Camping News

The Last-Minute Guide to Summer Camping

2009-06-20T17:29:00.000+03:00

Although it’s still early in the season, there are already signs that more Americans will be vacationing in campgrounds this summer. Bookings are up at many parks — in some cases by as much as 30 percent. And some campgrounds were filled on weekends even before Memorial Day, the traditional kickoff of the camping season.

Many in the camping community believe that the bad economy is causing this sudden interest in the great outdoors, with people who are worried about finances forgoing a stay at a fancy resort or a trip overseas in favor of a sojourn in the woods that can cost 10 bucks a night. Gas prices that are significantly lower than last summer’s (albeit rising) may also be affecting decisions to hit the road.

Germany vs USA - Camping

2009-04-15T19:02:00.000+03:00

KOA to offer free camping in May at its RV parks

2009-03-02T13:03:00.001+02:00

RV enthusiasts and other campers can spend a night free in a KOA campground in May and help raise money for sick kids. Nearly 400 KOA campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada are preparing for the 6th Annual “Come Kamp and Care With Us” charity event on May 8 and 9. Campers who make reservations at participating KOA campgrounds pay for only Friday, May 8 and camp for free on Saturday, May 9.

The promotion benefits KOA Care Camps, a network of 41 independent, specialized camps for children under treatment or in recovery from cancer, and their siblings. “Helping kids experience the camaraderie and fun of the outdoors with other cancer patients is in complete alignment with the mission of KOA, the goals of our KOA Owners Association, and is the very nature of what we do,” said KOA President and Chief Operating Officer Shane Ott.

Memorial Day weekend camping reservations open Saturday, Feb. 21

2009-02-20T22:12:00.000+02:00

Campers can make reservations for Memorial Day weekend beginning Saturday, Feb. 21, for a Friday, May 22, arrival.

A three-night stay is required during holiday weekends at all state parks except Custer State Park. Reservations are being accepted for the entire camping season for campsites at Custer State Park, and at lodges in all state parks and recreation areas.

Reservations can be made online at www.CampSD.com or by calling (800) 710-CAMP. The telephone reservation center is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (MT). Online reservations may be made 24 hours a day, though campsites do not become available until 6 a.m. on the first day of the 90-day window. There is a $7.70 per site non-refundable reservation fee

Caravans overtake Spain as Britons' most popular holiday

2009-02-17T12:21:00.001+02:00

The trend is confirmed by The Caravan Club, which says advance bookings for 2009 are up 40 per cent on last year.

The increased demand could translate in more than 2m extra caravan holidays being taken in Britain this year, adds the National Caravan Council, with a final tally approaching nearly 13.9m.

And with foreign trips declining by six per cent in the last quarter of 2008, the figure is expected to top the 13.8m figure of British visits to Spain in 2007 - the last year of full travel statistics.

NCC director-general John Lally says: "Bookings in UK holiday and touring parks are up by anything from 8% to 50%, as people choose ‘staycationing’, and opt for self-catering and value over euro Costa-lot holidays."

Going RVing can be as green as you want it to be

2009-02-06T13:43:00.000+02:00

Alana Fontaine, spokeswoman for Go RVing Canada, says more RVers today are asking how they can enjoy their vacations without leaving a big ecological footprint.

The solution, she says, is simply to have an open mind and make some small, easy changes. For one, try camping close to home.

"Gasoline prices and emissions, of course, are becoming huge topics of conversation these days," Fontaine says.

"So RVers are starting to monitor their trips more. They're staying on the roads less and staying parked at campgrounds longer."

KOA to offer free camping in May at its RV parks

2009-01-24T20:04:00.000+02:00

RV enthusiasts and other campers can spend a night free in a KOA campground in May and help raise money for sick kids. Nearly 400 KOA campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada are preparing for the 6th Annual “Come Kamp and Care With Us” charity event on May 8 and 9. Campers
who make reservations at participating KOA campgrounds pay for only Friday, May 8 and camp for free on Saturday, May 9.

The promotion benefits KOA Care Camps, a network of 41 independent, specialized camps for children under treatment or in recovery from cancer, and their siblings. “Helping kids experience the camaraderie and fun of the outdoors with other cancer patients is in complete alignment with the mission of KOA, the goals of our KOA Owners Association, and is the very nature of what we do,” said KOA President and Chief Operating Officer Shane Ott.

Camping with President Theodore Roosevelt

2009-01-21T16:49:00.000+02:00

Some of our newspapers reported that the President intended to hunt in the Park. A woman in Vermont wrote me, to protest against the hunting, and hoped I would teach the President to love the animals as much as I did—as if he did not love them much more, because his love is founded upon knowledge, and because they had been a part of his life. She did not know that I was then cherishing the secret hope that I might be allowed to shoot a cougar or bobcat; but this fun did not come to me. The President said, "I will not fire a gun in the Park; then I shall have no explanations to make." Yet once I did hear him say in the wilderness, "I feel as if I ought to keep the camp in meat. I always have." I regretted that he could not do so on this occasion.

I have never been disturbed by the President's hunting trips. It is to such men as he that the big game legitimately belongs—men who regard it from the point of view of the naturalist as well as from that of the sportsman, who are interested in its preservation, and who share with the world the delight they experience in the chase. Such a hunter as Roosevelt is as far removed from the game-butcher as day is from night; and as for his killing of the "varmints,"—bears, cougars, and bobcats,—the fewer of these there are, the better for the useful and beautiful game.

Santa Barbara: luxe winter camping at El Capitan Canyon

2009-01-13T21:19:00.000+02:00

Next time you’re in need of a quick breather out of town — with a gulp of fresh air and a glimpse of the natural world, to boot — check out El Capitan Canyon, about 20 miles north of Santa Barbara.

This coastal “hideaway,” on 300-plus acres next to Los Padres National Forest, offers cedar cabins, and — for the luxe-camping contingent — heated safari tents.

Deal: This place always has a few good-looking packages going. A fall season mainstay, the “Canyon to Wine Country” package has been extended into winter. It features a two-night stay in a king cabin (which has a gas fireplace and soaking tub), a bottle of wine, two wine glasses and a s’mores kit. The price is $525 (pre-tax) for the package, based on double occupancy.

The Best Camping in North Texas

2009-01-09T23:44:00.000+02:00

One of the great things about Texas camping is that you can go pretty much any time of the year. Since winter weather is normally pretty mild this allows you to fit in a few extra camping trips while your buddies up north are hunkered down trying to stay warm. Again this year, at more than 70 state parks, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is waiving fishing license requirements for families as part of their Family Fishing Celebration. The promotion will continue through August 31, 2007. They have been running a similar promotion the last couple years, and its really been nice for families. So on your next camping trip, be sure and take along your fishing gear, and enjoy some fun times fishing with your kids.

There are many great camping sites in Texas. In fact, just counting state parks there are over 70 parks to choose from.This short article briefly describes press release distribution of the best camping spots in North Texas. Each of these campsites is just a short drive from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, and should provide great fun for you, your family, and friends.

Your To Do List For Camping

2008-12-21T16:17:00.000+02:00

Having a Recreational Vehicle (RV's) are an ideal solution, but the larger Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) can make a nice 'hard shell tent'. RV's are often available in a variety of sizes with some having sufficient space to act as a long term mobile homes. The small basic press release search will still provide enough room to sleep two in comfort, yet still be equipped with running water, a stove, and a fitted TV for those that just can't leave it behind.

As cooking outdoors is often a challenge, take the time to investigate the best stove. It's generally easier to take advantage of the Coleman fuel stove or the two-burner propane. Lamps will also be an important item of kit, so look out for some LED flashlights and lamps.

Depending on the locating of the campsite you've selected, you may or may not have access to cell phones or wireless internet. Look into purchasing a good GPS device, if you concern how to submit press release getting lost in the wilderness. Get familiar with device before leaving as this will allow you to recognize your surroundings when the unit is put to use.

Canada Camping Fees on the Rise

2008-12-14T14:49:00.000+02:00

It is hard to think about camping right now, but enjoying the great outdoors is going to cost you more next summer.

Camping fees in provincial parks are going up and in some cases are nearly doubling.

Seasonal fees in sites with electricity will cost fifteen hundred dollars in 2009, up from eight hundred and 30, while reservation fees will double to ten dollars.

The province cited a number of reasons for the increases, including the parks were undervalued and money is needed for improvements.

Jim's camping tips

2008-12-10T13:25:00.000+02:00

The Top Five Rules of a Happy Camper:
1. Make sure you check on the facilities so you know what to bring - especially if you're off to a remote area. There's nothing worse than arriving without food supplies to find the store (if there is one) only stocks the basics - or expecting a powered site and suddenly discovering those appliances are all redundant.
2. If you're camping over the peak summer period (December to early March), book well in advance as popular beach and lakeside campgrounds fill up quickly. Remember, campgrounds in more remote areas usually operate on a 'first come, first served' basis, so reserving a site won't be an option.
3. Find out about security and 'quiet' hours - nothing evaporates holiday cheer faster than disrespectful neighbours late at night.
4. Make sure you check out any hazards in the area for children eg streams, rivers and busy roads.
5. Minimise your impact on the environment

Camping safari through Namibia

2008-12-07T08:03:00.000+02:00

There, we will see wrecked ships, including the German passenger ship Eduard Bohlen, which smashed on the shore in 1909 and is now 200 metres inland, apparently sailing through the sand. We will fly over half-buried buildings and equipment that speak of other dead dreams.

But right now the sand is overwhelming. In one place, I see a large white area -- it looks like ice! It's Sossusvlei, our pilot says, a dry valley where once a river flowed to the ocean until the dunes built up by battling east and west winds blocked its path. Nearby is Deadvlei, where stark, long-dead trees tell the same tale.

These two cut-off valleys surrounded by dunes are the focal point of Wings Over Africa's popular Sossusvlei Scenic flights, two and a half hours of amazing vistas of the desert that cover nearly 10 per cent of this old, but young, country.

In two days, the five of us on this small plane will walk across Sossusvlei and Deadvlei and climb among the dunes we are seeing now from the air. We will be as minuscule among their towering peaks as the shadow of our plane on Namibia's enormous sea of sand.

Yosemite National Park Lodging on a Budget

2008-12-03T19:36:00.000+02:00

For the family that is looking to vacation on a budget or simply the bargain hunter, the beauty of Yosemite can still be enjoyed with an inexpensive stay at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging.
The resort is now offering Yosemite-area lodging starting at only $29.00 for two nights for a yurt that can accommodate up to five people. Yosemite cabins start at only $39 for two nights for a basic cabin that can accommodate four people.
With the Yosemite National Park entrance fee of $20 per car for unlimited entries for seven days, a family can spend less than $100 for two days of Yosemite-area lodging and admission to the park. These special rates are available at http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-lodging-camping-specials.html during the fall and winter season. Some restrictions apply.
Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging, just 22 miles from the entrance of Yosemite National Park, has also recently added six Premium cabins as a part of its ongoing renovation of the 34-acre resort.

The Oregon outdoors: Where is everybody?

2008-11-19T10:09:00.000+02:00

Could Oregonians be falling out of love with the outdoors? The Forest Service reports a surprising 27 percent drop in visitors to national forests in the Pacific Northwest from 2004 to 2007.

Some of the change may be attributed to a new counting system used by the Forest Service. But there's more going on here than a new counting method. The agency logged nearly 8 million fewer visitors to national forests in Oregon and Washington in 2007 compared to three years earlier.

Is it high gas prices? Well, maybe, but there aren't many cheaper, more affordable destinations than Oregon's stunning Mount Hood and Deschutes national forests for most Oregonians. Trailhead and parking fees? Yes, the fees must deter some casual visitors to the forests, but the fees have been around considerably longer than three years. And a $30 yearly trail pass remains a pretty good deal compared with the costs of other ways to spend your spare time.

McAllen park to offer camping, fishing

2008-11-11T11:59:00.000+02:00

A McAllen park will be upgraded to feature a fishing pond and camping, among other amenities.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission awarded a $1.6 million grant to the City of McAllen to expand and improve Firemen's Park.

The park is located on the northeast corner of Business 83 and and Col. Rowe Boulevard.

The proposed project will add 10.8 acres of park land as well as provide the first fishing and camping venues inside city limits.

Public records show that Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission made the funding decision at their regular meeting on Thursday, November 06, 2008 in Austin.

Doc seeks Twelve Mile site camping ground developer

2008-10-19T01:06:00.000+02:00

The Department of Conservation (Doc) is hoping to attract lease interest from private operators to develop the popular but basic Twelve Mile Delta Recreation Reserve into a "new, family- and environmentally friendly, affordable and safe camping ground".

The Doc Wakatipu area office began advertising that it was seeking proposals in a bid to enhance the 6ha camping ground that will serve campers for the long term.

The camping ground was likely to feature toilets, showers and a food preparation facility, as well as a suitable accommodation building for a camping ground manager.

Halloween camping events filling up fast

2008-10-07T00:40:00.000+02:00

"I have some parks that are doing three weekends now, instead of two, because their reservations were full," said Cheryl Greaney, promotional agent for the Parks and Recreation Division.

Greaney said Halloween camping has become very popular. Most campgrounds are already sold-out or close to full for these events.

"It's not just a big thing for us, it's a big thing for the economy," Greaney said. "When I was still out in the field, one person went into town and came back and said, 'I went into town and couldn't find any more candy to buy.' "

World's luxurious wilderness adventures

2008-09-30T17:00:00.000+03:00

If a week-long canoe trip deep into the wilderness along Canada's Yukon River sounds like a great vacation, just remember that it usually involves packing a week's worth of essentials — even a roll of toilet paper and a shovel.

For many, that's a little too rough of an outdoors experience. Great River Journey, however, is a new tour company created by Whitehorse, Yukon, resident George Asquith to give travelers a more luxurious option. During an eight-day, 370-mile (595-km) tour of the Yukon, guests ride in heated riverboats and stay in premium accommodations, like a newly built lodge that recalls a turn of the century homestead or tented cabins with claw-foot bathtubs.

Best of all, no shovel is required.

Amphibious camping

2008-09-20T11:58:00.001+03:00

If you like the idea of a Huck Finn adventure but at a more leisurely pace, then head for the Netherlands. On calm Dutch waterways you can camp on a ready-made raft, steadily moored to a river bank.

Camping rafts are the latest in back-to-nature holidaying. Logs lashed together float on barrels; on this raft sits an A-frame timber shelter with smooth, plywood floor. The entrance is a tent-like double flap. There’s no electricity and no plumbing. It is rather like sheltering in an attic from a spectacular flood. Access to your haven is by Canadian canoe.

Family Camping Tent Packages Can Be A Life Saver

2008-09-10T13:39:00.000+03:00

Planning a family camping trip can be a little more work than throwing your family camping tent, a couple of sleeping bags, and a cooler in the car. There are some other things that would make the trip more enjoyable for the new camper. Most people find that it would be nice to have something soft to sleep on, something to sit on, light to see at night, and a stove to be able to cook. Your experience can be as comfortable is you would like it to be depending on how much camping equipment you would like to purchase and how much you would like to load and bring with you. Obviously you will want to provide more comfort for longer trips or larger groups. Don’t start to get worried, I will gladly explain some options.

A basic family camping tent package would consist of a family camping tent, sleeping bags, an air mattress, and an electric lantern for the tent. This would be a rather basic camping package, but would get you started for a low price. You might consider adding sleeping pads or twin air mattresses for the kids to have something soft to sleep on. Some other options you might add to the tent package upholstery cleaning arlington a gas lantern, cooking stove, cooking table, screened enclosure, and camping chairs. These would all add comfort to the trip, but do add additional cost, weight, and take up room. Additional items can also be added on at another date once you have more experience and know what you might like to bring with you on your next trip.

Camping in Wales

2008-09-02T10:54:00.000+03:00

The weather forecast had said that there would be sunny spells for the weekend, and as school starts again next week, I think that this might be our last camping trip this summer. Next weekend will be spent emptying the dressing-up box to find the forgotten book bags and spelling books, and sorting out uniform and PE kit.

After a summer of perpetual camping, the routine of school, or even home life, feels alien. We have grown used to waking in a field, forfeiting baths for a week at a time, substituting chewing gum for toothpaste and quite often eating Pringles for breakfast. And that’s a big part of the appeal, because camping skewers prescriptive domestic routine.

My camp life, though, never looked like the pictures you see in glossy lifestyle magazines. The enamel kitchen accessories I thought might raise the tone were lost weeks ago after the children went fishing with them, and my tent has grey rings of damp on the white canvas.

Mobile camping meets environmentally-friendly standards

2008-08-28T14:33:00.001+03:00

Safari property specialist Sanctuary Lodges & Camps has upgraded its private luxury mobile camps in Kenya, giving clients the best means to experience East Africa’s wildlife areas. Adhering to the company’s ongoing efforts to set a global benchmark for sustainable tourism, the mobile camps will all operate on an environmentally-friendly basis.

The luxury lodge operator has introduced solar power for lighting and ecological sewage disposal systems in all its refurbished tents in Kenya. New custom-designed tents have also been launched using interior products made by local craftsmen and women. Sanctuary Lodges & Camps now plans to upgrade its mobile camps in Tanzania.

Sanctuary’s mobile camping allows guests to actively follow the African animals with an experienced professional safari guide, who will liaise with guests before and during a safari to design an itinerary to suit guests’ own pace and interests. A mobile expedition has no fixed timescale and all schedules are customised according to guests’ desires and the movement of the big game.

Israelis rediscover the joys of camping

2008-08-22T01:34:00.000+03:00

The Sharabi, Cohen, and Almogi clans have finished eating their pancakes and begun straightening up their tents, which are pitched in one of the authorized campgrounds along Lake Kinneret. Nearby, at the camp site of a group of families from Moshav Eitan in the Lachish region, the parents have pampered their children with spinach patties, as requested. "It's an inexpensive and real vacation like old times," Limor Sharabi says on his way to swim.

Israelis seem to have "rediscovered" camping. Families, couples and groups of young people are increasingly forgoing vacations in Eilat or Turkey, grabbing a tent, charcoal grill and the kids, and heading for one of the campgrounds located throughout the country. The hobby is not yet as developed as in other Western countries, but it is certainly gaining momentum.

Avi Cohen of Moshav Eitan takes his family on an annual camping trip to the Kinneret. "We had a hotel stay already and the kids have had fun at all sorts of attractions, but a beach vacation is convenient and cheap," he says.