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Top 10 Things To Do | West Virginia
West Virginia Camping | Top 10 Things To Do.
01Explore the State Museum in Charleston to learn all about the history of West Virginia.
02Go mountain biking along the Greenbrier River Trail.
03Whitewater raft through the New River Gorge.
04Wander through the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park to see the historic transportation route, including historic locks, aqueducts and more.
05Enjoy a relaxing spa vacation in White Sulphur Springs.
06Snowboard at one of West Virginia's ski mountains.
07Learn about West Virginia's coal mining history at the Coal Heritage Museum in Madison.
08Take time to enjoy the history of trains and steam locomotives at the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.
09Hike on the Appalachian Trail and many other great trails throughout the state.
10Enjoy the colors of autumn throughout the states forests and parks.
- Category: Top Picks
Hot Spot | Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Poconos - Something for Everyone
The Pocono Mountains cover a large region of northeastern Pennsylvania. These mountains are a popular vacation destination throughout the year. Visitors will find plenty of preserved natural beauty, and lots of outdoor recreation. In addition, the Poconos are a great cultural destination, with art galleries to naturalist museums and music festivals. The Poconos are sure to have something for every visitor.
The Poconos stretch across four counties, and encompass 2,400 square miles of wilderness. The majority of the Poconos are located within Monroe and Pike counties in Pennsylvania. These mountains are located a convenient distance from many large cities on the east coast, making it a fantastic getaway and weekend destination. Within this region there are 150 lakes, making it a great destination for water recreation. The mountains also have plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, skiing and more.
In the winter, the Pocono Mountains become a snowy wonderland, great for winter recreation. Visitors can enjoy good snow, groomed trails and more. Within the Poconos there are plenty of ski areas, including Shawnee Mountain, which has 125 skiable acres with 23 trails. Visitors can also spend some time at the Blue Mountain Ski Area, which has the highest vertical in Pennsylvania.
Visitors to the Poconos can also enjoy plenty of recreation throughout the year. Travelers can explore the Appalachian Trail on the southern border of the Poconos for a fantastic hiking experience. Throughout the Poconos there are parks and natural areas that have miles of hiking trails, which offer beautiful views, opportunities to see natural wonders, wildlife and more.
Big Pocono State Park is located on the top of Camelback Mountain, this park has spectacular mountaintop views. Visitors can also enjoy the great scenic drive the circles up the mountaintop. Promised Land State Park is another great destination for outdoor recreation. This park is surrounded by the Delaware State Forest, and also has two lakes and a few streams. Promised Land State Park is great for hiking, biking and plenty of water recreation. Travelers looking to enjoy some of Pennsylvania's natural wonders can explore Bushkill Falls. Known as "The Niagara of Pennsylvania," Bushkill Falls has eight waterfalls, and plenty of features, including paddleboat rides, trails, Twin Lakes and much more.
The Delaware Water Gap is another great Pocono destination. The Middle Delware River flows between low mountains, when it passes between Mt. Tammany in New Jersey and Mt. Minsi in Pennsylvania, the river forms the Delware Water Gap. This amazing natural wonder is a great opportunity for visitors to enjoy beautiful Pennsylvania. There are many overlooks that can be enjoyed when driving on Interstate 80 and while recreating in the area. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of water recreation, including kayaking, fishing, swimming and more.
Visitors to the Poconos will also find plenty of historical and cultural attractions. While traveling through these mountains, visitors can explore historic communities, many of which feature historical sites. The Bell School House in Stroudsburg is a great historic destination located in Hamilton Township. Visitors can also explore the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, which protects a region which supported both the coal and lumber industries.
Throughout the Poconos travelers are sure to find destinations of interest. The historic mountain resort region is filled with excellent outdoor recreation, from fishing to biking, whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing and much more. The Poconos also has plenty of historic attractions and areas for visitors to learn about the development of the region and more.
- Category: Hot Spots
Hot Spot | Oregon's Central Coast
Travel to Oregon's Central Coast
Lincoln City, located on the northern end of the Central Coast of Oregon, is a great tourist destination. The town is a great destination for shopping and dining. In addition, there are plenty of galleries with handblown glass and other local art galleries. Lincoln City's beaches are a lot of fun for the whole family. The beaches are great for beach combing, exploring tide pools, clamming, crabbing, surfing, whale watching and much more.
Traveling south, Depoe Bay is another wonderful beach community. Surrounded by cliffs and state parks, this community is a great stop during a Central Oregon vacation. The town is a fantastic whale-watching destination, with grey whales living in the area for about 10 months of the year. Visitors to Depoe Bay can also learn about the history of the small fishing harbor, which has a bridge and walkway for spectators to watch the vessels coming in to the port.
Beverly Beach State Park is a fun family attraction. Visitors walk under the highway on the walkway to access the long sandy beach, which stretches from Yaquina Head to Otter Rock. The sandy beach is great for all sorts of beach activities, including building sand castles, surfing, and especially flying kites when the wind is good.
As travelers continue south along Oregon's Central Coast they can stop in beautiful Newport. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Newport beaches, but there are many other fun activities to enjoy while staying in Newport. Children will love the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Newport is also a good destination to enjoy some arts and culture along the trip, with a symphony orchestra and many art galleries. Fishing and crabbing are also fun activities to enjoy while in Newport. The city is actually an important spot for commercial fishing on the Oregon Coast and there are many different charter options for visitors. Newport also has lighthouses, and access to many other fun outdoor activities.
Yachats, on the southern end of the Central Coast is a great spot to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the wonderful beachside community. The area is great for fossil hunting, birdwatching, clamming and exploring tidepools. This region has some amazing tidepools, with blow holes and other fascinating sites. Visitors to the area should also be sure to stop at the nearby Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, with some amazing viewpoints, including the Cape Perpetua Overlook.
Visitors to this region can also travel a little farther south to explore the stunning Sea Lion Caves. This is the world's largest sea cave and is a fantastic attraction. Travelers can take tours of Sea Lion Caves and see the Stellar sea lions that make the cave their home. Visitors will also see plenty of birds and many other fascinating sites while touring the cave.
Oregon's Central Coast is a fantastic destination in the northwest. Visitors can enjoy all of the fun activities found on the sandy beaches, and enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean. In addition, the region is filled with opportunities for recreation and exploring the region's beautiful nature. With wonderful beachside communities, national forests, parks, sandy beaches, tidepools and much more, this is an ideal spot to enjoy all that Oregon has to offer.
- Category: Hot Spots
Road Trip | Washington Coastal Drive
Road Trip down Washington's Wild Coast
Washington's coast is one of many beautiful destinations in the state. From amazing, craggy beaches to quaint beachside towns, this coast has something for everyone. While traveling down the coast there are plenty of opportunities for recreation year-round. This is one road trip that all travelers should try.
- Category: Hit the Road and Camp America!
Road Trip | Alaska Kenai Peninsula
Alaska's Kenai Peninsula
The Kenai Peninsula is one of Alaska's beautiful vacation destinations, and a great spot for an RV road trip. Starting an Alaskan Kenai Peninsula road trip in Anchorage will give travelers the opportunity to explore the fascinating museums and attractions that the city has to offer before heading out to enjoy some of the amazing recreation to be found in Alaska. From world-class fishing to fascinating museums, this road trip has something for everyone.
- Category: Hit the Road and Camp America!
Camping Recipes | Orange Chicken
Simple & Fancy Chicken Dinner
Orange Chicken Recipe
Chicken is a simple, quick and nutritious main dish for almost any occasion. If you are tired of your regular chicken recipes, here is a greets idea to switch up your meal plan.
Sauteed Chicken Breast with Orange Pan Sauce Recipe
This is a delicious meal that is fairly simple, but unbelievably delicious.- Category: Camp Cuisine
Camping Recipes | Turkey Left-overs
What to do with your turkey leftovers?
Everyone loves all of the delicious food cooked and served for Thanksgiving, Christmas and in many families Easter. Most families end up with plenty of leftovers. What can you do with the turkey leftovers? Here are a few ideas to help use up all of those great turkey treats.
- Category: Camp Cuisine
Winter Camping | Deserts
Camp Style | Desert Camping
Precautions
HeatDesert landscapes can become extremely hot during the day, so hot that it is unbearable to be outside even in the shade. If you plan on visiting the desert you may want to consider avoiding the hottest months of the year. In Arizona during the day the temperatures begin to exceed 100 degrees in early May and remain that hot into September. You should plan your trip to the desert during a time when the temperatures seem bearable for the activities you plan on engaging in.
Sunscreen
The sun blazes down during the daylight hours when desert camping, often uninterrupted by clouds. Even if you plan your activities for the cooler times in the morning in afternoon, you will need to protect yourself from the dangers of the suns rays. Be sure to apply sunscreen, at least 30 spf, every two hours. The key to using sunscreen properly is reapplication, so be sure to keep track of how often you put on sunscreen. Also be sure to have a hat that shades your face and ideally your neck. Long-sleeves also provide excellent protection from the sun. Even if you are wearing long sleeves you will want the added protection of sunscreen, which should be applied under your clothes. You will also want to make sure that you protect your eyes with sunglasses.
Winter Temperatures
If you visit during the winter when the daytime temperatures are warm, but not excessively hot, you should be prepared for the temperatures to cool significantly during the evening. This type of temperature change requires that you bring proper layering clothes, as well as appropriate sleeping arrangements.
Water & Hydration
Water is another key factor in desert camping and exploration. You will not find water in the desert and you will want plenty of water to stay hydrated. The hot, dry weather makes dehydration a quick and very dangerous issue. Always be sure to pack more than enough water when adventuring in the desert. You will not find a place to refill your water bottle when hiking in the desert, and access to water in the desert is even more important than when hiking in other landscapes.
You should also be prepared with food and any other supplies you may need while camping or hiking. Bring all of the food you will need, and maybe more than you need. You don't want to take any chances of getting caught in the desert with plenty of food and water, which are key to a healthy and happy trip.
Shade
If you are camping or RVing when the weather is hot, which is almost the entire year, you may want to bring some sort of portable shade. Having a cool, shady place to sit will make your camping experience much more comfortable. You will find that you want to escape the blazing heat during the hottest part of the day, and having shade will help.
Rainy Season
Many deserts experience a rainy season, which can have monsoon-like conditions. The extreme dryness of the land makes it difficult for the soil to soak up all of the water when it rains heavily. These conditions lead to the real possibility of flash flooding. Throughout desert states there are warning signs telling drives not to cross certain areas if there is water, these areas are called washes. These washes, or dips in the road, although they may not look dangerous can be extremely hazardous when filled with water, they have the power to sweep cars away. If there is any chance of flooding be sure not to drive through washes or walk through washes.
Wildlife
When you are hiking through the desert you will want to keep an eye out for many of the amazing species that inhabit the landscape. These can include deer, rabbits, quail, scorpions, snakes, lizards and more. Many of these animals are harmless and fun to watch, but you need to be quiet and still so you don't scare them away. The desert is also home to some poisonous animals, including rattlesnakes, scorpions and more. When hiking stay alert for the warning sounds of the rattlesnake and stay watchful of where you walk. You should also be sure to shake out your shoes in the morning before you put them on, just in case an insect crawled in during the night.Desert Destinations
Click to see a list of desert camping destinations.
Deserts
- Category: Camp Styles
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Hit the Road and Camp America!
Hit the Road -
Camp America!
Ready to answer the call of the open road? Then you've come to the right place. Here you'll find great ideas for finding the best camping and RVing road trips. We'll show you which routes to take, which exits have a "don't miss attraction and profile great campgrounds along the way. So grab your gear, pack the car or the RV and get ready to hit the road.
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Camp Cuisine
Camp Cuisine - Camping Recipes
Inspire your inner camp chef with recipes for camping trips. It doesn’t matter if it’s shared around a campfire, cooked in your RV's gourmet kitchen, or take-out from the local deli, food just tastes better on a camping vacation!
Find and share more great camping recipes at CampingCafe.com -
Road Trip
RV Road Trips
Join Steve and Sally as they pack their bags and hit the open road to live their camping dreams. They’ve chosen their top 100 camping destinations and have set out to make their camping dreams a reality. Come along as they camp across the country. Share the journey.
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Hot Spots
Camping Hot SpotsFind great places to camp and gain insights into activities to make the most of the top camping hot spots. Get the scoop on where to go next. Discover destinations that offer unique opportunities for you to experience the great outdoors through recreation activities, wildlife viewing, and unforgettable vistas.
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Camping Gems
Camping GemsFind those fun and funky “special” places across the country. Hit the road and discover all the odd roadside attractions that make getting there more than half the fun. Road tripping gives you an excuse to search out hidden gems along your route. Look inside for suggested trips and inspiration to plan your own camping gem journey.
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Fur Kids
Fur Kids - Camping with Pets
Hiking the Appalachian Trail with your mastiff, Max, or RV'ing across the country with your poodle, Polly - we all love our pets and want to find ways to share our passion for camping with them. We'll share stories of camping pets and tips for keeping your pets safe, comfortable, and happy - on the road and in the outdoors.
Find more great information about camping and RVing with pets at PetCamping.com
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Sport Spotlight
Outdoor Sport SpotlightWild or mild outdoor sports and recreation are a passion of the camping.com editors. Here we profile different sports and outdoor recreation activities. We'll give you tips on getting started, tell you about the great places for outdoor sports and show you what gear you need to be comfortable in all conditions. So whether you're a seasoned outdoor sports enthusiast or a enthusiastic beginner we have tips and advice to make the most of your outdoor recreation passion.
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Camp Kids
Camp KidsCamping with kids can be very rewarding. Find ideas about teaching children to love and respect the outdoors and camping. Find ways to keep the kids busy on the way to cam, plus games and other fun ideas to keep kids stimulated and engaged while at camp. Keep kids safe outdoors and teach them wilderness skills.
Find more great ideas for camping with kids of all ages. Visit KidsCamping.com -
New To Do
New To Do
Try something different. As the saying goes, Ïf you're not learning you're not living. Get out there and try something new! Never been fond of mud season? Learn to love it! Never took the time to learn your constellations? Well, now is the time! Get ideas for expanding your camping horizons.
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Gear Lists:
Camping Gear
Checklist:
You can never be too prepared for your camping trip. Look through and use our checklists to ensure that you have a safe and happy camping vacation! You never know what you might forget - that tool that you needed, or the proper gear to go on the most beautiful hike of your life - be prepared by planning ahead!
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Camp Styles
Camp Styles
Every camper has his or her own style. For some, the perfect camping trip means strapping on a backpack and heading for the backcountry. For others, it’s a way to spend time with family and friends in a natural surrounding away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For others, it is a way of life – camping full time in an RV. Many people camp to be close to recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, water sports, and ATVing. Find your camp style.
- Top Picks
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Fitness Forum
Fitness Forum
Get in shape for your camping adventure. Whether your camping vacation involves a wilderness hike, a month on the road in your RV, or just a family camping road trip, get fitness advice to get and stay in shape. Being fit and healthy makes camping and outdoor activities more enjoyable. Get tips for making fitness fun.
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Gear Guides
Camping Gear Guides
Confused about wicking? Baffled by sleeping bag ratings? We’ll help you wade through the techno speak of high performance camping and outdoor gear. Having the perfect camp clothes makes camping and participating in outdoor sports fun and comfortable no matter what Mother Nature dishes out.
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Snap Shots
Snap Shots - Outdoor Photography Tips
Find tips for taking great camping and travel photos. Capture your precious camping memories and learn to take perfect family portraits, amazing wildlife photos, and awesome landscape pictures. You'll be transported back to your favorite camping trip ever time you share your photos.
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