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Dress for Success - All-Weather Camping Gear Tips
There is something special about winter camping. Whether it’s the hush of a snow-covered world or the glint of sunlight reflecting off icicles, winter camping shows you things you could never see in any other season. In the winter you can see farther through the woods without leaves to block out the light, you can step onto frozen waterways, and spot winter migrant birds looking for seeds on the white-packed ground. The air often feels cleaner in winter, and outdoor athletes definitely feel more virtuous after a day in the wintry elements.
The best way to enjoy these rare experiences is to go camping! Below you’ll find a few suggestions for making your all-season camping trip more pleasurable, along with safety tips and techniques. So read on, then head out into the snows for a winter day of frolicking fun.
Before you get started, be sure to check the weather report. Dramatic winter storms can be dangerous with the threat of blizzards, ice storms, freezing rain, and avalanches. Get your trip off to a good start by planning to go when the weather is calm and, ideally, clear. If you’ll be driving to your campsite, consider putting on snow tires or carrying tire chains.
Next, turn your attention to packing your clothes. If you’ll be camping in snow, it’s important that your outer-most layer be something water and wind resistant. Gortex jackets and pants are best because they wick moisture away (and it’s moisture that will do the most harm while winter camping, keeping you from warming up). Alternatives to Gortex include waterproof windbreakers for the upper layer and snow pants or baggy wool pants for the bottom.
Below this top layer, be sure to dress in layers of wool and synthetic fibers. As your body warms up, it gives off warmth that heats the air around the skin. If you’re wearing layers, this warm air gets trapped next to your body, keeping your skin warm. More layers create more pockets in which warm air can be trapped, so you can stay nice and toasty during your walk through the woods.
Dampness, however, is the enemy in your effort to get and stay warm in winter. Once you start to sweat, the moisture cools your body down. If you’re wearing wicking layers next to the skin, like polypropelene or wood, the moisture will be carried away from your skin and will, ideally, evaporate in the air. If your upper-most layer is too waterproof, the moisture will have trouble escaping. If that’s your situation, then be sure to travel with extra dry layers, so you can change your undershirt when it gets damp. If you’re hiking, it’s best to change your under-most layer whenever you stop for a long break.
Ground cover is also important during winter camping. Damp ground and rocks (even dry ones) can sap your heat away, so carry a piece of waterproof foam pad or other layered sit-upon for enjoying picnics outside. Tent campers will also want to store their water bottles inside the tent, and possibly even inside someone’s sleeping bad, to keep the water from freezing completely at night.
Once you’re well-dressed, with water-proof footgear on your feet, you’re ready to tackle the wintry world. Put a wool hat on your head to preserve your heat, then head for the trail! And remember to bring lip balm, sun glasses, and sun screen (yes, even in February) with you on your all-weather adventure.
- Category: Gear Guides
RV Styles
It goes without saying that there are as many ways to camp in an RV as there are RV campers. An RV (recreational vehicle), after all, is a small home on wheels, a home that becomes a reflection of the people who inhabit it. We all start with an empty shell that we fill with gear, decorations, and treasures until our RV becomes a mirror of ourselves.
At root, the different types of RVs – motorhomes, big rigs, travel trailers, 5th wheels – have more in common with each other than not. Nearly all have beds, a toilet and shower, and a galley with a stove, oven, and refrigerator. There is generally a heater and basic 12-volt power. And because driving the RV is a key part of its usefulness, two comfortable seats in the driving area are a must. These essentials give RV campers an amazing amount of freedom. They're fully self-sufficient, able to enjoy hot meals and showers whenever they like. They can stay put for weeks or months, or they can keep on the move, criss-crossing the country at their own pace. With their own bed on board, not to mention personal items like books, movies, gadgets, and games, the RV camper has everything they need in their own vehicle.
Because choosing an RV is such an important decision (and sizeable purchase), it's critical that you shop around and talk to other motorhome campers before you buy. You might consider renting a unit for a short trip or test drive. RV shows are a great way to see what's up-and-coming or to weight the various options. Shows will have a variety of RVs on display, so you can walk inside and try to imagine what you life would be like if you took one home.
Most RV campers report that buying their recreational vehicle was the second biggest purchase of their lives, after buying a home, so be sure to do your homework in advance!
Since all portable homes of this type are hauled by some sort of truck chassis, gas mileage and hauling power can vary. But no matter how large the 5th wheel or big rig, all RV campers face the same issues of limited storage and cooking creatively in a small kitchen.
In this way, RV campers have a lot in common with boat owners. Both boats and RVs come equipped with clever storage compartments and tables that can be turned into sleeper cots or beds. Other tricks can be taken from the maritime world – coffee-cup holders on gimbals will keep your cup upright on bumpy roads and sun-heated shower bags warm up your bath water without using any electricity. Backpackers' methods of storing socks and underwear in compressible stuff-sacks come in handy when you're in an RV.
Once you have the recreational vehicle of your dreams, it's time to mark it with the stamp of your personality. Will you have a decorative welcome/shoe-wiping mat? Colorful curtains to put up at night for blocking out light? Are you an outdoor camper, preferring to spend most of your time outside the RV, or an inside camper who enjoys moving from the cool rush of the outdoors to the tranquility of the inner realm?
Some RV campers mount family snapshots around the upper banner of their RV's living room. Others fit small posters and pictures on the walls or under a clear plastic covering on their galley table. You can even travel with special holiday flags to hang out when you reach your destination, letting your neighbors know what kind of mood you're in.
Another important distinction in RV camping styles lies in whether you travel as a solo RV or as part of a caravan. Caravan travelers often develop ways of communicating so they can keep track of one another on the road. You might use CB radios to stay connected, with each member of the team adopting a radio handle like "Hawkeye” or "Miss Scarlet.” Group travelers often share the responsibilities of meals, meeting up for picnics and potlucks at pre-arranged areas. And for evening activities, they might plan things that involve the entire group, like card and board games or a group reading.
Solo travelers, on the other hand, appreciate the freedom of being able to change their itinerary on a whim. They can develop their plans at the last minute, after hearing weather reports or getting a hot report from a neighbor about the best fishing spot in the state. Whichever kind of camping style you prefer, be sure to embrace it on your travels this spring!
- Category: Camp Styles
'Reflections of Family Camping Trips'
I started camping after I was married. After I had my first child. When I was six and a half months pregnant with my second child. People thought I was crazy. But I'd never had the opportunity to camp, whereas my husband had camped every summer as a child. He was feeling homesick for camping, and I – pregnant and all – was game to try it.
With a tent and an inflatable mattress, we set off for California's Big Sur Coast. I stayed awake most of the first night, worrying that a gang of misfit chipmunks, led by an intrepid raccoon, would rip through our tent walls and dive into our snacks. By the second night, my imagination calmed down and I started to get the hang of it. And by the third day, I was hooked. We've been camping ever since.
My husband, our children, and I have been making wonderful family camping memories for the past 11 years: Songs and impromptu talent shows by the campfire under the stars. Meals beneath a canopy of trees. Hikes to lakes and waterfalls. We love to reminisce about these happy, family-bonding camping moments.
Some of our memories are kind of funny, especially from those early years when our kids were little and I still didn't know what I was doing. When we camped along Chalk Creek in central Colorado, I was enraptured by the stunning beauty that surrounded us. I was also paranoid that our youngest, only 10 months old but already walking, would fall into the creek. Not that it was a dangerous creek, with its maximum depth of a whopping two inches.
But I wasn't about to take chances, so I tied a rope around his waist to keep him tethered to our site. That lasted about 12 minutes. He was miserable, and his crying let the whole campground know it. So instead I kept a close eye on him. It worked – he didn't end up in the creek. My three-year-old, however, did. She was soaked. Thank goodness for the extra clothes we'd packed.
We've had many other adventures, like the time we rented a little boat in southern Colorado's Vallecito Lake. The sky was blue and clear when we headed out. But storms move in fast in the Colorado mountains, and this one quickly interrupted our tranquil morning excursion. The wind whipped up, dark clouds surrounded us, and lightning flashed to the south.
My husband quickly put his fishing gear down and yanked on the motor. Nothing. He tried again. And again. No luck. We were stranded in the middle of the lake with a dead motor and no paddle, watching every other boater pull safely back into dock ahead of us as the storm grew at an alarming pace. Then I looked across the lake and couldn't believe my eyes. A twister had formed, spewing up water furiously as it headed straight for us.
The kids and I hunkered down as my husband kept pulling the motor's cord. The twister zigged and zagged, getting to a hundred feet away from us before changing course. It passed us by, reached the other end of the lake, and fizzled out just as mysteriously as it had appeared. As we all sat there stunned, a fisherman and his son pulled up, tossed us a rope, and towed us back. We were safe.
We've weathered more storms through the years, and we've enjoyed more blue skies and starry nights, too. And every year, when my husband pulls our pop-up camper (yes, we've upgraded!) out of the garage, we're suddenly filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation, wondering what camping fun and adventure we'll experience next.
This summer, we're taking our camper back to where it all started for me – Big Sur. I can't wait for our kids to see the surreal coastline and giant trees. This time, though, I don't think I'll be losing sleep over chipmunks.
- Category: Camp Styles
Tent Camping
Tent camping brings out the kid in everyone. There's something special about climbing into that cozy fabric house and snuggling down for a good night's sleep. And with the remarkable tents made today, you can easily find one that perfectly suits your needs.
Of course, as fun as tent camping is, it isn't without its drawbacks. Let's face it – sleeping on the ground can be downright uncomfortable. For backpackers who need to keep an eye on the weight and volume of their gear, this may be unavoidable. But if you're car camping, there's no need to suffer! Why be uncomfortable when you could bring all the comforts of home along with you?
This year, pack your own, full-sized pillow. Invest in a durable air mattress or use several layers of padding (this will help keep you warm, too). If you tend to get chilly in your sleeping bag, bring along some extra blankets or a comforter. Do everything you can to give yourself a good night's rest, so you can concentrate on enjoying your camping trip.
If your tent is a new one, be sure to practice putting it up, taking it down, and stowing it before you leave home. You never know when you'll wind up having to put your tent up in the dark or in foul weather, and nothing is worse than raising a tent for the first time when you're under added stress.
If you've ever woken up in a soaked, soggy tent, then you know how important it is to become familiar with your tent's rain fly. Many rain flies come with their own poles because it's critical that the fly not touch the tent itself – that's the secret to keeping your tent dry. It may also be important that you stake your fly or use strings tied to nearby trees to keep the fabric away from that of your tent. Even if you don't expect rain, your fly is still important for keeping dew off the tent and, therefore, for keeping you nice and dry.
Remember to never store food in your tent – especially in bear country! – and never allow an open flame near a tent. Instead, invest in some battery-powered headlamps or lanterns. Many tents have little pouches sewn into the inside of the tent fabric – this is a smart place to keep your flashlight or headlamp for easy access.
Using a drop cloth or tarp underneath your tent is smart, since it will extend the life of your tent. And if you want to go tent camping with your medium-sized or larger dog, consider a tent with an outer vestibule for your dog to sleep in. Individual tents for dogs are also available in a range of sizes.
During your trip, do your best to keep your tent dry and well-aired. If the nights are damp, but the days are sunny, consider detaching your fly during the day and draping it over a bush or picnic table to dry out in the sun. Giving your tent a good shaking-out every few days will help keep it clean.
If you're going to be camping in a buggy area with mosquitoes and flies, make sure to keep your tent zipped closed during the day. There's nothing more annoying than having a fly buzzing around your tent at night or a cloud of mosquitoes dive-bombing your ears as you try to sleep. Also, if you know you're going to be in a buggy area, you might consider using a tall, roomy tent, the kind that you could stand in comfortably. If you're happy spending time in your tent, you can use it as a pleasant retreat in the event of bad weather or a bug infestation. Some tents come equipped with side flaps that you can roll up and cover with mosquito netting, creating a bug-free, airy space for card games and reading.
Be sure to choose a tent that gives you plenty of space for both sleepers and their gear. It's always best to remove your shoes or boots as your enter the tent – store them outside in the outer vestibule or under a waterproof section of the tent. Just remember to shake out your shoes before you put them on!
Tents are really quite amazing. What other living space can fold up to be the size of a small suitcase? Tents are portable homes that you can carry on your back, in your car, or in your RV as an instant "spare room.” By just following these few steps, you can keep your tent clean, dry, snug, and cozy, making it a fabulous place to rest and dream.
- Category: Camp Styles
Camping 101
Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and take a much needed mini-vacation without spending a fortune. Staying overnight at a campground typically runs from $10 to $25. Compare that to a motel stay which can easily cost $75 and up, and you'll see that the savings add up fast.
Of course, if you haven't gone camping since you were a kid – or you've never gone camping, period – then expect an initial investment in time, money, and energy. But it's worth it. Spending several relaxing weekends a year in the midst of breathtaking scenery is good therapy for the body, mind, and soul.
The Essentials
Before you head into the great outdoors, you'll need some basic equipment. Get a sturdy tent big enough for your family to sleep in comfortably. Make sure it's watertight and strong enough to stand up to some wind. Sleeping bags are a must especially if you're camping in the mountains or the desert – climates that cool down dramatically at night even during the summer. Check ratings; a sleeping bag that's rated for only 40 F will keep you shivering in nighttime temperatures of 30 F, and you don't want that. A floor pad or an air mattress (with a good pump) will help you sleep more comfortably by adding an extra layer between you and the hard floor.
A large electric lantern (with extra batteries just in case) is a must for evenings as well as for walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night or heading to the lake for some pre-dawn fishing. Bring several flashlights, too. Lawn chairs are great for a relaxing afternoon of reading under the trees or for sitting by the campfire at night. Unless you're prepared to eat nothing but granola bars and fresh fruits and vegetables, buy a Coleman stove. It's portable, it runs on propane, and it's great for morning coffee or a hot dinner of canned stew (don't forget the can opener).
By the way, inexpensive, durable dinner plates and cups work better than the rugged metal cups and plates you'll see in camping stores. Why? Because your hot chocolate doesn't stay hot very long inside one of those metal cups. Bring an inexpensive plastic tablecloth to cover picnic tables. And a large plastic bin works well for doing the dishes (remember to bring dish soap).
Be sure to ask the people at the outdoor equipment store how to set up and use everything – especially your tent and your stove. Don't leave the store with your purchase until you comfortably understand how to use everything. If you have questions later, don't hesitate to call back.
When you're packing toiletries for your camping trip, include a well-stocked First Aid kit, bug spray, and sunscreen.
Trial Run
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to camp overnight in your backyard. Pretend you're out in the wild and bring everything you think you'll need. Set up the tent. Inflate the air mattress. Cook breakfast on the Coleman stove. Use your electric lantern at night. What works? What doesn't? Is your sleeping bag warm enough? Did you remember to bring eating utensils? Pillows? Toiletries? T-shirts and shorts for the hot noon sun and a warm jacket and sweats for cool evenings? Hats? Hiking shoes?
Camping in your backyard is a safe way to prepare for a "real trip.” During and after your trial run, make a list of everything you need – the things you remembered and forgot, plus things you never even thought of before taking that backyard outing.
Do Your Homework
Before you go on that first, momentous camping trip outdoors, learn everything you can about your chosen destination. Get brochures, look up information on the Internet, and ask as many questions as you can think of. What does the location look like? Is your site shaded? Are there poisonous shrubs in the area? Will you be camping next to a river or stream? Are campfires allowed? Is firewood provided?
What are the campground amenities? Are there hot showers on site? Flush toilets? A campground store? A playground? Where are the nearest medical facilities? If there's a lake on the premises, ask about boat rentals, fishing permits, and swim beaches.
When you arrive at your campground, scope it out. Find out where the bathrooms are. Locate the camp hosts, in case you need them later. Read everything posted at the entrance. Follow the rules. Be safe.
Relax
The best thing about camping is getting away from it all. Leave behind your cell phones, your computers, your beepers. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the fresh air. Let it all just soak into your pores and revitalize you. Kick back, unwind, slow down your pace. It's time to smell the wild roses and count the twinkling stars. Relax, and enjoy!
- Category: Camp Styles
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Camping—spending nights under the stars and cooking on an open flame—has been popular for generations. In many families, a love of the outdoors is handed down right along with the heirloom china. And in spite of high-tech innovations in camping gear, it's nice to remember that what we practice in our campsites is actually part of an ancient tradition.
It's hard to guess when the first humans set out on a camping trip for pleasure. Our cave-dwelling ancestors probably felt that their lives were rugged enough without the additional strain of packing for a day hike or climbing a mountain to see the view. But as early as the Middle Ages, picnics—the precursor of the camping trip—became popular among the noble classes. In one ancient story of Guinevere and Lancelot, the queen packs an elaborate lunch, dresses her ladies and their horses all in green, and heads out to enjoy a day in the forest.
Centuries later, when exploring new lands was a thriving enterprise, camping became a way of life. Lewis and Clark's famous expedition to find a river-way to the Pacific could certainly be called one of the largest camping trips ever undertaken. The Native American tribes of the plains camped as they followed the buffalo, and, when the land was settled with ranchers, cowboys camped as they followed their herds.
Despite these early forays into the world of sleeping and eating outdoors, the advent of camping for pleasure certainly coincided with the popular use of the automobile. Beginning in 1914, when Henry Ford introduced the assembly line and reduced the price of his Model-T (available in black only) to $550, travel became an American hobby. Sunday drives, family outings, cross-country adventures—all of these arrived with the affordable family car.
Suddenly the thought of visiting the western national parks became an actual possibility even for members of the middle class. Families set out for Yellowstone and Fort Laramie, where women donned their first dungarees. Couples made tours of California, stopping at Pinnacles National Monument and the Muir Woods. With the founding of the Boy Scouts in 1910 and the Girl Scouts in 1912, thousands of children discovered the joys of camping.
From that time to the present, camping has only gained in popularity. The introduction of campers, trailers, and motor homes made camping not only fun but convenient. All the logistical pieces of travel—the transport, the food, and the shelter—combined into one comfortable vehicle. Camping gear has also made great strides with the invention of new fabrics such as fleece and gortex, lightweight shoe and boot materials, and safe, reliable camping stoves. And while the amount of open space has diminished, the number of designated camping areas has only increased with each decade.
Where will our camping adventures lead in the coming years? It's difficult to predict, but there's little doubt that the old standby camping spots will retain their popularity. Parents will continue to pass their favorite fishing holes and hikes along to their children, and children will continue to find new ones for themselves. New inventions will mean that the campers of the future will explore their world in ever-greater comfort, recording what they see with something far advanced of the old Brownie camera or even a Polaroid. And one thing we can say for certain—the urge to "get away from it all” will be as strong in our descendants as it was in our predecessors.
- Category: Camp Styles
Ocean Camping
Crashing surf, the sound of gulls, and that unique salt-and-sand scent are just part of what makes the ocean so magical. With miles of sandy beach and cresting waves, the seaside calls out to visitors of all ages. Whether it's sandcastle building, body surfing, or surf swimming you're after, the ocean offers plenty of activities – for free! And somehow just gazing that distant blue horizon is enough to soothe the most restless of spirits.
Ocean camping has a special allure, drawing in all kinds of campers. Fishing enthusiasts look forward to casting their lines in ocean waters or to deep sea fishing, crabbing, and shrimping. Bird watchers love viewing the birds that flock to the shore, from pelagic cormorants and terns in the north to flamingoes and egrets in the south. And wildlife viewers have the chance to see cresting whales, dolphins, porpoises, and even manatees.
Kids can peer into tide pools, learning about ocean creatures, or dip their toes in the waves. The beach is full of playthings for kids, from sand piles to bull kelp that's washed up from the sea. Families can go beach combing, looking for sand dollars and smooth sea glass.
When you're planning an ocean camping trip, it's useful to keep a few things in mind. First, consider the weather before you go. The coast is often cooler and foggier than inland areas, so it's wise to pack extra jackets, hats, and raingear. You'll also want to plan for sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and sun hats. If you burn easily or have little ones in your group, you may want a sun umbrella or canopy.
On long, flat beaches, the movement of the tide can alter the shoreline by a mile or even more. Invest in a tide chart – available at bait shops and seaside convenience stores – so you know when the tides peak and fall. If you'll be tent camping, be sure to identify the high tide line, a collection of seaweed and other debris high on the beach, before you pitch your tent. There's nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night because your tent is swamped in ocean waves!
Similarly, RV campers should only park in designated campsites where they can be sure the tires won't sink in the sand. And while it might seem like a great idea to sleep out right on the sand, a sandy bed can become very cold. Be sure to use a sleeping pad or small inflatable mattress to keep yourself up off the ground.
Most ocean areas have charming seaside towns nearby that offer gift shops and fresh seafood restaurants. This is a great place to try lobster or crab, steamed clams, or oysters on the half-shell. Many areas have their own distinctive seafood recipes, from chowder to gumbo, so be sure to try the delicacy of the place you're visiting.
You might also find interesting attractions like maritime museums, historic ships, and aquariums. Visiting these sites will give you a better sense of the place you're touring and a new awareness of the creatures that make the sea their home.
The ocean is a perfect summertime destination, with its cooling breezes and luscious waves. So head to the coast this month and dive headfirst into ocean camping!
- Category: Camp Styles
Desert Camping
Deserts are beautiful, exotic places. They're visually stunning with their red rock canyons, high sandstone walls, and tiny trees shaped by wind and weather. Deserts are full of the unexpected – cool shade beneath stone cliffs, natural springs that send sheets of water across rippling sand beds. But they're also challenging places for humans to explore and live in. That is, unless you take a few smart precautions.
The sun is the first and greatest challenge of desert camping. Even if you can escape to the cool shade of your RV during the hottest parts of the day, you'll still want to equip yourself with sun-shading gear for when you do head out on that hike, horseback ride, or ATV trip. You'll need a hat that shades your eyes, sunglasses, and a powerful sunscreen (SPF 30 or above). Be sure to reapply your sunscreen from time to time throughout the day. You'll also want lip balm with SPF protection and something to cover the back of your neck. It might be tempting for men to go shirtless, but if you hate the idea of constantly stopping to put on more sunscreen, you just might find it more worthwhile to keep your shirt on and enjoy the fabric's sun-blocking power. If you're particularly sensitive to the sun or to sunburn, look for fabrics that are sun-resistant and apply sunscreen underneath your clothes.
Bring everything with you. A good rule in the desert is to expect nothing (then you won't be disappointed!) Bring your own water – all you need, plus some extra – rather than counting on the seasonal spring on your map. Instead of planning to go food shopping at the last little town before your campsite, bring extra supplies with you. If you're camping at an RV park, of course you can call ahead and find out what the amenities are before you arrive. But whenever you head out into the desert on foot, on bike, or on an ATV or four-wheeler, be sure you have plenty of water and some food with you. And sunscreen, of course!
If you're RV or car camping, there are a few more items that might make your stay in the desert more comfortable. Any kind of awning or portable shade will let you enjoy the outdoors in comfort. You may want bandanas that you can get wet and tie on your neck. If you're able to transport them, fresh fruits and cold drinks are heavenly in the desert. Portable shower bags can help you wash the dust off at the end of the day. And you'll certainly want your camera – and maybe even a box of pastels or watercolors – for capturing those dramatic rock formations.
The second great challenge of desert camping is, surprisingly, cold. As hot as the desert gets during the day, it gets equally frigid at night. The dry air above the desert floor doesn't hold any warmth once the sun goes down, so prepare for cold temperatures after sunset. No matter what time of year you head to the desert, take plenty of warm clothing for nighttime. You'll also need very warm sleeping gear, the same sort you would take to the mountains. If you're camping in a canyon or under the shade of a cliff or butte, you should also be prepared for your campsite to stay cold until the sun hits it in the morning. When you get up in the morning, dress in layers so you can shed garments one at a time as the day warms up.
If your schedule allows, you might adjust your sleeping and waking hours to fit with desert time. Try rising early in the morning – the best time to watch for wildlife – and take a rest or a nap in the middle of the afternoon, when the sun is strongest. A nice late afternoon/evening walk will set you up perfectly for a late dinner. Then you can admire the brilliant desert stars, read or chat a little before bed, and wake up the next morning ready to explore the next slot canyon, wooded arroyo, or game trail up a towering butte.
RVs are extremely self-sufficient, letting people camp in places that don't have any facilities. They're also widely available for rent. Challenges include keeping track of gas, water, and other fluid levels, and parking the RV in tight or awkward spaces. When you go RV camping, you may also want to bring along another car for exploring your destination area, or toys like ATVs, bikes, snowmobiles, and small boats.
- Category: Camp Styles
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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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