard ground.

Take comfortable clothing that's appropriate for the weather, and be sure to wear layers so you can dress down when it gets warmer. Also, bring insect repellent. It's hard to feel romantic when you're constantly swatting mosquitoes.

It requires a little planning and forethought, but if you take the time to do it right, you'll have a romantic camping experience that you'll never forget.

You might not think that there would be much to a tent. After all, it's purpose is pretty simple. You want transportable shelter that will keep the wind and rain off of you long enough to get some sleep. But actually there are a number of different types of tents available and each one is suited to a different kind of camping. And any experienced camper will tell you, the type of tent that you take up the side of the mountain is not the same type of tent that you want to cram the family into down on the campsite.

Tents have been used for generations in a variety of cultures, with each one putting a unique spin on the structure to better meet their individual needs. Modern tents have also been adjusted to meet specific needs as well, including lightweight models for backpacking trips and heavier and larger models made for longer stays in a stationary place. There are tents that are designed for various changes in weather climates as well. For example, some tents are made to retain heat for researchers to survive in arctic regions. Others are made to keep people cooler in more tropical climates. Where you live and what you will be using your tent for are important factors in what type of tent will best meet your needs.

The structure of the tent also varies. A-frame tents are among the most popular and have been used for decades. Think Boy Scout camping trip. Today, dome tents are also gaining in popularity, particularly because they are much more stable. Extremely large and heavy tents are referred to as "cabin tents" and geodesic tents are a variation on the dome tent that is blessed with more wind resistance. There is truly a perfect tent type for every camper.