There is nothing better than going camping, at least I think so. Camping on the weekend is so relaxing after a long week of working 40 hours. I look forward to the arrival of spring because I know it won’t be long until the weather gets nice and I get to go camping. My husband and I can usually be seen filling up the camper on Thursday evenings with all the goodies we need for the weekend. The area that we live in SE Minnesota is full of places to camp.

SE Minnesota is known for its bike trail system along the Root River. Along the trail you will find some nice campgrounds to stay at. If riding bike is not your cup of tea, then you can either do some great trout fishing or try canoeing and inner tubing on the Root River. There is always something to do.

Come and take in the spectacular view of bluff country along the great Mississippi River. You can stay at one of the State Parks that overlooks the Mississippi River. There you will find miles of trails for hiking. There are some really breathe taking scenic overlooks. You can see for miles. I like coming here in the fall when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing color. The colors are so vibrant and beautiful. You can get some great pictures.

What ever outdoor activity you like to do while camping, there is a campground that will cater to your wants and needs. For instance, there is a State Park where you can go and explore an underground cave. This is cool. My husband and I really enjoyed ourselves here. We went on a two hour tour of this cave. It was very educational and interesting. Make sure you dress warm because it does get a little chilly. Another feature of this same park is the 15 miles of horse back riding trails. The hilly terrain and winding streams provide a scenic ride for everyone that comes. There are 60 campsites available for people camping with horses.

Camping in SE Minnesota gives you a chance to see the abundance of wildlife where ever you stay. I like to get up early in the morning, get my cup of coffee and go for a walk. This is the best time of the day for spotting deer. To see such a beautiful creature just makes your day a whole lot better. Sometimes you can even spot a bald eagle flying high above. The way it moves around up there is so graceful. It is quite a sight to see.

Everyone needs to take some time out of their busy schedule to kick back and relax with family and friends to do a little camping. You don’t know what you’re missing.

Penny and Robert Weis are co-owners of http://www.greatlakescampingsupplies.com.

They carry camping supplies such as Coleman tents,
GSI cookware, Blackpine sleeping bags,

Bushnell binoculars and more.

Camping is fun as it is your opportunity to break away from the hectic routine of city life. Imagine being able to breathe the fresh air while at the same time releasing and submitting yourself completely to nature. Besides adults, kids also enjoy going camping outdoors. However if your camping trip takes too long, they might get bored after a few days away from their television and computer. That could spell disaster. Don’t fret though, below are 10 camping activities that would surely keep them entertained and occupied.

1. Get wet and go splashing. If you cannot find a good swimming spot, normally most of the camping parks would suggest where you could find a good and safe spot for you to swim, either a big lake or a small brook. Some of them might have their own swimming pools. Avoid the swimming pool at all costs and go swimming in a lake amidst nature. The experience that you’ll get is indescribable. Some camping parks would offer a boat rental service, where you could rent a boat or canoe for a small fee. Your kids will have a blast. A word of caution, never leave your kids swimming by themselves. Be watchful at all times.

2. Rent a bike and go biking together. Most camping sites have biking trails for you and your family to explore. Be adventurous. Riding bicycles is very enjoyable as you are able to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Ride slow and make sure that everybody is not left behind. Bring a map with you and plan your biking trip adventure before making the trip so that you know exactly where you are heading and where you want to be. Plan your time properly, so that you would be able to make the whole trip and back to your camp before it gets dark.

3. Go bird and animal watching. Most forest parks and camping sites have brochures or leaflets about the different types of animals that can be found around the area that are worth watching and to look out for. A fun thing to do is to buy books on wild animals before your camping trip and play a game with your children and see who can spot the animals first. Just be sure that you keep your children at a safe distance.

4. Play outdoor games such as tug-o-war or the classic sack race or just plain tag. Children love these games, especially when they’re playing these games in the woods. Make sure that you are playing in a clear area to avoid unwanted accidents and also avoid making loud noises that might disturb other campers and especially the wildlife.

5. Go on a scavenger hunt. Who doesn’t love to go on such quests and adventures. What’s good about a scavenger hunt is that it involves the physical, which means you’ll get yourself and your kids to exercise while having fun at the same time. Prior to the game, just warn the kids on the type of things that they should avoid, such as poison ivy, sumac, oak and other prickly plants that might be lurking in the woods. Also, you have to be sure that you teach your kids how to read maps. That could also be a different game and will be discussed below.

6. Teach your kids how to read maps and compasses. Educate them on the importance of navigation and explore the forest with them using the maps and compasses. Show them the location that they are at now on the map and where you guys are going. Get them to notice anything significant on your path, such as a tree with a weird shape or something that is out of the ordinary to identify. This should go hand in hand with your scavenger hunt.

7. What’s camping without a campfire? This is a must to every camper out there. Your camping experience would not be complete without a campfire. This should be done at the end of the day before you go to sleep. Telling each other scary stories and jokes is recommended. Also, don’t forget to bring a guitar and sing songs around the campfire. Other activities you can do around the campfire is to play word games and riddles while roasting your favourite marshmallows and hotdogs.

8. Another night activity that you can do is to watch the stars in the sky. This is both fun and educational. Get everyone to lie on an open field and appreciate the free light show in the sky. You can also bring a star chart and try to discover the famous constellations and other heavenly bodies. If you’re lucky, you might catch a shooting star. Don’t forget to make your wish though.

9. This next game is frowned upon by some campers, but you should bathe in the rain when it rains. This is recommended if the weather is not cold. Otherwise you might get sick. It’s sort of depressing when it rains when you are out camping. Rather than complaining about it, take the opportunity to have fun in the rain and enjoy mother earth’s natural shower. Not recommended when there is thunder and lightning.

10. Just simply enjoy the moment and relax. It might not be a big hit with the kids but it is the most appropriate time to bond with your family and enjoy everyone’s company. Take your time to enjoy the nature, it’s not everyday your family get to enjoy this holiday.

There are many other outdoor activities that you could enjoy doing when you go out camping. By no means that the 10 activities discussed above are complete. The most important thing to remember is to enjoy your time with your family. It’s not everyday that you get this kind of opportunity. So, enjoy!

Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies and love to camp whenever they could find the time. Discover the fun things to do when you go family camping at campgrounds of your choice.

If you love camping, then you will know where to find camping supplies. I generally look to stores that sell sporting goods for my camping supplies. But if you are new to camping and don’t know where to start then online is a good place to start.

No matter what your families preferences there is a selection to meet every need. For example camping in a tent is very different to camping in a portable home so your choice of accommodation will dictate the camping supplies you will need.

For me camping is about getting in touch with nature and drinking the serenity of the great outdoors. Struggling with your old clapped out camping equipment is not my idea of fun, so I like to keep mine in good condition and update it regularly.

You will find some retail stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and supplies. No matter what you like doing, whether it be camping, hiking or biking, then these specialty stores will give you a great choice. But there are lots of online camping supplies stores that offer a an even bigger selection of backpacks, clothing, shoes, tents, sleeping gear, camp furniture, cooking gear, and camp tools. Some of these sites will also send you a catalog through the mail so you don’t need constant internet access.

If you are new to camping then try one of these camping supply stores. At the end of the day its about enjoying the simple pleasures of nature so buy it fast and just get out there. Online camping stores are definitely the way to go.

If you like camping then come share some of our camping secrets at

Secret Camping Spots

Maybe it is never possible to have all the camping gear you will ever need when you find yourself on the site; maybe Murphy’s Law is indeed true on all possible occasions. However, one should indeed strive to always be prepared when going camping outdoors.

First of all, it should be a very safe place ‘ both from people and animals. And here is one fact that you should not ignore. Sometimes people are more dangerous than the animals. Second, you should be carrying sufficient (if not more) food and water supplies.

If you are planning to use the water at the source, you should carry along with you sufficient water purifier tablets (or any other way to have the water purified at source). Water purification is one of the most critical aspects you should pay attention to, and the other is packing the right camping gear.

How to Make Sure That You Have All the Camping Gear You Need for the Trip

Often you will find, much to your chagrin, that the exact thing you decided to leave out from your camping gear is what is needed when you reach your camping spot. Otherwise, something extraordinary would happen and would require your intervention, for which you need a certain camping gear that was there at home, but never thought it would be needed. So, how can anyone make sure they are ready all the time?

First of all, draw up a list with all the things you would think would be needed for such a trip. After you think you wrote everything, you divide it into categories like “essentials,” “emergency,” and “may-be-needed” categories. Include all the items that fall under the “essentials” and the “emergency” categories. Take the “may-be-needed” category and ask your friends their opinion. Based on your own experience and any response you get, you will be able to make a well-informed decision about the rest.

Some Things you Should Keep in Mind While Packing Your Camping Gear

The unexpected can happen (and the chances are that will happen if you are not prepared for it). Hence, be prepared for rain, for loss of food or water, for running into a wild animal or a terrible human being, and so on.

Be prepared how to handle any and all the situations, and have each member of your family be equally prepared. Sometimes, this could be the difference between life and death. Preparation is the key, so be sure to carry some extras and be ready for rain, even if it never rains, when you go camping. Sometimes out of the blue it will rain ‘ and it should not catch you unaware in this case.

Carry some type of protective gear against fire. It is imperative that every member of your “camp family” knows how to handle and douse a fire effectively! This basic knowledge is essential and can prove to be life saving since fire is one of the most potential hazards during a camping trip. This is again a very critical aspect, because a carelessly drawn fire can spell disaster not only for you but for the whole forest, and sometimes the entire region. Thus, be prepared, and be safe.

http://camping.every1loves2travel.com is a fresh and exciting camping resource with lots of helpful articles about camping gear, camping trailers and more.

What is more enjoyable than gathering the whole family and spending quality time for a few days outdoors at a campsite at State Park, Missouri for instance. There is no better way to have this kind of opportunity to get connected with Mother Nature to enjoy the scenery, flowers and wildlife.

It is understandable to get excited about your camping trip. However, it is important that you prepare everything beforehand as you may never know what nature has in store for us, be it good or bad.

That is why every camper should have a camping checklist with them before leaving for the great outdoor experience.

Below is the ultimate camper’s checklist that has been categorized into the following categories:

1. Personals checklist - grooming and hygiene kit such as tooth brush, tooth paste, shampoo, towels, insect repellant, soap, deodorant, sun block, lip balm, comb, sunglasses, toilet paper and a trusty sewing kit.

2. Camping essentials checklist - driver’s license, ID card, money, GPS or compass, map, pocket knife, binoculars, flashlights, battery packs, bulbs, lantern, water, canteen, rope, radio, camera, lots of films, clothesline, clothespin, foldable table, lounge chair and clock.

3. Camping tent checklist - tent, ground sheet, mallet, spare pegs, spare poles, spare ground sheet, peg extractor, fabsil (tent reproofer), shock cord repair kit and tent repair kit.

4. Camp fire checklist - matches, wood, shovel, axe, kindling, newspaper, extinguisher and campfire permit.

5. Sleeping system checklist - sleeping bags, camp beds, mattress or camper mat, pillows, air bed and pump, blankets and air bed repair kit.

6. First aid kit checklist - medicines for flu, fever, headaches, stomach ulcer and allergy. Band aids, antiseptics and antibiotic cream for wound. Tweezers to take out splinters. Pocket tissues are advisable.

7. Clothing checklist - a cozy pair of shirt and sweat pants, gloves, jackets, sweater, thermals, hiking boots, sneakers, sandals, socks of varying thickness, underwear, wellies, fleece, swimsuits, pajamas, tank tops, hats and bandannas. Not to mention waterproof jackets and trousers.

8. Kitchen utensils and gas appliances checklist - food container, insulator for frozen food, pots and pans, thermos, aluminium foil, fuel, stove, matches or lighter, disposable utensils, dish towels, bottle and can opener, knife, trash bags, zip lock bags, mugs, bowls, coffee pot, spatula, dish soap, table cloth and skewers for campfire barbequing or marshmallow toasting.

9. Children and baby supplies checklist - for babies, baby food, milk, diapers and baby wipes, pacifier, bottles, bibs, spoons, blankets, high chair, play pen, stroller, stuffed toys, tub and books. For toddlers, games for rainy days and for traveling, pencils, crayons, papers bucket and shovel, kites and frisbees.

10. Before leaving home checklist - lock all doors and windows, turn off all lights and appliances such as television and computer, hold all mail, water the garden, adjust the thermostat and make pet arrangements.

By no means that the above camp checklist is complete as there are a lot more that are not listed above. Be smart about what you consider necessary to bring and what items can you leave home without.

With these filled up, your camping trip would be a blast.

Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies and love to camp whenever they could find the time. Find out some of the things that you can’t go camping without: Camping Supplies and Camping Gear.

Camping holidays are a fun time for all the family, but for the cook of the family it can mean stress at finding what to cook day after day. That’s why we have come up with an easy solution for camping cooking.

Menu’s can be a pain at the best of times, but don’t let that spoil your camping experience. Camp cooking should be fun and easy, so enjoy these top three recipes on your next camping trip.

Camping Recipe One - Campers Pizza Pie

1 lb Wheat bread
1/4 lb Mozzarella cheese
pizza or spaghetti sauce
Pepperoni

Using a pie iron, take two slices of bread, put 1 1/2 tablespoons pizza sauce on one slice of bread. Top with Mozzarella cheese and sliced pepperoni. Place other side of bread on top and butter outer sides of bread. Put sandwich into pie iron and place in coals of fire. Cook until bread is toasted.

Camping Recipe Two - Roast Corn

2 Ears or corn
Salt and pepper
Butter
String

Peel ears leaving husks on at bottom and remove corn silk. Replace husks covering ears and tie around top. Dip corn in salt water. Place corn on screen over hot coals and turn often until all side are done. When cooked remove husks and add salt and pepper and margarine.

Camping Recipe Three - Campfire Pasta

1 lb Pasta; any kind
1 pk Spaghetti sauce mix
1 cn Tomato paste
1 lb Lean hamburger; ground turkey or Italian sausage
2 Pots
2 Stiring spoons
1 Lid
Potholders or gloves

Heat water to a boil in a large pot. In a smaller pot cook the meat and add the sauce mix, water, and tomato paste according to the instructions on the sauce package. Cook the pasta in the water for 8-10 minutes. Place the lid on the pot and with gloves or pot holders drain the water from the pasta through the crack between the lid and the pot. Putting the pot on a stump or log and letting the stump or log hold the weight of the pot helps. Mix the sauce with the drained pasta and serve .

Grated cheese may be used with the pasta. Pasta notes: Spaghetti is the traditional pasta, but
wheels, or other forms that are more compact and larger will be much easier to drain.

If you want over 100 more free recipes then visit us. Camping holidays and knowing what to cook is our passion - Discover great camping menus now! Camping Recipes Website - Click Here

If you are looking for a budget holiday to this region you might want to consider Camping in Cambridgeshire. Many people regard camping as only for the daring and adventurous but nowadays the quality of the on site amenities are such that camping is accessible to almost anyone.

Most sites now offer a fixed electricity point, as well as on site warm showers. You will also find a lot of sites with their own shop selling everything from milk to newspapers. This way you get to enjoy the fun and adventure of sleeping under the stars, without all the hardships many people associate with camping.

Camping in Cambridgeshire is no exception. There are over 20 campsites scattered across the county offering various levels of amenities. The Highfield Farm touring park is just 5 miles from Cambridge itself and is in walking distance from a bus route that will take you straight in to the city. It has Baby changing facilities as well as a tiled shower block.

If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Cambridge you might want to consider somewhere like the Old Manor Caravan Park situated just 500 meters north of Grafham water. Watersports enthusiasts will have plenty to keep them entertained as the lake is renowned for it’s sailing, windsurfing and cycling routes. Most of the equipment can be hored on site or you can bring your own. Please check the rules of what is and isn’t allowed on the water before you travel.

Follow the link below to find a camp site to suit your needs.

Camping in Cambridgeshire

Craig Jeavons is the Managing Director of http://www.cambridgeshiretouristguide.com the comprehensive guide for where to go and what to do in the county of Cambridgeshire.

Nothing beats a great camping vacation in an RV. The nice thing about vacations with RVs is that you can pretty much go wherever you want, without the annoying hindrances of reservations and schedules. Not to mention standing in line at a busy airport - no thanks!

RV travel is the perfect solution for affordable and extended family travel. With an RV you’ll be able to go wherever the road takes you, and at a cheaper price at that. According to a recent cost comparison study of vacation travel, RV vacationing is more affordable than traveling by car, airline, or vacation cruise ship. Even when you factor in the costs of owning your own RV, a whole family of 4 can spend up to seventy percent less when traveling with an RV.

Before you start your camping trip, make sure you plan everything first. One of the nice things about camping with an RV is that you’ve got more room to work with than when you’re traveling in a typical car. Take anything and everything you think you’ll need along with you for your camping vacation. Pack plenty of food and supplies for everyone, you don’t want to be caught in the great outdoors without the necessary supplies.

In the US the RV is growing to be very popular, and ownership has recently hit record highs. A total of around eight million homes in America have at least one RV, which is a fifteen percent jump over the last five years. More and more people in America are starting to take advantage of their RV especially when camping in the great outdoors.

You’ll find a wide variety of RVs available, there’s something for everyone. All RVs are built according to high quality standards that are sure to impress. RVs come in many different sizes with a wide variety of features. There are single, double, and triple slide out floor plans. Some RVs feature convenient amenities like quality appliances or comfortable couches. These kinds of things can really make your vacation a lot easier.

Make sure you plan out where you’re going to camp your RV at night. The last thing you want to do is sleep on the side of the road. RV and camping spaces are available in many places all over the country, and aren’t hard to find and reserve for your next camping vacation.

Written by Jane Smithston. Find more information on Shasta Lake Cabins and RV Park as well as the Lassen Camping Retreat

Most people camp when they travel because it is a fun, inexpensive way to spend with the family. Getting away from the city to enjoy the countryside is one reason that many chose this option for their holiday time. Just getting out in the open air is motivation itself for others. Some people like the thrill of living in the wild amongst the wild creatures in the woods.

But there are some who camp as a necessity for survival. More people are facing homelessness because of either financial problems or the inability to find affordable housing. For them what should be a means of relaxation becomes a means of survival.

What is supposed to be an enjoyable activity becomes stressful and embarrassing for family members. It is especially painful when you are business or professional people. How do hard-working people end out living at a campsite? Well I can tell you it does not happen overnight.

This article is not so much as to how a person ends up at a campsite but how they manage to live as normal a life as possible in one. In our case the first thing on our agenda was to purchase state of the art tents. We did not know how long we would be out there so weather proof tents were the first priority. Then we had to pick out a site that could be made comfortable. Most of the spots were out in the open so I felt blessed when we found a shady spot that had lots of room.

Although getting all the necessary equipment was important. The most important thing to our children was to remain inconspicuous as possible. The further we were from the main road the better they felt. They also did not want their peers to know that they were homeless. They were extremely embarrassed by all this and could not see the benefits that come with camping.

Benefits you may ask. What benefits? After all we were homeless. Well for one we had the best air supply. The negative ions coming from the ocean kept my mind clear and alert. At night I slept like a baby (forgive the pun). I did my best writing sitting on the beach taking in the sights.

Another benefit was that I could go swimming as soon as I got back from work. All I had to do was change in my swimsuit and go jump overboard. There was a shower facility at one of the beaches so I could always get cleaned up after my swim provided I did it before it closed in the evening.

Although my girls enjoyed the beach just as much as the next person, they pretended that we were camping for a holiday. They could pull it off because it was camping season and lots of people in Bermuda choose to camp during the summer even though no one is ever really far away from home.

But there were others who like us had no choice but to camp. We were all grateful that the weather was warm and comfortable most of the time. The hardest part for me was keeping the family morale up. I did not want them questioning our faith in God. It was not God’s problem that we were homeless. It was ours. But I knew that despite it all He would never leave us. We just had to believe that He was with us.

We did have a few scares while camping. There was the time there was a bad storm. I was kind of worried because our tents had not been truly tested. We only knew by the testimonials of others that they could withstand really strong winds. We were in a secluded spot so we did not get the full brunt of the wind, so we thought. But I was nervous expecting tree branches to fall on us and injure us. Not only were our tents safe, they kept us dry from the rain and the only things that fell were the Bay Grape leaves and immature Bay Grapes. Our neighbors on the other hand were soaked. They had to dry out practically all that they had.

We actually camped for six months just before it got really cold. My granddaughter’s Godfather was instrumental in finding a place for us. It was a fixer upper and we are still fixing, but the rent is low and our family is together.

I would like to camp again but this time I want to go just with my husband. This of course will be purely for recreation sake.

Hiking, camping and sightseeing in Idaho’s White Cloud Peaks is a pleasant way to spend a day or more in the state’s central recreation area. When this unique part of Idaho is on your family vacation itinerary, include this location for a treat.

Traveling northwest between the towns of Ketchum and Stanley, Idaho State Route 75 borders the Sawtooth National Forest to the west and the Salmon-Challis National Forest to the east. To get your bearings, stop by the Sawtooth National Recreation Area office at 5 North Canyon Road in Ketchum and pick up a map or two. A downloadable map and information can be found on the website for the Boulder-White Clouds Council at wildwhiteclouds.org/theplace1.html

Along this route, scores of creeks born in the surrounding mountain ranges add to the flow of the mighty Salmon River, the River of No Return. The mountain pass at over 8,700-foot Galena Summit has an overlook with parking and restrooms. You will want to stop to stretch your legs and to admire the incredible view across the vast valley to the rugged, snow-crowned peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains.

Moving on, you will travel down the mountain highway into the beauty of the Sawtooth Valley between the small towns of Smiley Creek and Obsidian. Just before Obsidian, keep an eye out for Fourth of July Road heading east of the highway toward the ghostly White Cloud Peaks. Appropriately, the road follows Fourth of July Creek for 10 miles to the trailhead near Blackman Peak. This area suffered a severe fire in September 2005, but has recovered fairly well.

The road is a washboard, but careful travel in a high-centered, 2-wheel drive vehicle equipped with backcountry tires will suffice. Four-wheel drive is best. From the trailhead, a series of day hikes and longer excursions can be undertaken. A popular day hike for families and beginners is the mile and one-half trek into Fourth of July Lake.

Campsites are available on each side of the picturesque lake or in more secluded areas nearby. The trout in Fourth of July Lake tend to cruise near the shore, if fishing is on your mind. Head up the inlet of the lake to get a look at deer that usually congregate in the large meadow, and keep an eye out for mountain goats on close-by Patterson Peak.
This area is covered with mountain heather and other wildflowers in the summer months.

You can hike from this point into other areas dotted with alpine lakes and spectacular mountain vistas. Washington Lake is just over a mile from Fourth of July Lake. The trail climbs 200 feet or so and then drops a like amount down to the lake. Fishing is easier and often good at Washington Lake. Try to find camping in a location other than the most popular sites close to the lake outlet.

There are well over 100 alpine lakes scattered throughout the White Cloud Peaks location. Many still lack names. Other named lakes and points of interest include:

• Ants Basin and Ants Basin Divide
• Blackman Peak
• Boulder Chain Lakes
• Born Lakes
• Castle Divide and Castle Peak
• Champion Lakes
• David O’Lee Peak
• Heart Lake
• Phyllis Lake
• Six Lakes Basin

The White Cloud area is a popular hiking spot with easy to moderately difficult hiking trails. It is picturesque, with the alabaster-hued White Cloud Peaks as an ever-present background. Bring your camera, your own water, good camp food and plan to spend a night or more camped along your chosen route.

Granstrom, an Idaho resident and an avid fly fisherman, has the website http://www.idaho-insider.com

Visit his site for information about the different adventures the State of Idaho offers lovers of the outdoors. Then, visit Idaho to live out some of these adventures for yourself and your family.