Camping Gear: What You Need to Know
There’s something about heading off to visit Mother Nature, with nothing but you, lots of trees and a cheerful campfire. It’s the best way to experience total peace and quiet. There are no other people, no smog, nothing to do but relax for the weekend. If this sounds irresistible to you, then make sure you do some planning before you head off.
Check out what sort of camping gear you already have. While you might be keen to escape the modern world, it might not be so much fun if you’re sleeping on hard ground with a thin sleeping bag and it starts to rain. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the gear you need for your great escape into nature. If you look online you’ll find plenty of sites where you can look at camping gear, compare different styles and brands, then buy what’s right for you.
It can be a bit more difficult to know what you need if you’ve never been camping before. Generally, a tent is necessity. You can chance the weather, but that’s only for the very hardy souls! Perhaps if you’re going to be close to some well protected caves you can get away without a tent, but otherwise you’ll be very glad you have one when that thunderstorm rolls in. Persistent insects and wildlife are also less of a nuisance when you’re in a tent.
If you’re planning on cooking any food over the campfire, a good campfire grill makes life much easier. If there are fire restrictions or there’s no wood available for a campfire, then take along a camping stove. You’ll also need some basic cooking utensils, including some pans. Never use your best utensils out of the kitchen; they inevitably get burnt, melted, lost, or almost impossible to clean.
Just in case the stars aren’t sufficient, a strong flashlight with fresh batteries or a camping lantern can help. If you need to go wandering in the night, you’ll want to be able to check out your surroundings. For sleeping, make sure your sleeping bag is suitable for the conditions you’ll be encountering. If you have a lightweight summer bag and it starts to snow, you won’t get much sleep because you’ll be shivering the whole night.
If you’re really planning to get away from the world, to the point that you won’t be near your car at night, then you’ll need a backpack to carry everything with you. Modern designs are truly wonderful, with all sorts of features to make carrying a pack more comfortable. You can find packs suitable for anything you might plan to do, including strolling round a local park right through to heavy trekking in the wilderness. Take the time to think about what you need to use the backpack for, perhaps even visit a camping store and chat to the salesperson, but if you choose wisely you won’t regret it.
Remember, in the end it’s important to travel light when you’re going camping. You don’t want to have so much stuff in your backpack that you can’t even lift it! It’s easy to get carried away and buy far too many things and spend a lot of money, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Take the time to think about the sort of camping you’re likely to do, where you’re likely to go, what the weather conditions will probably be, and then choose carefully. By doing that, you’ll get the maximum use out of whatever camping gear you buy, and so you’ll get great value for money.
Steve Dolan is an avid camper who escapes to the great outdoors at every opportunity. Research the best gear on the web at http://www.campingequipmentweb.com and for great escapes go to www.funwalkingweb.com
Information on Backpacks
Packs used for traveling are a bit different from packs used for hiking — they tend to be larger, heavier, and sturdier. This is because they need to withstand being tossed around by airport baggage handlers. They are often quite large because they have to hold all the travelers goods. On the other hand, the packs used for hiking can be smaller and lighter. Backpackers carry less weight than most travelers, and they handle their packs a lot more gently.
A lot depends on the length of your backpacking trips. A good weekender pack will probably not work as well for a ten day expedition. Much also depends on whether you’re travelling alone or in a group. When you travel in a group, each person ends up carrying a bit less weight. Another factor for longer trips is how frequently you’ll be able to resupply. If you’re hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail, it’s pretty easy to get into town from almost any major road crossing, and you cross major roads every couple of days. On the other hand, if you’re in the middle of the northern Ontario wilderness, resupplying can pose considerable logistical problems, and you may be forced to carry a lot more food with you even for shorter trips.
It is also worth your while to discuss your needs with your local outfitter. Most of the better outfitters can give you excellent advice — the folks who work at such places are experienced backpackers who have actually field tested the stuff they sell. Read the reviews in the major outdoor magazines, like Backpacker and Outside!
Once you have determined your needs, you can choose from a fairly broad range of high quality brands. I will give you a short list of the better brands — for the most part, these companies categorize there packs according to type (internal frame vs external frame) and intended use. Do your research, and then browse through the list.
Word of advice: The packs designed for longer trips (7 - 10 days, e.g.) are designed to carry all the supplies that you’d need for a trip of that length. If you’ll be able to resupply every 2 or 3 days, then you’ll only need a pack good for 2-3 days.
There are many long-distance hikers who go with ultra light equipment, carrying no more than 20 lbs in a very light and relatively small pack (less than a pound, around 2400 cubic inches). But it takes pretty specialized equipment to go the ultra light route, and it’s difficult to pull it off in cooler weather because of the bulk of the warmer clothes that you’ll need. And even a 2400 cubic inch pack will be larger than you’ll need for most day hikes.
A lot also depends on the kind of day hiking and long weekend trips you have in mind. A day hike in the White Mountains or the High Peaks of the Adirondacks will require more equipment than a trip in lower elevations where you’re less likely to run into extremes of weather and temperature over the course of the day.
Use a small fanny pack for day hikes in the NY-NJ region, but in the higher elevations of New England and the Adirondacks, use a 2000 cubic inch pack to carry the warmer clothes you will need as you ascend to the higher elevations. And for 3-4 day hikes,use a frame pack (6+ lbs, 5000+ cubic inches) and carry enough amenities to make a comfortable camp. On the other hand, when you are out for 8-10 days of Appalachian Trail hiking, use a smaller ultra light pack (1.5 lbs, 3400+ cubic inches) and skimp on some of the camp comforts in favor of making hiking as comfortable as possible.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.CombatCloth.info/ . CombatCloth.info carries the best selection of combat clothing, gear, and accessories on the market: http://www.CombatCloth.info/categories/adventure-clothing-foot-head-handwear-rain-gear-logo-apparel.html
Information on Sleeping Bags and Comfortable Sleeping While Camping
You really need to decide what sort of weather you are most likely to use your sleeping bag in. If you are going to use it in a dry environment where you can air it then a down bag still gives better insulation weight for weight than a man made filling bag will do. A good quality down bag will, with the right care last longer (maintain its loft) as well. However if damp, a man made fiber bag may provide better warmth. Here are some preferences:
1) Use a combination of bags. Have a 2-3 season insulated sleeping bag that you can use with either cotton or fleece liner. This allows best matching the insulation with the prevailing weather conditions and so preventing overheating and excessive sweating which will dampen the fill of the sleeping bag. It takes up a bit more room than a single bag but it worth the space. It also means that the sleeping bag needs less washing and that the liners can be washed more often without damaging the sleeping bag. The liners are also easier to air, dry and wash while camping.
3) Make sure you can care and do care for the bags as detailed in their instructions. Most bags need to be kept “uncompressed” (lying flat (under a bed on a wardrobe) or hanging, not in their compression sack.
4) Budget for, buy and use a sleeping bag liner.
5) Most of heat loss is through the base of the bag (the bit you lie on) as the filling is compressed so make sure you have a good ground mat.
6) Get a breathable (it is very important that it is breathable) sleeping bag cover. It will add about 3/4 (.75) of a season to your bag (my estimate).
How you avoid slipping and sliding in sleeping bag on a pad? You could try to sleep on a cot. You could try to put some Velcro on your sleeping bag and pad which would keep you from slipping and sliding off your pad. Another idea is to put something on the sides of your pad or dig a small trench for your pad. This would in effect put some edges on your pad and keep you in your bag.
There are several choices when it comes to sleeping pads. First, there’s the typical air mattress, which must be blown up, usually by a battery-operated pump or a foot pump. It is comfortable, with good insulation against cold ground, but a bit of work, also, a bit bulky and subject to leaking from time to time.
Second, you have the Thermarest style pads; requires only a little mouth-delivered air, but only from 1/2 to 1 and 1/2 inch thick; relatively comfortable, good insulation from cold ground, durable, rolls into a small bundle. For car camping, go with the thickest mattress, as weight is not an issue. Also, lengths vary, as do widths, so get what fits your needs.
Finally, there are the foam pads - various thicknesses, no work, most durable, pretty good insulation against cold ground, roll into small bundles, multiple uses due to durability, but probably the least comfortable. Get a thick pad (more than an inch thick), and you should be all right.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.CombatCloth.info/ . CombatCloth.info carries the best selection of combat clothing, gear, and accessories on the market: http://www.CombatCloth.info/categories/adventure-clothing-foot-head-handwear-rain-gear-logo-apparel.html
Choosing the Right Truck Tent
Perhaps some of the best adventures of traveling cross country are the places you get to sleep. If you are traveling by truck then you will not want to miss out on the great adventures of truck tents. Truck tents are regular full sized tents that fit right into a truck bed. They complete the gap between a tent and a vehicle at the easiest level. These types of tents allow campers to get the feel for the great outdoors while keeping them off the ground. They are a better choice then regular tents as they protect you against some of the natural elements such as dirt, insects, and water.
Most animals both large and small are less likely to bother you while you sleep in your truck tent as most animals will not crawl into a truck bed. Campers who prefer the comfort of being off the ground but still want to experience the great outdoors should definitely consider a truck tent for their traveling adventure.
Trucks tents can be used for more than just camping even though they do give you a great place to lay your head to rest. Truck tents can give you shade, which is especially great for parents of small children. They can give the children a place to get out of the hot sun while fishing at the lake or at the park. Parents can be sure their children are not getting over heated and the children can create magical places inside the truck tent.
Before choosing the truck tent for you and your family you will want to know what tents are available. Below, is a good list to get you started in your journey for the right tent. Make sure you know what budget you have to work with so you will get something that fits your needs and is in your price range.
Super Truck Tents
If you are one of the big boys driving the big trucks, then you can choose from a variety of truck tents to meet your needs. Truck drivers can get models with different luxuries to meet their needs and make them feel more comfortable and at home. These tents come in many different models and will cover the tailgate of the truck bed. This also allows taller people more space to relax.
Regular Truck Tents
Trucks tents are made to fit most any truck bed making them universal. They are simple to set up as the fit right in the bed of the truck with the tailgate down. These tents are made from nylon with the usual mesh windows for good ventilation and zippers for easy access. They are very similar to regular tents. However the regular truck tents only cover the bed of the truck not the tailgate.
Some of the other truck tents even offer awnings that come from the of the top of the tent and are posted behind the truck on the ground. These are great tents that offer people a shaded area for eating or relaxing, while they camp out in the wild.
How to install
Every truck tent should come complete with detailed instructions and pictures to show you how to set up your tent. As always it is very important to read all the instruction and follow the guidelines that are given to you. If you do not install the truck tent according to the directions provided the tent may not be very stable and you can run the risk of the tent breaking or falling off the truck. You should make sure you get a tent that is made especially for your truck as this will ensure proper fit. If you get one that does not fit then you should take it back and get one that fits properly. You can damage the tent if it is not fitted properly..
Always keep your truck engine off when you are sleeping in the back of the truck in your truck tent. You do not want to accidentally run over someone in your party or a fellow camper. Camping in a truck tent can be a great experience and an adventure each time you use it.
Warren L. Smith offers a fountain of information on such tents as: pop-up tents and campers, family tents, party tents, and even trailer tents. For the best up to date information on all essential tents for camping, go to http://www.tentsandmoreonline.com/
Camping with Mosquitoes-How to Avoid your Itchy Friends
When camping with your family, you want to be able to enjoy the great outdoors. You do not want to spend your adventure running away from pesky mosquitoes. Camping with mosquitoes can be a tiring experience but, the good news is that there are ways to get around these itchy critters.
How do you stay away from them in the first place?
When camping with mosquitoes, you want to make sure you take a few precautions to best protect yourself from getting bit. Many people are not aware that bugs have favorite colors just like us. The most common colors that bugs flock to are black and blue. Try to stay away from these colors when dressing for your camping trip. This will help you stay one step ahead of the bugs.
You can also take other precautions with your clothing when packing for your camping trip. Wear shirts and pants with tight cuffs to help keep mosquitoes from getting underneath your clothing and to avoid unwanted guests crawling up your leg. It has also been said that taking garlic supplements will help keep the biters at bay.
Campfires are also great bug foggers. Bugs do not like the smoke, so this is a great natural bug repellant and what better way to make some great memories then sitting around a campfire with your family and friends. Citronella candles are another great repellant but a bit inconvenient at times as you have to stay close to the candle for the full effects.
Try to not camp right next to the water. Most bugs will be nested near the water so its best to set up camp just a bit away from the water. Even though it is very tempting to camp on the waterside, it is much smarter to just move up the road a bit and save yourself the agony of the critters
There are also the ever-famous tools to use when camping with mosquitoes. Such items as bug repellant sprays and lotions are readily available at most any convenience store. You can also buy such items as mosquito coils, and repellant sprays for your cloths, the yard foggers as well as many others. You will have to try and see what works best for you and your family. One of the best on the market is sprays containing Deet. Many people do not like the high concentration of the chemical so they do not apply this to children.
Mosquitoes are the biggest problem people have when camping. Getting things under control with the pesky critters will make your trip all the more worthwhile. Make sure you have the proper tents to keep the bugs outside. There are many tents on the market today but you want to be sure to get one that has the mesh vented windows. If the mesh or netting is to large the bugs will fly right in at night and have a feast on you and your family. Therefore, it is best to treat the area prior to setting up camp with a yard fogger. You may also want to check for nests such as wasps or bees, around the tent area. Most campgrounds offer spray to help you get rid of the unwanted guests.
Once you have given the campsite a once over, it is time to set up the tents to give the sprayed areas a chance to air out. It is also recommended to wash any areas where you will be storing your food items and where you will be eating. It might also be helpful to light a few repellant coils upwind of the campsite at night to help ward off bugs while sleeping.
There is no cure to getting rid of these pests all together but with the use of the repellants and coils you can cut down on the amount you have, considerably. When buying your tent, you will want to be sure that it has the proper screens on all doors and windows. You can also bring along a screened canopy. This is great for when you are sitting down to eat. Set up is easy and can be put most anywhere, helping you create a bug free zone to spend your waking hours while outside.
Warren L. Smith offers a fountain of information on such tents as: pop-up tents and campers, family tents, party tents, and even trailer tents. For the best up to date information on all essential tents for camping, go to http://www.tentsandmoreonline.com/
Camping and Hiking Tips 101
Hiking is a standard form of walking and is best appreciated by those who understand how much wilderness has to offer. It is a popular outdoor activity, an emblematic form of sport and leisure where one walks through the untouched wilderness for the purpose of discovering the surrounding beauty. Beholding nature’s unblemished treasure is best done while hiking than in any other type of nature discovery activity as the hiker’s senses are not diminished by the loud noise of engines, the dust of vehicles or even by the voices of the other passengers. Hiking has now gained a lot of popularity as a sport and hobby.
Hikers need not to be wilderness survival experts to enjoy the benefits of hiking. However, basic hiking knowledge is essential to safely experience this activity, making hiking trips a wonderful memory to cherish. Particular hiking tips are desirable to be observed to make hiking a fun adventure even in the rain.
The soft downpour as well as the hushed mumble of rain cannot be an unwelcomed guest while hiking. A few basic tips make hiking in the rain more enjoyable, which lures the hiker to get equipped and gear up for the rain. It is crucial to monitor the weather forecast while planning or anticipating hiking in the rain, as it is the first measure to determine other hiking measures, which are to be understood in case of a thunderstorm or in case of light scattered showers. Therefore a weather forecast radio is a smart piece of equipment to carry while hiking in the rain or any other situation. Basic communication means must always be availabe.
In order to protect the utility goods like socks, matches, searchlight, and food among other items from the adverse effect of the rain, those items should be packed in re-sealable plastic bags, which act as a water protector as the hike goes on. To carry well operational waterproof clothing, hats and jackets, as well as waterproof spray are also some of the necessary gear hikers should carry. Those items are trusted for their usefulness while planning and packing for hiking in the midst of usual downpour.
A useful hiking tip would be to set camp amidst the group of small trees and to avoid the large trees while putting up the tent because the tall trees in the forest are prone to lightning. In addition, large tree branches are likely to break off if the rain has been falling for an extended period of time. Nothing feels better than to sleep in the tent while hearing the soft drops of rain on the leaves and the ground all around the tent. Once again, an essential hiking precaution is to always get updates on the weather forecast, preferably every hour.
Conserving body heat while raining is imperative. Therefore the principal hiking measure is to drink adequately and to change into dry clothes when necessary. Hiking is certainly a pleasure to experience. Rain only enhances the delight of this activity when basic measures are taken into consideration.
We are dedicated to promoting and helping our visitors learn more about camping and hiking at http://www.symphonycampingandhiking.com. Hiking and camping are some of the best ways to connect with nature and present an affordable way to enjoy what nature has to offer.
Two Campgrounds Great for Bird Watching, Hiking and Beautiful Views
Dedicated to finding campgrounds that have beautiful views of natural settings, I recommend Bog Springs and Lakeview campgrounds located near Tucson, Arizona in Coronado National Forest for their beautiful views of the unique terrain of southeastern Arizona. They’re also great for bird watching and hiking.
Bog Springs Campground
Bog Springs is the only campground in Madera Canyon - a world-class birding area with over 200 species of birds. Hawks, Quail, Doves, Road Runners, Owls, Woodpeckers, Hummingbirds, Jays, Cardinals, Mockingbirds, Thrashers, White-breasted Nuthatches, Bridled Titmice, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and many more bird species can all be seen in the Madera Canyon area. The campground is at an elevation of 5,200 feet and is small (only 13 camp sites). Once the birds arrive in early spring, it fills up fast. Weekdays are best for finding a camp site during the peak bird watching season.
It’s also a great base camp for hiking, biking and stargazing. Three trails leave from the campground to nearby springs and the campground is just a short walk away from Madera Picnic Area, where there is access to a nature trail. Within driving distance are over 65 miles of Forest trails that lead into the Mt. Wrightson Wilderness, a mountain bike ride around spectacular Elephant Head Rock, and three scenic drives, one of which visits the Smithsonian’s Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory.
If you’re not a bird watcher and don’t like to hike, Bog Springs is still a great campground to visit with beautiful views of the Santa Rita Mountains and surrounding desert/arid landscape. The campground is open all year. We visited the campground in Late November (not many birds that time of year). The weather and scenery were gorgeous. Most of the camp sites had beautiful views of the mountains and desert landscape. There were only 2 other campers in the campground at the time. Most of the camp sites are shaded and well spaced with boulders, trees and other vegetation providing good separation between sites. Some of the sites are terraced which also provides separation. The campground has a rustic feel but is very easy to get to with paved roads almost all the way to the entrance.
Getting to the campground is easy. From Tuscon, go toward Green Valley (about 25 miles). Off Interstate 19, take the Continental Road/Madera Canyon Exit. Turn east and follow the Madera Canyon signs 12.5 miles to the campground.
For more information on this campground, call the District National Forest office at 520-281-2296.
Lakeview Campground
Lakeview campground is located on a hill overlooking Parker Canyon Lake. Many of the campsites are well shaded and are spread among a stand of oaks and junipers. Although the campground is just a short walk to the lakeshore, only the tent sites have views of the beautiful clear waters of Parker Canyon Lake.
Lakeview Campground is more remote and less accessible than other campgrounds which is a plus if you don’t like crowds. There is a five mile trail hugging the shoreline that leads around Parker Canyon Lake. The lake is great for watching ducks and other waterfowl as well as bald eagles, osprey and even hummingbirds in season. The trail has several viewing areas with benches and interpretive signs.
Parker Canyon Lake is also great for fishing. It offers both cold and warm water species, including stocked rainbow trout and resident bass, sunfish, and catfish. There is a fishing pier and a paved boat ramp at the lake. There is also a small concessionaire-operated store at the lakeshore for boating, fishing and other supplies.
Getting there from Tucson isn’t quite as easy as Bog Springs. A good bit of the access roads are not paved. From Tucson, travel east on Interstate 10 to State Route 83 (exit 281) and turn south 50 miles through Sonoita to Parker Canyon Lake.
For more information on Lakeview campground call the District National Forest office at 520-378-0311.
If you like bird watching, hiking, fishing or boating and appreciate beautiful views from your camp site, try Bog Springs or Lakeview campgrounds.
Carl Zimmerman is owner and webmaster of Camping with a View (http://www.campingwithaview.com), dedicated to finding campgrounds with beautiful views. Visit http://www.campingwithaview.com/PublicCampgrounds/AZ/CoronadoNF.htm for more information on Bog Springs and Lakeview campgrounds.
Back to Nature and Beautiful Views At Ojo Redondo Campground in Cibola National Forest
If you’re looking for that profoundly serene and peaceful feeling that a “back to nature” camping experience can give, visit Ojo Redondo campground, located in Cibola Natioinal Forest, near the eastern end of the Zuni Mountains in New Mexico. The campground is approximately 25 miles south of Thoreau, New Mexico, but takes about an hour to drive on the sometimes rough, narrow (one lane) and winding roads. The location is very remote and the landscape is absolutely pristine and beautiful.
My wife and I explored Ojo Redondo in November, 2006. We were awestruck by the beauty and variety of landscapes of the area on the way to the campground (from Throeau). Mountains, valleys, canyons, meadows, desert-like/arid vegetation and lush pine forests — it was all there on the way to the campground. It was one of those trips that you want to get out of the car every few minutes to take a picture or just look in amazement at the beautiful views and wonder how life could be so good. The hour long journey to the campground (no stops, we had to be in Alpine, AZ that afternoon) was filled with awe and delight. It seemed like the whole way there, each of us were saying “look at that!,” “isn’t that gorgeous,” “I can’t believe how beautiful this place is,” etc. etc. The trip to the campground was thoroughly enjoyable.
A word of caution, the roads in some places can be rough and wind around sharply in places. We don’t recommend large RVs on this road. But if you do have a large vehicle, call the National Forest office (505-287-8833) and get their recommendation. I can often be overly cautious.
Once at the campground, the scenery is every bit as beautiful as the trip to it. The scenery isn’t as varied, but the landscape is just as pristine and beautiful. Ojo Redondo only has 15 camp sites - most of which look out onto a gorgeous open meadow with a forest of tall majestic pine trees in the background. The campground is strewn with pine needles, pine cones, and small pinkish white quartz rocks and black lava rocks.
Because of the remoteness of the location, the silence here is deep and pervasive and greatly enhances the beauty of the scenery. I had a slight sense of isolation and you should go prepared for an emergency since there are no people anywhere near the campground other than other campers (on the day we went there weren’t any campers); but the pristine beauty of the area made the experience totally enjoyable. We could have stayed for several days. For campers, there is a tradeoff for being so far away from civilization - there are no amenities other than vault toilets. If a beautiful view is one of your most important criteria for selecting a campground, the tradeoff of hookup and hot showers for remote, pristine beautiful views is worth it.
As we left the campground returning back to Interstate 40, we took a different route that was equally spectacular in its views of the surrounding landscape. As you are leaving the campground, retracing your steps coming in, at a Y intersection that will take you back to Highway 612, instead of turning northwest, turn east toward Milan, New Mexico. The distance is a little shorter this way to Interstate 40.
Camping at or taking a day trip to Ojo Redondo campground is well worth the effort in getting there. I’m sure you will enjoy it. We did.
Happy camping!
Carl Zimmerman is owner and webmaster of Camping with a View (http://www.campingwithaview.com), dedicated to finding campgrounds with beautiful views. Visit http://www.campingwithaview.com/PublicCampgrounds/NM/CibolaNF.htm for more information on Ojo Redondo campground.
Six Campgrounds with Beautiful Views Along the East Fork of the Black River - Apache National Forest
There are six campgrounds in Apache National Forest along the East Fork of the Black River - all within a few miles of each other. We visited these campgrounds in late November, 2006. The Black River is more of a stream than a river - but it’s beautiful, remote and pristine. If you’re coming from Alpine, AZ, as you head south on Forest Route 276, the campgrounds are in the following order: Diamond Rock, Aspen, Deer Creek, Raccoon, Horse Springs and Buffalo Crossing.
All six of these campgrounds are in a canyon that starts off narrow with beautiful steep canyon walls. As you pass the fourth campground (Raccoon), the canyon starts to spread out and the canyon walls become less steep. The canyon continues to spread out and the canyon walls continue to taper off and become very shallow at Buffalo Crossing campground with views of an open expansive meadow and the river.
The views from the first four of these campgrounds are very similar. Each of these four campgrounds is small with less than 12 camp sites. As the sun hits the canyon walls, the views are gorgeous and the tall ponderosa pine trees that spread out along the canyon walls are majestic. As you look out between the canyon walls, you’ll see beautiful views of the narrow canyon floor, often dotted with small meadow-like areas and beautiful tall ponderosa pine. Some of the camp sites overlook the river, but river views are obstructed from most of the sites by surrounding trees and vegetation along the river banks.
Most of the camp sites are well separated. Even though many of the camp sites don’t have views of the river, you can still hear the sound of the moving water which enhances the sense of beauty of the area. The overall feeling of the campgrounds is rustic, pristine and beautiful. The only downside to these first four campgrounds is that because the canyon is narrow with steep walls, direct sun light is limited to late morning thru early afternoon. If you prefer more sunlight, try Horse Springs or Buffalo Crossing campgrounds.
Horse Springs is the largest campground of the six with two loops (Polecat and Porcupine). Each loop has several rows of camp sites with one of the rows situated along the river. Camp sites in this campground are a little less secluded and private than those in the other five. Views of the canyon walls are very pretty and several sites have excellent views of the river.
The canyon walls at Buffalo Crossing campground are shallow and the area between the walls is much wider than the other five campgrounds in this area. Some of the sites are in a beautiful open meadow between the canyon walls and some hug the edges of one of the canyon walls forested by tall majestic ponderosa pine. Several of the sites in the meadow have views of the Black River. Because of the open meadow, this campground has lots of sun.
If you like shade, pick a camp site that is along the shallow canyon wall — you’ll still have a view of the meadow. The sites located in the meadow have no shade but are closest to the river. We thought that each of the six campgrounds in this area had beautiful views; but our favorite was Buffalo Crossing because of the wide-open expanse of the beautiful meadow between the canyon walls that allows a lot of sunshine.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Since all six campgrounds are so close together, I recommend that if you visit this area for camping, look at all six. I’m sure you’ll find a camp site that you will think has a beautiful view. We really liked this area and I’m sure you will too.
Happy camping!
Carl Zimmerman is owner and webmaster of Camping with a View (http://www.campingwithaview.com), dedicated to finding campgrounds with beautiful views. Visit http://www.campingwithaview.com/PublicCampgrounds/AZ/ApacheNF.htm for more information on campgrounds discussed in this article.
Florida Tent Camping
Camping in Florida is quite an experience. Known as the Sunshine state, Florida offers a vast selection of campgrounds to choose from. Florida tent camping has become a popular past time for many families and even for people that come to the sunny state for vacation. The cost of tent camping is, in some cases, less than half the cost of a hotel room, so more and more people have jumped on the bandwagon, for camping in tents. You can afford to stay twice as long on vacation with this type of accommodation verses staying at a hotel or motel.
The busy season for camping in Florida are the fall and winter months. Florida is pretty much warm all year. Northern states, in the winter months, are usually engulfed in a cold blanket, making vacations seem un-inviting. That is, if you are not into skiing. Most people envision a warm, sunny place to relax and kick back, when they think of taking a vacation. Perhaps that is why Florida is known for its Snowbirds. Snowbirds are Northerners that live here in the winter months and go back up north in the summer months. Who could blame them; this way they get the best of both areas year round.
Florida is pretty much warm all year round, making it the hot spot for avid campers and vacationers. The appeal of the places where you can camp is incredible. You can camp right on the water and in some cases right on the beach. Most campgrounds offer an array of activities, from Friday night movies to church on Sundays. Most offer bike rentals and some even offer canoe and kayak rentals. Florida tent camping is a quick and convenient way to go and get away, as you have the freedom to go to several different places, paying next to nothing for each nights stay.
You can get to do more and see more on your vacation when you opt for camping as your accommodations and you will find that you and your family will have a better bonding experience when all is said and done. Camping has been proven to bring people closer together and it helps you get back in touch with nature. There is something about sitting round a campfire at night roasting marshmallows. It brings a peace that you do not get from a hotel stay. Perhaps it is due to the fact that you are truly away from it all and that alone, can have a relaxing effect.
Many campgrounds offer many different amenities such as: swimming pools (heated in the winter months), Hot tubs or Jacuzzis, Bath/shower houses with laundry facilities, miniature gold, shuffle board, recreational rooms with pool tables and organized functions, hiking and/or biking trails as well as boating and fishing excursions. With Florida tent camping you can double the amount of things you can do with the money you save on your campsite. Many campsites have power and water to make your stay more comfortable.
So if you are planning a getaway with family or friends, you may want to look into tent camping. You can get away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life and take time for you. Take some much needed time with your family. Check with your local sporting good stores for camping guides for different areas or check the Internet to see where the camping hot spots are. Choose the tent that fits your family’s needs and size. You want to be comfortable and have space to move around in while you are camped out in a tent. Florida tent camping is the way to go when planning your family vacation or even if you just want to get away with some friends or that special someone.
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