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Southern Florida
March is an ideal time to visit Southern Florida, when the weather is perfect, the ocean is sparkling, and colorful birds are everywhere. At Camping.com, weíve outlined a trek that will take you from the city lights of Miami to the beauty of Key Largo, the lush swamps of the Everglades, and the golfing and shopping highlights of Naples. Whether youíre looking for scuba diving adventures, deep sea fishing voyages, kayaking trips, or just a little relaxation on a sandy beach, youíll find a fabulous get-away in South Florida. The route outlined below can be done in a long weekend or spread out over several weeks, so set your own pace and enjoy the trip!
Begin your adventure in Miami, that vibrant city on Biscayne Bay, located on the eastern side of Floridaís southern tip. Known as the ìmagic city,î Miami is home to outstanding museums, family attractions like the Parrot Jungle and Miami Seaquarium, and sporting events with Dolphins football, Marlins baseball, and Miami Heat basketball. As home to the University of Miami's Hurricanes, this is a great place to enjoy a collegiate sporting event, a picnic in Bayfront Park, a play at the Coconut Grove Playhouse, or boating from one of the city marinas. You'll find incredible shopping in the city's downtown, amazing restaurants with Cuban flare, and unforgettable swimming and snorkeling at nearby Biscayne National Park.
From Miami, head south on Highway 1 through Homestead to Key Largo, the northernmost of the Florida Keys. Since this watery wonderland is near North Americaís only living coral barrier reef, it's natural that scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming are all popular activities here. You can plan a diving tour of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, exploring the Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot sunken Navy ship that provides habitat for coral and schools of fish. You can spend a day sport fishing for sailfish, redfish, and tarpon in Florida Bay and further offshore or go bird watching, kayaking, or wildlife viewing. Don't forget to watch for the elusive and gentle manatees while youíre here! If you have a little extra time, a visit to Key West makes an excellent side trip.
Heading back to the north, Highway 41 will take you through Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. Home to animals like crocodiles, panthers, and West Indian manatees, this is a must-see destination for wildlife lovers. Take a ranger-led tour to watch for alligators, view flamingos, or enjoy hiking through this 1.5-million acre wilderness. Since a third of the park is covered in water, this is a fantastic place to fish for snapper, sea trout, redfish, bass, and bluegill. You can take a side-trip to explore the Ten Thousand Islands, take photographs of wild orchids, or explore the world of the mangroves. Birders will love the colorful spoonbills, ibises, herons, pelicans, and other amazing water birds.
After your visit to the Everglades, follow Highway 41 north to Naples on Florida's Gulf Coast. With its calm seas and white sandy beaches, Naples is a paradise for water-sports enthusiasts. The area is also a haven for golfers, with more than seventy challenging courses that are open year-round. Nature lovers will enjoy a canoe trip through the Ten Thousand Islands, a visit to the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, and the Babcock Wilderness Adventures where you can see panthers, bison, ospreys, and wild alligators. Whether you stroll along the beaches looking for seashells or take a sailing trip through the turquoise waters, you'll have a thrilling time in Naples.
From a day of boating beside wild dolphins to shopping for treasures in boutiques and gift shops, Southern Florida has everything you need for a fun-filled camping vacation. Enjoy the nightlife of Miami, the sun and surf of the Keys, and the amazing natural beauty of the Everglades! With its sunny skies and tropical waters, a visit to Florida is a perfect way to welcome spring and start looking ahead to the joys of summer.
- Category: Hot Spots
Brew Your Own
Picture yourself settling back on a summer's afternoon, taking a satisfying sip of beer -- and not just any beer, but one that you brewed yourself. You might invite friends to join you, entering into a lively conversation about the virtues of hops, yeast, bitters, and malt. In time you could even perfect your own secret recipe, one that relatives and friends clamor over.
Homebrewing is surprisingly easy and fun, particularly if you start with one of the kits that are widely available in homebrewing stores and online shops. After your first experience, you might invest in your own brewing equipment, experimenting with your ingredients until you find just the right combination. Consider, for instance, the bitter beers, dark beers, porters, and fruit-flavored beers that you could try. You can even vary the alcohol strength in your final product by adjusting what you add to the wort.
People enjoy brewing their own beer for a variety of reasons. It allows them to create their own recipes, make beers that aren't available elsewhere, and to enjoy a more yeasty 'live' beer, rather than the pasteurized beer that's sold in stores. The most important trait the home brewer needs is patience, since it can take anywhere from two weeks to several monthsÛor even a yearÛto create the beer you want.
Contrary to popular belief, homebrewing doesn't require a large amount of space. Most home brewers make a five-gallon batch, and depending on space limitations, might have several batches fermenting at once, so they mature at different times. When you brew your own, be sure to keep good records, so that once you stumble upon the perfect recipe, you'll know exactly what steps to take to create that beer again and again.
Beer brewing begins with the creation of the wort (this is the name for beer that is not yet fermented). Malted grain, or malt, is soaked in hot water (60-70 degrees) until sugars are released -- this process is called mashing. The home brewer can skip this step by purchasing dry extracted malt or liquid malt. The run-off from the mash is the wort, a liquid that has all the sugars and proteins of beer, but not the yeast. The wort is then boiled with hops for flavor, then cooled. Once yeast is added to start the fermentation process, the liquid can rightfully be called beer. At this point it requires bottling, followed by a period of rest while the beer ferments and cures.
Wine and cider-making are also popular home activities. A novice wine maker can easily have a successful first outing, particularly if you use the kits that are available. Nearly any edible fruit or plant can be used to make wine -- the trick is to add the right amount of sugar to your blend (called 'must'), so that when you add yeast, the yeast will have something to feed on. Grapes are popular wine making fruits in part because they naturally contain the right amount of sugar.
As with all canning and bottling, it's crucial for safety reasons that you use sterile bottles, caps, and equipment in your beer or wine making. In the U.S., it's legal for every household to make up to 200 gallons of wine or beer each year. So why not make this the year you try brewing your own? The next time you have friends over and bring out your special blend, you'll certainly be glad you did.
- Category: New To Do
North Carolina
For a last glimpse of fall color, visit the charming Asheville area in Western North Carolina. Nestled amid the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, this is the place to watch the leaves change. Try a scenic drive through the Mount Pisgah National Forest or tromp across the swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain. In Asheville, youíll find plenty of places to stay and dine. A trip to the North Carolina Arboretum lets you study the trees on a closer level. Nearby, at Hickory Nut Gorge, the oak and hickory trees shift from bronze to brown, providing a stunning frame to the 404-foot waterfalls that made the backdrop for the film, ìThe Last of the Mohicans.î The gorge is a perfect place for hiking and bird watching, or for an afternoon picnic on the shores of Lake Lure. For a more unique November experience, head eastward to the coastal plains. Explore the beauty of the shore without the crowds and capture a special set of memories to last throughout the winter.
- Category: Hot Spots
Texas
With its bright blue skies and golden grasses, you might forget that itís fall in Texas. Even in this land of honest beauty, where the land and sky stretch out for miles, November is a time of harvest. Make this the destination for your family outing. Meet up for a meal at Dinosaur Valley State Park (located in North Texas) and stay to view the hillside blazing in red, orange, and yellow foliage. Kids will enjoy investigating the dinosaur tracks and models at the park. From there, visit the Dallas-Ft. Worth area for unsurpassed dining, museums, and sporting events. Not far south, in the rolling hills of Central Texas, youíll find rural beauty at its finest. The vineyards and farms, lined with rolls of harvested hay, are sure to put you in a holiday mood.
- Category: Hot Spots
Arizona
Pastel-pale Arizona shines in November like no other place. Where else can you still enjoy warm days and clear skies, this close to the holiday season? This is the time to see Arizonaís premiere sights, when the crowds are small and the temperatures are mild. Make a memorable visit to the Grand Canyon by visiting the spectacular South Rim this month. Located eighty miles north of Flagstaff, this southern side of the park offers outstanding views of the 4,000-foot deep canyon. For maximum viewing, park your car and take one of the shuttle buses to the information center. Peer down through geologic time, hike along the rim, or watch for wildlife. From the Grand Canyon you can plan a side trip Flagstaff or head south to the red rocks of Sedona. The amazing beauty of these towering rock formations will amaze you, as will the excellent dining opportunities you can find in this hidden resort town.
- Category: Hot Spots
Getting Pets Ready for Summer
May is an exciting time for pets and people alike. The days are getting long, and inviting weather beckons us all into the great outdoors. Get your pet ready for all the joys of summer by following this simple advice.
First, this is an ideal time to get your dog to the groomer (or do some grooming yourself). With summertime hikes, swims, and romps at the park coming up, this is the perfect time to get your dog's hair and nails into shape. If your dog gets hot in the summer, or if you live in a warm area, consider a short "puppy-style" cut or other trim as recommended by your groomer or vet. Short hair is less likely to pick up burrs, twigs, and dirt, so it's practical to keep your pup's hair trimmed even if heat isn't an issue. Overgrown nails can lead to scratches on the furniture, walls, and human skin, so keep them trimmed. And dew claws that aren't trimmed can get snagged on logs, gates, and other things during playtime.
Summer marks the height of a dog's social life. With walks through campgrounds, towns, and parks, plus picnics at the lake, your dog is sure to make doggie friends during the summer months. You can help ensure that these interactions go well by giving your dog a few social warm-ups.
Visit a nearby dog park, where your dog can meet fellow canines off-leash in a neutral environment. Make walking dates with other dog owners, so your pup can practice feeling like part of a team with another dog. Remember to always keep your dog on a leash in new areas and during any time when your dog might be tempted to run, chase, or bolt away from you. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so keep your dog leashed unless you're absolutely sure there can't be a problem.
In the summer, many older dogs can experience the same symptoms as human "weekend warriors". After a week of snoozing on a comfy bed, your dog can easily over do it with a weekend swim or a long, hilly hike. If you notice that your dog is stiff and sore after such a weekend, talk to your vet about ways to alleviate this pain. Another thing you can do for dogs of any age is to give your pet regular exercise throughout the week. Help your pet "train" for these weekend romps in the same way you'd train for a 5K race or a heart walk. Find activities that will let your dog build its strength gradually. If your dog enjoys swimming, try to work short swims into your weekly schedule. If it's racing around with other dogs that your pet loves, try a few games of fetch on the weekdays to warm up those running muscles.
Whatever you do with your dog this spring, be sure to bring a water bowl and plenty of water along, plus a towel for drying off wet or muddy paws. You may also want to pack treats for a little impromptu training. Remember that dogs enjoy having jobs to accomplish, so it's always best to ask your dog to do something - come, sit, or stay - for their treat-reward. This reinforces your training and leaves your dog with a sense of accomplishment!
Dogs enjoy following a daily routine, but like their human family members they also thrive on new adventures. This spring, consider planning a dog-centered day with an outing that's designed to make your pet happy. Will you head to the beach? Hike through wooded trails? Visit the dog park or socialize in town? If you're on a camping trip, maybe you'll arrange an hour of fetch by the lake or a game of tag with the kids. For some dogs, a scenic ride in the car is the nearest thing to heaven. It doesn't matter so much what you do ñ so long as you do it together, your dog will think it's been the finest day ever.Looking for more information and other great articles about camping with pets? Visit PetCamping.com
- Category: Fur Kids
Easter Pets
Easter, with its warm weather, sunny skies, and joyous egg hunts is such a great holiday to spend with your pet! All across the country, small towns and humane societies are busily preparing dog-friendly Easter events that are more fun than a box of marshmallow bunnies. Wouldn't you (and your dog) love to participate in an Easter Bonnet Parade or a special doggy Egg Hunt?
Towns like Tulsa Oklahoma, Fernandina Beach Florida, Long Beach California, and Deerfield Township Ohio, along with many others host Easter events that are specially designed for people and pooches. Some hold Easter Bonnet Parades for dogs decked out in floral hats, biking caps, sunglasses, and leis. These are great fun for the whole family, whether you go as spectators or as parade participants. Vote for your favorite costume and then see what wins the award of Best-in-Parade! A costume contest with several different categories, from "most sophisticated" to "most festive", is a popular part of many of these events. Some parades even include speed-eating contests and awards for things like goofiest smile, so be sure to enter your dog for a chance to win.
Many communities also hold annual Doggy Easter Egg hunts. You could train your dog to carry the Easter basket or just let your puppy's incredible nose sniff out the hidden treats. Just be sure to keep your pup away from chocolate (this is particularly dangerous for small dogs and dogs of any size who eat dark chocolate. Be sure to check with your veterinarian if you think your dog has ingested chocolate.) If you keep dog biscuits or your pup's favorite treat in your pocket, you can reward your pet for being a good Egg Hunt companion without risking an upset doggy tummy.
Pet costumes are easy and fun to make. You can create a special hat or headpiece, or keep it simple with a decorative ruff or collar. If your dog already has a jacket, sweater, or harness, you might think of simple ways to convert that into a splashy costume. More elaborate costumes drape down in front of the dog, giving the (often hilarious) illusion of a fully-dressed human body dangling below your pet's face.
For large and medium-sized dogs, a small person's t-shirt can make a fun outfit - just be sure to get one with a wide neck or v-neck, so it'll go easily over your dog's head, and find one that's small enough so your dog doesn't trip itself while walking. Look for bright spring colors like canary yellow, petal pink, baby blue, and grass green.
This might be a good time to treat your dog to a new egg-shaped squeaky toy, a colorful leash, or a wooly-lamb stuffed animal (shop for these at discount stores, garage sales, and flea markets). And, of course, what your dog wants most is play time with you, so celebrate spring by including your furry friend in your Easter activities!Looking for more information and other great articles about camping with pets? Visit PetCamping.com
- Category: Fur Kids
Keeping Pets Safe
The holidays are a wonderful time of warmth, love, and companionship for the whole family, pets or "fur-kidsî included. Sadly, many of the special things we do at the holidays can cause trouble for our furry friends. More pets are lost and injured during this season than any other. This year, show how much you care by creating a safe holiday environment for your pets. What better gift can you give to the smallest members of your family? Here are some things to guard against as you go about your holiday preparations.
Getting Lost. Airplanes, cars, relatives, shopping ñ it's a wonder we don't get lost during the chaos of the holidays, let alone our pets! Try to be extra attentive to your pets during this time. If you're traveling, make your pets an item on your to-do list so you don't forget any important supplies, food, or to arrange for a caregiver. Be sure your pets' tags are up to date and, if possible, have your vet implant a locator chip under each pet's skin.
Dangerous Plants and Food. Many of the most beautiful holiday plants are also poisonous to pets. Keep all poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, lilies, amaryllis, pine, balsam, ivy, and boxwood plants and swags away from your pets. Also, don't let your pets drink from any Christmas tree water, it can contain dangerous levels of fertilizer and bacteria. If you think your pet has consumed any of the plants listed above, contact the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org) right away.
Many forms of people food are also harmful to dogs and cats. Never give your pet: chocolate, yeast dough, cookie dough, alcohol, rhubarb, onions, onion powder, salt, or coffee. Poultry bones are also dangerous, since they can splinter and do considerable damage. Restrain yourself from offering your furry friend too much cooked turkey or ham. Human foods are too rich for pets and the seasoning can upset their stomachs and give them diarrhea. And one more thing - watch for antifreeze puddles on your driveway. Even small amounts can be toxic to pets.
Stress. Dogs and cats thrive on routine. They like their naps at naptime and their walks at walk-time. When the holidays hit, however, the schedule crumbles. Do what you can to keep your pets' lives as normal as possible. Be sure they have familiar beds and comforting toys around, and try to keep your dog's walk schedule as normal as possible. Feed your pets at the regular time and be sure to give your little friends lots of love.
Parties and general commotion take their toll on your pets. With the regular routine abandoned and strange smells and noises in the air, your pets can become nervous and are more likely to act out or try to escape. Strange voices, fireworks, New Year's noisemakers, and unfamiliar cars can all cause your pets to panic. If your pets seem nervous, provide them with a special safe room, where things are quiet. Put food, water, a well-loved bed and litter box in this room so your pets will have all of their needs met. Be sure the room has no open windows or escape routes in case of a loud, startling noise. At the party's end, clean up left-over food and drinks before bringing your pets back from the safe room, then give them some of your undivided attention for behaving so well.
Dangerous Decorations. It may seem funny the first time your kitty pulls down the decorations or climbs the tree, but it's also a sign of things to come. Pets love decorations, especially ones that move, spin, or smell like the outdoors, but the temptation to play often causes havoc. Spend a few minutes pet-proofing your decorations and save yourself from some potentially dangerous situations.
Keep candles to a minimum and watch their placement. Tails and whiskers are easily singed, so keep any eye on any lit candles. Tree decorations made of tinsel, metal, and breakable glass are potential hazards ñ put any fragile ornaments high on the tree or leave them off altogether. Cloth and paper ornaments can go on the bottom. Be sure the tree stand is sturdy so the tree won't tip, and consider buying a Blue Spruce since its prickly needles make climbing less fun. Be sure the light cords are up off the floor, particularly if you have a puppy that's in the mood to chew.Looking for more information and other great articles about camping with pets? Visit PetCamping.com
- Category: Fur Kids
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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.
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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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