Camping Tips

We left Regina, Saskatchewan Monday, June 30, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.  It was a hot 30 C (86 F) afternoon.  As we travelled South on Highway #6, all we saw was a sea of green fields. This is a great time to travel through this part of the province and seeing the green pastures and grain fields.

We reached the Canada/U.S. border crossing about an hour and a half later.  The usual questions from the Border Guard/Customs Officer, a quick inspection of the trunk and back seat area of the car, then a “good day” and we were allowed to continue on our way.

The first town that we passed through was Plentywood, Montana.  We noticed the price of gas was $4.199 per gallon.  Gas was quite a bit lower here than in Regina.  Our first stop was in Sydney, MT around 6:00 p.m.  Gas price here was $4.219 per gallon.  We made a quick stop at the local IGA grocery to pick up a few things for supper, and then looked for a shady spot to eat.  Then we were on our way, arriving in Glendive, MT at 7:30 p.m.  We decided to call it a day and checked in to the Riverside Inn Motel for the night.

We left the motel at 9:00 a.m. the morning of July 1, 2008.  We stopped for gas and were on our way.  We were now travelling West on I94 through an area that usually looks desolate and dry this time of year.  One thing that was noticed, the Yucca plants were in full bloom in the pastures and ditches.  Wild Morning Glories were also evident in this area.  Also evident in this area is the amount of irrigation.  There were quite a variety of methods, including: ditches, pipes, and the typical overhead sprinklers.  There were also many herds of Black Angus cattle in this area. 

We arrived in Miles City about 10:30 a.m. The price of gas here was $4.099 per gallon.  We decided to have brunch at a 4B’s restaurant (exit 138 on I94).  We had Bacon and eggs with toast (not Texas toast as we are used to), plus coffee and a hot chocolate.  It was a good meal for a cost of $15.00 USD.  We were back on I94 by 11:15 a.m. 

Today, we are starting to notice an increase in “big rig RV’s”.  Most of the RV’s are the very large class A and motor coach type.  These outfits are beautiful, but must be very expensive to operate with today’s fuel costs.

Rest Areas are adequate along most Interstate highways.  Rest areas usually included: washrooms, information about the area, a few picnic tables with some shade and sometimes a drink machine.  At one of these rest stops, we noticed a sign warning people to stay on the walkways because of rattlesnake sightings.

As is typical for this time of year, there are areas of highway construction and repair sometimes causing minor delays or a reduction in speed.

We arrived in Billings, MT before 1:30 p.m.  Gas price here was $4.099 per gallon. 

We have travelled for many years and have found the need to get out of the car a necessity as we get older.  On these very hot days, the local mall usually serves as a good area to go for a walk, relax and have a nice cold drink.  The Rimrock Mall was our choice for today.  We left the mall about 3:00 p.m. and headed for Albertson’s for a few groceries.  We left the city about 4:00 amid dark, cloudy skies.  The air temperature had also dropped a bit. 

We are now travelling on I90.  We left I90 at exit 434 (highway #212) to Red Lodge.  There are snow capped mountains in the distance plus the skies have darkened even more and there is lightning to the Northwest.  We stopped in Laurel for gas ($4.089 per gallon). 

We pulled into Red Lodge KOA Campground at about 5:00 p.m.  We were allowed to pick out our own campsite ($26.15).  We chose a site under a gigantic poplar tree with a babbling brook at the back of the site.  Storm clouds have now started to gather and a few sprinkles of rain have started.  We started to setup our campsite, starting with our new 6′ X 8′ Canadian Tire “Escape” tent.  We set up the tent, pumped up our queen size airbed and put our bedding on the mattress.  We have used regular bedding for the last few years, especially since we now use a queen size air mattress to cushion our aging bodies.  The mattress fits beautifully into this size tent.  We then ate some supper.

We decided to put things away in the tent as a rain shower started.  This was a good time to check out what this campground had for indoor activities.  As we got to the main building, it started to rain a bit more.  Within a few minutes the shower had turned into a downpour with a bit of hail mixed in, along with thunder, lightning and lots of wind. While we waited out the storm in the main building, we hoped for the best for our new tent and stuff inside it.  It was a wild 20 minutes of heavy rain and wicked wind.  At about 7:30 the worst of it was over and we decided it was time to got check out what was left of the tent, etc. To our pleasant surprise, there was not even a drop of water in the tent and everything seemed to be intact.  It was time to see what this campground had to offer.  We took a stroll and enjoyed an ice cream from the KOA store.  To our surprise, this was one of the few KOA campgrounds that do not have a games room.

When I registered, I was warned about the possibility of being awakened by the Robins in the early hours of the morning and sure enough, at 4:30 a.m. the Robins started to sing.  We decided to try and get a bit more sleep.  We finally got up at 7:00 and started to pack up the tent and other gear before going up for breakfast.  This KOA provided a breakfast.  We had scrambled eggs, bacon, hasbrowns and a beverage at a cost of $9.00 for the two of us.  We left the campground at 8:00 a.m. on our way to the Beartooth Highway.

The Beartooth Highway is a great experience.  There are lots of waterfalls to be seen.  There is lots of snow, some of it several feet high.  As we neared the highest elevation, we could see Marmots scampering about and a herd of Mountain Goats.  It should be remembered that this highway has many hairpin curves as well as many interesting sections of road.  You should allow enough time for this section of highway, it can be an intimidating drive.

We arrived in Cooke City shortly after 10:30 a.m.  We stopped for a short walk about to stretch our legs.  We found a little bistro, where we had a warm beverage.  Gas prices here are at $4.599, the highest we have seen on this trip.  Heading out of Cooke City, we came across some road construction.  The highway was down to one lane with a pilot vehicle to escort you through this 4 mile section to Silver Gate.  Along the highway there was also some brush clearing going on.

We arrived at Yellowstone National Park Gate at about 11:30 a.m.   

If your are looking for a great outdoor adventure in the United states, then it’’s hard to look past the state of Texas. The Lone Star State is the largest of the 48 contiguous US states, taking up over 8% of the USA. Texas is huge and is host to many camping destinations.

In such a vast and geographically diverse state it’’s easy to find great places for tent camping. Whether it’’s for a weekend with the family or weeks in the wild, Texas has it all. From lonely natural reserves to beautiful beaches and numerous state parks and there’’s a place for every style of tent camping in Texas.

Of course, one short article can barely scratch the surface as far as describing the huge (there’’s that word again) variety of environments and opportunities for outdoor adventure while tent camping in Texas. Here’’s an overview of three of the most popular:

Big Bend National Park

This park is home to some of the most beautiful and wild land in the USA. It covers 1,100 square miles of land, including desert, river and mountains soaring to almost 8,000 feet. Big Bend National Park is host to many outdoor activities. Hiking, backpacking, biking, fishing, rafting and of course camping, can all be enjoyed in Big Bend. For those who wish to tent camp, there are three main campgrounds, with a variety of sites within each of them. It is worth nothing that all the campsites are located at elevations of 1,800 feet or higher and they are extremely popular. It is advisable to make tent camping reservations early if you want to enjoy what Big Bend has to offer.

Padre Island National Seashore

This is the longest undeveloped stretch of barrier island in the world, stretching from Corpus Christi to the Port Mansfield Cut. The Padre Island region is home to remarkably beautiful and remote seashore, not to mention the wide variety of animal and floral life that goes with it. It almost goes without saying that there is a great array of outdoor activities in this area, from bird and aquatic animal watching to biking, hiking and beach combing.

There are several campsite choices along the Padre Island stretch and they range from extremely basic to more sophisticated facilities. Camping fees are dependent on the level of facilities, but all campers must get a permit before camping. Permits are provided free of charge.

For those who desire more of a “back to nature” tent camping experience, the campsites at North and South beaches and Yarborough Pass have no facilities. Other sites, such as Malaquite Beach Campground, do offer facilities.

Hueco Tanks State Historic Site

Hueco Tanks is a fascinating area. Apart from offering various outdoor activities, including camping and rock climbing its main distinction is the ancient Native American rock paintings on many of its cave walls. There is a fee payable on entering the site but this entitles visitors to free historical and outdoor activity tours. The popularity of this site means that campers should make reservations at least two days in advance.

Ozark Trail camping equipment is the brand name for the camping gear manufactured by discount superstore, Walmart. Everything you could want in decent outdoor camping gear is provided by the Ozark Trail camping equipment range. From can openers to tent camping equipment, Ozark Trail Camping Equipment has it all. This brand name is well respected in the camping equipment market and can be purchased at plenty of on and offline camping gear stores besides your local Walmart.

Ozark Trail camping equipment is a well respected discount brand and it is worthwhile, once you have made a list of the equipment you need it is a good idea to check them out. You can do this either at your local camping store, supermarket or online. Whatever else you do don’t skimp when buying a tent, even if you are on a budget. With the brand of equipment we’re talking about here, you can get quality of a reasonably high standard at prices to suit most pockets. Remember that tents are meant to protect you from the weather and all the marauding wildlife and annoying bugs that are part and parcel of outdoor life.

Once you have made your list of essential outdoor camping gear, that’s the time to search the stores and scour the internet. Bear in mind that while the weather may look great when you set off it can change dramatically while your are away – that means you need to be sure that you have a sturdy tent, a waterproof sleeping bag, and warm, weatherproof clothing. Ozark Trail camping equipment can provide for all these needs at a price that takes limited budgets into account.

When you’re looking for a tent it’s always a good idea to opt for one that sounds bigger than your actual requirements – so if there are three or four of you go for a six berth tent rather than a four berth one. Manufacturers don’t always give the exact sizes of their tents so it maybe worth a trip to the local stores just to do a bit of measuring up.

Beginning campers are always surprised by the actual lack of space in most tents. Even for this problem Ozark Trail camping equipment  has a remedy. You can buy a gear loft or tent attic which is added to the ceiling of your tent to give you extra moving about room in the tent and more storage space. It may be the answer to a vacation in a very cramped tent – and having a bit more space can make for an altogether more enjoyable holiday.

California is known for its Hollywood glamor and the big stars of the movie industry. But you can actually enjoy amenities fit for a star at various California campgrounds. The West Coast state features an amazing variety of different camping sites. California campgrounds can offer you some unforgettable family experiences. The picture-perfect moments that will flood your memory for years to come. And they’re moments you’ll want to share with those closest to you, your spouse, children, siblings, parents, and best friends. 

California campgrounds include something known as the ambiance park. This term refers to an RV park, campground, or resort area that is in a specialized location.  To qualify as ambiance parks, California campgrounds must feature truly unique environments, high physical quality, and award-winning service.

Among the California campgrounds to qualify as an ambiance park is Snug Harbor, which is located in a historic area of the California Delta.  In recent years, the park has enjoyed a number of significant improvements. In fact, it was named “Best Small Park” in 2001 by the California Travel Park Association. As a result, it’s an obvious destination for those who enjoy staying at cozy campsites.

Another one of the myriad of California campgrounds worth exploring is Lake Tulloch in the Sierra Foothills. This park features more than 55 incredible miles of shoreline. It’s also known for some of the finest water skiing anywhere. At Lake Tulloch, you’ll enjoy lakefront cabins with your own dock, along with electrical, water, and sewer service. The park site also features a general store, marina, restaurant, and laundry facilities. As a result, it’s one of those California campgrounds that you’ll want to return to numerous times. 

One of the many advantages of staying at California campgrounds is that you’re frequently adjacent to some marvelous attractions. For instance, while staying at a Sunshine State campground near the city of Blythe, you can explore a town named for a renowned San Francisco developer and financier, Thomas Blythe. It’s also quite a safe location, since it’s considered to be one of the most “seismically stable” cities on the West Coast. In fact, there hasn’t been an earthquake in Blythe for more than half a billion years.

With all of its big city attractions such as theaters and museums, California is often overlooked as a camping destination. Yet, it’s a state which is incredibly accommodating to campers. Given its rich scenery, the West Coast state is a natural destination for RVers and other fans of the great American outdoors.

Once upon a time, camping was equivalent with ‘roughing it.’ Many of us would not have considered camping as something that they would find enjoyable or interesting. The idea of sleeping outdoors in a sleeping bag or in a tent on the hard ground, cooking a can of beans over a fire and using the bathroom outside were not necessarily what the majority of people might want to do on their holidays. It might have been ok for the young, energetic and childless people out there, but for the average family or older generations, camping was something that was seldom thought of as entertainment.  But today, everything has changed when it comes to camping. Although those who find romance in the sleeping bag under the stars can still rough it any time they want to, even the hard core roughing it camper will likely find some tools, products or gadgets that they would love to have on their next trip. From the wide variety of locations and venues that are available, not just in the country, but internationally, to the wide range of camping products that are now  made, you can virtually create the experience that you and your family may not have even thought to dream of yet.

If you haven’t considered camping as a vacation possibility for you and your family before now, take a moment to think about what it could look like. You arrive at a facility with a reservation for the spot that you would like. That spot could be anything from a parking space for your recreational vehicle to a gorgeous lakeside campground. It could be cabins with indoor plumbing, a site that has group facilities nearby, or a true wilderness location where you can get as close to nature as you’d like. When it comes time to have the next meal, your options are also incredibly varied. Depending on the habitation you’ve chosen, you could find yourself doing anything from cooking over an open flame to using your own high-tech portable oven or grill that provides you with comforts similar to those of home.

But one of the best aspects of camping is the endless array of locations and activities available at each of the different sites. You can find sites at some of the most beautiful natural locations in the world. But that’s not all. Whether your family would prefer to go to the mountains, by a lake, near the sea, or near a historic or tourist location, you can incorporate a number of fun activities into your camping experience. Horse-back riding, boating, hiking, swimming, and any number of games and sports are all possibilities that will satisfy the vacation dreams of every member of your family.

When you are considering purchasing camping backpacks, it is very important to think about what different aspects you will need in your backpack.  If you are new to the camping scene, you may be completely overwhelmed by the vast selection of camping backpacks that are available in outdoors goods stores.  Many are overwhelmed the first time they try to make that decision.  But the good news is that because there are so many options, manufacturers have made their products increasingly better, so it’s almost impossible to make the wrong choice of camping backpacks.The best part of most recent innovations in the area of camping backpacks is the revolutionary padding that has been included on major parts of camping backpacks.  For example, the newest backpacks on the market have wider shoulder straps that are padded to prevent the gouging shoulder pain that older backpack models caused.  The wider shoulder straps actually disperse the weight of the pack.  This also prevents the weight of the pack from becoming a problem as you hike or walk through the wilderness.

Internal frame camping backpacks are designed to hug the body so that you can balance yourself easier when you are walking in off trail areas.  So what is an internal frame backpack?  An internal; frame backpack has a taller frame and is generally narrower than the standard backpack.  The actual framework is inside the pack and consists of flat bars which act like stays.  They are usually aluminum, which is a very light weight metal and don’t add too much extra weight to the pack.  Sometimes composite materials are used, but usually aluminum is the optimum material.  These bars are most often in a V shape, although sometimes manufacturers will use a U or X shape.

True, having internal stays does make an internal frame backpack very stiff, but it is not uncomfortably so.  The stays are surprisingly flexible, which of courses aids in the comfort levels.  As we discussed before, the way the internal frame pack hugs the body assists with your balance.  It does this by focusing the weight of the pack closer to your body’s center of gravity.  Internal frame camping backpacks have a lot of compression straps, which helps with the stability of the pack and prevents the pack from sliding around on your back while you are walking.  The suspension straps, hip belt and shoulder straps make the internal frame pack very easy to fit to your body.  And the narrow shape of the internal camping backpacks makes it easier to move, bend and just walk than older styles of backpacks.

Although camping has traditionally involved sleeping in the great outdoors, there’s no rule that says that you can’t be comfortable while you are doing it. Many people would be happy sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag, but if you’re a person who finds that uncomfortable, then consider getting a camping cot. Camping cots lift the camper up off of the ground during sleeping, which has a number of advantages. It’s easier to stay warm if you are lifted up off of the cold ground. Getting wet won’t be as much of a possibility either. Sleeping on camping cots reduces the chances of being bitten by bugs or pests who live in the ground below you. Plus, if you have a family member who has any kind of disability or suffers from arthritis or any other joint or muscle problems, camping cots make it easier to get out of bed and allow him or her to still participate in the camping adventure.

Camping cots come in a variety of styles and structures, depending on the type of cot that you need. The most basic form is normally a strong, thick piece of canvas that has been stretched across a metal frame. They fold up and usually have a storage bag, so that they are easy to pack and transport along with the rest of your camping gear. However, they are not necessarily a good idea if you are going to be hiking to multiple campsites, as some camping cots could add a good deal of weight to your pack. You simply unfold the frame and put sleeping bag on the cot instead of the ground. 

If you prefer a bit more comfort, then you have a number of other options to enhance camping cots. You could simply place a sleeping bag pad on top of the cot before adding your sleeping bag. This is particularly a good idea for a larger or taller person who might find that some part of their body is hitting the edge of the cot frame. Or, you could choose to add an air mattress to your cot, giving yourself even more cushioning and raising the cot to a more normal ‘bed’ height.

If you plan to sleep in a one man tent with a camping cot and you want to limit the amount or bulk of the gear that you are bringing, consider a camping cot tent. This interesting hybrid is a cot with a tent rigged over it, so that you get the benefits of both the cot and the tent in one piece of gear. You simply zip out the side when you want to get in or out. But if you need to put your camping cots in a tent, or if you are planning to camp without a tent, then you might want to purchase a pest net to keep the bugs away and a protective tarp to keep you safe from the elements.