Camping means different things to different people. For some, it is going out with a camper and practically all of the comforts of home. For others, it is backpacking into the mountains and sleeping in the open elements with nothing over your head but the stars. It could even mean foraging for your food (hopefully you’ll come across a good trout stream!). My definition of camping falls on the more comfortable side of the two, loving the camping experience, but needing to have some basic comforts also.This article will give you a few tips that you can use no matter what kind of camping you enjoy!

Starting With A Plan

A great camping trip starts with a great plan! Planning out your camping trip will help you be prepared and build excitement way before time to head to the hills (or the beach!). Make sure that you include the whole family and let everyone have a part in deciding what you’ll need to bring to make this a great adventure and a pleasurable experience. Camping with your family is a great way to build a closer relationship between parents and kids. Good quality time spent without the distraction of the TV, computer and video games can make for some great memories and shared experiences that will be remembered for years to come. You’ll experience quality time for everyone involved.

Deciding Where To Camp

One of the first things you will want to decide is where you are going to camp. Do you prefer “roughing it”? This means no electrical hookups, no camp host or camp store, and bathroom facilities means “the woods”! For most campers, I would recommend an established campground. State Parks provide some of the best campgrounds available and they are usually very well maintained and reasonably priced. You will have the security of knowing that they have done their best to keep the area maintained and as safe as possible. In choosing the campground, you will also want to look into what kind of activities, if any, they offer or are offered in the nearby vicinity. I would recommend you pick up a good campground directory such as Woodalls campground guide and directory to help you decide where to camp.

Selecting Your Gear

Once you’ve found the perfect location, you will then want to begin to plan what to take with you. Will you be camping in a tent, “pop-up” type trailer or possibly an RV? Shop around; see what is offered and what will work the best for you and your family. Be sure you include everyone in this decision. It makes for some great excitement and will have everyone looking forward to the first time you try out that new tent or camper. Also, if everyone has a part in this decision it limits the number of complaints that you may hear about later on! Do you plan on using a sleeping bag? Remember that an adult size sleeping bag, does not necessarily mean one size fits all! If you will be tent camping, another thing to consider is having a mattresses or foam padding under the sleeping bags. Foam padding usually folds up to a compact size and is much easier on the back than sleeping right on the floor of the tent. It just might be worth the extra trouble to pack it along to insure a good nights sleep! I would also recommend a large battery operated lamp for your tent. Another great idea is for everyone to have their own flashlight, in case any get separated from other members of the family during trips to and from the bathroom facilities (or woods!).

Use A Camping Checklist

A camping check list makes every trip much more enjoyable in several ways. First, the whole family gets involved together in creating your camping check list. Making out your check list long before the trip is kind of like starting your vacation early. It builds up the excitement and anticipation when everyone begins to think of items they want and need to bring. Second, check lists help you organize and pack your camping gear. The check list reminds you what to bring, and where to pack it. Third, check lists help you remember to take everything with you. No one likes to get to camp and find out they forgot some important item (even though you will probably will forget something!). Fourth, check lists help you remember what NOT to bring next time. This is important, because each trip is a little different, so make notes on your check list about what camping gear you used, what you didn’t and what you wish you had taken. This lets you plan to make your next camping trip even better.

Planning Out Your Meals

Food is another important factor. You need to consider what you will be taking for food and what you will need in way of storage for it, such as an ice chest, etc. Most camping areas have a cooking area. Do you want to bring your own grill or use the outside cookers which may mean waiting your turn? Don’t forget to take the can opener if the food that you are taking with you will require one. Don’t forget cooking and eating utensils. Remember, you don’t have to wash paper plates and plastic cups! If you decide to use these type items be sure you dispose of them properly and don’t leave your trash for someone else to pick up! Meals that can be cooked at home ahead of time, and travel well in a cooler, will save a lot of time especially on the first night of your trip. Precooked meats will last longer in the cooler than raw meats, especially if you use block ice in your cooler. It will last much longer than cubes. If you’re an ice cream lover, nothing is better than home made ice cream on a camping trip. Depending on where you’ll be camping, you can bring along your electric ice cream maker or your “old fashioned” hand crank ice cream churn. Of course you’ll want to make sure you have access to a local store that has ice! If you’re in an area inhabited by bears, special precautions must be taken with both your food and garbage. if you’re in an established campground, place your food in the special bear-proof receptacles at night. If you leave food in your vehicle, a hungry bear will find a way to get inside it, and he doesn’t care what kind of damage he does to your vehicle! It’s always a good idea to talk with the local Park Ranger about wildlife in your campground area.

What About Your Drinking Water?

The water around organized campgrounds is probably safe. Their water is usually privately treated or it is supplied by a near by city treatment plant. The water from lakes, springs, rivers and streams however, is untreated and can carry a lot of bacteria, viruses, and other things that can cause illness. Water that runs rapidly over gravel, rocks, and plant life appears clean and limpid, but this is no guarantee it is safe for you. Your best bet to ensure you and your family’s safety is to always treat any water obtained from unfamiliar sources, such as all the sources mentioned above. It is not that hard to do and it takes so little time. There are many different ways to treat water, but boiling water is probably the most common method used. It is best to boil it for more than 10 minutes at a steady boil. If you are camping in a wilderness type area where treated water is not available, then be sure to bring your own. Don’t forget to add that to your checklist!

Clothing Considerations

Bring extra clothing along. If the weather is different than you had planned on, then you’ll be glad you did. Don’t forget a first aid kit for any unfortunate minor injuries. Bring activities that can be enjoyed inside the tent as well as those for outside, such as books, games, etc., in case inclement weather makes you want to be inside. Plan for everything that could go wrong, and then be grateful and glad when all goes well. And finally, one last important item…..a camera to capture those memories!

Make it a family adventure that all will enjoy and possibly want to repeat another time. Above all, have a fun-filled family camping experience!

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The global credit crunch is already having an impact on the spending habits of holiday makers and more people are considering camping in France for their holidays than in recent years. Camping holidays are cheaper than hotels, apartments and foreign rentals, but it’s also an ideal way to see the country and enjoying the wonder of nature right on your doorstep of your tent or mobile home.. Not only that but, if it’s been several years since your last camping trip, then you may well be amazed by the upgrades in comfort and facilities that have been made to France’s camping sites.

If you have indeed been out of the camping loop for a while, then you may need some advice when it comes to the planning and preparation of your camping in France break.

Here are a few tips to help you plan:

Where to Go?

Once you’ve decided that camping in France is for you, the question is which region to visit. Each of the areas have their unique charms, but best value, you can’t beat a camping holiday in Brittany – and doubly so for those with families. It has a great mix being close to Britain (cutting down on the trauma of driving long distances with impatient children), a good selection of family friendly local attractions and, crucially, some truly fantastic campsites. Brittany’s best include Camping Ty Nadan, Camping la Pointe St Gilles and Camping Château de Ormes. All of these are highly rated, with plenty to keep families occupied in delightfully scenic, spacious environments.

When to Go?

Whether you plan to follow my advice and head off to a Brittany campsite, or whether another area of France calls you, the advice of when to plan your trip remains broadly the same. The majority of campsites are open between May and September (some earlier, and some later). July and August are ideal for better weather, more onsite entertainment in the heat of summer and far more visitor attractions will be open. If you want a quieter retreat, then why not travel in May or June when the weather is still warm and the campsites and attractions are much quieter.

What to Bring?

What to bring very much depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. The majority of campsites in Brittany have fully equipped accommodation including barbeques which means you will save money as you are not buying any extra equipment that you normally need on other camping holidays..

That said there are some things you should definitely take. Firstly, sleeping materials such as bed linen, towels, pillows and blankets are provided but check with your holiday provider to make sure it is included . Then of course basic toiletries will be very welcome and as bare essentials you’ll want a toothbrush, soap, towels, and washcloths. Cooking equipment is all supplied and includes the basics such as cutlery, cookware and plates but it also includes specific items like bottle openers and can openers. Don’t forget your teabags, coffee and sugar!

Then there’s the bits and pieces you need to stay healthy – a first aid kit could prove very handy, but also remember to pack sun cream and an insect repellent to prevent illness before it strikes! Finally a handful of items that are very easy to forget but incredibly useful: waste bags, a torch and matches.

Don’t worry about this too much if you’re staying at one of the many excellent campsites in Brittany. An onsite shop won’t be too far away, allowing you to stock up on essentials and the little luxuries as you need them.

And with that you’re all set for your camping holiday in Brittany. You know where to go, when to go and what to bring – what are you waiting for?

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You are advised to plan French camping holidays well in advance. The rise in popularity among British families for French camping holidays means booking early is essential to avoid disappointed. Substantial numbers of British families are choosing French camping holidays for their summer break.

Days consist of lying by the pool watching your children play with newly acquired friends. When evening approaches the aroma of barbecues drifts around the campsite, all this complemented with inexpensive quality French wine. Enjoying your summer break is easy, here are six steps to make planning French camping holidays easy also.

1. When is the best time to travel?

If your children are below school age or you’re traveling as a group of friends, then months May, June and September are cheapest. Additional benefits of those months include quieter roads, resorts and campsites. When booking French camping holidays in peak periods, book early to avoid disappointed as popular campsites become full very quickly.

2. Selecting your Campsite

From Normandy, Brittany and the Loire in the north to the Cote d’Azur and Languedoc in the south, it is possible to camp in most regions of France . Choose a region that matches your interests, maybe an inland retreat, beach holiday or culture and sightseeing. For campsites, checkout the facilities available, the official rating and the number of pitches match your preferences. The local amenities will give you a good idea whether a campsites region can satisfy your interests.

3. Choosing your Accommodation

French camping holidays offer a variety of accommodation. Tents, mobile home and chalet style cottages are available depending on your preference and budget. If your children are teenagers, go for the larger accommodation where possible it’s well worth while having a little extra space. At most campsites bed linen can be hired, otherwise don’t forget to take your own.

4. Getting there by Sea, Air or Rail

The English channel makes getting to France a little more awkward. Most holidaymakers drive to their campsite taking either the cross channel ferry or the Euro-star through the Channel Tunnel. The ferry is slower but general cheaper and for convenience the Channel Tunnel takes only 35 minutes. Fly-drive or Motorail are alternatively options to driving all the way from the UK . In peak season book your channel crossing, trains and flights early or you may end up with more expensive traveling arrangements or no traveling arrangements at all.

5. Stopping En Route

The Cote d’Azur and Languedoc regions of France may take 12 hours to drive non-stop from the UK . In that case many holidaymakers on French camping holidays choose to stop En Route. There are hotels chains across France including Novotel, Ibis, Kyriad and Campanile who offer good quality rooms at reasonable prices.

6. Visit Disneyland Paris and the way home

The route of many journeys across France is via Paris . For a little extra expense consider a two day stay at Disneyland Paris. It is possible to stay at the Disneyland hotels, but money can be saved by staying at one of the many hotels very close to Disneyland . And finally, leave enough time to visit CitiEurope in Calais , it’s a vast enclosed shopping center where French produce at bargain duty free prices can be purchased.

Discover the charm, enjoyment and relaxation of French camping holidays for yourself next year. Plan and book early and you will not be disappointed.

Technorati Tags: camping, family, french, holiday, Holidays, perfect, planning, Steps

what is a good place to camp at lake george for the weekend. is there any campground that has electricity as well?

and what sort of activities are there to do at lake george that are fun for just the weekend. Like for teens and adults and also younger kids.

Thank you!

Technorati Tags: camping, family, George, Lake, planning, trip

I know about the tent and sleeping bags. But for fire and food and going to the bathroom etc…

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So you, like me, are an avid camper. My family and I try and go on at least camping 4 trips during the year. Here in New Jersey, at least for me anyway, the best times to go are March through the end of May, and September through middle of October.

For me the summer months in New Jersey can get too humid, bringing out a plethora of bugs and mosquitoes, which quite frankly I do not find too pleasant of an atmosphere. I try to limit my time during the cooler months for that reason and for comfort. There is nothing more enjoyable about camping then sitting around the camp fire on a crisp cool evening. Something that I don`t feel you can enjoy during the dog days of summer.

Now that is not to say that camping isn`t enjoyable here in New Jersey during the summer months. It is, as you will find many, if not all of the campgrounds, private and public are booked solid. The main reasons being, kids are out of school and the days are longer.

New Jersey provides a wonderful selection of campgrounds throughout the state. You can hit the mountains in Northern New Jersey, the Jersey shore campgrounds down in Cape May. Whichever you choose, be prepared for the terrain.

If you go camping in Northern New Jersey, expect very rocky ground. If you are tent camping, which is something that I absolutely love to do, bring a good hammer with you to bang those tent stakes in. In fact, you probably should bring some heavy duty tent stakes with you. If you just use the ones that come with your tent, chances are they will bend on you.

A hammer is not needed central to south Jersey for camping as the soil is more soft without much rock to break through.

If you are a novice to camping I would recommend not so much “roughing” it on your first try. What I mean by that is, look for a campground that has water hookups near your site. It will make it easier on you when you need water for cooking, cleaning etc. Also choose a campground that has bathroom facilities. Not all of them have them, most do, but keep that on your checklist. I recommend the more new you are to camping, the closer your site should be to the facilities. It doesn`t make the trip enjoyable when you have to go in the middle of the night and have to walk a half mile to get to the bathroom. Once you get accustomed to the camping lifestyle, trust me, it really is not that big of a deal.

Regardless of where you camp, what time of year, or who you go with, the key to a fun, safe and rewarding camping trip is in the planning. Sit down and write a list of everything you will need to make the trip comfortable. Separate your list into categories, such as food supplies, cooking and eating utensils, sleeping gear and so on. After you write your list, double check it against the list others you are going with might have made up. Maybe you forgot some things that they have, and vice-versa. The more time you spend in the planning process, the more easy your trip will be and the more fun you will have. There is nothing worse, then when you are about to cook those steaks over an open fire and you forgot the utensils to cook, or the seasoning or even worse, the steaks themselves.

Camping is a fun and enjoyable activity for the entire family. Proper planning, and not trying to extend beyond your comfort level, will make it even that more special.

By: Bruce A. Tucker

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5 Steps to get you from your TV couch to the great outdoors.

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The type of hiking boots a backpacker should buy depends on what their needs are. Buy hiking boots for light hiking, rugged terrain or general purpose with tips from a backpacking guide in this free video on camping and hiking.

Expert: Richard Fields
Bio: Richard Fields has been an avid backpacker and backcountry guide for over 25 years.
Filmmaker: Patrick Eaves

Duration : 0:1:24

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Technorati Tags: aid, backpacking, backpacks, camping, first, hiking, outdoors, planning, survival, tents, tips, wilderness

Before lacing up a pair of hiking boots, a finger should fit behind the heel when the toes are all the way to the front. Break in a pair of hiking boots and use different lacing techniques with tips from a backpacking guide in this free video on camping and hiking.

Expert: Richard Fields
Bio: Richard Fields has been an avid backpacker and backcountry guide for over 25 years.
Filmmaker: Patrick Eaves

Duration : 0:2:34

Read the rest of this entry »

Technorati Tags: aid, backpacking, backpacks, camping, first, hiking, outdoors, planning, survival, tents, tips, wilderness

Blisters can be avoided on hiking trips by wearing proper socks and regularly changing socks. Avoid blisters when hiking with tips on using tape and first aid from a backpacking guide in this free video on camping and hiking.

Expert: Richard Fields
Bio: Richard Fields has been an avid backpacker and backcountry guide for over 25 years.
Filmmaker: Patrick Eaves

Duration : 0:1:40

Read the rest of this entry »

Technorati Tags: aid, backpacking, backpacks, camping, first, hiking, outdoors, planning, survival, tents, tips, wilderness