Though camping can be an excellent way to experience the great outdoors, it can be an expensive endeavor. Acquiring all the gear you need costs money, especially if you plan to use a trailer-mounted shelter or RV to get away from it all. Once you've gotten your gear sorted, there's also still the matter of camping fees, utility rates, and even gas costs. But by taking a little care in planning your trips into the wild, you can maximize your camping dollar and enjoy living with nature cheaper and longer.

First of all, if you're planning on renting a recreational vehicle or trailer, be sure to call around to various dealers when planning your trip. Costs can vary widely, and the less elaborate the vehicle the more money you'll save. Large RVs also consume considerably more gas than smaller vehicles, and can be considerably more difficult to drive. Often, the best price-to-luxury ratio can be found in towable, pop-up trailer units.

Selecting a campsite can also have considerable impact on your camping budget. Popular sites with luxury hookups near major cities or interstates can be considerably more expensive than more basic facilities located off the beaten path. Sites also may have different daily rates in different parts of the year, so call ahead and research when planning your vacation.

Even if you're simply planning on walking into the wilderness with your only gear on your back, you may still need a camping permit, depending on the area. Primitive campsites, so called because they lack RV hookups, can be considerably cheaper and even free to use, but ensure you follow all rules and regulations when selecting one.

When it comes to camping trailers, prospective buyers have a myriad of options to choose from. Designs range from the starkly economical, which really epitomize the term "roughing it", to luxury trailers and even self-contained RVs with all the amenities of home. Depending on how much money you're willing to spend, and how many comforts you're willing to sacrifice, you can certainly find a trailer or camper to suit your needs.

The simplest motorized camping shelter is a camper shell. Built to slide into the back of a pickup truck, these shelters convert the vehicle into a rudimentary RV, but are usually light on features. If you don't have a pickup, you can opt for a teardrop trailer, which is an incredibly compact two-person shelter, often containing an outdoor kitchen facility, accessed through a top hatch.

The next step up in camping trailers is the pop-up, or tent trailer. Folding into an easily towable box, the pop-up trailer is expanded when you get to the campsite to create a living and sleeping area, and some models even include kitchen and bathroom facilities. Slightly more expensive is the dedicated camping trailer, which usually requires a large vehicle for towing, but models can include their own heating, A/C, electric, and water systems.

The highest end, of course, is the recreational vehicle, a combination transport and living space that can range from the size of a large van to the frame of a good-sized passenger bus. The sky's the limit when it comes to options here, and luxury RVs can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more. Expensive they may be, but there's no better way to "rough it" in style.

Tents are good things to bring with you while you're camping. They keep out bugs, rain and give you a sense of security while you're trudging about in the wilderness. On the other hand, they can be tremendously irritating if you're not used to putting one together. The instructions might as well be written in Aramaic, and nothing ever seems to fit together as it should. Don't worry, you're not a complete idiot.

Practice putting together your tent in well lit conditions before you set off on your camping trip. Do it multiple times and try to get it perfect. Ask for help from someone with more experience than you. Trying to learn how to put together a confusing tent while you're in the wild - potentially with fading daylight and incoming clouds - is just a recipe for hair-pulling frustration. Testing it out also lets you check to make sure there are no holes in the canvas or other problems with it that might have happened while it was in storage.

Don't bring more tent than you really need. Larger tents aren't necessarily more comfortable, but they are heavier to carry around. Don't bother buying one with a chimney or other gee-whiz amenities unless you're going to be dealing with severely inclement weather and freezing conditions. If you have problems pounding in stakes, just bring a lightweight hammer with you on your trip. A tarp to lay under your tent is highly recommended, as it will keep the bottom dry and protected from stones that could cause discomfort or tears in the tent fabric.

Setting up your tent can be very easy; it can also be very difficult, no matter how many times you've done it. Weather conditions, sloping terrain and much more can play a major role in how you set up your tent.

The first thing you should do when setting up your tent is to find the perfect spot for your camp. You can find more information on the perfect campsite here on campersvoice.com and elsewhere on the internet. Here we will outline some ways to set up your tent in bad conditions. Each tent is going to have different set up instructions, you should review your owner's manual and familiarize yourself with the proper way to set up your tent.

Now when pitching your tent, you want to figure out which direction the air is flowing, or which way the wind is blowing, depending on particular weather conditions. Taking the air flow direction into consideration, set your tent up so that the opening and/or vents are allowing that air to flow into the tent. This will increase the amount of ventilation inside the tent itself. You will want to be absolutely certain that your tent is secure and stable, a lot can change overnight. Make sure that you do your home work on the weather forecast for where you will be setting up camp.

If it is extremely windy, you may want to wait for things to wind down a bit before attempting to pitch your tent. Find the most sheltered area and have as many helping hands as possible for this task. Unfold your tent sheets, tarps or anything else you plan on using on the ground, as close to the ground as possible. Follow this same tip for unrolling your tent too. If it is raining or snowing, same rules apply, find a well sheltered area, get a lot of help and keep it low to the ground!

Camping is the perfect opportunity to spend time with family or friends, to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, and to experience nature in new and exciting ways. But oftentimes you will find that you are in a campground that is far from empty and you need to know common campground etiquette to keep your vacation, and the vacations of those around you, enjoyable.

Common sense plays a huge role in campground etiquette. Think of each camp site as personal property. Just as you would walk on the sidewalk, rather than through your neighbor's yard, go around people's campsites even if it means going the long way. Don't sit up late at night playing lots of loud games. Keep noisy activities restricted to recreational areas so that you don't disturb those around you.

Follow all of the campground rules. They were put into place for the benefit of everyone, including the wildlife and keeping the site clean. So make sure that you obey all of the regulations that have been put into place, right down to where you should clean your fish. Perhaps one of the most important ways that you can be a courteous camper is to make sure that you don't leave a mess behind you. Take away everything that came with you, and if the person ahead of you left a mess, pick that up too. By keeping campgrounds clean, they can be better enjoyed by everyone, including you, for many vacations to come.

Camping doesn't always have to be about roughing it. While there are certainly those whose preference is a small, cramped tent against the elements and only the basic gear necessary to survive, most of us want a little more comfort in the wilderness. Luckily, there have been considerable advancements in the camping industry since the days of the pup tent, so if you're willing to make a few sacrifices when it comes to the honest battle between man and the elements, you can make your camping trip considerably more comfortable and enjoyable.

One way to give yourself a little more room for camping luxury is to pick a campsite with vehicle access. Not having to carry in every piece of gear on your back will give you the chance to bring larger, more spacious tents, more and fresher food, and more equipment to make your campsite a comfortable place. A vehicle on hand also gives you a place to store leftover equipment securely, and gives you an additional barrier against wild animals getting into your food (although you should still keep everything as sealed as possible, because the smell of food has led more than one bear to significantly damage a camper's vehicle).

And of course if you're willing to throw authenticity completely out the window, you can use a pop-up camper, trailer, or even an RV. Most campgrounds have hookups for these vehicles, and by using them you can bring all the comforts of home along with you to the campsite. "Camping out" in an RV with hot running water and electricity is hardly camping out, to be sure, but it's certainly one of the most comfortable ways to spend your time out finding nature.

The importance of acclimatization to extremely high altitudes really can't be understated. When you're climbing high, the palpable effect on everything you do of lower available oxygen takes a while for your body to get used to, particularly if you have poor breathing habits to begin with. Reduction in air pressure from high altitude traveling can also cause a number of malaises. Before engaging in strenuous activity at high altitude, it's really a good idea to spend at least a day or two getting used to the change. Often, professional athletes train at high altitudes during the off season so that they body gets more accustomed to processing air efficiently.

Headaches can happen from altitude related dehydration and the altitude itself. It can take days for these headaches to fully clear up. Just be conscious of the effects of high altitude when you're traveling in the upper reaches of the atmosphere. It can help to bring analgesics with you while you're camping to help clear up the pain. Often when you're going up and down very steep areas, you will experience annoying inner ear sensations and headaches due to all the altitudes you're moving through. If weren't born in the mountains, this sort of reaction is normal, and it takes some experience to get used to it.

If you have headaches that aren't affected by pain killers, it could be a symptom of a cranial edema, which can affect a stunningly high percentage of 3% of people at 7,000 to 9,000 meters. If you start coughing blood, you should get to lower altitude and see if the symptoms start going away. Try not to climb more than 300 meters in a day if you want to stay on the safe side. One good practice is to sleep in valleys and only ascend during the day, when possible.

If you go camping in most of the United States, at some point you will encounter bears. Unless they are very hungry, they generally won't creep up on a bunch of active people during the day. They really aren't very aggressive. They're interested in garbage, not in eating people, which are generally rather stringy and foul tasting to the refined palette of our ursine friends. Most campers will hear bears rather than see them - late at night, if you hear a lot of loud rustling in the vicinity of the garbage spot, it's probably a bear rustling through your leavings.

Generally, it's best not to bother them when they're doing this. Just try to relax and get to sleep, and just clean up the mess in the morning. If the bear wanted to kill you in your sleep, it would, so if you're awake and listening to them, they probably won't bother heading over to gobble you up.

For daylight confrontations with cubs involved, it might be best to carry some bear mace. It does work when applied correctly, so long as you have the courage to stand fast and use it. Don't try to run from a bear. They will catch you! Although they may look like they're lumbering creatures, anyone who has seen a bear run knows that they could give an Olympic sprinter a run for their money. They are rather like snakes that way - they like to laze about, but when they're going to attack you, it will be over before you know it. The best way to avoid bear attacks is to give them a wide berth if you see them. Don't mess around with them, it's a bad idea.

How important can a tent floor really be? Well, since it will be the only thing that will be between you and the rock hard earth floor, it is pretty important. Also, your tent bottom will be the one thing protecting you from any sort of last minute weather condition that may arise, so make sure that you select a tent with a decent floor.

For the most part, a tub floor is optimal. A tub floor has doesn’t include any cross-seams that connect the floor portion of the tent. Why is this important? If your tent seams are along the bottom of the tent, they can easily rip and tear. However, seams that run up the sides of a tent are far less likely to split. Also, you will want to make sure that your floor can withstand any sort of rain, snow, or other wet precipitation, so choose one that is made from polyurethane-coated nylon taffeta or oxford nylon.

Try not to bring any outdoor debris inside of your tent, and always walk around your tent barefoot. It’s amazing how hiking shoes and sandals can rip tent floors, and that is something that you really do not want to happen. When you shop for a tent, look for all the features mentioned above, and make sure that you find a tent that includes a tub floor. Camping is one of the best activities that you can do in order to immerse yourself in all the wonders that nature has to offer, just make sure that you are not going to be lying around in muck.

Maybe you love hiking and getting acquainted with the wonders of nature, but you absolutely hate setting up the tent. Maybe it fights you too much, or maybe it has a less than intuitive design that makes the instruction manual difficult to follow. Wouldn't it be nice if the tent could just set up itself? Other people thought so too, which is why Declathon invented the 2-Second Tent.

The 2-Second Tent literally takes only two seconds to set up. All you do is toss it in the air, and bam, you have an instant tent. It's designed to pop open just like that. Of course it might take more than a few seconds to finish setting up if the tent doesn't land upright, or if it's a windy day and you need to hammer the tent down so it doesn't blow away.

Putting the tent away isn't quite as simple. According to the manufacturer, it should only take fifteen minutes to put away. If you do it a few times and familiarize yourself with how the tent is designed to flatten out, you may be able to do it in less time--until then, it might take longer than fifteen minutes.

Unfortunately, the 2-Second tent is too big to make it practical for backpacking. Even when it's tightly folded up, it's simply too large to fit inside a backpack. However, you might be able to get away with hanging it on your backpack. Even so, this tent is really meant for car travel.

Unfortunately, the only way to find this great tent now is to look for it on sites like eBay. But if you can get it, it will make camping a lot easier.

When camping out, a properly pitched tent can make the difference between a fun, relaxing trip and a dismal time in the wilderness. A carefully chosen and prepared site will allow you a restful night's sleep, dry and comfortable; a few mistakes can leave you in a damp, soggy mess. A little preparation and knowhow can help ensure that your shelter is ready for anything.

First of all, especially if you're working with a new tent, make sure you stop for the night well before dark. Putting up a tent in the pitch black night is never an easy prospect, and it's very easy to lose track of important gear in the darkness, or miss an obvious problem with your site. Stopping early might lessen your walking range, but the extra rest will more than make up for the inconvenience.

You should choose a spot that's sheltered, but not directly under a tree, and a spot that's slightly elevated to allow for rain runoff. A plastic ground-cloth should be used, and tucked under the edges of your tent to prevent water pooling underneath and ruining your night. The door of your tent should be placed parallel to the prevailing winds, to allow ventilation and prevent condensation inside the tent.

Though you may not need them when you stop, if your tent includes ground stakes for security or a rain hood, consider using them. Conditions can change without warning out in the wilderness, and taking a few extra minutes can be the difference between sleeping through foul weather and getting tossed around or soaked during the night. As the Boy Scouts would say, be prepared.

All of us would like our camping trips to be warm, dry, comfortable ones, but occasionally mother nature doesn't play ball. Sharply dropping temperatures or a soaking rainstorm have the potential to turn a fun night out in the woods into an abject, shivering misery for the unprepared hiker. But with a little preparation and knowhow, even the worst conditions can be managed.

For rainy conditions, the first and most important thing is to make sure you have a tent that can stand up to heavy rain. It should be pitched on a raised area, allowing drainage, and a folded groundsheet underneath will keep the floor dry. A doormat will help prevent you from tracking mud and water inside, and once in you should always refrain from touching the tent fabric - you can alter the rainproofing, causing a leak. In addition, if you know conditions are going to be wet, pack extra clothing as well as your sleeping bag, wrapping them in garbage bags to keep water out.

For the cold, it's most important to get a sleeping bag rated for the conditions you'll be experiencing. Mummy-type bags reduce airspace and keep you warmer, and sleeping bag liners can improve this even further. Make sure to pack extra changes of clothing, especially socks - sleeping or working in wet clothing in cold conditions is a sure way to end up in trouble. And throughout the trip - even when sleeping - keep your head covered to minimize heat loss.

By taking a few basic precautions and understanding the difficulties involved in camping when it's not warm and sunny out, you can handle even the worst inclement weather out in the woods.

Safety in the woods is paramount - if something bad happens, you could find yourself far out of reach of assistance. Even in accessible public campgrounds there are plenty of dangers for the unwary. However, by taking a few precautions before you leave, and setting up your campsite carefully, you can minimize the risk and maximize your chances of a safe, enjoyable camping trip.

First and foremost, any set of camping gear should include a basic first aid kit. Having materials on hand to deal with minor cuts and abrasions, bug bites, and burns can help immensely. Sunscreen is another must for camping, even in cold weather - sunburn from constant exposure can ruin any trip. Proper gear for the weather conditions can help ensure a good night's sleep and plenty of energy for the new day.

Campsite arrangement is also important. Be sure any campfires are set in safe areas, ringed with stones to prevent any spreading of the fire. Tents should be placed on high ground to allow drainage in the case of rain. Food storage is paramount to protect against foragers; all food and garbage should be sealed in airtight containers and placed away from tents, either in a vehicle or hung in trees. Absolutely no foodstuffs, including drinks, should be kept anywhere near where anyone is sleeping. More than one bear has been attracted into a tent by the scent of something good to eat.

By ensuring that safety is paramount when planning your camping trip, you can ensure an enjoyable and worry-free time for everyone involved, and prevent even the most minor incidents from marring your outdoor experience.

The National Forests of the United States are more user-friendly than our National Parks. National Parks are set aside to preserve the natural beauty of an area. National Forests are lands set aside for public use. Still, many National Forests are extremely beautiful and are excellent places to camp, no matter the type of camping that you may prefer, from rustic to RVing.

Our National Forests also are great for just about any outdoor activity that you enjoy. There are also innumerable unspoiled ecosystems to explore and appreciate without even leaving the mainland of the United States. And even more adventure and beauty awaits you if you are able to get to the National Forests in Hawaii or Puerto Rico.

There are several ways of researching online the National Forests and National Parks. You will find National Forest information at www.fs.fed.us/. National Park information can be obtained at NPS.gov, which is the National Park Service. To place reservations for all recreation on federal lands you will need to go to RECREATION.gov; a new membership registration must be filled out in order to place reservations as the old ReserveUSA.com and Reservations.NPS.gov are no longer in service, meaning memberships with them are no longer valid.

Another excellent resource for information and reviews of National Forests and National Parks is GORP.com. GORP is a part of Orbitz Worldwide, which is a brand of Travelsport, Inc.. A free membership is required, but you are also eligible for many other benefits about travel information, packages, and recommendations that help you research any travel destination that you have in mind.

Picking a camping tent can be confusing for a lot of people. It’s hard to know what to look for in a good tent if you aren’t familiar with camping. Here are a few pointers to guide you in the right direction.

One of the most important aspects of a tent is the size. Your tent needs to be able to fit all of your camping gear inside as well as you and your fellow campers. You’ll want enough room inside for everyone to sleep without being on top of each other, and you’ll also want enough height for you to stand up enough to put on your pants. Even though you want a nice sized tent, it’s important that it is easy to assemble. Some tents come with all kinds of bells and whistles that you really don’t need. What’s more, losing one of these pieces could cause your whole tent to fall down. When looking for tents, it’s best to keep it simple. You don’t want to have to fumble with a complicated tent for hours on end; a tent should be able to be put up in about 20 minutes. Look for tents that have detailed instructions and diagrams and ask the salesperson for recommendations.

You’ll have to consider the weather and the climate at the campsite and then plan accordingly. A durable tent will be able to withstand the elements and keep you as warm and dry as possible. Look for tents that are made with good materials. It’s best not to go cheap here if you want to avoid cold wet nights in the wilderness. Even if rain isn’t one of your worries, you’ll still want to keep out wind, dirt and bugs, and the durability of the tent will still be important.

There are quite a few camping myths that are still being shared around the camp fire. Although some of these myths are harmless, there are a few that can cause you serious injury if you follow them. Here are a few of the most common myths.

The myth that one group of 15 people has more effect on the environment than three groups of five or five groups of three almost sounds logical. However, there have been studies done that found that there is no real difference in the impact 15 people no matter how they are divided up. The only things that make a real difference are the techniques the group uses while camping and how well then stick to the Leave No Trace principals.

One of the biggest and most commonly believed myths is that moss only grows on the north side of a tree. The truth is moss grows on all sides of a tree as long as there is shade and moisture. Unfortunately, this myth is so prevalent that many a camper has gotten lost in the woods trying to use the technique. You’re better off with a compass.

A dangerous myth is that you can only get hypothermia in the winter. Although hypothermia is more common in the winter, it can happen in the summer too. This is especially true if you have been in the water. You can get hypothermia due to exposure to cold water even on the warmest days. You should make sure that you come out of the water to dry off and warm up every once in a while. Also make sure that you never where wet clothes of extended period of time.

For most people, the idea of having to use the bathroom while camping is not a pleasant one. Women often shy away from camping for this very reason. However, men and women can go camping without hesitation with a short lesson on how to use the bathroom while camping.

First and foremost, you have to remember to bring toilet paper. You will be very sorry if you forget it. Along with the toilet paper, make sure you bring a plastic bag to use as a trash can. Of course there are nature’s toilet papers. Things like clean smooth stones, moss, big leaves and even snow are all natural options.

You’ll want to make sure that wherever you make your bathroom is both downstream and down wind from camp. Also, make sure that you pick a spot that is far away from the water to avoid contamination. It’s best if you urinate directly on the ground and avoid plants which could be harmed by urine. If you need to take care of other business, you can dig a cathole. This is a 6 inch wide hole that’s about 8 inches deep. It serves as an outhouse which you can simply cover up with dirt when you are done. Squat down as much as you can and make yourself more comfortable by leaning on logs or rocks. Cover the hole well when you are done and take your plastic trash bag with you so you can dispose of it properly.

After your first experience with using the bathroom outdoors, it will become second (or first) nature.

Camping is one of the fun ways to spend time with your family. Getting out into the open, smelling the natural smells and "roughing it" all can be fun and exciting.

There are many ways to camping and one of them is specialized camping. Some survivalist campers have to learn the skills needed in order to survive any outdoor situation. The skills you need may require you to catch and prepare your own foods, perform emergency medical treatments, orienting, and pioneering.

Another way to camp is to go wild camping. This choice is becoming more popular because it challenges people who like being in the outdoors without campsite amenities. It’s a chance to get out and enjoy nature at its best. Some people even enjoy camping in the winter time. This type of camping is outside when there is sufficient snow on the ground. Outdoors people and campers have created a way to brave the harsh conditions that winter often experiences. Building snow shelters such as quinzhees. This natural shelter is one method of staying out of severely cold temperatures. They dress in layers to stay dry and use low temperature sleeping bags.

One of the least known types of camping is workamping. The meaning for this term simply allows a camper to trade labor for a free campsite, and sometimes for utilities and additional pay. And the most common way to camp has been often called social camping. Many people enjoy each others time and company, so they will usually organize some activities to get everyone with similar interests involved. In more ways then none, camping includes the whole family to share and experience life as we once did a long time ago.

In life there are so many things to discover and camping can be one of them. Camping with your children can make it seem like everything else in the world is too complex compared to the simplicity of nature. In the life of a child many things are learned and experienced day to day. That means patience is a must if you’re willing to have kids along on the trip because they will want to explore everything. By making plans and experiencing enjoyable camping trips, children will be set on the path to great outdoor adventures for a lifetime. The first thing you should do before planning a camping trip is to get your kids involved in the plans. Build their excitement and eagerness to go. Give them problems to solve like where to go, and pick activities to do.

Also if you or your kids have never been camping, try to camp in your backyard first. This gets them familiar with being outdoors in order to eliminate their fears. You can teach your child how to set up a tent. And depending on their age, teach them how to cook outdoors. Get them prepared to sleep in sleeping bags and show them how to use camping equipment. Some of the things you can do at night is look for constellations in the sky. Have them Listen to the night time sounds and don’t forget to have nighttime snacks. This can keep them alert and eager to learn. But the most important thing to do is teach them about safety. This should be the number one issue when camping for everyone. And lastly, simply enjoy the time you can share with your children out in nature. You never know what could happen as we continue to live day by day, week by week, and year by year.

The Ugly Camper, like the "Ugly American" stereotype, ruins many people's experiences camping. The Ugly Camper plays loud music while camping. They smoke frequently and toss their cigarette butts away with abandon. They make a lot of noise, scaring away animals and making it hard for other campers to sleep. They use extremely bright artificial lights, making enjoyment of the night impossible. Ugly Campers get drunk, drop their cans and stomp them into the earth.

How can you deal with a situation like that? After dark, it isn't exactly a very sensible proposition to pack up your things and find a different camp ground. Many public parks have rules against rowdy behavior, so you might be within your rights to call in a park ranger to get the offenders to stop their behavior. You can also think about patronizing private camp grounds with clearly posted regulations of behavior. Avoiding popular places that are close to parking areas is also a good way to keep away from Ugly Campers, who need the storage space of their cars to bring the comforts of civilization with them to a campground.

Take note of what your experience was like in a particular camp ground. If you keep returning to a particular place but continue to have miserable experiences there, you really have only yourself to blame for exposing yourself to annoying campers continuously. Confronting extremely inconsiderate people generally only results in a futile fight - if they cared about how you felt about their behavior, they wouldn't be acting in such a manner in the first place. We all have Ugly Camper habits. Be considerate of your peers when you're out camping, and they will be more considerate of you.

When you're going on a long camping trip, plan for the worst. Particularly, if you're traveling at high elevation, weather changes can happen very suddenly and unpredictably. If you're in an area where the temperature can drop suddenly, be sure to pack compact clothing that's also warm. Chemical warmers are useful to have handy if it's going to drop below freezing. Cold bodies burn more energy to stay warm, so they need more food. Rain can put a damper on a camping trip. Be sure that you have food on hand that doesn't need to be cooked. Some tents have chimneys to support cooking even in inclement weather.

If you've been open air camping, building a makeshift shelter if you're in the woods generally takes only around half an hour to 45 minutes. If you have tarp on hand, it's even easier. Actually, a pancho can even double as a shelter - no need to cart around heavy plastic, so long as it's big enough to cover most of you. If you're choosing your own campsite, try to pick one on raised ground so that you don't have to worry about that much flooding. Keep your equipment dry - it's no fun lugging around water logged stuff the following morning.

Wet trail conditions can lead to bad accidents, mudslides and trail destruction. Practice extra caution after storms. Be sure that your pack has evenly distributed weight. If you feel like you're tottering and it's muddy outside, stop walking and start repacking until it's properly balanced. Grab a walking stick to help keep yourself stabilized.

Regular intake of water is more important than anything else you do to keep yourself alive while camping. Water borne illnesses and parasites can also ruin your camping trip and potentially leave you with an illness that puts you in bed for weeks. The water that comes from your tap, through a filter or in a bottle is very different from the stuff that you'll find in streams, rivers and lakes. Animals share the water with you, and they often have many pathogens that your body is simply not accustomed to. It's wise to boil or iodize any water you find in the wild before drinking it.

Filters can filter out most bacteria and microorganisms, but it won't stop viruses - which can be the most dangerous. The water will taste better if you boil it, but that takes time and fuel. Sometimes it is best to boil a lot of water at night for the following day. Iodized and chlorinated water can handle most of the common dangers, but they're not perfect; they also lend the water an annoying aftertaste.

Be sure that you're getting enough water. Insufficient water intake will leave your immune system slightly suppressed, and ironically, more vulnerable to any harmful organisms that might be living in your canteen. It's a good practice to carry around at least 2 liters of drinkable water for every person - more if it's hot, at high elevation, cold, or if the person is sick. You won't necessarily need it all if you're not hiking all day, but it's good to have just in case.

Part of the fun of camping is learning just how much of life's little comforts that you can do without. While it's generally a good idea to bring a cell phone for emergencies along with perhaps a solar charger, those who go camping for extended periods learn that you don't have to be connected to a global network constantly in order to have an enjoyable life. When taking family camping, you generally have to take into account varying tastes and needs. Some people don't mind the physical discomfort that goes with leaving civilization behind, but many people do. If someone is constantly complaining, there's a good chance that you shouldn't have brought them along in the first place, and that you should consider finding ways to get them back to comfort.

You could spend lots of money on comfort equipment to take camping with you, but it will result in the trips being more expensive and ultimately somewhat pointless. Of course, in many foreign countries, you can hire a large staff of porters to carry your equipment with you, but for most people camping in the US, you have to carry most of everything on your own back.

Enjoyable camping shouldn't be incredibly stressful. If you're camping near bodies of water that you can legally fish from, try to catch as much of your own food as possible. Get used to being filthy, except in situations when it could actually threaten your health. Every extra comfort that you bring with you is going to be more weight in your pack, one more thing to worry about on the trail. Ask yourself whether you truly need every item in your pack - this process should help you cut down massively on your load and increase your enjoyment of the trip. If you can live without it, drop it. You don't need lots of changes of clothes. If there's flowing water somewhere, you can do a suitable job of cleaning your quick drying things.

No-impact camping has become common practice among outdoor enthusiasts. The bad old days of dumping trash in the wilderness are generally long gone. While it's easy to pack up all of your garbage if you're on a short trip, on longer expeditions it takes more foresight in terms of packing, particularly for food and waste elimination. Generally speaking, the more people there are in your expedition, the harder it becomes to prevent littering from happening. On the other hand, it's easier to cook efficiently for larger groups, which means that there will be less packaging to deal with.

The ethic of "leave no trace" doesn't just include trash disposal. It also involves taking care not to damage vegetation and to maintain rock placements where they were before. When building fires, use only fallen branches - live branches don't burn as well, anyway. Don't strip birch bark from trees to start your fires. If you have garbage that can be safely burned in a fire, do so to cut down on the amount of trash that you have to carry around. The morning after you make camp, be sure to bury your ashes properly. Backpacking stoves don't leave ashes or burn marks, but they are fairly bulky.

Burying trash is pointless, as animals will dig it up and strew it around the campground. Don't use non-biodegradable soap or toothpaste to clean yourself. Minimizing your trash will also prevent scavenger animals from coming up to your campground to take your things. Hanging trash from trees doesn't work. There are many animals, including some bears, that can climb trees quite easily to get to your garbage.

While camping is, generally, risk free, there are some threats facing every camper. One of the biggest threats happens to be the fact that you will be pitching your tent right in the middle of an area populated by wild animals. While we can all share green space equally, sometimes overzealous bears tend to get in the way. The following tips are extremely important if you want to avoid a brush in with a bear.

First of all, never, never, never, leave a cooler or food item outside for a bear to find – they will find it every time. Make sure that all food stuffs are stored in tight containers, or in the trunk of your car (keep windows shut!). Also, make sure to clean up your mess after every meal ... if you leave a couple of food items out, you can be sure that a bear will smell them. Next, always dispose of your grease, garbage, plastic diapers, cans, bottles, and other waste right after you are finished with it. Lastly, and most people don’t think of this, do not wear any clothes that smell like food to bed. Although most bears are far too shy to approach humans, all it takes is one hungry bear to turn your dreams into nightmares.

Remember, when you decide to camp you are also deciding to share nature with bears. While bears can be magnificent creatures, they will also try and find any food that they can smell (can you blame them?). Every year, a few campers become victims of famished bears, so make sure to protect yourself and heed the aforementioned advice.

Sure, you may like to rough it, but when the sun goes down, we all want the comforts of home. Whether or not you are a nature person, comfort is key if you want to enjoy your camping trip. Forget about those youthful days when sleeping on rocks wasn’t so bad for your back – times have changed, and camping gear is a whole lot better than it ever was before. Don’t leave home without the following comfort items:

1.Bring a sleeping bag pad, a cot, or an air mattress with you. There is nothing more uncomfortable than sleeping on the cold, hard, earth. If you want to get a good night’s sleep, make sure to find the best sleeping arrangement possible.

2.Pillow: while you can roll up your shirt and use it as a pillow, most of us aren’t hardened cowboys. Instead, bring your pillow from home to ensure a great sleep.

3.Never underestimate the power of a battery operated fan. Things can get quite steamy in the middle of a hot summer’s night, and your fan could easily become your best friend.

4.Don’t forget to bring a small propane stove along with you. Most people just aren’t that skilled when it comes to cooking small animals over open fires.

5.Finally, make sure you have somewhere comfortable to sit. Grab a few camp chairs and throw them in your car – it’ll make all the difference during those daylight hours.

If you aren’t going to camp at a site that offers showers and toilets, make sure to bring a box of baby wipes with you. These handy wipes can be used to “wash” your body when it’s time to wake up, and they are entirely refreshing during those hot hours. Also, make sure to bring plenty of water – dehydration can make you extremely uncomfortable.

First time camping? If so, you may be wondering what to bring with you. Most first timers tend to pack too much stuff when they head out into the great outdoors, and this can really weigh you down. Rather than over packing, stick to this list of things to bring, and you’ll find that camping is really a delight.

1. Clothes: make sure you bring clothes that are appropriate for the weather conditions. If you expect the weather to be extremely cold, pack lots of warm layers. If you think that you’ll only need a few undergarments and a swim suit, pack according. Either way, make sure you have an extra change of clothes, a pair of warm pajamas, and some extra socks.

2. Supplies: depending upon what you intend to do, you may need: plastic plates, forks, knives, and spoons; water canteen or jug; garbage bags and zip-lock bags; sleeping pads; light blanket; pillows; towels; toothpaste; soap; lotion; sunscreen; toilet paper; utility knife; flashlight; compass; whistle; waterproof matches; bug repellent; first aid kits; duct tape; camera; and binoculars.

3. Equipment: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, firewood, pots and pans, matches, portable stove, candles, pliers, and extra tent pegs.

4. Food: opt to bring either fresh fruits and veggies, or canned and packaged foods (it’s up to you). Whatever you do, don’t forget the marshmallows!

As you can see, packing for your first camping trip is not too difficult. Just make sure that you bring enough to keep yourself comfortable. Camping is a lot of fun if you are prepared, but if you aren’t, camping can be a nightmare.

Sometimes, slipping into a warm sleeping bag can be entirely relaxing and comforting. Even though the daylight camping hours may be filled with fun in the sun, you’ll find that the night time hours tend to be quite dark and cold. Those that love to camp know that the right equipment makes all the difference in the world, which is why it’s important to choose the right sleeping bag for your camping needs.

To start, try and figure out how cold the camping area will become when the sun goes down. Then, choose a bag that will match those cold temperatures. Usually, bags that use down insulation are lighter than other types of fillers, so these might be the best choice. However, synthetic-fill sleeping bags tend to provide the best insulation if you intend to get wet, and they also dry rather rapidly (also, they are usually cheaper than down-fill bags). Believe it or not, a bag’s overall shape really does make a difference (it’s not just a marketing ploy!). Mummy bags are best if you intend to camp in colder temperatures, since they really wrap around your entire body. Rectangular bags are roomier, though you’ll have to use your body to heat up all the extra space.

Lastly, make sure to buy a sleeping pad. Most people do not purchase a pad, but you’ll find that the ground is rather hard if you do not have one. Not only will a pad provide comfort, but it will also provide more warmth (as compared to the cold ground). Keep these things in mind as you shop for your sleeping bag, and you’ll sleep like a sloth all night long.

As with all activities in life, there are a certain number of rules that all campers follow (even though they are largely unwritten rules). If you are planning your first camping trip, consider the following camping etiquette tips in order to avoid angering the other campers.

1.Noisy Neighbors: there is nothing worse than camping neighbors that walk across your camp site, play loud music into the night, and allow their children to run all over your stuff. Respect the quiet rules that have been implemented by the campground, and let your neighbors get a good night’s sleep.

2.Don’t Be A Litter Bug: everything that you brought to the campsite should be brought back home with you. In fact, you should try to leave the site cleaner than when you found it. If you bring your pet, make sure to clean up after the animal – also, don’t leave your dog unattended. Your camping neighbors won’t be too impressed by a snarling, barking, dog.

3.Leave the Trees Alone: don’t cut down tree limbs in order to have fire wood. Instead, bring your own wood, or check with the campground laws.

4.Waste: do not clean a fish in the lake; do not dump your waste in the lake; do not use the facilities for cleaning anything other than yourself.

Those are pretty much the basic campground rules. However, make sure to note all the rules that are posted outside the campground area. Follow all the rules that the campground has set forth, and always respect your neighbors. The world is large, so enjoy (and share it) it with care.

The world is vast, which means that there are hundreds of campgrounds strewn throughout the United States alone. If you love camping (and why wouldn’t you?), you’ll love seeking out that perfect camping spot. Still, how do you go about finding the top campgrounds in the nation? While some campgrounds can be scary, and some are way too modern, the five top campgrounds listed below are just right.

1.San Diego Area Campgrounds: this campground snags the number one spot due to its impressive location. A walk down the hill will place you in Old Town, and you can easily head to the city center without much trouble at all. The campsite in general is well equipped, close to nature, and entirely sublime.

2.Timothy Lake Area Campgrounds: when it comes to camping in Oregon, Timothy Lake Campgrounds is the best choice. This campground includes many different nature trails, a large lake, and beautiful scenery.

3.Sacramento and Western Sierra Foothills Campgrounds: have you every wondered what the old gold rush days were like? Well, stay at this campground, and you’ll be able to visit all those old ghost towns.

4.San Bernadino County Campgrounds: mountains, desert, and lots of lovely green space. This camping area is perfect for those that just want to escape the hectic real world.

5.Malibu Creek State Park Campground: when you stay in Malibu, you are staying smack in the middle of all that Malibu and Los Angeles glamor. This bit of campground is located on a pristine area that will blow your mind as you watch the waves crash night after night – what more could you want?