The entire point of heading outside in your RV is to explore the country while bringing the comforts of home along with you. Some say that RVing is half-way between camping and living at home, though this type of adventure doesn’t have to be too expensive. While it’s true that some RV parks can be quite pricey, you can easily find low cost RV parks without much effort.

When it comes to selecting an RV park, consider the types of services provided. If you choose an RV park that comes with full-service, you can expect to pay quite a bit of money in order to spend the night. Also, those RV parks that are located right next to large city centers will often charge more. Instead, opt for a park that is slightly out of the way, doesn’t have many types of extras, and may be a bit off the beaten path. Another great idea is to park at a state or recreational area. State parks are usually inexpensive, though there won’t be very many hookups. Lastly, federal land parks are usually free, though you can also be sure that there won’t be any extra amenities.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll be able to travel anywhere in the country on a budget. Even though many people that enjoy RVing have become accustomed to more than basic “creature comforts,” you can live without these extras for one night. If you are heading out on a long trip, spend some nights at a full-service park, and others at a federal park – mixing it up is the best way to enjoy your trip, and save those extra pennies.

Choosing a tent isn’t like it used to be. Once upon a time, campers simply grabbed the closest tent that they could find in order to spend the night outdoors. Today, camping has taken on a whole new meaning with more selections than ever before. So, how do you comb through all the high-tech tents in order to find the one that will suit you best? Keep reading to find out.

The first thing that you will need to think about is the number of people you want to put inside of one tent. Obviously, a four person tent will not work for six people, and one person doesn’t need a large tent. If you happen to be traveling light, make sure that you don’t buy a bulky tent. The size of the tent is usually posted on the tent box. Next, think about the ten’s shape. You can find tents in four basic shapes: A-frame, umbrella, dome, and wall. Generally, tents that have a basic square bottom are easier to pitch. It is at this point you’ll want to check out the tent polls – are they aluminum or fiberglass? Ask a retailer which type of pole is best for you. Also, think about the tent fabric. Although most good tents are made with nylon, coated nylon will keep you safe from the weather – choose a fabric that is resistant and rip safe.

Lastly, think about the overall cost of your tent. There is no point buying an expensive tent that you will only use once per year. Likewise, buying a tent that is perfect for Arctic conditions is relatively useless when it comes to warmer climates. Select your price range, and stick with it (no matter what the salesperson tries to talk you into). Camping can be a lot of fun, just make sure that you are adequately prepared.

During the 1940's a group called the Mountaineers came up with a list of ten camping essentials. Today we still use this list, but with a few modern twists. Here is the basic list as it appeared in the 1940's and 50's, followed by today's take on the list.

Map
Compass
Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
Extra food
Extra clothing
Sunglasses
Pocketknife
Matches in waterproof container
Fire starter such as a candle

The list seems like common sense for today's camper, but it was a great reminder for the campers of the past. Also, today we have a more comprehensive list of essentials at our disposal.

In place of a map, today's campers opt for a GPS system, which is by far more accurate and only slightly more expensive than a map depending on which brand and options you choose. The GPS takes care of the compass issue as well. As with most modern equipment, there is room for failure (dead batteries, uncharted locations, etc.), so you should still know how to read a map and a compass.

The flashlight remains a standard and is used for a few purposes. It will illuminate the night and it can also be used as a signaling device in case you get lost, injured or if you have any emergency. We now have better batteries and those are the ones we should take, even as extras. We also have pen lights that are lighter and easier to pack as well.

Extra food and clothing is just good common sense. Clothing for all weather conditions should be packed, especially extra socks, head gear and gloves.

Sunglasses are an absolute essential and now we have sunscreen to add to the list. First-aid supplies have become first-aid kits that can be found in any store. Matches should be taken and kept in water proof containers. We also now have wind-proof, refillable lighters. Always take a few candles as well.

When breaking down and packing up your campsite you always want to leave the area in better condition than you found it. This is one way that we can do our part in preserving the beauty of nature. Always take all trash and debris with you and dispose of it properly, recycling whenever possible as well. If there was some trash there when you arrived, clean that up too. If you are allowed to burn you may want to burn trash rather than donate it to an overflowing landfill in non-biodegradable plastic trash bags.

As far as your own equipment and waste, pack out what you packed in. Breaking down the tent or anything else you have set up should be done with a conscious effort to preserve your belongings. For example, you should brush off your sleeping bags as well as possible, removing dirt, pine needles, twigs or anything that could rip your bag's fabric. When taking down your tent, make sure that it is as dry as it can be. Even if it didn't rain during your trip, condensation is still a concern and moisture can eat holes right through the cloth.

Next are all of the things you may have had between the bottom of your tent and the ground, such as ground cloths or tarps and maybe even carpet remnants. Make sure to lay these in the sun to dry and brush them free of debris as well.

Finally, make sure all fires are completely out; there should be no glowing embers, smoldering or smoke at all. In fact, pour a good bit of water on them and sift through the ashes with a stick or a similar tool in order to ensure the area is well saturated and cool to the touch.

Camping is by far more of an adventure if you choose to set up camp in a remote location, far away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. When choosing to camp out in the desert or along a lonely stretch of a stream bed, or even on some privately owned woodland area, you want to ensure that you don't run into unexpected problems that could ruin your experience.

Ideally, your campsite should be located in an area with fresh water, grass-covered ground, trees, gentle slopes in the terrain, decent protection from inclement weather, as well as a fantastic view. The chances of finding all of these things in one location are slim, but you should choose a spot that has as many of these conditions as possible.

A great rule of thumb is to remember that what seems perfectly safe during nice clear weather, may not be during inclement weather. For example, your campsite may be fantastic under a tree when the weather is beautiful, but not so fantastic if an unexpected thunderstorm strikes. Keep weather conditions in mind when setting up camp, always. Actually, camping under trees in general is not a good idea. While the trees would provide for great protection from harsh winds during a storm, after the storm has cleared water will continue to drip from the leaves, keeping the site saturated.

Make sure that you choose a spot to set up camp where there is a gentle slope away from the tent itself. The slope should not go directly through the site, however you may find your self against the side of the tent or even on the outside of it in the morning.

Buying a tent for camping may seem relatively easy, but, in actuality, there are many things that go into choosing the right tent. Tents come with ratings, and these ratings are in place for a reason. For example, you can't very well take a 3 season tent to Utah in November, or at least, you shouldn't. Here we'll outline how to choose the right tent for particular conditions. This outline should help you choose the right tent for your next camping trip.

You must first consider the time of year that you will be making your trip and more specifically, weather conditions for that time of year for where you are headed. There are three different tent classifications that relate to the time of year that they will be used. The All-Season or Convertible tent is slightly misleading because, while they can be used year-round, they are not up to the protection factor needed in harsh winter weather. Then there is the 3-Season tent, which like the All-Season tent, works well for three seasons, but will not stand up to cold winter temps and weather conditions. If you are intending to tent camp in harsh winter weather your best choice is the 4-Season tent.

The other two tent classifications, All-Season and 3-Season, are usually used by families for relaxed spring, summer and fall camping. These are also usually found in the most variety of sizes, such as cabin or "room" tents. 3-Season tents are the most versatile, and we recommend them highly for standard camping adventures. These are also usually dome shaped and have many ventilation options. Sizes will vary and you are encouraged to seek the roomiest 3-Season tent that your budget will allow.

A camping trip that includes the whole family can be enjoyable on many levels, including bonding with each other as well as nature. However, you will need to take the time to plan and prepare for the trip in order for it to go off without a hitch. Here we'll outline some safety measures that should be taken and a few things that should be considered in order to keep everyone safe while camping.

If you are not very camping-savvy you may want to consider taking a few day trips as a family and incorporate some basic camping skills. Building a camp fire, learning hiking safety, and teaching your children how to stay close enough to not get lost are key, as is knowing what plants to avoid. Also, make sure you know how to treat insect bites and stings, as those are good things to focus on. Once you are confident in your new skills, you may proceed to the actual camping trip.

One of the most common camping dangers is not being prepared for weather conditions and changes. This may not seem like a big deal, but just wait until you are out in the wilderness and freezing your buns off or sweating like a pig. Be sure to check the complete weather forecast and be prepared with a variety of clothing for all weather conditions. Mother Nature loves the fact that you’re enjoying her creation, but she won't change her plans to accommodate yours.

When you set up your camp site, especially in well used campgrounds, there is less danger of forest fires or fallen trees, but more danger in encountering broken glass, dirty needles and other such hazards. Be sure to scout your camp site well before allowing the children to run and play. Also, bring your own water; do not rely on streams or lakes for your water because Heaven only knows what could have been dumped in there.

Traveling and camping with an RV can get quite expensive and rather quickly at that. In this article we will outline some great money saving tips so that the most expensive part of your trip will be the gas you use to take it.

First and foremost, when it comes to food, bring things from home instead of going to the grocery store to purchase foods specifically for your trip. An exception to this would be if you want to bring certain things that aren't already in your kitchen. Remember that milk, eggs, lunch meat and so on will probably spoil while you are away, so bring them along. If you do need to buy separate items, purchase generic instead of "name-brands" and look for items that are on sale. Bring other things from home as well, such as foil, zipper baggies, utensils and so on. Get creative with the things you already have.

The next thing to consider is where you will be parking the RV for the actual camping. If you are choosing RV parks with tons of amenities you can expect to pay top dollar for the conveniences that, often times, you won't fully utilize. Consider staying in a state park (adding a considerable amount of activities to your trip) or even a recreation area. Although, when choosing a recreation area, be sure to consider safety. You will have less access to "hook-ups", but that is OK if your main objective is to camp within a budget.

If certain amenities are a necessity, consider staying at parks that offer fewer hook-ups and are located a good distance from cities or other well populated areas. These types of parks are reasonably priced and a lot more laid back, with fewer restrictions on campers which may lend themselves to a more enjoyable experience anyway.

A well intended camping trip can turn into a nightmare rather quickly if you forget certain necessities. Here some of the things that can be easily overlooked when packing for your adventure, as well as some tips for packing them.

While it goes without saying that certain toiletries should be packed, such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and tooth brushes, you should not forget a few other things. Dental floss, hand sanitizer, tweezers, aloe vera and thermometers are often overlooked and often needs once at the camp site. Don't forget a well stocked first-aid kit as well. This kit should include all the standards (you can purchase a complete kit at almost any store), as well as extra prescription meds, scissors and a sewing kit.

Some good things to remember when packing are flashlights, extra batteries, tools such as screwdrivers, a hammer and a pocket or camper's knife. Don't forget to pack a fire extinguisher, trash bags and a few 5 or 10 gallon buckets. Buckets are very versatile at the camp site, as they can be used to fetch water, throw away trash, and even be used as extra seating around the camp fire.

If you are camping with a tent, here are some great tips to create the most comfortable camping experience. Use old carpet, remnants or pieces on top of a tarp and under the tent itself. This will bring a level of comfort that is often missing from a tent camping experience. You should always have at least two tarps or ground cloths with you're when tent camping. Also, consider bringing battery operated lanterns for safety and convenience when camping with children.

Nothing says "camping" like the food that is prepared using a camp fire. Here are some great recipes to try the next time you go camping.

Breakfast: Zipper Baggie Omelets

What you need for each camper

Zipper baggie
2 eggs
Omelet fixings (i.e. cheese, bacon, ham, green peppers, etc.)

Cooking utensils will be a pot of water, bowl, whisk/fork and tongs. Prepare the fire and set the pot of water on or in it so water boils. While the water is coming to a boil, prepare eggs in the bowl and allow each camper to choose their fixings. Pour eggs into the baggie and add the fixings, then place the baggie into the boiling water for about 3 minutes. You can check doneness by pulling the baggie out of the water with the tongs and looking at it. When it’s done, roll it out onto a plate and season to taste. The eggs will actually form into an omelet inside the baggie.

Snack: Fondue

What you need

Pot
Skewers (one for each camper)
plates or napkins

Ingredients

2 cups shredded "melt-able" cheese
2 T spoons all purpose flour
1 can "cream of" soup
1/2 cup beer, white wine or water
Bread chunks, shrimp or other dip-able food

Mix all ingredients well in pot and place on fire to melt. When fondue is melted, simply skewer dip-able foods, dip into the fondue and enjoy; but no double dipping please.

Here's a recipe for the grownups to enjoy once the kids are in bed:

What you'll need:

1-2 bananas per person
Foil
Brown sugar
Butter
Sweet liquor; such as Khalua, Brandy or Amaretto, etc.
Whipped topping

Place the banana(s) in the foil, add a dollop of butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and splash a shot of liquor in there. Fold up the foil and place directly in the fire. After about 10-15 minutes pull it out; top with whipped topping and enjoy.

Summer is just around the corner and many people will be using their vacation time to go camping. As any well seasoned camper will tell you, the summer heat can be brutal and can suck the fun out of camping just as fast as it will dehydrate you. Here are some things you should know for beating the heat during your summer camping trips.

The first thing that must be considered is dehydration, as it will occur very quickly if you are not careful to drink enough water and other clear fluids. However, the old mind-set that your thirst is an indicator of dehydration is not necessarily true. In fact, it will be your urine that will be your best indicator of dehydration. If your urine is dark and cloudy you need to drink more water, and make sure to drink until your urine is clear and light in color. Water should be within easy reach at all times; take it with you when you go on a hike or when enjoying other activities away from your camp site. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as much as possible because these drinks will actually deplete you of your hydration.

Packing the right clothing for the season and weather is also a good way to keep as cool as possible. Choose light colored, light-weight fabrics and avoid those dark colored and heavy clothes, no matter how cute they are. Of course you will want to bring a few warmer items along for night time around the camp fire. This may be one of the times that polyester fabrics are appropriate, along with nylon because they will dry quickly and are usually light and airy.

It also goes without saying that sunscreen should be as much a part of your wardrobe as your shirts and shorts. SPF 15 or higher is best, and try to find one that includes bug repellent. Oh, and don't forget the lip balm.

There is not much that annoys campers simply because camping is a common form of relaxing recreation. However, what may well annoy campers is bad manners of their fellow campers and as such, there is a certain protocol that should be followed when camping at a campground or in a place where there are other campers. Proper campground etiquette is basically common sense, but there are a few things that go outside the bounds of every day common sense. Here are a few guidelines to ensure that you are a courteous camper.

First and foremost, you should never invade another camper's space by walking through their camp site. Always walk around it to reach a particular destination, even when they are not there.

Always obey a campground's rule about noise control, following their outlined "quiet times." Voices, radio, loud games and other noises will carry much further in nature and may even be amplified by your particular surroundings, so be considerate.

Make sure that you go out of your way to leave your camp site cleaner than you found it. Recycle whenever possible and clean up camp fire messes, as well as dropped food or other debris. Many campgrounds offer recycling bins and every campground has trash containers, so there's no excuse to leave a mess.

If you bring your pet make sure to clean up after it; throwing their "by-products" into the brush is perfectly acceptable. Do not leave your pet unattended as they may dig holes, bark, whine or otherwise annoy fellow campers.

NEVER clean fish, wash dishes or throw waste water into lakes, rivers, streams or on the ground. Dispose of waste properly in order to protect fellow campers and wildlife.

Following these rules and those of the campground will ensure that everyone enjoys themselves and are safe.