Sunshine Campground Guide To Tent Camping In This Great Country

Posted on October 15, 2011 by

Article by Tommy Donalds

Planning is important to a productive camping experience. To be a retired Army Airborne Ranger, posessing had to live beyond a ruck (back pack) for lots of days, having an appropriate camping gear as soon as you’re camping probably will make the experience so much more enjoyable. The best tents for families are tents who have separate rooms. Since we need two children our own tent has some rooms — my family and i slept in a location, the kids slept inside of a room, and the appearance room was the dressing and closet. We use a variety of foam and blow up mattresses. There are a lot of alternatives accessible for every single of these items.TentsCamping tents come in a lot of sizes and styles. The contemporary tents of right now are made employing sturdy, long lasting materials that are created to final. They are easier to set up and take down than the tents of old. There are lightweight one particular or two person tents on up to household tents that will sleep eight or far more persons comfortably. There are dome tents and cabin style tents. Tents are also rated by how a lot of seasons they can be used in comfort. Unless of course you camp in the coldest component of the winter or camp in extreme climates, a excellent three-season tent will typically take you any location you wish to camp. Typically speaking, the far more seasons for which a tent is rated, the more it fees.A tent requirements to have excellent ventilation to insure that you are cool in the warmer instances of the year with no as well a lot condensation. The good top quality tents have doors, windows, and mesh panels that enable you to get a very good flow of air by means of your tent. At the same time, the exact same tent can be closed up for the cooler temperatures generating it comfortable at night or in cooler climates. A lot of tents also have a fly above the main physique of the tent that makes it possible for very good ventilation even when it is raining. Some tents come equipped with a bath tub bottom that helps to maintain water from coming into the tent from the bottom.Be certain to check the size of the tent – length, width, and height – to make positive that it will fit your family’s needs. If you are one particular who spends more time in your tent than just sleeping time, you may want to get a tent in which you can stand up straight. If you are really tall, you want to make sure that when you are sleeping, you will be in a position to stretch out complete length. If every person will have their very own camping bed, it is critical to make confident that there is sufficient floor space for every person.Sleeping BagsAs with tents, there are a lot of various designs of sleeping bags. To select the appropriate one for each and every member of your family, you require to take numerous points into consideration. There are sleeping bags accessible for youngsters, ladies, and tall or broad individuals. There are also double sleeping bags and single bags that can be zipped collectively to make a double bag. Sleeping bags have zippers on the appropriate or left side. They are made from various supplies which are rated for distinct temperature ranges. Normally, the colder the temperature for which the bag is rated, the much more expensive it is. To support retain the price down, specifically if you do not program to camp when it is very cold, you can acquire a sleeping bag liner that will improve the temperature at which you can sleep comfortably. Sleeping bags come in rectangular, modified mummy and mummy types.

 

 

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Cold Weather Camping Tips

Posted on October 15, 2011 by

Article by Tim Dales

A number of my friends take their kids to the desert in December to go dirt biking and they complain about the cold camping. Well, here are a number of tips that I’ve used when cold weather camping that will make your campout more enjoyable.

The obvious first tip is to bring warm clothes. So why am I mentioning this? So, you’ll bring the right clothes! Bring gloves, ski jackets, wool hats, wool socks, long underwear, turtleneck shirts, sweat pants, sweaters and lots of extra clothes that you can layer. Unlike summer camping where you can get away with a couple of t-shirts and a pair of shorts. Plan to over pack during cold weather. As the old adage goes, “It’s easier to put on clothes you have than clothes you don’t have!”

Shelter – Find a place to shelter your tent from winds. I know it may be hard to do this in a desert, but try to make camp on the edge of a dry lakebed, not in the middle. If the wind seems to be coming from a particular direction, park your vehicle to block the wind.

During the day you keep warm by being active – hiking, dirt biking, etc. At night when it gets colder and sleep beacons you is when you need to be prepared.

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How to store food when camping.

Posted on October 15, 2011 by

Camping is supposed to be a stress-free and relaxing venture, with some healthy as well as not-so healthy meals and campfire snacks.  For short camping trips, like weekends or shorter, one cooler with food and one with ice will do nicely for your food storage requirements.  Any non-perishable items, like spices, flour, corn meal (for the trout!), potatoes, onions and pancake mixes can be stored in a trunk or backseat of a car or van.  How to store perishable foods while camping is where we have to start getting thoughtful.

When we go camping, especially in the backwoods where there are no stores to re-supply the foods that we brought with us and lost to hungry and curious animals, storing our food properly becomes imperative.  When camping at a Federal, Provincial or State Park, or a private campground, you can be sure that there will be a town very close by, as well as a canteen and small store within the campground.  There are a few different scenarios that define how to store food while camping, and each provides their own unique requirements and safety procedures.

When camping in the wilderness, it is usually a good idea to spray some wolf urine around your campsite, which should deter other carnivorous animals from investigating your campsite area.  If you have your vehicles with you, and not parked miles from your campsite, then storing all canned goods and liquids, aside from milk and fresh juices in the trunk or the body of a van.

You should bring enough coolers to store all perishable foodstuffs inside them with ice, preferably blocks, and dry ice if you can find it, as it lasts much longer, and chills quicker.  Add one more cooler to your number of required food coolers, for beers, soft drinks, milk and fresh juices.  When you leave your campsite, never leave food coolers inside any tents, or even inside vehicles, as bears can easily gain access to your vehicle to get at the food inside if they can smell it.

Since bears, wolves and other carnivores can smell food with great certainty and have the strength to break windows and tear doors off of their hinges, break into trunks and tear tents apart without much effort, you must hide the food coolers where no strong, carnivorous animals can reach them.  Yes, that means hanging them from high tree branches.

When hiding coolers up in trees, they must not be reachable from the ground or a branch.  Tie the cooler closed, and wrap a rope around a high branch.  Connect this rope to the rope tied around the cooler(s), and pull the cooler up to at least 20 feet high, and as far from the tree’s trunk as possible.  Tie the rope that is holding the cooler in place securely, at a height and location that would not be readily found by the animals.

Digging a hole to store your food in used to be a popular idea for many campers, until they returned to camp from a day of fishing or swimming to find all of their food gone.  Even after spraying wolf urine, or other animal distractions over where you buried your food, most animals will find it.

Another myth for storing food is to submerge it in a local water pool, stream, river or lake, weighted down with rocks and tied by rope to a shoreline tree.  The problem with this is that bears can find it, as well as the varied marine life in the waters.  Foods could also become contaminated from e.coli or other bacterium in the water.  This is a great way to store live fish for later eating, and maybe drinks and beers if the water is cold, but not for food that you rely upon.

Having one good cooler, a bit more pricey than most, but with extra-long cooling capacity, and a nearly unbreakable cover is well worth the investment, especially where ice may not be available.  For these types of situations, you should buy a few Styrofoam coolers, worth under each, for storing blocks of ice in.  As the ice melts, take the water out for either drinking or cooking water.

As far as ice goes, the colder the food, the harder it is for animals to smell it.  So, with an abundance of ice and a 100 foot length of one-quarter inch rope, you should be pretty well covered for keeping your food safe.   Foods that will not be used the first day of camping should be frozen before leaving home, and placed in a cooler, both as for protection as for adding more cold to the cooler to help keep other perishable foods from going bad.

However, if there are no trees where you’re camping, you may just have to resort to digging a three to four foot hole to bury your food coolers in.  A deep hole will also provide insulation for the cooler, and make the ice last much longer, and the food cold and edible much longer.

And if you happen to be camping in a tent trailer, trailer or RV, then your fridge will be a great place to store foods, as well as all of your cupboards.  In private campgrounds, keeping your coolers in a food or dining tent (or a bug tent), or even a sleeping tent is alright, as there should be no animals other than squirrels and chipmunks to want your foods.

And, when camping, never feed wild animals around your campsite, as it will make them come back for more.  And, if you are not around when they do come back, they may just get overly zealous in trying to get their dirty little paws on your food.

Camp safe.  Camp informed.

 

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Before, During, and After Camping Tips

Posted on October 14, 2011 by

Article by Arnel Prieto Solis

It is another time for camping. That is why I am here again to give you ideas about what to do before, during, and after camping. I will ensure to you that the following will provide you a hassle-free camping.

Before Camping

When planning for a campout, it is always great if you have it somewhere new to us. A new place for camping will be a very good idea that will be enjoyed by your family and friends. However, you need to check the place beforehand so that you will know the rules and regulations of the place. Through checking, you will also know if there are shops nearby that sell food or any gear so that you do not have to bring all necessary gears from your home. Inquire about the necessary things that you want to know.

In bringing your gears, you need to pack everything you will bring at least a night or 2 days before. Some of the important camping gears that you should bring are sleeping pads, tent, portable stove, portable water purifier, 3 way camping fridge, flashlight, etc. Do not forget to fill your mini fridge with drinks and food that is enough for your days of camping. When you pack it on the day you will leave for camping, surely your family and friends will get irritated of waiting, especially if you bring your kids along. Spoiling their mood will be an awful idea. It is always nice to be ready when you are going out with your family and friends.

During Camping

It is advisable that you arrive at the campsite early, especially during daytime so that you will have adequate time to go around the area and choose the campground where you want to set up your tent. The choice of campground will depend on your needs. You need to take extra cautious when choosing the campground especially if kids are with you.

From the time you set up your tent and your days camping, ensure that you make friends with the other campers. You will be with them for days so it is better if you build rapport with them. It is a good feeling that you make new friends. Who knows, they can be your camping buddy on your next plan in the outdoor.

Further, always follow the rules and regulations of the camping resort. Have fun with the place, the people, and the activities you planned. There are lots of things that you can do in the outdoor. After the tiring day, reward yourself with ice cold drinks and sumptuous meal. But, always remember that you have to clean your mess after every meal so as not to attract insects and bugs.

After Camping

Before leaving the site, give your goodbyes to your new friends. You can even get their contact numbers so that you will still have a fun time ahead.

Upon arriving back home, unload your things immediately. You can also check the gears you brought with you so that you will know if you have to bring the same gear again next time. This will also let you know of the other gears you will bring on your next camping. Then, be sure to clean your tent right away.

 

Arnel will provide you all the information you need about hassle-free camping.

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Camping Guidelines

Posted on October 14, 2011 by

Camping is an excellent outdoor recreational activity. Basically for camping, the campers leave urban areas, their home district, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights in the great outdoors. Camping involves the use of a tent, cabin, caravan, motor home, a primitive structure, or no shelter at all (minimalistic). Camping is an awesome activity as well as it having some complexities. Therefore campers should acquire some basic tips and principal guidelines on camping. Here I have drawn some basic camping guidelines: Backpacking: The general principle of backpacking for camping is taking lighter weight items that would be at the bottom of a backpack and heavier items would be at the top, close to the body. The gear needed and how it’s packed will be dependent on the type of trip planned and the type of conditions a person plans to go in. Like, if you are planning to be scrambling or hiking off-trail on rough terrain or snow, you might want to pack the lower weight items to ensure the free movement against the center of gravity. However, while backpacking for a general camping don’t forget to take below mentioned things

Sleeping bag
Mattresses
Clothes depends on weather or temperature
Tents and tarps
Food, cooking utensils and fuel
Essential items ( sprays, repellant etc) for the protection from mosquito’s and insects
Personal items

Camping tips:

Don’t buy cheap camping equipment and tents just to save a few dollars, for such non stability or lower grade products you may be in bigger trouble if poor quality tents for example collapse when you’re hit by a sudden storm. So, it’s best to buy durable and high quality camping gear that you can rely on.
At the campsite, don’t leave food unattended for this may attract bears. Close encounters with bears and other wild creatures is one thing you want to avoid during camping trips. Be sure to put away any surplus food or food containers before you go away from the tent or before sleep.
Try not eating inside the tent. This is a precaution to avoid the small but horrible insects like ants that will follow trails of crumbs inside your tent and will possibly feast on your skin. To keep safe from snakes don’t forget to keep phenol in campsite.
You should protect yourself from mosquitoes and other harmful insects which are common residents in forest areas. These awful insects being as tiny as they are can cause different kinds of diseases like malaria and dengue. Be sure to pack sufficient insect repellent and to bring a tent with mesh screens to protect yourself from mosquito.
Never use or attempt to illuminate candles, cook or use gas lanterns inside your tent. This is awfully hazardous and may start a fire.
Select a safe and well known campsite. Don’t go for isolated areas that are very far from your region. There are many camping spots which are fully safe and secured and may have a security guard to keep you safe even at night. However if you’re the adventurous type and love to go camping in the middle of the forest or far from civilization, it is wise to take suggestion’s from fellow campers to choose such adventurous camping spots.


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Survivor Camping Checklist

Posted on October 14, 2011 by

Camping in the wild rather than camping in camping reserves is a great way to have a new, natural experience. Camping in the wild not only removes you from other people completely, but also contributes to the experience by giving you the opportunity to hunt (if the state or region you’re camping in allows it). When camping in the wild, choose a location that would be ideal. Somewhere relatively flat to set up camp would be good. Also, try to camp near or in the forest if possible with a river or lake/pond if possible. Your location will determine the type of food you may be eating if you decide to hunt, as discussed later.

Just because you’re going to be camping in the wild doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t bring the equipment that you normally would. Bring all your usual camping gear, camping equipment, tents, etc. This is where you should remember your actual camping checklist.

Bring other people with you. When going camping, don’t forget to bring other people not only for enjoyment but safety as well. Bringing other people when going on a camping trip is a great way to spend quality time with them as well as prevent loneliness because camping alone can be very lonely, especially out in the wilderness. Also, bringing people along with you can help with safety because you never know when something will happen. If something happens when you are all alone, no one will be there to help you.

To have a truly great camping experience, you should hunt for your food. Since some states don’t allow shooting and hunting in the wild, try to plan for camping in a state that does. Make sure that you bring rifles for animals such as bears and deer. You should also bring shotguns for bird and duck shooting. Don’t forget to bring extra ammo, or you will go hungry! Note: If hunting is not something you enjoy, then by all means bring food with you.

Another good way to have a great experience is to cook your food with a fire. Usually, camping reserves have little trailers or buildings in the area that have washing machines and kitchens, for you laundry and food. However, this doesn’t give you an idea of what some people do to survive in the wild. You can build this fire from sticks or you can bring a small kit to build it.

 

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Camping in Colorado

Posted on October 14, 2011 by

Where to Camp in Colorado?

Ok, so you have set yourself aside some cash, tents etc. to go camping. Then you ask yourself where do I go?

It depends how long you are staying. In most cases you will have to drive to the camping spots which takes chunk of time. If you have a week, I suggest you pick 1 spot to stay. There is so much in one area to explore of Colorado with its vast variety of landscape. If you go from campsite to campsite, you waste precious time to explore what is right in front of you. I call this gypsy camping. If you are staying for an extended period of time say 2-3 weeks, campsite jumping isn’t as bad. A basic rule of thumb is: the shorter your vacation is the more beautiful your camping experience should be.

Ok, on to the places to camp! Here are my camping spots. In my younger days these were the spots that impacted me the most.
I will add them to the list as my schedule permits. Here are some teasers to get you started.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
This place is just plain awesome. It is located in south central Colorado due northeast of Alamosa. What it is, is a large collection of sand dunes trapped in between the southerly winds and mountain range behind it. The Campground sits in between the base of the mountains and the tallest dune, the Star dune. There are various activities, like the junior ranger program, visitor’s center and the nightly amphitheater shows. You can even set out on your own adventure to the top of the Star dune that sits at 750 feet. The campsite provides 2 loops for camping each with a bathroom with flushing toilets. There are also electric sites for trailers provided which is a huge plus. All in All this place is great for children. The best time to go is between May and early July, due to medano creek that run just below the sand dune line away from the campground. This creek is fed by the snow melt from the nearby mountains in the spring and dries up in late summer.

2. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde is located in far southwestern Colorado. It is the home to a group cave dwellings that date back to the 13th century. These dwellings belonged to a group of Indians called Anasazi who carved the dwellings into the sides of cliffs. The campground sits on a mesa with a road leading access to the various dwelling exhibits. Make sure you have a full day for this site as touring the place will surprisingly take up some time. Again this place is good for children. There is a trail that runs just off the campground onto the edge of the mountain it sits on. The view there is spectacular. It is as if I was looking at a map.

3. Monarch Pass

If you are looking for the ultimate camping experience, monarch pass is the place. The pass itself sits on the continental divide and can be accessed on highway 50, in western Colorado. At the top of pass, there sits a lodge where many campers can refuel and get supplies. There are several camping spots in this area. The one I camped at was down west of the summit off of highway 50. This campsite is beautiful. It is nestled in a valley between highway 50 and the mountains. This spot often attracts fisherman as it is pock marked with ponds connected by a network of streams. The camping is quiet and calm. If you choose to stay here, you may find yourself wanting to stay awhile. If you want to keep dry the best time to stay is in June. Various hiking trails like Brown Creek trail and Fooses Creek Trail are good adventures for a day. Also, the view from the bottom of the valley to the sides of the mountains is breathtaking in the morning. All and all, come here if you are looking for peace, quiet and fun.

4. Ridgeway State Park by Ouray

North of Ouray in west central CO , Ridgeway State Park is has a large lake as its main attraction. You may choose to stay closer to the lake down below, or on the bluff that looks over the lake above. It is one of the more luxurious campsites in CO as it has fully heated, showers, a laundry facility and flushing toilets. There are a plethora number of campsites that allow for a less crowded camping environment. If you like to boat it this is the place for you; for the water is clean and clear.
Ridgeways close proximity to Ouray will also make your trip worthwhile. Ouray is loaded with tourist attractions including its own outside hot springs swimming pool. Rock-climbing is also a prevalent activity. The main strip is lined with shops that will interest many. One of my favorite shops was the rock shop there, where I learned how to gold pan. You can find all sorts of jewelry at this store and various rocks that most places don’t even carry. Just above Ouray is a valley called Yankee Boy Basin. It is a basin tucked into the mountains, that is covered in beautiful flowers and has numerous waterfalls running through the middle of the basin. You will be amazed at the beauty of this area in Colorado!

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Buying a Camping Tent

Posted on October 14, 2011 by

As long as you aware of the advantages and disadvantages associated with the various types then you are one step away from having the perfect tent.

The first determining factor would be the size of the tent. Depending on the number of persons that you want to have in each tent the choice in size will vary. This will cut down on the number of tents that you have to look at as well. So decide how comfortable you want to be and narrow down the search a bit.

The next thing to consider is the weight of the tent. If it is a case in which you will be hiking or backpacking through the woods then you would not want a heavy tent to lug around. It should be easy to pull down, fold up and carry and set up in the next location. The easiest type to do all this is the dome tent so you can narrow down your search even more and find a convenient size in that category if hiking is on your agenda.

You also have to be a sort of weatherman when it comes to making your selections. If you are going to be making camp in a windy spot then the dome tent would not be appropriate. The tunnel tent would be perfect. After all you do not want to be chasing after your tent when the winds hit you.

You should also pay attention to the type of material that is in the tent. The lighter fabrics, usually a synthetic material is great for carrying around from spot to spot. If you plan to make camp in one location then a canvas tent would be perfect. It is much more durable than the synthetic and as it will only be used in one location is ideal.

So get on the internet, sort the choices, cut them don to size and decide on which tents for camping you are going to get.

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Tips For Choosing Camping Cookware

Posted on October 14, 2011 by

Selecting camping cookware is an important decision. Survival in the outdoors depends on a person’s ability to eat, which is why it is wise to invest in the best quality of camping cookware that you can afford. Even if you are only going on a short camping trip, it is always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared in the event of an emergency. Nature can be quite fickle and unpredictable, and a two-day camping trip can often turn into a week-long battle for survival.

 

Durability is the most important consideration when looking for camping cookware. Most cookware designed for outdoor use is made of cast iron or stainless steel. Both are terrific, since they are both durable and affordable. Stainless steel is lightweight, rust-resistant and easy to clean. Cast iron, on the other hand, is extremely heavy and will rust if not “seasoned” first. Cast iron is also nearly indestructible. There are many cast iron skillets and frying pans in use today that were made over a hundred years ago.

 

Cast iron is often preferable to stainless steel because of its heat-retention properties. When cooking over an open fire, which can fluctuate in temperature, cast iron allows food to be cooked at an even level of heat. Cast iron can also withstand higher temperatures than stainless steel.

 

Some camping cookware is made out of aluminum. While aluminum cookware is lightweight and inexpensive, it is far inferior in many ways than stainless steel or cast iron. Aluminum can react with acidic foods, causing them to taste funny. This is canned vegetables never taste the same as fresh or frozen vegetables. There are many experts who believe that exposure to aluminum can be toxic over long periods of time.

 

Portability is another important consideration. While a 50-piece cast iron outdoor cooking set may look nice in a Cabela’s catalog or a Gander Mountain showroom, it is impractical for the recreational camper or hiker. It is best to start with the cookware essentials and then gradually add to your collection than to purchase tons of cookware you do not need. The basics should include a skillet, collapsible drinking cups, knives and forks, and a pot for boiling water. These items are the only things needed for a basic camping trip.

 

Price is the final consideration. In the world of camping cookware, high prices do not necessarily mean better quality. The best-quality items are those that have been around for generations, not gimmicky cookware that boasts the latest in innovative design and high-shine non-stick finishes. Camping should be about simplicity, and the simple things in life are often the most affordable.

 

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Choosing the Right Portable Fire Pits

Posted on October 13, 2011 by

There are many different styles of portable fire pits on the market, so many that the choices can often be a little overwhelming. Outdoor portable fire pits can make a wonderful addition to just about any yard décor, and because they are portable, they can be take with you camping, RV’ing, and stored when you are not using them. Here are some tips to help you pick the right one.

The first thing to really think about when it comes to choosing the right portable fire pits is what you plan on using them for. There are outdoor portable fire pits that are strictly for heating, others can be used for cooking. There are also a couple different types of fuel used. One is the basic wood or charcoal fire pit. These should always have some sort of ash collector at the bottom, one that can be removed and emptied when the coals are cool. Another kind of fire pit is one that operates on a propane cylinder, either one of those small 14-16 ounce tanks, or a bigger five gallon tank.

If you choose one of these, make sure that the hoses are long enough so the tank itself isn’t close to the heat, and the hoses are heavy duty. While ash isn’t a problem, if you are going to use these for cooking, they too should have some kind of catch tray for cleaning up grease and other spills.

Durability is a big concern when it comes to choosing the right portable fire pits. One thing to watch for is the materials these outdoor portable fire pits are made from. There are some factors to consider. Heavy-duty iron or steel are both great materials for making fire pits out of. They are relatively easy to clean, and are great for both heating an area, as well as cooking on. However, there are some drawbacks.

One of them is that while they do well at retaining heat, this means that you have to wait longer for them to be cool enough to move. Make sure that the handles are far enough away from the fire pit itself, and have some sort of stay-cool material.

One of the most important aspects of buying these portable fire pits are the legs. They have to be stable; most outdoor portable fire pits come with three legs. These should be at least four to six inches high, to keep the hot coals from burning your grass or patio. They should have a large flat surface on the bottom, so they don’t sink into soft ground.

Now for choosing a good design. There is an abundance of different portable fire pits designs to choose from. You can get outdoor portable fire pits that have your favorite team logo cut out of the sides of the ring, you can buy ones with zoo animals, cowboy themes, as well as outdoor scenes, just to name a few. These add a really nice touch to your pit, plus they give off a nice glow and reflection on the ground. They can be a simple or as elaborate as you want, as long as they don’t compromise the integrity of the fire pit itself.

 

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