Archive for the 'Campsites & Parks' Category


Wilderness Lodging

October 4, 2009
posted by backcountrybill @ 21:25 PM

There are many definitions for the term ‘wilderness.’   Wikipedia describes it as a ‘natural environment on earth that has not been significantly modified by humanity.’  In a sense, then, wilderness lodging could be considered an oxymoron.  However, definitions aside, wilderness lodging does exist, and for good reason.  It allows people to experience the wilderness in a short period of time, with a minimum of negative impact and personal discomfort.  Even if you love camping in the wilderness, you may want to take advantage of wilderness lodging when it is available.

Humans are having a great impact on planet earth, and it would be a daunting task to find any place completely devoid of human influence.  From bits of micro-trash to traces of chemicals in our water, our presence can be found everywhere – from the jungles of Borneo to the Arctic glaciers and the bottom of the ocean.  Whether we like it or not, wilderness only exists in a relative sense.  So, if the lodging doesn’t significantly modify the surrounding area, wilderness lodging is a viable concept.  Not only that, it makes sense.

Having an appreciation for wilderness will help motivate us to decrease our impact on the natural environment.  So, the more people we can get to enjoy clean air, quiet, natural beauty, and the wildness of the natural world, the better.  Wilderness lodging is a key component of this, especially for people who aren’t willing or able to walk long distances and camp out of doors.

For those who enjoy hiking and camping, it still makes sense to take advantage of wilderness lodging when it is available.  You will lower your negative impact on the environment and the creatures residing therein.  There are some fantastic places out there to explore, and wilderness lodging is an option nobody should discount.  See you out there!



Camping on the Beach

August 12, 2009
posted by My-Next-Vacation @ 11:25 AM

There’s nothing better than falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the ocean’s waves, which makes beach camping appealing to a lot of people. With beach camping, there are a wide range of fun activities just a few moments away, which makes it appealing for both couples and families. Beach camping is also great because the ocean often deters pests like mosquitoes, that tend to frequent areas near lakes and rivers.

When planning a beach vacation, it’s important to be aware of all the beach campsites available. Camping on the beach can be a real hassle because of all the sand, and tent camping on a beach can be somewhat difficult. In general, it’s a good idea to be a few feet back from the beach on a grassy area, instead of right on the sand. With the beach, it’s also important to be aware of animals like seagulls, which are notorious for grabbing food and other objects if left unattended. The beach can also be frequented by other animals, as tributaries often feed into the ocean, so it’s best to be aware if there are bears or other dangerous animals in the area.



Camping on the Beach

June 25, 2009
posted by backcountrybill @ 21:23 PM

The ocean has a mystical allure, and camping near the ocean can be a great way to spend a block of time at the beach.  The usual rules apply when setting up a beach campsite – find a safe location, don’t damage the environment, and maximize comfort.  However, camping at the beach presents some special challenges and opportunities that you won’t encounter camping in the mountains.  Special rules often apply at beaches, due to their unique and coveted nature.  A beach campsite gives you a unique opportunity to relax and have fun in a beautiful place.

Many public beaches do not allow beach camping at all.  If camping is allowed, it may be restricted to a campground away from the beach, or there may be special rules regarding glass, open fires, and motor vehicles at a beach campsite.  Other beaches may be totally unregulated and you will have to use common sense when setting up camp.  Remember to stay safe, get comfortable, and tread lightly.  Minimize your impact on the environment.

Beaches are always humid places.  For that reason, dew  will form at night and it is wise to plan accordingly.  Depending on the weather, sleeping out in the open can be great, but be prepared for a damp, chilly experience right around dawn.  Making a tent part of your beach campsite will take care of this problem, and will block wind and blowing sand.  During the day, a tent will also provide welcome shelter from the sun and wind.

The ocean demands the utmost respect from land-dwelling mammals.  Dangerous currents, rough surf, and tenacious sea creatures abound.  Be careful, especially with children.  Also, tides come in and go out.  Understand the tide cycle before setting up your camp.

Overall, beach camping can be great family fun, and a romantic getaway for couples.  Surfers and fishermen have their own reasons for spending time at the beach.  Beach camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the ocean!



spa resort

May 14, 2009
posted by My-Next-Vacation @ 11:30 AM

When it comes to camping, location is always essential to enjoyment.  While it might seem like fun camping in certain places, there are always a few factors to consider.  For example, if the location is a lake and has flats or marshes near it, chances are there will be a lot of mosquitoes, which are irritating enough to ruin a vacation alone.  It’s also important to consider weather; don’t count on fair weather all the time when camping at high altitudes or on the coast.  Despite the possibility of inclement weather conditions, the beach is a great place to camp.  The ideal beach campsite won’t be right on the beach (mostly to avoid all the nasty sand that gets in the tent and all over the campsite), but an ideal location is great for all the various beach activities, camping activities, and fantastic sunsets. 

It’s also important to bring the right camping equipment for the location; you might need rain gear, a rain fly for the tent, and waterproof boots for example.  For high altitude camping, it’s important to have a four season tent if there’s even a chance of snow.  Being prepared is more than half the battle when it comes to an enjoyable camping trip!



The Perfect Campsite

April 29, 2009
posted by backcountrybill @ 19:54 PM

Camping is a wonderful way to spend time out of doors.  There are many factors that make up a great campsite, and the perfect site may be unattainable, like a mirage hovering in the distance.  On the other hand, if you follow these simple guidelines and lower your standards just a bit, you can have the perfect campsite every time.

There are 3 things to keep in mind when selecting a campsite.  These guidelines are important whether you are at a developed campground, backpacking in the woods, or stranded on a tropical island.  Safety should be your primary concern, especially when camping with children.  Next, consider your impact on the environment, especially if you are creating your own campsite in an undeveloped area.  And finally, consider the function of the camp in terms of the various tasks you will be performing.

Safety first.  Take a look around.  What are the hazards?  What if bad weather comes in?  Lightning.  Floods.  Falling rock.  Your campsite should be in a safe place, and your tent should be sheltered, out of the wind, and away from natural hazards like rivers or cliffs, cactus or poison ivy.

Leave only footprints.  That pristine meadow may be a tempting campsite, but what will it look like after you leave?  If you are in a developed campground, there will be an obvious place to set up your tent.  Avoid trampling vegetation, damaging trees, or scarring the land.  Use bathrooms, if available, or handle your elimination wisely and discreetly.  If you have a fire, use an existing fire pit or make your own and dismantle it after you leave.

Get comfortable.  This is the fun part of selecting a campsite.  Find a level, soft place to sleep.  Look for a nice spot for cooking and eating.  Think about morning sun, or shade, depending on the weather.  How is the view?  These things will go a long way towards turning an adequate spot into the perfect campsite!



Early Camper gets the Fish!

April 2, 2009
posted by rcheyne @ 3:50 AM

 

Hurry! The snow & ice is melting everywhere across North America. In some places, it’s already completely gone! And you know what that means, right?

The fish are hungry and ready to bite. Do you have a line in the water?

Spring Break & May Long weekend both make great times to get out camping with the family or just away for the weekend by yourself (or maybe a buddy or two). Streams and creeks are opening up as ice disappears giving the early camper the most exciting fishing experiences of the year.

If you have kids, I encourage you to get them fishing now rather than later in the year ~ especially the little ones. The fish are so hungry right now (and with the absense of many insects and bugs) they will bite on almost anything no matter what the experience of the fisher. Kids are sure to land a big one!

So grab a map or go online and find a campsite today, but whatever you do … just get out with the family and away from the Television. There’s just too much good nature waiting for you.



Bed Space & Free Breakfast — How Can You Go Wrong?

March 20, 2009
posted by My-Next-Vacation @ 8:00 AM

If you are a cross-country wilderness traveler, it is important to have a site map that will guide you with all your travel needs. Bed and breakfasts are places where people can stay as transients. These places include bed space and free breakfast before a guest leaves in the morning. They are generally designed for cross-country travelers with RVs.

There are also lodging houses and resorts that offer special packages for short time travelers. Some travel agencies specialize in arranging such package tours for people who love going on adventures. Simply book the package you want and they will arrange all the reservations as well as other add-on tours.



Plan Ahead to Spend Nights in Comfort

March 6, 2009
posted by My-Next-Vacation @ 14:43 PM

If you’re planning a long road trip across the states, make sure you have a map to guide you where you can sleep comfortably during the night. Some travel agencies specialize in this type of travel to make your road trip hassle free. If you want to go on a college road trip, such companies can arrange school tours for potential college students who are scouting for the ideal university.

They can guide you to good bed and breakfast lodging houses and where to park when you need a quick pit-stop. These agencies also have guides to direct you where to replenish your supplies and fuel. Lodging houses have amenities especially designed for long travelers. Some even have spas where you can have a good massage and relax your tired body from the long drive



Set up an RV campsite just about anywhere

February 27, 2009
posted by backcountrybill @ 9:02 AM

Recreational Vehicles (RV’s) come in just about every shape and size, from a standard van to a 2 bedroom house.  Even the smallest RV’s have basic amenities – bed, kitchen, bath, storage and entertainment.  These things allow you to feel at home no matter where you are.  When it is time to park, there are some key ingredients that will make your RV Campsite really special.

First, your RV Campsite needs to be safe.  Treacherous roads are usually not worth the risk of damaging your RV or getting stuck.  Consider the weather, or the possibility of a mechanical problem with your vehicle if you are going into remote country.  A city street may seem OK during the day, but it might not feel comfortable at night.

Depending on how long you are staying, your RV Campsite needs to meet your needs in terms of hookups.  If you are using a lot of power and water for an extended period, you will need to hook up to these things.  If your ideal RV Campsite is in a remote area, you can bring a generator for power.  Sometimes running your vehicle can charge your electrical system.  And you can always filter, treat or boil water from a safe water source if you run out.

Finally, your RV Campsite should be in a place that you enjoy.  Do you like the ocean?  Then find a spot on the coast.  If you like fishing, find a campsite near a lake or stream.  Find a quiet site if you enjoy peace and solitude.  There are many campsites just for RV’ers if you want to meet like minded people.

Keeping these basic things in mind will help you find a good RV Campsite.  There are infinite possibilities out there, and some of them are really incredible.  An RV allows you to enjoy these places in style.  Happy RV-ing.

‘From the redwood forests to the gulf stream waters, this land was made for you and me.’
Woody Guthrie, who probably would have loved RV Camping!



For The Love Of The Outdoors

February 10, 2009
posted by My-Next-Vacation @ 7:20 AM

A lot of people love to go camping during the summer.  They enjoy spending time in the great outdoors and just relaxing far away from the city.  They go to their favorite campsites and set up their tents and barbecues and have lots of fun.

There are different campsites to choose from.  There are campsites that offer a lot of amenities like hot showers, barbecue grills, satellite phones and more.  But some just offer the basic sewer provision and that’s it.  You can really have a great camping experience whether you are bombarded with technological innovations or just plain roughing it.  The whole family will enjoy the experience since you are all together having fun.