Camping

2011-02-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

New Pictures of Spruce Point Park Campground & Marina

Spruce Point Park Campground & Marina
Kinuso, Alberta

Northern Alberta wilderness, the Boreal Forest, has so many unique and special qualities that make camping at Spruce Point the outdoors man's dream location and a families holiday hotspot. Fishing in Lesser Slave Lake is unlike any other lake in the province of Alberta; First the size of Lesser Slave Lake, 60+ miles long, up to 15+ miles wide, and Lesser Slave Lake is host to walleye, white fish, northern pike, pearch, and the only problem most fisherman have is deciding which fish to keep within their daily limit. Fishing is so good many zip back to the campsite and fry up the catch right away, going back out morning, afternoon, and evening. Spruce Point Park is truly a family-orientated campground & park, with playgrounds, over three miles of sandy beaches, the lake water is shallow for 100 yards in some areas; walking trails, bird watching, wildlife photography, mini-golf, golf frizbee, geocache hunting, or simply taking a towel and enjoy the sun on the warm sandy beach.

Since the campground and marina is operated by a non-profit society, there are local community volunteers, hired local workers, and the Park Managers that are always friendly and willing to help out Park Guests & Visitors with the location of park services, or what is happening in the local community around the park. A day trip into the local Hamlet of Kinuso for shopping, or arranging a horseback riding tour from one of the local farms; or just taking a drive back into the rolling foot hills to the south of Spruce Point Park; One can see why so many people call this wilderness location their home. No city noises, moose, deer, or elk walking around without a care in the world. Season after season people come back, and the smalltown-like community familiarity of remembering past visitors and guests that love the park as much as I do. The fresh air, amazing sunsets on the shimmering lake, there are dozens of reason why I have chosen this campground as my favorite.

Whether you are a caravan of RVs or a single family with a fifth-wheel & trailer; If you or a group of friends are ever traveling your way through Northern Alberta, Canada; you should seriously consider the Spruce Point Park Campground & Marina for at least one night of your tour.

With 250+ Campground Campsite Stalls, 100+ Marina Berths, Boat Rental, 20amp/30amp powered & non-powered camp sites, min-golf, no sewer hook-ups but have 2 sanitation dump stations, pull thru campsites, big for 40ft+ rigs, lake-shore campsites, lots of wilderness, fire pit, reclusive campsite lots, picnic table, walking trails, birdwatchers paradise, lots of outdoor washrooms, ball diamond, sandy beaches for miles, roadway water taps, firewood was $100 for heaping barrel full. The Marina Facility at the west end of the campground offered wheelchair access flush toliets, coin-operated showers, convenience store, burger kitchen, boat launch, berth rental, boat parts & accessories, fishing rods & tackle, fresh bait, bags of ice, soft ice cream and more. Enjoy evenings watching the sunsets while sitting on a old log on the beach, the glimmering water reflection for miles with rolling foothills to the south. A location that is worth checking out just for the wilderness & scenery if you love the outdoors.

Visit the Spruce Point Park Campground & Marina listing on CampSource at http://www.campsource.ca/parks/default.aspx?parkid=122 for contact information, facilities, rates, directions, campground reviews, and more.

Labels: alberta, kinuso

New Pictures of Bass Lake Provinical Park

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Follow Waterview Trail and learn how Bass Lake park, a farm for more than 100 years, was transformed to a recreational area. Just west of Orillia - close to historic Huronia - it is a popular spot for swimming, hiking, fishing and boating. Its fields and trails are good for skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

Visit the Bass Lake Provincial Park listing on CampSource at http://www.campsource.ca/parks/default.aspx?parkid=2941 for contact information, facilities, rates, directions, campground reviews, and more.

Pictures can be viewed on CampSource via the Flickr Slideshow at http://www.campsource.ca/parks/pictures.aspx?parkid=2941

If you have pictures of Bass Lake Provincial Park, and would like to add them to Campsource, go to the Flickr group for Bass Lake at http://www.flickr.com/groups/bass_lake_provincial_park/

Labels: bass lake, ontario, ontario provincial parks, orillia

Support CampSource and Donate to Charity

CampSource has been helping campers plan their camping or RV vacation since 1997. The information on CampSource is free to campers and the listings are free to campground owners. CampSource is not a business but is owned and operated by one person committed to providing current information on more than 4,000 parks and campgrounds in Canada. This committment involves time to develop the website and database search functions and costs for website hosting and maintenance. If this website has value for you, please show your support by making a contribution to help keep it online and grow. Any amount no matter how small is welcome.

Your contribution will go towards website hosting and maintance costs and new features and enhancements for campers and campground owners. CampSource will also donate 10% to 25% of your contribution to a registered charity that is committed to the protection, preservation and enjoyment of our parks and campgrounds. This program was created in March 2010 so be the first to make a contribution.

Below is list of charities that will recieve donations through your contributions. Donations will be made to the charities through CanadaHelps.

Friends of Cypress Hills Provincial Park - Saskatchewan
Our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance the diverse natural and human history found in Fish Creek Park.

Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society - Alberta
The Objective of the organization is to work cooperatively and under agreement with The Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park management and staff, to enhance the educational, recreational, and Interpretive programs in the Cypress Hills Park as well as facilities in the Park. To foster appreciation and understanding of the natural ecosystems of the Cypress Hills, its management and use and to provide ongoing management services to bequests made by individuals and/or corporations for use in activities of the park or for furtherance of educational or cultural purposes.

Friends of Jasper National Park Association - Alberta
Friends of Jasper National Park exists to promote understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of Jasper National Park' natural history and cultural heritage. Our programs, services and projects are designed to inspire respect through education and active involvement in the care of the park.

Friends of Killarney Park - Ontario
Friends of Killarney Park is a not-for-profit, charitable organization whose primary mandate is to develop programs and materials to promote public awareness, education, and understanding of the Park's natural and cultural resources. Comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors and a general membership, our activities include running special protection and education Programs, developing and distributing park Publications, retailing Killarney specific, educational products in the Outpost and supporting research projects.

The Friends of MacGregor Point Park - Ontario
The Friends of MacGregor Point Park is an not-for-profit, charitable organization whose primary mandate is to support the interpretive, educational and research programs at MacGregor Point Provincial Park. Led by a volunteer Board of Directors,
we support the objectives of Ontario Parks - protection, heritage appreciation, outdoor recreation and tourism. In partnership with MacGregor Point Provincial Park, we promote, supplement and enhance the programs, facilities and resources of the park. We are committed to investing time and money in MacGregor Point for the benefit of future generations.

The Friends of Presqu'ile Park - Ontario
The Friends of Presqu'ile Park is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing the educational and interpretive aspects of Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Our efforts are focused on providing to all Park visitors an understanding and an appreciation of the unique natural and cultural history of Presqu'ile Park.

Housekeeping items

Donations will be made to the charity on or about the first of the month
Donations may be made to 1 or more charities, depending on the monthly contribution amounts
Since you are making a contribution to CampSource and not a direct donation to the charity, you will not receive an income tax receipt

Ontario Parks is updating their reservation service

Ontario Parks is updating its campsite reservation system. When you go to make your reservation on-line or at our call centre you will notice a new look and many new improvements. There will be some changes from our previous service.

Here's what you need to know:

We have obtained a new reservation service provider called Mediamix Interactive Incorporated (MMI). MMI has experience in providing campsite reservation services to several clients across Canada, and are located in Toronto, Ontario.
Our phone number and web address will stay the same. You can continue to go to www.OntarioParks.com or 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) to make your campsite reservation. The call centre hours will be slightly shorter - now from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm (as opposed to 11:00 pm). On-line reservations can still be made 24 hours/day, 365 days a year.
If you are currently an Ontario Parks user and have made a reservation with us in the past, you will be receiving an email with your new temporary login and password which will allow you to update your account before making your campsite reservation.
It will now cost less to make a reservation! The reservation fee will be reduced to $9.00 (savings of $3.00), and cancellations/changes to reservations will be reduced to $7.00 (savings of $2.00). There will be an even greater savings if the reservation is made on-line as it will only cost $8.00 to make a reservation and $5.00 to cancel or change a reservation.
To assist you with navigating the reservation service options, we have set up a "Frequently Asked Questions" site available at the website link above.
Over time, new enhancements to the reservation service will be made available such as adding campsite photos and an online shopping cart feature that holds your campsite for a short time while you get ready to pay for it.
Save this web link for easy access as we will continue to update these pages with information about the new features as they are rolled out.

We hope you enjoy the new reservation experience. Please let us know what you think by sending us your comments here.

For more information, visit the Ontario Parks website at http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/reservations/index.html

Labels: ontario, ontario provincial parks, reservations

How to Choose the Right Camping Sleeping Bag

Choosing the right camping sleeping bag can be a big task for many people. But once you decide on the qualities that you want, you will be sure to find one that suits your needs. We have also put together a list of various types of camping equipments on our site for our valued readers; the link is attached at the end of this article.This article will explore the different aspects that you will need to consider while choosing a sleeping bag for yourself.
Camping destination
It is important to determine the type of camping grounds or campsite that you will be heading to. Taking into account of the terrain, temperature, climate and weather conditions are a big part in choosing your own camping sleeping bag. Most camping bags have a designated minimum temperature at which it can continue to keep you warm.
Temperature conditions
In a colder environment, the right camping equipment is very important, not only that it keeps you warm, it is essential to have good warm protection in order to prevent hypothermia. Keeping in mind that despite the claim that it can withstand temperatures to -20 degrees, be aware that in a -20 degrees environment, this may not be entirely sufficient to keep you warm. You will find that in this instance, having a bag liner is a good idea, as it adds between 8 to 10 degrees of warmth and comfort for you.
Materials used
You will find that there are a lot of options in terms of materials used in sleeping bags. There are the outer shell, inner lining, filling and much more that makes a difference to the quality and price of the sleeping bag. A widely used filling is synthetic material, as it provides enough warmth and is light weight to carry around while you are on a camping adventure. Keep an eye for the types of material used and you will be able to make a good choice for your new sleeping bag. Another tip is to make sure that it is waterproof, it helps to protect the bag from getting soaked and keeps you warm too.
Shapes and sizes
The bags come in various shapes and sizes. This is ensure that there is a snug fit between the you and sleeping bag, as this helps to trap air inside the bag, keeping you warm for longer. A lot of the bags will be mummy bags which taper in at the foot. You will also find that there is more padding around the foot. These two aspects help keep your feet warmer and is actually quite a desirable aspect in a sleeping bag. A sleeping bag that has a hood to wrap snugly around the head is also a good choice.
These are the main points to consider when choosing your perfect sleeping bag and hopefully with it, you will find the right one in no time at all.
Margaret Mcbrynt loves travel adventure and camping. Due to this strong interest in camping and travel adventures, hence she has a thorough understanding of the plannings and equipments needed, in order to have a successful travel adventure. Visit her site on camping sleeping bag to find the right camping bag for yourself. Feel free to check out her site at travelling the planet as well.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Mcbrynt

Choosing the right tent

There are many things to consider when purchasing a tent.

As a general rule, buy a tent that is rated for 2 more people than will actually sleep in it. For example, if you need a tent that will sleep 4 people, buy a tent that is rated for 6 people. The reason for this is that the tent rating systems do not take into account your gear or room to move around. However, if you will be heading into the interior, you may want to split up your party into smaller tents. The more people the tent can hold, the bulkier and heavier the tent becomes!

Many tents come with a fly for rainy weather. The fly should cover the sides of the tent, not just the top.

The floor should be one-piece, waterproof, and come a few inches up the sides of the tent where it meets the tent wall. This keeps the seam off the ground and away from water.

Windows and/or roof vents help to improve air circulation and eliminate condensation inside the tent. There should be bug-proof meshing in all vents and doors to keep the bugs out.

Lastly, the tent should have a heavy-duty zipper on the door. If the zipper breaks, it is likely that you will have to buy a new tent!

Ontario Park Insider Report on Bonnechere

Belted kingfishers swoop across the river and the pileated woodpecker's hysterical call echoes throughout the backwoods. American bitterns sing out from patches of sedge where the river widens, and an assortment of warblers flutter through the trees. Wildlife abounds along the shores of the Bonnechere River, part of Bonnechere Provincial Park.

Winding its way through the northern portion of the Madawaska Highlands, between the southeast border of Algonquin Park and Round Lake, The Bonnechere is rich in human history too. Aboriginal peoples hunted, fished and trapped, lumbermen felled trees, and immigrant settlers cleared farms. Over time, each group left its mark on the landscape.

Thanks to extensive archeology research performed by members of the Ontario Archaeological Society, the park has been able to bring its rich human history to life. So rich in fact, that research has uncovered human activity in the region that dates as far back as 3000 B.C. There are several events you can be a part of throughout the year, simply log on to the Friends of Bonnechere website to find out more.

Nearby and Natural

Bonnechere is a great base camp for exploring the natural and historical wealth of the region. Once you are finished discovering the wonders of the park, hop in your car, grab your hiking boots or paddle and discover some of these hidden gems.

Basin Depot, a historical site located a few kilometres north of the main campground inside the boundary of Algonquin Park, contains the ruins of an old shantytown loggers inhabited between 1850 and 1913. A well-constructed log home built by the McLachlin Lumber Company in 1892 is still intact, making it the oldest standing building in the Algonquin region. The house served as a hospital during a diphtheria epidemic in 1911, and at least seven gravesites hidden in a nearby poplar grove remain as signs of the outbreak. There are ten self-guided hikes to various historic and scenic sites along the upper Bonnechere River at Basin Depot.

Heading in the opposite direction, take a driving tour of the Bonnechere River Watershed to Eganville. Once there, you can visit the Bonnechere Museum, which features the natural and cultural landscapes of the Bonnechere River watershed. After lunch, follow the Fourth Chute Road to Ontario's Natural Underground Wonder - the Bonnechere Caves where award-winning guides lead you underground through a series of eerie and entrancing passages.