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Some_Useful_Tips_For_Beach_Camping

Those who want to have the best beach camping experience should make the proper preparations ahead of time. This way, they would have the most memorable and enjoyable experience during their camping trip on the beach.

Car Camping 

by John Morris

When you are strapped for cash but need a place to crash, you just might consider a local campground. Car camping is not turning your vehicle into a rolling motel, but rather packing up your camping gear and heading out to the campsite of your choice. Once you have arrived at your destination unpack the equipment, set up camp and enjoy!

1. Benefits Of Car Camping

- Your car is nearby if you need to pick up ice, food, etc - You have a safe space to store food so bears can't get it - If your tent collapses you can still sleep in the car for shelter

2. Packing

The best thing about car camping is that you won't need to bring a lot so there isn't much to pack. Often it is tempting to bring along many items that defeat the purpose of camping. Camping is an opportunity to relax, refocus and enjoy the outdoors. It is highly suggested that packed items include the basics of life such as food, clothing and camping gear, and that's it. Bringing along a computer, television, portable DVD player and other electronic equipment can be counterproductive. Give yourself a chance to really enjoy your surroundings.

3. Plan A Menu

Pack only the quantity of the food products needed to prepare the menu item for everyone in your group. Include extra food for unexpected snacks between meals.

4. Car Check-up

Your car is an integral part of car camping. It is prudent to make sure that your vehicle is in good operating condition. Therefore, check the tire pressure, water, engine hoses and make sure that the spare tire is in good working order.

5. Arriving at the Campground

The earlier the better is a good rule of thumb in getting the best choice of campsites at the campgrounds. Depending on your preference you can be close to the bathrooms for convenience or further from the restrooms for seclusion. Getting the tent up before dark can also save you a lot of frustration. A practical hint in setting up your tent would be to practice before you leave home on your car camping trip. Finally, setting up your campsite further away from the trash disposal area is prudent to avoid the insects they attract.

6. Few Practical Tips

It can be tempting to use your car light to illuminate the area at night - don't do this it will wear your battery right out. Instead, use a real propane lantern. Your car camping experience will be even more enjoyable when you follow a few practical tips. For obvious reasons take along extra toilet paper, dont forget the sunscreen and insect repellant and pack a first aid kit. Also, be sure to shower before you head out because unless the campground has really nice showers and toilets you will want to wait until you get home.

About the Author

For more great car camping related articles and resources check out http://findtents.info

Light your way with a Camping Lantern

by Peter Sterling

For many camping trips, as well as around the house, a lantern can be quite a convenient and useful thing to have. A good lantern can make the difference between stumbling around in the dark trying to pitch a tent and getting a good nights sleep under the stars.

1. Fused for Adventure

Flashlights burn out quickly and don't light up a large area - this is where lanterns come into play. This lantern provides adequate light for the most intimidating of hikes or excursions and can help show the way to many a lost or wayward traveller trying to make their way home. You can use a lantern to illuminate a very large area such as an outdoor kitchen.

2. Choose Wisely

There are various types of camping lanterns. You should identify your own hiking and camping needs before you decide on the lantern because consideration must be given to the various facets of lantern technology. Information about power sources, brightness quotients, and portability is all important and is customizable to your particular adventure and its needs. You should not wait until an emergency or dangerous situation to realize that you selected the wrong camping lantern.

3. Battery Powered Lanterns

There are rechargeable camping lanterns that come with high recommendations. This is because there is virtually no limit to the power source as you can purchase several rechargeable batteries that can easily be plugged into other implements. There are remote lanterns that function with infrared technology and battery packs to light your path or there are traditional fused lanterns that rely on natural fuel sources and flame to produce adequate light. Familiarize yourself with the fuel sources that you will have at hand and make your selection based on that.

4. Built Strong To Last Long

Since you will be taking the lantern with you on trips, you will want it to survive the rigors of an outdoor environment. A lantern should be water- resistant and should not fracture easily. A good camping lantern can resist the problems of the elements of nature with ease. Be sure to check how many hours the lantern can stay bright for before it needs to be changed or refilled so youre not caught in a predicament. Also, remember to turn off the lantern before hitting the hay or else you might wake up to find you don't have any power left for the rest of your trip.

About the Author

For more great lantern related articles and resources check out

http://weknowlanterns.info

Camping Lights - 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing

By Nik Edser

It is fantastic to see that there are so many options when it comes to camping lights on today's market. With this many options it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming trying to choose which option is the best for you. In this article, we hope to give you some questions to think about to help you come to a clearer decision of which type of light might be the best choice.

Will there be children with you?

If you are camping with children, consider the dangers involved when it comes to using lighting that requires a flame of any type. Children might be well behaved at home, but a new type of light is interesting enough to attract just about any child to want to explore more closely, increasing the risk of personal injury or fire. If children are camping with you, the safest option is to go with an LED lantern which has practically no risk of injury or fire.

Will you be walking at night or fishing at night?

If you are planning on taking the light out on night walks or fishing a flame type light may not be the best option. Some fuel lights are fine to walk around with (such as most kerosene lanterns), however all flame options come with some risk of fire. If walking around or fishing is something you are planning on doing, consider an LED head lamp which will be perfect as it will provide a bright light whilst freeing up your hands.

Is anyone sensitive to fuel odors?

If you are camping with anyone that is asthmatic or has any type of respiratory condition, consider whether they could be potentially affected by the odor that is given off by a flame type light. If this is the case, an LED lantern will be the best type for you.

How bright do you need your light to be?

If you are doing anything that requires bright light for extended periods, you might be best with an LPG lantern as they are very bright. If you have access to mains power, a fluorescent light may also be a good option. LED lights today can be extremely bright, but have not come to the point of being as bright as an LPG lantern on full.

Can you find more fuel if needed?

If you run out of fuel where you are camping, where is the nearest place to get fuel? This applies to electronic type lighting too. What type of batteries does it take? Do you have spares?

We hope this article has provided you with some questions to help steer you in the right direction towards making the best decision for your needs. Of course, whatever the choice it is always recommended to have a hand held torch as a backup light.

Happy camping!

Nik enjoys spending times with his family and getting out and exploring. He keeps a website with information on Camping Lights.
Because he has a young child, he chooses an LED Lantern when camping.

Different types of Sleeping Bags

by Vinay Choubey

There are three basic bag shapes: rectangular, tapered and mummy.

* Rectangular shaped sleeping bags are probably the most popular and the most readily available style. They are roomy and comfortable. These styles are easier to pack and carry. They are quite snug and they work well in intense conditions.

* The mummy bag is shaped like a cocoon and has only a single side seam. Mummy bags are more expensive because they're more complex to make, but are worth it! A mummy shaped sleeping bag is wider at the top (near the shoulders) and smaller towards the feet. The main advantage of a mummy shaped is that it better fits the shape of the body and consequents has the advantages of better insulation, less weight and less bulk. Mummy sleeping bags are preferable where warmth is critical or where weight/bulk is very important.

* Tapered bags follow the shape of the body, increase warmth and are lighter. It is wider in the shoulder area and narrows at the bottom.

Sleeping bags also come in a range of materials depending on their use. A flannel-lined sleeping bag provides warmth but also provides softness next to the skin. Nylon sleeping bags "breathe" better and do not retain moisture, so they will dry more quickly than other styles. Poly-cotton blends are probably the most durable option and work best in extreme terrain.

There are also differences in the way sleeping bags are sewn and filled. Down fill provides great natural warmth, but cotton, polyester, and new types of synthetic fills are also available. Many new synthetics use a "hollow fiber" method that keeps sleeping bags light and allows for good compression when packing, while still offering excellent warmth. Synthetics are affordable and easier to care for than down.

The way sleeping bags are sewn is also important to consider. Some are made like quilts and the entire bag is stitched into small pockets of fill. This keeps the fill in place, instead of letting it all fall into one section of the bag. Other styles sew "tubes" into the design, using long narrow pockets instead of small squares. Tubular designs are also intended to keep fill in place.

You can also find great sleeping bags for children. These designs are smaller, child sized versions of regular sleeping bags. Most are made in the rectangular style, and you can find a wide variety of designs and trademark characters. Some are made to coordinate with bedroom accessories and are perfect for use as extra sleep space when your child has a sleepover.

Sleeping bags are not just for camping any more. They are used for all kinds of adventures, as well as sleepovers and slumber parties, or when beds are limited on vacation. If you need a sleeping bag, don't just pick the first one you see. They are available in many different designs and constructions to suit nearly any use you can imagine.

Find more about Sleeping Bags at http://www.ShoppingSoLow.com .

About the Author

3 Things To Steer Clear Of when Shopping_For_A_Sleeping_Bag - By: Stephen Kuns

Finding a new sleeping bag can be a very stressful task. Not only does it seem like there are too many choices available, but trying to find the ideal sleeping bag can be tiresome! Unfortunately, many buyers make poor choices during their search, either out of exhaustion or plain confusion. Using this guide, you'll be ready to know what to avoid during your quest so that you wind up with a fantastic that is worth every nickel!

For starters, don't waste your time considering a sleeping bag that isn't filled with goose-down. High-quality sleeping bags will all possess this feature, so don't waste your cash and efforts on one that doesn't. It won't be worth it, and you'll end up with buyer's remorse.

Next, never look at a sleeping bag that doesn't have some kind of moisture repellent. Why it would even be possible to find a sleeping bag without this feature is mind-boggling, but don't fall into this trap! You should most certainly seek out a sleeping bag that has this - it is important because sudden drizzles are quite common when camping or hiking. Getting a bag that doesn't protect against this means you'll be left damp, chilly, and grouchy.

Finally, avoid sleeping bags that are one-size-fits-all. This kind of sleeping bag is practically useless because having an ill-fitting bag will mean you are not cozy and definitely will not sleep well. It isn't hard to locate one that is made to fit different-sized bodies by having a regular and long size, (like the marmot pinnacle bag) so don't waste your efforts thinking about any other kind!

On your quest for a high-quality new sleeping bag, you will see many options with a variety of design features. It is vital to know which types of sleeping bags you should avoid and which kinds are worth it. Hopefully you can use the above recommendations to buy a premium sleeping bag that will last for years to come!

There are lots of makes and models of sleeping bags on the market today and choosing just one can be complicated. Here are three deal-breakers for you to keep in mind while searching for a new bag.

Looking for a great sleeping bag with all of the above features? You should check out the Marmot Pinnacle 15 degree sleeping bag at www.comfysleepingbags.com.

How To Pick The Best Tent To Ensure A Comfortable And Safe Refuge While Camping

An essential outdoor piece of equipment, your outdoor camping experience is largely dependent on the tent quality of your choice. Which is why a large selection of it are available for you to select from.

The first and simplest way so as narrow your tent choices is to decide the tent dimension that you require.

Tents are constructed to house a specific number of individuals. So that a solo backpacker will be looking for a tent that is smaller much different from family campers that require a bigger and roomier tent. 

Almost all tents are labeled with description and their capacity which indicates how many individuals the tent can hold.

So that if you really do not intent on having a collection of tents in different capacity or sizes, it is wise that you establish the largest number of individuals you believe will sleep altogether in the tent.

If you normally backpack with a companion but this summer is going solo, then it is wise purchase a "two-person" tent.

Basically, there are four tent components namely the poles, tent body, rain fly and the tarp which is some kind of footprint or ground cloth to extend your tent’s floor life.

Apart from these basic components, here are some guidelines in choosing the best tent for you:

1. Consider your needs.  Know your particular camping requirements, such as where do you mostly go camping, at what season, would be backpacking? And how many are you.  All these can give you a clear idea of what type of tent you will need.   

2. Set your budget.  When you allocate a budget before you go looking for a tent, most likely, you will not overspend.

3. Tent weight and size.  How many individuals will be sleeping in the tent? The size of your tent will not really matter should you go "car camping"; however, if you intend of going backpacking, then consider a "light-weight" tent. 

4. Tent features. Today, there tent manufacturers offering a lot of features for their tents.

Mesh panels allow the breeze go in your tent at the same time keep the mosquitoes and bugs out, "shock-corded" tent poles allow speedy setup, waterproof and flame resistant for safety, a rain fly for added rain protection, etc.

Make certain you choose the tent that best caters to your all your basic requirements.

5. Make certain that you select a durable fabric tent.  It will cost you more money however definitely this is an area certainly worth spending extra money.

6. Select the proper tent color.  Inspect how the color of the tent transmits light well unto its interior.  Certain colors generate a brighter interior, whereas others create a cave-like and dreary ambience.

Light colors, take note are best during summer camping since they tend to be cooler whereas dark colors are able to absorb in solar energy so that they are great during camping in cold weather.

7. Check the tent’s coating.  Remember that you must see a waterproof and shiny coating inside the floor and rain fly. If this is not visible or you can not feel this on the tent’s fabric, than it is not thick enough so to withstand heavy use.

8. Know that your tent needs when camping in the summer is very much different compared to camping in the snow. 

Almost all tents available in the market have weather ratings.  Make sure that you purchase a tent specifically made for a particular weather condition or season that you will be out camping.

9. Tent manufacturers.  Various tent manufacturers have their unique design and name. Some are identified to make inexpensive tents, while others are well recognized to make high quality but expensive tents.

Popular tent makers are Coleman, Wenger, Eddie Bauer and Greatland Tents. Choose a tent manufacturer that has been trusted for years.

In the forest or wilderness especially, the wrong camping equipment if not kill you, will really send you down packing to a motel and regret having planned camping.

For that well-planned and enjoyable camping vacation, take your time when you purchase your tent.

Remember, it will be your home for a few days.  Having the right tent will keep you comfortable and warm especially on rainy and cold nights.

Camping Safety Tips: Part 1 - Food, Water, Ticks 

by Mike Foster

Camping out in the woods can be one of the most gratifying experiences available for those who stress over the hustle and bustle of daily life in or near a city. The dangers of contemporary lifestyles and environments can themselves drive people to the slow pace of the woods. Crime, careless drivers, pollution, identify theft. Who needs it!

While seeking a safe haven from the pitfalls of "civilization", the camper must also bear in mind that the great outdoors is fraught with its own set of dangers. Let's consider a few and how you can counter the risks.

In part 1 of this two-part series, we'll look at food safety, ensuring you have clean water to drink, and avoiding ticks.

FOOD SAFETY

Bacteria can invade many types of food, especially those high in protein and moisture, such as milk, milk products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, cream pies, custards and potato salad. After preparation, these foods must be kept either hot (above 140 degrees Fahrenheit) or cold (below 45 degrees Fahrenheit). Between the two temperature ranges lurks the danger.

A camper who does not have the means of sustaining food that can easily spoil outside of those thermometer readings should not bring them on the trip at all. It would be much safer to bring canned food and garden goodies.

Exposed food should be prepared prior to the trip and protected in plastic prior to icing them since ice can trap harmful bacteria. For example, though ice pulled from a frozen stream in winter can help to keep food cold, it should never be permitted to touch the food itself.

And whether eating meals from a picnic table or sitting on the ground, always cover the eating area with something clean, like a plastic table cloth.

Any food that you suspect may be spoiled should be disposed of rather than eaten. The risk is just too high.

CLEAN DRINKING WATER

When you are thirsty, there is nothing like a cold, clear glass of water to satisfy. At home, our tap water is normally relatively safe, though many people opt to filter it through one means or another to improve the odds of safe drinking.

Aside from water that is purified for us, however, it has been estimated that the vast majority of surface water in the US fails to meet government standards for intake safety.

When you are camping without your own water (or a sufficient supply) and are not at a camp ground that has purified running water available, you will need to take additional measures to protect yourself from water contaminated by bacteria and viruses.

There are fundamentally four options for accomplishing this. The first you can do at the camp site. The other three require preparation prior to heading out to the camp site.

* Boil the water - Heat suspect water to a boil, and let it continue to do so for several minutes. After cooling off, it should be consumable.

* Iodine liquid or tablets - Instructions that come with the iodine will explain how many drops to use for a specific amount of water, and for what time period.

* Filtering - Most microorganisms can be filtered out depending upon the materials used in the filter and the filtering design of the unit. When purchased, be sure the instructions clearly state what will and will not be filtered out.

* Purification - Purifying will remove or kill all dangerous water-born bacteria. Using this method, the water should be run through the purifier at least a couple of times to ensure drinking safety.

AVOIDING TICKS

Ticks look innocuous on the surface. But tiny as they are, they still have the potency to make a person very ill with Lyme Disease. They can dig their way into a person's skin very easily without notice when he rests up against a tree or walks in brush. Once on the skin, ticks will burrow their way in and are not easily removed.

Before you head into the woods, you will need to minimize opportunities that these blood suckers have to find their way to your skin through an opening in your clothing. Tuck in whatever clothing you can: shirt into pants, pant legs into socks, shirt sleeve over top of gloves (if the weather is cool enough for gloves).

Additionally, spray on your clothing a good insect repellent that has a high percentage of. The repellent can be located at any sporting goods store and most general retail outlets.

Upon return to your camp site or turning into your tent for the night, check your body visually and with your hands looking for any small bumps that may be indicative of a tick that has landed on or embedded itself into your skin. Have someone else look carefully through your hair (running their fingers through it) and scan anywhere else that you cannot easily see, such as your back.

If you find that a tick has dug itself into your skin, immediately (but very carefully) remove it with tweezers. Grab it as close to its legs as possible, making sure to extract its entire body. If you are unable to do so, it would be better to leave the camp site for a time to visit a doctor than to risk infection.

In part 2 of this brief series, we will continue our consideration of camping safety tips, focusing specifically on camp fires, wild animals, and dangerous activities in the woods.

About the Author

GreatWay Plus, LLC. Owner: Mike Foster. Check us out at http://www.GreatWayPlus.com

Surviving Camping Equipment Overload - How to Manage on a Small Budget 

by Brooke Hayles

A camping trip is a somewhat low cost way to take a vacation, but you will need some camping equipment to make it an enjoyable trip. Some people stay at a cabin or take their motor home, but if either of these options doesn't suit you then you will need a tent. Not only must a tent hold you and any other campers, but all of your gear and suitcases.

Proper lighting is camping equipment must haves. You will need a variety of flashlights and lanterns. Many campgrounds have fire pits at each area and bringing your own firewood will save you time when building a fire. You can even take electric lighting if the campground has power for such equipment.

Other essential camping equipment includes all needed cooking pots, pans and eating utensils. Of course you will need to take any personal hygiene items that you'll want. Other potential element problems include bugs, sun and poison oak. Take along necessary bug spray, sunscreen and any rash cream that you may have. If purchasing a bunch of camping equipment sounds expensive, your local Army surplus store may have the items you need at reduced costs.

Another great way to purchase camping gear at a discounted price is at yard and garage sales. Often time's people purchase backpacking equipment and then either never or rarely used. If it is the off season, sporting goods stores may have camping equipment either on sale or on clearance.

An advantage of shopping at sporting goods stores is that they have the newest and most updated camping equipment. A few popular brands they carry are Coleman, Eureka and Kelty. Both Coleman and Eureka carry large camping equipment lines that offer everything from simple utensils to extravagant tents and backpacks.

Eureka is known for offering sound quality equipment and reasonable prices. If you need a new backpack, sleeping bag or tents take a look at the Kelty line. If unsure about what camping gear to purchase ask the employees at the store. They can help find products in your price range that are known for good quality.

If there are young children in your group you will need specialized backpacking equipment that fits them just right. Coleman is known for offering an array of products that are easy for children to use. Why not set your new camper up with utensils just their size? A few kid sized items are sure to make the youngster's first camping experience a fun one.

Summary:

Having reliable camping equipment is essential when planning an outdoor adventure. Finding the best gear need not be expensive. Your local sporting goods store has many sales on the off season and yard sales are a great way to find second hand bargains. Regardless of your budget there is camping gear available that will make your vacation fun and memorable.

About the Author

Brooke Hayles

Camping Equipment Vault

Give Your Body A Break - Bring A Camping Chair 

by Peter Sterling

One of the greatest things to do on a camping trip is build a fire and lounge about it - but it's much easier to do this if you have a camping chair. Sitting on the ground just isnt for the people who are starting to feel their aches and pains. This is part of the problem why some people quit going out and enjoying their time out in nature. Don't let the wrong chair burden your trip when you could instead be enjoying your camping trip to its fullest.

The chair itself should be long, comfortable, and have a cupholder or two for those wonderful refreshments during your trip. Camping chairs are made to be sturdy and are made out of a material that is tough and often water-resistant. For the most part, your camping chair looks very similar to a directors chair, only camping chairs are often made out of metal and directors chairs can also be made out of wood.

Most of us can remember hearing a ghost story around the campfire. Yet, as our bodies grow older, and our muscles grow weaker, we cant seem to find the interest in listening to these tales as long as we used to. We have to get up, stretch, walk around in pain and then decide it is time to hit the sack.

With a camping chair, you will be able to join in the fun for longer periods of time. This can mean the world to your children. The campfire is the main ingredient to spending time out in the wilderness.

Of course, you might just want a comforable place to rest - camping, after all, can take quite a lot out of you. You get more back support with your camping chair and allows for more enjoyment of your evenings. Be sure to look for ergodynamic models if comfort is truly important to you.

About the Author

For more great camping related articles and resources check out

http://tenthaven.info

How to get the Best Camp Site

by Karin Manning

Imagine enjoying a beautiful peaceful sleep in your tent only to be woken up at 5am by a man on a power mower mowing the grass on the adjacent golf course.

This actually happened to 200 campers at a campground in Washington, some of whom have claimed "It was our worse camping experience in the USA so far."

His response was, "this is the only time that there are no golfers around"! (Lucky for them, I'd say!)

This proves one thing. It doesn't matter how beautiful the campground is and how scenic the view is. If you've set up camp in the wrong location your trip could turn into a nightmare.

Planning is critical when camping.

Planning starts at home, before you've even left, and doesn't stop until you make your weary way home again.

Part of your planning involves getting the very best camping site to meet your needs this weekend. That is the best way of ensuring a pleasurable experience is had by every member of your group.

There are a variety of campgrounds, each offering different facilities, and thereby a different kind of holiday. These are private parks, state park campgrounds and state or national forest campgrounds.

Most parks have a designated area for a campsite. Reservations can be made often for a fee which is highly recommended.

Some campgrounds allow you to choose a site before making a commitment. Some even allow you to change your mind so if your chosen site turns out to be a nightmare check with the park managers if there are other sites available.

Here are a few tips for getting the best camping site this weekend:

If you've arrived at an unfamiliar campground ask the campground hosts for a detailed map and have a quick drive or hike around and make a list of some possible campsite locations.

Do not take a site that has camping items but no vehicle as it could belong to RV owners who aren't on site for the day.

Always arrive before dark. You can rest assured that the best campsites will be taken if you arrive late in the afternoon.

Camp at least 200-300 feet away from water.

Make sure there are trees to hang your garbage and food upwind outside of camp.

Set up camp away from other campers and away from any trails.

If you love the idea of waking up in a warm location set up camp under the morning sun. You will also have the advantage of being shielded from hot sun later in the day.

Avoid setting up camp in tall grassy locations as they are a wonderland for insects.

Never camp at the bottom of cliffs with loose rocks.

Become familiar with flora and avoid all areas with poison ivy.

Get the best protection from lightning by camping near a dense grouping of trees, all the same height in a low area away from water.

Make sure the site is large enough to meet all your needs. Think about what would happen to your site in the event of a storm.

Consider the location of bathroom facilities (if applicable).

Water is absolutely critical for camping. You will need it for washing, drinking and cooking so ensure that you have a water source nearby to your camp site.

If rain is expected locate your campsite in a flood free area.

Never modify an area by removing vegetation and rocks to create the perfect campsite. The perfect campsite is never created by man but has already been made by Mother Nature.

Find an area free of tree roots and rocks. If you've found the perfect location but there's a problem with small rocks gently rake them away to create a smooth level for sleeping on. Never camp on a ridge. You are too exposed to severe wind and lightning conditions.

Avoid sharing a site with campers who are not part of your group. There's plenty of land to go around and every camper is entitled to some personal space.

Look for a campsite that has some shelter from the sun. But if rain is expected never set up camp under trees. There's the danger of lightning plus the fact that the trees will continue to rain on your site long after any rainfall has stopped.

Keep insects at a minimum by setting up your campsite in a dry area not too close to water.

Make sure that you set up camp where water naturally flows away from your site.

Respect wildlife. Campers are venturing into the natural habitat of many animals. Don't set up camp close to wildlife food sources or any animal trails. We are their guests. Treat your hosts with respect.

Avoid parking too close to RVs and noisy neighbours.

If you have a large group consider a group campsite.

In Autumn and Summer look for sheltered spots along shorelines and protected in bays.

Trips located on islands and points in summer will offer calming cool breezes.

Some sites have flat, cleared spots all ready for your tent so look out for these or ask your friends of great campsites they'd recommend.

If you're canoeing a good spot for loading and unloading your canoe is critical.

Avoid camping where trees are leaning over your campsite.

Avoid camping near big pine trees as they act like lightning rods when lightning strikes.

Avoid sites around marshes etc as they are a breeding ground for insects like mosquitoes.

Find a flat camp site to ensure no slipping and sliding downhill.

Make sure there's a convenient location for relaxing in your kitchen.

Make sure there's good drainage.

Having a reasonable source of firewood in the vicinity is not a necessity but recommended.

Finding the best campsite possible is a crucial part of your camping experience. It is not the time to be impatient, tired, or hurried. A poor campsite will cause unlimited problems on your trip. With a little planning, patience and preparation your perfect campsite is waiting at a campground near you this weekend.

NOTE: This is just one of the many super tips Karin Manning has included in her latest book, "The Ultimate Campfire Kitchen and Camping Guide". (Her amateur weather forecasting tips will have you predicting the weather before you leave home. They're cool! Check it out at http://www.easy-family-camping-recipes.com

Tips To Make Your Camp Fire Roar 

by Julio Marice

Following is a short guide with the help of which one can build great campfires:

If you can build a good fire for your camping trip then besides impressing your friends you can also truly enjoy the camping. Though many camping equipment these days make the conventional campfire that looks boring and miserable. If one knows how to build an appropriate campfire then it can really make a great difference.

Previously, when there were no gas torches or matches at that time making an appropriate campfire was vital to any outdoor actions. People would enjoy here the warmth against cold weather and would cook foods for all. When the temperatures at night become lower then the campfires provide a space where everyone can assemble and enjoy the warmth.

Besides heat, the campfire also drives back the wild animals and makes the place safe. Lions, other beasts, and wild dogs are not very eager to come near the campfire place. This is the reason that the campfires always remain burning all night.

Although the skill of building campfires is lost partially as the matches seems to be more expedient. And campfire building as an art is still significant as well as vital to any camper's trick lists.

Firstly, the secret of beginning the campfires is that you have to start it fast. It is possible only if you know exactly what is required to begin the campfire i.e. fuel, oxygen and heat.

The oxygen present around us is not readily obtainable all the time during campfire. The fuel should be arranged in a way that it can supply ample amount of air. This supply can also be increased by blowing in the cinder or by fanning the existing flames.

Usually heat is produced through friction for the campfires. Perhaps, you have to utilize a group of techniques for producing this heat. The techniques include using flint stones, rubbing two sticks together etc. On the other hand, if you do not have the correct fuel then you will not get magnificent flames.

The fire will keep burning because of the fuel. So it is very important part of your effort to find out the correct type of fuel for building the fire and also maintaining it. If you put heat to the firewood then the fire will not be built in that way. Tinder is required, it is an easily flammable stuff that burns quickly and also releases ample gas and heat along with huge pieces of wood that helps to start a fire

The best tinder is like dry leaves, twigs, dry sticks and bark. These sticks are used to begin the fire and then help to continue it. Keep in mind that if the larger and harder pieces of wood are burnt then only you will succeed in building a fire.

A number of ordinary campfire designs are:

Tepee - For rapid fires and long lasting at night tepees are good. Lot of tinder is used so you will need enough amount of tinder. You have to place and balance the large burning wood next to each other around the tinder vertically. It assures that the gas and the heat of the tinder are produced in such a way so that it helps to burn the long pieces of wood. This fire is perfect for not only boiling water but for all other campfire purposes.

Pyramid - Place the logs horizontally on the ground and make a pyramid then make one more layer on its top of the next, in this way slowly form the pyramid. Though it is very difficult to begin this kind of campfire but finally it will help you to produce a good amount of charcoal. You can use that later, it also burns very well and the fire also remains stable.

Parallel - Parallel fire sets the tinder amid the two logs. It is an effectual burning fire as the logs are also burnt from inside. Thus the heat and the fire go within the two logs in a good and snug place.

Star (Indian) - In old Western movies this kind of fire is normally seen. Logs lay out just like the spokes of the wheel. In the middle the tinder is placed. The fire can be easily maintained, however you only have to drive every spoke of the wheel on the middle when the burning of fuel takes place.

Conclusion

Several other types of campfires are also available and they have their own definite reasons. However, with any type of outdoor art, building and sustaining needs a huge amount of practice to make it perfect. We often see that a mother tell their children not to play with fire. You should treat it with esteem because it is so powerful that it can save as well as demolish. Keep in mind to follow the safety measures after completing the use of fire. Cover the fire with water and if there are any leftovers of the campfire then cover it also with dirt and dust. If you do not pay attention to the fire then it can cause grave damage to the property. Thus always take measures so that everything should not get burnt.

About the Author

Julio Marice is involved with an online camping project that informs and educates the camping enthusiast through well-written articles. Discover great camping tips, camping tent reviews, camping supply reviews, amd much more...!

The Importance of Organized Lists for Camping Supplies

By: www.camping2u.com

Organization is the name of the game when planning any family vacation. The adults involved have to be sure to include every necessary, and several unnecessary items, on the packing list.

There are few things more inconvenient than having to find a convenience store in an unfamiliar area or worse yet, find out the missing item can't be replaced in your location.

Due to the rural setting of many campgrounds, it is extremely important to be sure you have all of your family?s essentials on a list.

Having well thought out lists for camping supplies can make the difference between a great vacation and one where you wished the weather had been a little cooler.

The first thing to do is create a master list for all of the important items needed for your trip. This is the list from which all of the other lists for camping supplies will be made.

Be sure to include sections on food and cookware, tents and sleeping essentials, and personal items, deodorant and shampoo. Obviously the master list will be more detailed than that, but those are good places to start.

Simply go through your familys routine in your mind and write down the needed supplies. From there modify the list for any extras that being away from home make necessary.

Depending on the size of your appetite, one of the most important lists for camping supplies could be the food and cookware list.

Decide what kinds of meals and snacks you are planning to have on the trip and create a grocery list. Cookware is directly related to your food choices. Be sure to have the appropriate pots and pans packed for the trip.

As far as the tent and sleeping bags go, make a list of the items and then go through to be sure they are all in good working condition. This is one of those lists for camping supplies that are best used as a check off list while packing the car.

Personal items are extremely vital for hygiene and comfort during a trip to nature. Check this one a lot. You don?t want anyone forgetting his or her special ointment or contact case and solutions.

This is why personal items are one of the most important of the lists for camping supplies. Be sure to include wet wipes, alcohol sanitizer, and first aid items on this list.

If it makes you more comfortable, visit one of the many camping websites for help with your list. Some actually provide pre organized checklists to make this process easier.

http://www.camping2u.com is your ultimate resource site on camping out and a source to most everything you always wanted to know about camping and camping supplies - but never knew how to ask... Check it out - Grab The Free Course ! http://campersupplies.camping2u.com

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Sleeping_bag:_Synthetic_or_Down?
by Allan Lehman

When considering what kind of sleeping bag you want to purchase, there are a few things you want to consider. You should look for a lightweight sleeping bag. A woman's sleeping bag is designed somewhat differently from a man's so you want to keep that in mind as well. Sleeping bags for women are somewhat shorter and are more tapered so they will better fit the size of a woman. Since women tend to get colder than men when they are sleeping, there is more fill in the foot-bed and torso areas. You will also want to consider the warmth of a sleeping bag as well as what your budget will allow you to spend. You may also want to keep in mind that bag liners can be added to either a down or a synthetic sleeping bag in order to increase warmth.

Another issue that has to be discussed is how long your sleeping bag has to be. What kind of a model is best for you - a regular model or a long model? Here is the general rule of thumb: If you are 6 feet or under, then you just need to get a regular length sleeping bag. If your height is up to 6 feet 6 inches, then you are definitely going to need to invest in a long sleeping bag.

The fill or the insulation that is found inside of a sleeping bag determines its weight, how durable it is as well as how easily it compresses. When determining the right sleeping bad for you, there are two insulations that you will want to consider - either down on synthetic.

Down is a fluffy, wispy undercoating that is found beneath the outer feather of ducks and geese. It is a marvelous insulator. It is preferred to have goose down rather than down for a duck because a goose's plumes have a higher fill power.

There are some positive characteristics of a down sleeping bag:

1. It is lightweight, but it is also very warm. 2. The down sleeping bag can be compressed down into a very small size. 3. The effectiveness of a down sleeping bag will outperform its synthetic counterpart for decades.

There are a couple of negative characteristics that a down sleeping bag has:

1. If it happens to get wet, then it has no value until it is completely dry. Unfortunately, this can take a great deal of time. 2. Although a down sleeping bag costs more initially, because it is very resistant to deterioration it may actually be the better value in the long run.

A synthetic sleeping bag is made essentially of plastic threads which are single, long strands. Since the threads are usually hollow, this reduces the weight of the synthetic material, and they have the ability to trap more air.

When considering whether you want to buy a synthetic sleeping bag, you may want to consider its advantages:

1. If it happens to get wet, it will still be able to provide some amount of insulation. It also dries rather quickly. 2. A synthetic sleeping bag will be less expensive than its down counterpart. 3. For those who have allergies, you will be happy to know that the synthetic sleeping bag is non-allergenic.

There are drawbacks to everything in life and the synthetic sleeping bag proves to be no exception. Here are some of its negative qualities:

1. It is rather bulky and will occupy more room when you carry it. 2. It is heavier than a down sleeping bag. 3. The synthetic filaments will break down as time goes by. 4. The synthetic insulation is stiffer and it will not take the shape of you body contours as effectively as down.

So, after reviewing all of this information, which sleeping bag is the right one for you?

Down will work well for almost anyone except those who find themselves continually camping out in soggy, wet conditions. Down wins hands down in terms of its weight, its durability, its compressibility and its warmth.

Synthetic sleeping bags are great choices for kids as well as those who are new to the backpacking and camping scenes. It is less expensive than down, and if it happens to get wet it tend to dry quickly. These types of bags are improving with each passing year, and they take the prize when the big factors are rain and expense.


About the Author
Allan Lehman is an experience hiker with years of experience. For more information on hiking go to www.purecountryhiking.com.

Camping_Games_for_Adults
By Nicole Munoz 

We’ve all had tons of fun playing I Spy or taking part in a camping scavenger hunt. There are plenty of board games that are ideal for playing by the campfire and a deck of cards is a must have on any camping trip. But what about some fun camping games just for adults?

Traditional camping sports, like horseshoes, volleyball, and shuffleboard are always fun, but here are a few creative camping games for adults and older teens that are sure to bring lots of enjoyment, as well as a few laughs. Coleman paintball gear is also a fun choice for adult outdoor entertainment.

Mr. B’s Shave
Give everyone a balloon and a marker. Blow up the balloons and instruct everyone to draw Mr. B a face. Apply shaving cream to each balloon and give everyone a plastic knife for their razor. The first person to shave Mr. B without popping him is winner.

Where’s the Grapes?
First, be sure you have plenty of table space for each participant. Put 5 grapes on a plate and heap whipped cream over the top until the grapes are hidden. Place a plate in front of each participant, have them put their hands behind their backs, and see who can uncover and eat their grapes first. Be prepared with lots of napkins for this adult camping game.

Popping Crazy
Before the game, write a selection of crazy actions on strips of paper, like "cluck like a chicken," "do the twist," or "imagine your Elvis and perform a song". Put each action inside a separate balloon and blow them up. All participants should sit, facing one another, in a large circle. Play some upbeat music and start passing the balloons from person to person around the circle. After a few minutes, stop the music. Each time the music stops, everyone should put the balloon they are holding in their chair and sit on it with all their weight for about 5 seconds. Wait for those who popped their balloon to perform their crazy action, then start the music back and continue.

Things That Go Bump in the Night
This camping game for adults is so much fun that you may want to invite your neighboring campers to join in! You need at least 4 people, but the game is more fun the more people involved. You will need a flashlight and should play at night with all your camping lanterns off. Designate one person as the curator and another as the visitor, everyone else is a statue. Statues can move through the dark, but must be completely quiet. The curator should have the flashlight and he and the visitor will walk around trying to catch the statues moving. If a statue is seen moving, heard bumping into something, or talks he becomes a visitor as well and joins the curator in eliminating other statues.

Balloon Lift
This is another camping game for adults that promises hilarious fun! Divide everyone into teams of two and place a balloon on the ground in front of each pair. The object of the game is to pick the balloon up, then pop it between the two people, but without using any hands! The first team to pop their balloon wins. Teams that use their hands are eliminated.

How_{_}To_Stay_Clean_While_You're_Camping
By Gray Rollins 

Staying Clean in the Wild

Going camping and cleanliness seems to be almost opposite goals. After all, the very act of camping means going out into nature, living with the animals, subjecting yourself to the elements and cooking, eating and sleeping on the ground. Nonetheless, cleanliness throughout your campout experience is crucial both to the day in, day out life in camp and to your health and mental serenity throughout the time you are "roughing it".

The actual challenge of camping is finding ways to have a good quality of life without many of he niceties that our modern lifestyle affords us. For the most part, few of us go camping because we have to. We camp for recreation and probably for relatively short periods of time. Nevertheless good hygiene and camp cleanliness is essential for everyone's well being and to assure that you stay organized and go bed each night knowing you camped well.

As with anything that leads to your success in camping, preparation makes the difference. Part of being prepared for camping and making it possible for you to stay clean over several days in camp comes from knowing what to expect. So check the weather forecast for the area where you will be camping so that if there is rain predicted, you can come prepared to clean up some wet and muddy campers. But even if the forecast is clear and dry, it always pays to be prepared for any sudden change in the weather while camping. So there are some things you should always do for every campout to keep your camp site clean and your campers that way too.

Good camping gear can help you maintain some level of civilized cleanliness during the campout. A well sealed tent can keep water out so even if some dust and dirt gets inside, it won't turn your tent interior into a mudslide. Also bring plenty of cleaning supplies to ripe down tables, clean up dirty tent floors and to clean up campers as well. Other than that, the best preparation is going to the camp site knowing full well that your camping crew is going to get dirty and being ready to clean them up for meals and bedtime.

During the camp day, your standards of cleanliness can be a bit more relaxed. After all, if the kids come back from the camp playground covered in dust but the next activity is a hike to the lake, just getting them to a basic health level of cleanliness such as clean faces and hands is probably sufficient. You can allow the dirt to become part of their uniforms of a camping family and just relax for a while and let them have fun.

Obviously in the camp site itself, cleanliness means keeping litter and trash picked up and put away in trash sacks. To keep the trash well isolated and secured, tie your trash sack to an elevated object such as a tent upright or a tree limb so everybody can find the current working trash bag and continue to add to it throughout the camping day and evening. But also stage periodic "policing" events to get the litter up from the camp site during the time when everybody is back in base camp. By the time you are ready to bed the crew down, the camp site should be clean and the trash taken away to discourage animals from investigating it in the night.

There is no reason to abandon basic hygiene while camping. Some camp grounds have bathrooms which may even have showers. But even if there are no showers available, each camper can go to the restroom area and take a hand towel, soak it in clean water and give themselves a sponge bath before changing into clean clothes before bed.

Cleaning up in this manner is crucial to the ongoing health and cleanliness of the camping experience. Be sure you pack plenty of clean changes of clothes for each camper. Everybody should sleep after washing off and changing into completely clean clothing. Wearing soiled clothing to bed, even if it is only soiled with sweat and body fluids makes those clothes less able to keep the camper warm in the night, can cause rashes as they sleep and can be a draw for insects or animals who smell those dirty things and know that they can find sleeping humans and where sleeping humans are they can often find food. So make sure everyone changes clothes before bed and that dirty clothes are bagged and stored away from the sleeping campers.

The essentials of changes of clothes and of shoes will make all the difference in maintaining a happy camp site over several days. Campers should know never to bring dirty or wet boots or shoes into their tents. Bring two or more changes of shoes so if they find the shoes they were wearing during the day are unacceptably filthy, they can have fresh shoes for the morning while their old shoes are cleaned and dried.

An ample supply of large trash bags will be your best defense in isolating and securing dirty items to be returned home for cleaning. Each camper should be supplied with a trash bag to dump their dirty clothes into. Then after camp is over, all bags of dirty items can be tied off and taken home to be cleaned properly in the laundry.

These basic cleanliness steps that you can think through before you ever pull out to go camping will make keeping a clean camp site organized and moving forward each day so much easier. It is a strategy that does not try to deny that camping brings people in contact with dirt. But it recognizes that getting dirty is part of the fun of camping and puts routines and resources in place that everyone can return to a base level of cleanliness each day at least sufficient to stay healthy and happy for the next day's camping fun.