Campsites are the perfect place to get back to nature, but unfortunately you won’t be the only people attempting to accomplish this communication with nature. Camp sites, especially during peak summer months, are going to be filled with other people trying to have a peaceful vacation too.

Whenever there are large numbers of people gathered together, whether it is Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma’s or a campground, there are a number of ways in which you make or lose friends. There is both spoken and unspoken etiquette that applies to those pitching their tents at public campgrounds. To begin with: make sure that you arrive in plenty of time to pitch your tent. There is little that is as annoying as having someone show up at the campground just as the quiet hours are beginning and the sun has gone down and then try to pitch their tents by headlight. You also need to be sure that you have properly stored food items. Nobody likes having their campsites pulled apart by wildlife looking for an easy dinner.

Common sense will serve you well when trying to follow campsite etiquette. For example, there may be no place for another camper to have written their name on the fire wood that they have gathered, but common sense tells you not to take what they have gathered. It also makes sense that they won’t appreciate it if you decide to use the public restroom as your own personal area, perhaps even using the shower as a laundry mat. Be courteous and respectful and your camping trip will go much more smoothly.

Camping is loved for its simplicity, but for those that have never undertaken a trip before there still may be something of a learning curve to contend with. There are a wide variety of approaches to camping and getting a few tips from experts may help you determine just what type of camping is the best option for your family.

Before you start eyeing pricey recreational vehicles, it’s a good idea to start out with tent camping to be sure that this is a past time that you really want to follow up with. However, if you can’t get used to the idea of actually sleeping on the ground, you can also “car camp,” which is permitted in most state and national parks. This way you’re still sleeping with a roof over your head. In fact, a few trial runs in the car may be a good idea before you invest in a tent as well, as tents can go for a variety of prices.

It is also important to do some research as to what gear you need to have on hand. You will need to have a method for cooking your food, as well as having plenty of drinking water. Think through the basics and keep in mind there won’t be much running out for things that you might have forgotten. Chances are, after a few camping trips, you’ll know exactly what your family can’t do without on a trip and have your packing down to a science.

Sure, those fire roasted marshmallows and hotdogs can be fun, but if you plan on camping for a few days you may want something more substantial. There are lots of food options for campers these days, but some are better than others. If you want some great camping food tips, keep reading and start packing!

You can always try some of those freeze dried camping foods if you have the proper cooking equipment. These foods are easy to transport and easy to keep in your backpack (no refrigeration required). There are also some handy fire proof food bags on the market that will allow you to toss in some food, throw the bag on the fire (or above it), and wait while your meal cooks. If you aren’t going on a long hike, you can easily pack perishable items inside of a cooler and eat them when it’s time for dinner using a food bag. Of course, there’s nothing like a hot breakfast, so for your morning meals think about warm oatmeal or other warm cereal. All you need to do is heat up a bit of boiling water, pour over the oatmeal, and you’ve got yourself a great way to start the day.

Camping should be rustic and fun, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice a healthy diet for pre-packaged camp foods. Instead, heed the above advice and start looking around camping stores for some new ideas (new stuff appears on the market nearly every day). You can easily bring all of your food with you and enjoy a great, warm, meal while you sing songs and sleep underneath the stars (just make sure to keep that food away from those bears).

Camping is a favorite pastime for many outdoor enthusiasts, but pet owners can find it difficult to include their canine counterparts in the adventure. Finding a good place to camp with your dog requires a bit of extra planning, but there are many pet-friendly accommodations to be found.

Online resources are often the best place to find information on the best campgrounds allowing dogs. Most cities have a website detailing their Visitors Bureau, and there you will usually find information about camping grounds, including whether or not they allow dogs. Most state and national parks allow dogs to visit, but you’ll still want to be sure they are permitted to camp there. If you are unable to find specific information online, you can surely find the phone numbers for some places of interest and give them a call.

Look for campgrounds with hiking trails allowing you to walk with your dog. Many facilities require dogs to be kept on a leash, so bring along a stake and a long enough chain if you are required to tether your dog while at your campsite. Even if your dog must remain leashed, you’ll want to give him plenty of room to roam.

You may be able to find a facility with designated areas for dogs to be let loose. If you are so lucky, bring a ball or Frisbee to play with your dog. Check for lakes or streams where your dog can swim freely, as well. Remember that public campgrounds must be considerate of all of their visitors, so be courteous and pick up after your dog. Follow leash rules and do not allow your dog to disturb other campers with barking.

Camping with your dog can be an adventure for both of you. Hopefully you will find many places that you will be able to visit over and over again. Traveling and camping with your dog can be a great experience for both of you if you take the time to plan your accommodations ahead.

While it's true that most campers get back to nature during the summer months, certain regions of the country provide enthusiasts with the opportunity to set up camp year round. However, no matter what time of year that you decide to pitch your tent, you need to be aware of how to camp in bad weather to keep your vacation as safe as possible.

First of all, realize that weather is known for being unpredictable. It is important to stay informed about the weather patterns in your area during your camping trip so that you aren't caught unawares by a severe storm. Lightening can be specifically dangerous for people enjoying the outdoors. If you are able to hear thunder, you are at risk for an encounter with lightening. Experts recommend that you find shelter immediately. Lying down on the ground is not a good choice, but rather you should squat with your head between your knees if you are unable to get indoors. If it is a particularly heavy rain you will need to be aware of flood risk in your campsite. Trying to drive a vehicle through standing water is a dangerous undertaking and should be avoided.

Keeping informed about weather during your camping trip is an important component of maintaining safety, and experts recommend carrying a weather radio with you at all times. That way you will never be caught unprepared for whatever Mother Nature decides to whip up next.

For many campers the beauty of camping is getting down to basics and truly spending time in nature. To this end, some campers take as little technology as possible along with them to try to keep their camping trips focused on the experience and a real change of pace from their normal lives.

However, there are a few pieces of equipment that campers should include in their gear no matter how seriously they take the idea of “roughing it.” For safety’s sake, there are a few gadgets that come in particularly handy. Experts recommend that campers keep a weather radio in their gear because the weather conditions can change drastically over a short period of time. It is also recommended that campers consider bringing a generator along for electrical power for an RV. Being able to supply your RV with power in an emergency will allow you to signal for help by accessing communication devices included in your vehicle. Always be aware of your surroundings and any weather dangers that may be springing up near your camp site.

Campers should never simply “disappear” into the wilderness for a getaway. You should always carry some kind of contact device to be able to get help in case of an emergency. You should also make certain that somebody knows where you are going, exactly, and when you intend to be back. Approaching a camping trip safely means that it truly can be much more enjoyable as you get away from it all.

Camping season is almost here (if the weather would only cooperate!), which means that you should think about where you will be camping this year. Whether you enjoy camping with a tent or with a camper, the rules for a great camp site remain the same. In every way, you want to make sure that your trip is enjoyable and comfortable for all those that go along with you. The following tips on choosing a great site will come in handy every time you see a site that may, or may not, accommodate your needs.

1.Bathroom: this may seem silly, but sometimes it is important to have a bathroom near your site. Bathrooms are especially necessary if you have small children, or if you think that you will be using the bathroom a lot. However, try not to choose a site that is too close to the bathroom, or you may wind up dealing with a terrible smell.

2.Location: while it’s not real estate, a campsite location is still important. Choose a spot that is not directly next to any type of road. You do not want lights shining onto your campsite at all hours of the night. Also, locate the nearest dumpster, and do not choose a site right next to it.

3.Safety: National parks are great for campers, though you’ll want to be sure that you are not too close to an edge or steep dropoff. Also, watch out for swamps. These things are important if you have children with you – you can never be too safe.

4.Trees: do you like the shade? Prefer the sun? Think about the number of trees before you book that site – remember, more trees means more bugs!

When it comes to camping, some people like roughing it. They have no problem carrying the bare essentials in a backpack and sleeping under the stars. Others prefer taking their RV out for the weekends. Either way, you might want to consider bringing along a camp chair.

If you prefer traveling as light as possible, you'd probably be tempted to skip the chair. After all, it's extra weight, and you probably deal just fine with sitting on logs, rocks, or a sleeping bag. But camp chairs don't have to be heavy. Indeed, most of them are extremely lightweight and compact once they're folded up. They add a bit of comfort to your camping trip.

Even if you have a nicely furnished RV, a camping chair is great for when you want to sit around a campfire and admire the stars. You could also have a camping chair with cup holders, or a multipurpose camping chair that can also be used to sleep on.

You should look for a camping chair that's lightweight, easy to carry, yet rugged enough to take some abuse. It should be made from a material that will dry out quickly, in case you leave it out in the rain. Obviously this means you shouldn't buy the cheapest camp chair possible, but you don't have to pay top dollar to get a chair that suits you. Just take the time to read reviews about specific camp chairs, then try them out yourself at outlets that sell them. You can usually get a deal if you shop for them during the off-season, since most stores aren't interested in carrying camping gear over the winter.

If you want to make your camping trip just a little bit more comfortable, you can't go wrong with camp chairs.

A camping trip is a great way to get away from it all and spend some quiet time with the family or simply soaking up the beauty of nature. However, many people feel that because they are so removed from their hectic lifestyles they are free from all rules and obligations while they are camping. You'll see their campsites littered with trash and hear them up all hours of the night.

Not only can poor camping etiquette impinge on the relaxation of others around you, it can have a negative impact on the natural elements that you set out to enjoy in the first place. So being kind to Mother Nature while camping is as important as remembering that other campers might like to hit the sack a little early.

The best thing a camper can do is to leave the campsite in better shape than he or she found it. Make certain that you take everything out that you brought in, including all trash and supplies. You will also want to travel to your campsite by existing roads only. Don't decide that you are going to forge your own path as you never know what you might be forging through and damaging. Stick to the path that has already been created. If you have to cross a body of water, make certain that you do so where the road crosses at fords. Realize that while campfires might be the perfect place for ghost stories, they can also be hard on the land. So when possible, it is preferable to use a camp stove instead. It is also better to camp in pre-existing campsites rather than establishing your own. This way you don't have to dig any trenches or otherwise change the natural layout to accommodate yourself. Also remember that you don't want to actually wash in streams, as soap and other cleaning products can hurt the aquatic life. Keep the water supply clean and the land undisturbed and you will have done your part to make certain that future generations can enjoy camping trips in the great outdoors.

Pop-up campers are sometimes called tent campers or folding down camping trailers and are ideal for young families who would like to begin camping. They are much less expensive that regular camping trailers that can sometimes reach the proportions of mobile homes. RV's do not have to be towed because they are driven. One of the best advantages to camping in a pop-up over a tent is that you will always have a dry bed since the living area is up off the ground. This is an appealing feature for squeamish new campers who don't wish to share their bed with small creatures not of their own family.

The pop-up camper has a low profile and is relatively lightweight, this makes them less wind resistant to tow and saves on the amount of gasoline you will use. Since they are smaller you can use most passenger cars to tow them, a truck is not necessary. In fact, the smallest A-frame pop-up has a hard-sided roof but can be pulled by a motorcycle. You will also save money on insurance, maintainence, and tolls over larger camper vehicles.

The bottom half of a pop-up camper is hard-sided, the top half pops up (usually with a crank) and can be either canvas or hard-sided. The sleeping area is usually in the pop-up part. The campers have an eating area, storage areas, and cooking appliances. Many have mini-fridges, a shower, and a toilet. New pop-ups are priced in the $5,000 to $10,000 range, but it is very possible to find excellent deals on used pop-up campers.

It goes without saying that when you head into the wilderness, even if "wilderness" only means a campground off the interstate, you should be prepared for the unexpected. It's easy to get hurt out there in the woods, and every campsite should be stocked with at least a basic first aid kit for emergencies. Carrying a few essentials can make the difference between an enjoyable camping trip and one marred by illness or injury.

The basic first aid kit should include materials for dressing wounds, first and foremost. Minor abrasions and cuts are commonplace while hiking, so a selection of bandages and gauze as well as sterile wipes and rinses are an excellent idea for treating these minor wounds. Antiseptic cream is also a must; an infection out in the wilderness can spell considerable trouble. Tweezers and other tools for removing splinters and other debris from wounds are also recommended.

In addition to injuries, common maladies in camp include insect bites, sunburn, minor aches and pains, and gastrointestinal upset. A selection of medicines to deal with these ailments is a must; any of these can turn a camping trip into a miserable experience, and no one likes being ill away from the comforts of home.

A final addition to the first aid kit should be a first aid manual. Having the tools to deal with emergency situations is one thing, but not everyone knows the steps to handle a broken leg or shock by heart. Having a guide handy to help a rattled first responder deal with an emergency can mean the difference between life or death when it comes to serious injury, and even in minor cases a little extra guidance can come in handy.

If you’re the type that likes the outdoors, or even if you’re not, chances are one of the main reasons you enjoy being in nature is because of its beauty. Mountains, trees, lakes, desert—take your pick; no one plans a camping or backpacking trip to go enjoy other people’s trash or hear other people’s music or pets. Proper camping etiquette is vital for everyone, including you and your family, to be able to keep enjoying nature.

Your perspective matters a lot when camping when it comes to what kind of behavior is appropriate and what isn’t. If you regard the outdoors as sort of a huge, public house where everyone can hear and see everything you do, you most likely won’t do something that will offend or irritate one of your camping neighbors.

For instance, most people don’t go camping to merely do the same things they would do if they were back at their house. That means they probably aren’t going to bring electric gadgets that make a lot of noise. So don’t go to a campground and start blasting music from your car or your radio. Even if you think that somehow the other campsite won’t hear it because there are a few rocks and trees between your site and theirs, you’re wrong. They will. You’d be surprised how far sound carries when there are no brick walls separating groups of people.

On the topic of noise, if you’re going to bring your pet with you, be sure not to leave it unattended while you go off on a hike or leave for any period of time. In the worst case scenario, you could have a lawsuit on your hands if he breaks loose; in the best case scenario, he’s really going to get on your neighbors’ nerves when he starts barking and won’t stop.

The last most general, but probably most important rule is: leave your campsite cleaner than when you found it. Turn on that mother’s voice in your head and pick up your stuff!

The cold isn't any fun. Screwing up on your planning and bringing a sleeping bag that is under protective for the environment you're entering is great way to spend several nights sleepless and shivering. This can of course lead to frostbite in extremities, particularly if you need to do a lot of struggling with boots and socks without much available light. Not all is lost if you are stuck out in the wilderness under equipped for a temperature drop. Needless to say, "toughing out" numb toes and fingers will result in waking up with shockingly solid and non-functional body parts.

The easiest way to head off frostbite or just simple discomfort is to make use of the tremendously high specific heat of water. It takes a large amount of energy to either heat up or cool down water. Use this to your advantage. Heat up a big pot of boiling water on the fire and pour it into your (hopefully) insulated canteens. Toss them in your sleeping bag and you have a jury rigged space-heater that will supplement your body heat. Don't wear wet clothes - particularly socks - or you'll have a harder time keeping warm.

If it's a really bad situation, make use of the body heat of your other travelers. There's a good reason after all why you brought all those people with you! A small amount of discomfort and the endurance of a few gay jokes will be well worth the additional warmth from condensed human heat. It's better to snuggle up than to end up in a Donner Party situation if your plans go awry.

Fog puts a damper on a hiking trip, but when you're out in the wild, when nature gives you lemons, you just have to do the outdoorsman equivalent of hooking jumper cables to them to power little light bulbs with the citric acid. The danger of fog depends on what the precipitation level is, what the risks of avalanche are, what elevation you're at, how skinny the trail is and what the severity of the incline is. Ask yourself and your hiking partners how they feel about the situation. Low visibility requires greater vigilance to deal with.

Trying to get weather reports before you get moving can be really helpful. Ask park rangers or other trail authorities about potential problem spots on the trails. Ask them how many avalanches they have every year. Practice sound discipline in your party to ensure that communications and observations can travel quickly and be absorbed instantly in case of a problem suddenly pops up. If you don't have something to stabilize yourself, pick up a stick and use it even if you're not entirely accustomed to it.

If you're doing a lot of off-trail hiking, your compass skills had better be very solid if you want to avoid tromping about in massive circles. Heed low visibility warnings, but don't start shaking in your boots. Generally speaking, it's a bad idea to start going down an unmarked downslope when you have a lot of fog. Falling off a cliff can be painful, as can encountering just a sharp incline. Shuffle sideways down any steep slope to control the speed and momentum of your descent. As long as it's controlled, it doesn't have to be extremely slow, as generally when fog rolls in it's better to be at lower elevation.

Just because you're roughing it in the great outdoors doesn't mean you have to eat like an animal. There are plenty of great camping recipes to fill the stomach and warm the soul on those chilly nights under the stars.

A simple yet tasty snack is a "Ham and Sweet Potato Packet." The only three ingredients are ham, sweet potato, and apple. Cube the ingredients and place them all in a foil pack, making certain to seal the foil tightly. Cook on hot coals for about 30 minutes, flipping the packet halfway through. The apple will provide plenty of moisture, eliminating the need for butter.

When you're off camping in the mountains, it can be difficult getting your favorite pizza place to deliver. But thankfully, you can always make your own pizzas with a grill and some ingenuity. To make tasty "Pita Bread Pizzas," place a six-inch pita round on the hot grill and toast to your desired crispness. Then flip the pita round over and add some jarred pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and whatever other toppings you'd like. Cook until the cheese melts.

And what fun is camping without dessert? "Choco Raspberry Burritos" make for a sweet treat. You'll need some large flour tortillas, one cup semisweet chocolate chips, one cup fresh raspberries, two tablespoons butter, two teaspoons sugar, and a half-teaspoon cinnamon. Mix the sugar and cinnamon ahead of time and bring it along in a zip-lock bag. At the camp site, wrap the tortillas in foil and warm them on the grill. Fill the tortillas with the chips and raspberries, brush the outside of the tortillas with butter, and grill them until the chocolate melts. For the finishing touch, sprinkle them with the mixed sugar and cinnamon.

One of the best things about heading to the state of Maine for a camping trip is that you can easily find a cozy ocean side spot to pitch your tent. Maine is quiet, largely uninhabited, and the perfect state for a relaxing family retreat. Below, you’ll find some great Maine campsites that are located next to the ocean, so you can enjoy a bit of sand and surf on your camping trip.

Walnut Grove Campground: this campground in located in Alfred, which is the southern tip of Maine. Though this site is not located directly on the ocean, it is only 30 minutes to the nearest oceanfront property.

Southarm Campground: this beautiful campground is situated on a peninsula, and it has over 65 sites that are nestled in beach and wood for any tent or camper. This campground also offers wilderness camping that is located lake site (over 38 sites). TO reach these destinations, you will have to be escorted by boat, or canoe to your site for the night.

Sennebec Lake Campground: located in Appleton, Maine, this campground is smack in the middle of the sea, the lake, and a few picturesque mountains. A full service campground, this site is well worth the trip.

Bar Harbor Campground: this is the closest you will get to the famous Bar Harbor. Enjoy great sites, lots of sea, and plenty of sun.

Bar Harbor Camping Resorts: you can book one of these sites for the entire season, and with great ocean views, why wouldn’t you? Enjoy activities, lots of green space, a kids playground, and much more.

Moorings Oceanfront: this is one of the best campsites in all of Maine. Bring your RV or pitch your tent, you will be sitting right next to the ocean and waking to the sound of gulls every morning.

Children often love camping, but it's important to keep in mind their particular needs when planning a trip. What kid doesn't love tents? They're like small houses more suited to their small size. That being said, long hikes through strange areas and scary night-time sounds can be frightening for kids - and if you're far away from civilization, you can't exactly tromp through the woods in the middle of the night to bring them back to comfort.

It can help to make the tent more like home. Bring a toy, a stuffed animal or books with you to read to your children. Use a camping lamp or other such lighting instrument to keep the tent safe-looking. Earplugs might be warranted if the night sounds in particular are frightening your child. Don't tell horror stories or talk up the dangers of bears or mountain lions - it will just make your job more difficult. Marshmallows are a time-tested camping treat that will help calm down your child and give them something enjoyable to do when the sun goes down.

If you can manage it, see if you can bring one of their friends - or siblings - with them. An older sibling in particular can be very comforting to younger children who might otherwise be unnerved by the strange experience of camping. Humans evolved living like this - it's not impossible to get a modern child accustomed to the sounds and challenges of living in nature for short stints. Chores that children might otherwise be annoyed with get exciting when you're going camping. Give them things to do like helping raise the tents, setting up bedrolls or gathering kindling.

Camping has a reputation of being one of the cheapest vacations that a family can take. While it is true that camping is a great way to cut down on costs of family vacations, people should keep in mind that camping isn't exactly free. There are a number of costs that can be incurred by taking a camping trip, but there are also a number of ways that you can keep these expenses to a minimum.

Realize that if you are camping in an RV you are going to incur more expenses than those who are pitching a tent. This is because RV camp sites will often times have more parking fees or require that you have a membership to use their campgrounds. Tents can often be pitched for modest $5 to $10 fees, or sometimes even for free. If you are expecting to stay at full-service campground than understand that you will have to fork out more cash for the amenities that are being offered.

Campers will also have to have the proper gear for their trip which will add up as an initial investment in their outdoor adventures. From tents to sleeping bags to cooking gear, there is plenty that you will want to have on hand to make your camping trip enjoyable. However, if you make certain to only buy the equipment that you will actually use and take care of it so that it stays in good repair for a long life of use you won't find yourself having to buy new gear on a regular basis.

Camping should be fun, and to ensure that you get the most out of your experience, it's important to follow some simple guidelines for proper campground etiquette. As long as you respect the grounds and your neighbors, you should have a blast without a hitch.

Probably the most important and stressed rule of campground etiquette is cleaning up after yourself. You'll benefit from this rule as well as others. Put yourself in another camper's shoes for a moment - would you like starting your camping adventure by cleaning up a former camper's trash? Dispose of all garbage in the proper receptacles, and bring your own trash bags to manage waste while you camp. Clean the firepit before you leave. It's recommended that you bring your own firewood, though some campgrounds supply firewood or you can scavenge in the woods. If the campground allows pets, be sure to clean up after yours, and respect your neighbors' campsites by keeping your pet on a leash. Also, while traveling through the campgrounds, don't infringe on your neighbors' sites by walking through them. During night hours, noise should be kept at a minimum. If you have an RV, be sure to follow the campground guidelines for parking and hooking it up to electricity and sewer outlets.

If you follow the rules of the campground and show respect for your neighbors, your camping experience will be greatly enhanced. Not only will you enjoy your time without any negative repercussions, but you might just meet some new and interesting people during your stay!

When to stop while you're out camping can be a tendentious decision. You should give yourself an hour before sunset to make camp. It's tremendously annoying to have to set up everything in the dark, even if you have pretty solid portable lighting. It's just annoying. There's a lot of stumbling around. If you've got kids with you they'll be terrified. If you're building your own fire, finding kindling in the dark is like searching for a dropped contact lens. To boot, it gets colder, and your hands get all numb and you can't put anything together properly.

Err on the side of caution when it comes to sunlight. This means that you have to plan out your trips to the extent that you can. Every hiking group is different and has an equilibrium pace. Be aware that trail maps rarely include incline angles, so it can be tough to accurately estimate how long it will take to get from one place to another. Most trails in the US don't even include time estimations, so you'll have to just do the math yourself. Give the first couple days a some slack in your plans so that you don't find yourself stranded at sunset on a summit while the clouds start to roll in and starving pumas start looking at you funny from their craggy perches.

It's worth it to hustle if it'll get you to the campground before dark. Learn how to use a compass properly and read maps before you go on any lengthy trip. If you're bad at it, just get better before you head out to the wild. If you screw up and get lost, don't panic, just pick up the pace a little and try to get back on track.

It has been said that a family who plays together stays together and there are many families that enjoy camping. It can be difficult to find the perfect tent for family camping because of the amount of space needed. Larger tents are hard to find, but when you do, don't just settle for the first one that fits your needs. Here are four tents we've found for family camping, there's sure to be one thats perfect for you.

* The Kelty Grand Canyon is a spacious 3 season family tent that is durable enough for most camping terrain and it will keep you dry in a rain storm. It is very easy to set up due to its color coded poles and it comes in two sizes; 9 and 11. The size 9 sleeps 4 comfortably and the 11 sleeps 6. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.

* The Sierra Designs Nomad Tent is a bit pricier than other tents, but consider it an investment. Again the tent is very weather resistant and can even withstand fairly high winds. You will stay dry and comfortable with the added bonus of a full-coverage rainfly that rolls up for great ventilation. Another bonus is the abundance of gear pockets for easy accessibility.

* Speaking of pricey, let’s discuss the North Face Bedrock luxury family tent. This tent has all the bells and whistles, including 2 doors and two vestibules. Only the very best materials are used for this tent including polyurethane-coated nylon taffeta, as well as coated rainfly. The headroom is impressive, as even the six-footers will avoid feeling claustrophobic.

* Finally we have a very economical tent, the REI Camp Dome and it's under $200. The tent is very roomy, weather proof, large no-see-um screens and head room. The model 4 sleeps 4 comfortably and the model 6, well it sleeps 6. It is a very durable and dependable tent that will bring camping enjoyment for years.

When you go camping, you want to be comfortable. A pair of uncomfortable shoes or a tight pair of pants can make the entire experience miserable. Not bringing enough warm clothing can also be your undoing in a chilly climate. While you should dress for the locale and the current weather conditions, you'll also want to anticipate changes and pack accordingly.

The best thing is to wear layers: An inner layer, a mid layer, an insulating layer, and an outer layer. The inner layer pretty much refers to underwear or the clothes you wear right against your skin. The mid layer is your normal clothing, such as a shirt and a pair of pants. An insulating layer might be a long-sleeved shirt worn over a lightweight sleeveless shirt. The insulating layer might also be a sweater or a sweatshirt. Ideally this layer should be lightweight and it should "breathe." The outer layer will protect you from wind, rain, and snow. An outer layer can consist of a coat or a parka.

If you're going someplace warm, cotton or silk is one of the best clothing materials. Natural fibers like this tend to "breathe" better. However, polypropylene is very good about lifting the sweat away from your skin, though it tends to retain odors more.

Everything you wear should feel good, loose, and non-restrictive. Clothing that's too tight or formfitting can be very uncomfortable when you're hot and sweaty. If you only wear a sweatshirt as your top and the weather suddenly turns warm, you are going to be sweltering and miserable. That's why you want to wear layers that are easy to add or remove as needed.

Most people, when camping for the first time, will opt to purchase their equipment from a chain department store, such as Wal*Mart or Kmart. While this equipment is less expensive and might hold up for a few camping trips, it is not going to last for years. Buy investing in some durable, higher quality equipment; you are saving money in the long run on replacement costs. There are still many supplies that can be bought at these stores, but tents, sleeping bags and tarps should not be part of that list.

The tents available in chain department stores are ok for back yard camping, but can not stand up to the, sometimes brutal elements in nature. When camping in a more wilderness setting, weather can change at a moments notice and you must be able to rely on your shelter. Buy purchasing a tent in a sporting goods store; you are more likely to get a name brand tent that adheres to strict ratings. You will be able to choose a tent that will meet all your needs by reading what each one's ratings include. Not to mention, that with good care taken, this tent will last for many years and will most likely have a warranty.

Your sleeping bag is another area where you should invest wisely. Chain department store's sleeping bags are great for sleep-overs, back yard camping and an extra blanket for chilly winter nights, but they are simply not suitable for wilderness camping. Sports Outfitter type stores will have the best quality and lightest weight sleeping bags that will keep you toasty and dry in case it gets cold or rainy. These sleeping bags can be found made with the same weather resistant material as your tent and that means double protection.

Your camping equipment should be viewed as an investment and it should be well taken care of to ensure that it lasts a long time.

Pillows are bulky, but they're pretty necessary to comfort while you're sleeping. Bringing one from your house is pretty nutty unless you're just driving straight to a campground - or exploring your back yard. The outdoors industry has noted this problem, and there are a number of products out there that will help you sleep comfortably without devoting much of your pack space to head support. If you go shopping for a pillow, ask to sample lying down on it. People have many different tastes when it comes to sleeping comfort, and as such there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

Inflatable pillows work. They can be scrunched up to small size and then simply blown up at the campground. The inflation level can be adjusted to suit your level of comfort. They're inexpensive and come in different shapes and configurations. Crescent shaped neck pillows are particularly good choices, as they'll give good support to your head while taking up little space. That being said, air pillows don't really feel as good to some pillows.

There are also do-it-yourself solutions. Small backpacks stuffed with dirty socks or other articles of clothing do a suitable - if lumpy - job of providing head support. Sure, it's stinky, but it doesn't take up extra pack space and you don't have to worry about blowing it up and then discovering that you have a hole in the thing.

Compressible pillows are a good compromise. Generally made out of synthetic cushioning fabric, they fit in a small stuff-sack and expand to full size when removing it. These generally provide greater comfort while taking up relatively little space, and the feeling is comparable to that of a standard pillow.

In many ways, camping is an inexpensive and fun activity. Still, there are a few costs that you’ll have to consider before stepping out into that fresh air. For the most part, the costs that are discussed within this article are one time costs, which means that you won’t have to buy these things ever again (now, that’s good news, right?), so grab a notebook and some paper in order to jot down the following camping costs.

First of all, you’ll need a tent (well, you knew that). Most people think that they can get away with purchasing a cheap tent – and they can, for the first season. However, once your tent rips, tears, or just falls apart, you’ll need to buy a new one, and that isn’t cost effective at all. So, buy a tent that will last you many years, and buy one that can stand up to all the elements. While you’re at the camping store, go ahead a pick up some comfortable (and durable) camping chairs. Why do you need chairs? Well, if you want to sit around while the kids roast marshmallows, a chair is a far better alternative to a cold stump, but it’s up to you.

Finally, you’ll need to buy some cooking gear (get a small cooker and some cheap pans), and you’ll have to set aside some money in order to book your campsite. The price of campsites can vary, so make sure you have enough. In fact, why not make saving up for those camping trips a family affair? Grab a glass jar marked “camping,” and ask everyone to pitch in any extra change during the week. Soon enough, you’ll be on your way to enjoying the great outdoors comfortably.

Beach? Are we still in Kansas? The Kanopolis State Park in Ellsworth County not only has beaches, but it has a full service marina for all of your boating and fishing needs. Ellsworth County is in central Kansas thirty-three miles southwest of Salina in the Smokey Hills. Kanopolis State Park also offers many other things to do besides join Dorothy Gale and Toto on one of the reservoirs beaches.

The park also offers 25 miles of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking through rolling hills, bluffs, prairies, and woods. Horses have access to the trails on Trailhead A at Rockin K campground, and on Trailhead B at Horsethief Canyon parking lot. Kanopolis has 200 primitive camping sites and 119 utility camping sites in the fourteen campgrounds in the Langley Point and Horsethief areas of the park. The Buffalo Track Nature Trail is a great family learning experience. It is only 1.5 miles long but it is rich with Native American history, native plants, and a chance to see some of the park's wildlife. The Red Rock Canyon is also a great area of the park.

Nearby Mushroom Rock State Park is a five-acre adventure for budding geologists. It has many very unusual rock formations that are composed of cemented calcium carbonates. These natural structures are the remains of beach sands and sediments of the Cretaceous Period. The largest of the rock formations is twenty-seven feet in diameter. This park is certain to spark imaginations, so be sure to bring a camera!

Camping is an excellent vacation choice that allows families a quiet and relaxing time together. If you are thinking ahead to your own vacation in a couple of months and thinking that you might want to give camping a try, there are a few tips that you will need to know in order to have the best time out in nature.

First time campers are sometimes taken aback by the fact that wild animals will feel free to drop by your campsite. Some people assume that wild animals will fear them and stay far away. While it is true that animals will fear humans, they are also looking for an easy meal. Experience has taught them that campers have food, so make certain that you keep your food safely out of reach. Never leave it in your tent. Keep food in the car or hanging from a tree. Do not feed the animals EVER.

Make sure that you have brought along all the proper equipment for your trip. It may seem silly to stop and ponder the merits of various sleeping bags, but it won't when you are out under the stars. So consider what type of camping you are likely to be doing and choose your equipment based on that. For example, those who are going to be primarily backpacking will need to choose gear that is easier to carry, while those who are planning to pitch a tent will want to consider comfort. Do a little research about camping gear and what to expect on your trip and you will undoubtedly enjoy your camping debut.

The tent has come a long way since the days of the military-issue pup tent. Tents are available in a variety of sizes and styles ranging from one-man emergency shelters to domed affairs that can sleep several. Depending on how much money you're willing to spend, and exactly what type of design suits your needs, you have a number of options to choose from when it comes to setting up a temporary home out in the wilderness.

Dome tents using flexible poles are some of the most common tents on the market today. In its most basic form, a pair of fiberglass poles are fed through sleeves to create an arched X supporting the roof of the tent, allowing maximum room inside without sacrificing stability. In many cases, the tent can simply be staked down without additional support needed from guy wires. Varieties on this theme include tunnel tents (which use the poles to form hoops instead of a dome, but these usually require additional support) and geodesic tents, which use extra poles for additional support under extreme conditions.

A variation on the dome and tunnel tent that is becoming more popular is the airbeam tent. Instead of relying on poles for support, the arches are created by inflating bladders built into the tent. Ease of setup is a plus - the entire tent can be a single piece, and you never need to worry about missing or broken poles. Campers, however, will need to pack along an air pump, and larger tents will provide a considerable workout after stopping for the night.

Whether your shelter of choice is a pop-up variety requiring the minimum effort, or a complex rigid-frame tent designed to sleep the whole family, the options available to the modern camper are almost endless.

With the current price of gasoline it may be a good idea to stick a little closer to home this year for summer vacations. If you live in the Midwest you are fortunate that you have a large selection of national and state parks that offer camping on great beaches on the Great Lakes. Beach fun is not just a tropical adventure.

Not far from Chicago, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore at Porter, Indiana, allows you to explore several ecosystems. The twenty-five miles of southern Lake Michigan shoreline includes sand dunes, wetlands, prairie, and forest. It has a wonderful visitor center where you can sign up for interesting ranger-led programs to learn about the area. While camping there you can stroll on the beach and listen to the "singing sands," the musical sound made when you walk on sand that has just the right combination of quartz crystals, moisture, and pressure. Horseback riding is available along with boating and fishing. Call the park at (219)926-7561 ext. 225 for more information.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior offers a more rugged beach experience. The park is located near Bayfield, Wisconsin. The Apostle Islands have white sandy beaches but since Lake Superior water is always cold, you may not want to do much swimming. Kayaking and sailing are terrific ways to explore the sandstone cliffs and sea caves carved out by the Lake Superior. You will also see old growth forest and an historic lighthouse. Be careful while exploring; some of the islands are home to a sizable black bear population. The bears are sizable themselves, they can range from 250-400 pounds and hit a top speed of 30mph. Boat tours are also available along with camping, hiking, and fishing. Call (715)779-3397 for more information about the park.

Feeling a bit adventurous? If you find swatting at flies and roasting marshmallows a bit boring, maybe you just aren’t partaking in the right type of camping. You see, there is a whole world full of unique campers that do this crazy thing called “specialized camping,” and let’s just say that this type of camping is not the sort that you learned in Boy Scouts.

Those that take part in specialized camping tend to be those that love to challenge the elements. Specialized campers can be seen camping upon the frozen winter ground, camping in the midst of the wild, and those that (is it possible?) do without all those cushy campground amenities. Specialized campers simply pack up their gear, grab their hiking shoes, and head out for a few days worth of hiking and camping. Rather than look for a campsite, they simply pitch their tent wherever Mother Nature has reserved them a spot, and then hunker down for the night no matter what the weather may be.

There are all types of these campers out there, and most of them are just looking for a bit of a thrill. If you are going to try this type of camping, just make sure that you have everything you need (snake bite kit, first aid kit, and maybe a few bear traps) in order to survive your night of camping amidst true nature. If the radio from the neighboring camper is starting to get to you, forget about paying to use a piece of dirt, and pitch your tent amongst the wilderness tonight.

If you decide to camp out in bear country, you should know how to protect yourself from bears. Although bear attacks are rare, it's not uncommon for a bear to try and steal food from a camp. This is especially true during a bad crop season, when hungry bears are motivated to sample human food. Here are some tips to help bear-proof your campsite, and what to do if you should encounter a bear.

You should not sleep and cook in the same area. Your cooking site should be set up at least fifty yards away from the tents you'll be sleeping in. Remember that scents can soak into your clothing, so change into your sleeping clothes before you head back to your sleeping camp. Also, store food in aluminum bear-proof containers, or hang your supplies at least 12 feet up from the ground and several feet away from tree trunks.

Don't keep anything that smells remotely like food in your tent. That includes things like scented deodorant or mouth wash. Don't keep snacks or chewing gum there.

Black bears tend to be more timid than grizzlies, and can usually be chased off if you make a lot of noise and charge at them--though do not go closer than fifteen feet! Don't try to pet the bear or feed it. Most attacks are a result of people crowding a bear, feeding it, or touching it.

Grizzlies are more aggressive and require a different approach. Don't run or turn your back. If you're attacked, drop to the ground, curl into a ball, and cover the back of your neck with your hands. Roll with the bear's swipes, but otherwise don't move. Wait until you are quite sure the bear has left--at least twenty minutes.