Family Camping Tents | Best Camping Tents: 2014-06-08

Saturday, June 14, 2014

camping!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????

kaylaz1978

we are going camping for the first time what is stuff we should bring i dont know what to take please help 2 alduts and 2 kids

Answer
Ok lets start with the basics of your trip. You probably dont want to spend a ton of money so lets get you a list that will keep you cumfortable and having fun without breaking the bank.

Number one start with a good tent. Eureka makes many tents that are very durable and not all that expensive. Other good brands include Kelty, Coleman and Cabelas. Just get a tent that fits your family cumfortably. Pick up a can of seam sealer too. Seal your tent before you use it to ensure you will be dry. You will also need a tarp for your tent to sit on. All you need is a cheap blue tarp from your local home center.

You will want a air matress to sleep on. Try them out. They range from cheap foam ones to inflable ones. Again pick what one is cumfortable and fits your budget and your type of camping. Then you want a sleeping bag. If you are camping in the sumertime a cheap square bag will do just fine. Mummy bags and other types are for colder temps and they are also lighter. Take a blanket along just incase any of you get cold. You can line you bag with the blanket for a tosty warm night.

For clothing dress for the weather. Have some type of rain gear wether that be a 10 cent poncho or a 200 dolar rain suit. It is always smart to have some warmer clothes just in case it does get cold. Dont wear your best stuff either because camping is hard on your clothes. Extra socks are always a great thing to have. I cant count how many times I was glad to have a extra dry pair of socks. It is also a smart idea to pack your clothes in ziplock bags or dry bags. That way if the bottom of your tent gets wet your clothes dont also get wet. It happens more than you think.

For cooking any camp stove and a set of pots will work. Just have extra fuel for your stove. When cooking you can do any type of food. however for your fist trip try simple food. Remember you dont have a dishwasher to wash dishes in so dont make too big of a mess. Cheap dish pans can make dish washing much easier.

Go to a sporting goods store that isn't too expensive and really look at your gear. Take your time picking out what you need for what your doing.

Dont forget a flashlight! Also bring food packed for how you will cooked. The more prep you do at home the easier it is when your camping. Packing up also pack for the way you are going to need things. That way when it is dark your flashlight is right on top. Also practice setting up your tent at home. That way you will be able to set up your tent no mater what the conditions are.

Cheap/Good Camping tent/items?

ariesalway

Family of four. Little ones are 5 and almost 3. We went last year camping once and loved it - Used borrowed items. We are looking to buy our own tent and things this year..But cant spend alot of money but want something that wont be crap.
Walmart? Target?

Answer
Wal-mart has some good deals on camping gear and won't cost alot either. I have been buying what i need a little at a time. One good idea for you is to get a plastic storage box to put your cooking gear in it so you won't have to get anything from the house.They also make good containers for putting the kids toys in. And also your camping gear so everything will be packed and ready to go camping the next time you want to.

What is a good place to go camping in southern Ontario?

Headwha

I know about Sandbanks, but am looking for something more woodsy (I live right by a beach). Specific interests....Hiking, beautiful view, swimming (maybe some cliff diving) , in the Hamilton area or Toronto preferred, Niagara Falls works as well. Alcohol friendly a plus. Thanks!!

Answer
Algonquin

Canisbay Lake Campground

This campground is located at the south end of Canisbay Lake, one km north, on a paved road, from Highway 60, 23 km from the West Gate and 33 km from the East Gate. Canisbay Lake Campground feature 242 sites, 66 of which have electrical hook ups. 101 sites are located in a designated radio-free and dog-free zone. Sixteen paddle-in sites are also available. There are large comfort stations with flush toilets and laundry facilities, and a handicapped accessible shower and toilet. The Canisbay Lake has two sand beaches, one in the day use area and one in the campground.

Canisbay Lake is open from the May long weekend until Thanksgiving weekend. It is operated by Whiskey Jack Park Services under contract to Ontario Parks.

Coon Lake Campground
Coon Lake campground is located 5km south of Hwy 60 on the Rock Lake road (gravel), 40 km from the West Gate and 16km from the East Gate. This small campground has 49 sites and a beach on Coon Lake. Vault privies are located within the campground while showers, laundry facilities and flush toilets are located at nearby Rock Lake Campground.

Coon Lake is open from mid-June to Labour Day. It is operated by Ontario Parks.

Kearney Lake Campground
This campground is located on the south shore of Kearney Lake, just off of Highway 60, 36 km from the West Gate and 20 km from the East Gate. It has 103 sites and two small beach areas in a predominantly pine setting. There is a small, handicapped accessible comfort station with flush toilets and showers. Laundry facilities are available in the Pog Lake Campground, one kilometre to the east.

Kearney Lake Campground is open during the May long weekend and from mid-June to Labour Day. It is operated by PKW Campground Services under contract to Ontario Parks.

Lake of Two Rivers Campground
Lake of Two Rivers is the oldest and best known of the Algonquin Park campgrounds. It is located on the west shore of Lake of Two Rivers just south of Highway 60, 32km from the West Gate and 24 km from the East Gate. The campground is situated in a beautiful White Pine forest and features an excellent beach. It has a total of 241 sites of which 160 have electrical hook ups. There are two modern handicapped-accessible comfort stations with flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities.

Lake of Two Rivers Campground Is open from the May long weekend until Thanksgiving. It is operated by Algonquin Park services under contract to Ontario Parks.

Mew Lake Campground
Mew Lake Campground is located just south of Highway 60, 31 km from the West Gate and 25 km from the East Gate. The campground has 131 sites, half of which are located in a White Pine forest. The other half have a more open situation with scattered trees. Sixty-six sites have electrical hook-ups and another 37 are located in a dog and radio-free zone. There is a beach and handicapped accessible comfort station with flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities.

Mew Lake Campground is open all year round. It is operated by Algonquin Park Services under contract to Ontario Parks from late April to Thanksgiving after which it is operated by Ontario Parks.

Pog Lake Campground
This campground is located in a pine forest setting on Highway 60, 37 km from the West Gate and 19 km from the East Gate. It has a total of 286 sites, 83 of which offer electrical service. Thirty-two campsites are located within a radio-free and dog-free zone. There are three large comfort stations with showers, flush toilets and laundry facilities.

Pog Lake Campground is open during the May long weekend and from mid-June to Labour Day. It is operated by PKW Campground Services under contract to Ontario Parks.

Rock Lake Campground
Rock Lake Campground is located 8km down the Rock Lake Road south of Highway 60. The turn off is 40 km from the West Gate and 16 km from the East Gate. The campground has a total of 121 sites, 72 of which have electrical hook-ups. It features 2 great beaches and has flush toilets and a new comfort station with shower facilities, flush toilets and laundry.

Rock Lake is open from late April to Thanksgiving. It is operated by Ontario Parks.

What are good camping places near Stratford Ontario?

Red Wings

there would be 4 kids and 2 adults
with swimming
and fishing
and bike trails if possible

Answer
This link might help
http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/index.html

Friday, June 13, 2014

A place that evokes strong emotion?

Frances

now, I know that in germany they have the concentration camps and then theres the twin towers here in America. Is there any other place?... I'm looking for A place that is not a historical site and monuments but a place that evokes strong emotion towards people.

Answer
Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, but there are monuments there.

If you want a place that evokes emotion toward people it is hard to find one that isn't historical. Places of great natural beauty might work; Angel Falls, Mt. Fuji, Grand Canyon, Great Wall of China, even simple things like an empty beach, or the Northern Lights...

What is Camp Zama like in Japan? (Army)?

thatgirl90

Answer
Not a bad place to live from what I hear. Considering its proximity to Atsugi, Yokosuka, Yokota. My friends usually go to Zama to buy stuff they can't find on other bases.

And not too many locals protesting about the "noise" (Christ! When you buy a cheap house next to a freaken USAF, and NAVY base with an enormous runway, don't be complaining about how loud the planes are...agrrhh..sorry..) But from what I hear, it's not that big of an issue at Zama (security is tighter for reasons I should not mention here)

Generally, people I've met from Zama seemed pretty relaxed and easy going, chatting on Xbox live etc. Many of them go out clubbing in Tokyo (although not as often as NAVY or USMC) I don't know why. I can't say that I know that place well, since I think I've only been there once. (maybe twice)

I can give you all the dot mil URLs but perhaps it'd be better if you looked them up. I will just give you the wiki page as a source but you will find 100 times more info on the dot mil web site.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Where are some good places to go camping?

Im planning a camping trip for me and my boyfriend this summer. We want to be away from everyone but i dont want it to just be some place in the woods. i want it to be somewhere beautiful with breath taking scenery. somewhere in new jersey would be nice but somehow i dont think im going to find what im looking for here lol but anywhere that could be a days drive away would be perfect. any ideas?

Answer
I believe the three most scenic camping spots in NJ are the northwest corner along the Kittatinny Mountain Range (Stokes State Forest, High Point State Park), a bit farther south and on the Delaware River (Bulls Island State Park, though it might still be closed due to flood damage from last year), and the NJ Pinelands (Wharton State Forest, Bass River State Forest, Brendan T. Byrne State Forest).

A day's drive from central NJ can put you as far south as Florida, almost halfway across the US, or deep into several provinces in eastern Canada. The number of beautiful places within that area are too numerous to list. It's hard to choose a favorite, but Acadia National Park on the eastern coast of Maine would be high on the list, and it never gets as crowded as the popular parks out west.
.

camping in nj?

Barbara

Where is a good place in New Jersey to go camping? My mother is taking our 3 children for the night, it will be the first time in 3 1/2 years we've spent a night alone. Im looking for a quiet secluded area with cabins to go camping where I can have a nice fire in the end of April

Answer
Cabins a re not camping, look up cabin rentals

Any places to camp in QLD like Coochin Creek?

Me and my mates were looking to go for a few nights, but we wanted an unrestricted fire area. Coochin Creek is open fire prohibited. So any places like Coochin Creek but with no restrictions on fires. Thanks

Answer
You can have open fires at the Burrum Coast National Park but it's 4WD access only. I can't think of any freshwater places like Coochin Creek.

Good place to camp on the Gold Coast?

Johnny's G

I'm looking for a nice place to go camping near or around the Gold Coast, QLD. Prefer bush camping, dont want to camp near the beach, and love if some one knows of some ones property we can camp on as really just want to take the swags and the ute out some one and chill out and sleep under the stars..
thanks

Answer
The nearest places if you don't want beach is in The Hinterland which is a vaste area from Hinz Dam ,Springbrook National park ,Tamborine Mountain down to the tweed Valley. I think most areas you can't free camp but i'm sure many people do. mind you there are plenty of snakes up there and mosquitos nearer the Tweed river.But take a look at the sites I've given you .You may find just what you want.
http://www.bigvolcano.com.au/database/camping.htm
http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=31

Before I go ANYWHERE my stomach hurts and sometimes I get the craps..?

music-Frea

So example: VOlleyball camp: 3 day thing. When we get there.. my stomach hurts.. I take a pepto... dosent help.... it was there the WHOLE time and when I got home it went away.. now I like going places but when I have stomach aches.. not as much... I stoped taking pepto.. and started using these chewy mint things. how do I prevent this from happening? Please dont tell me to go buy something... unless its cheap and very useful.... Please Im very desperate.. Im going different places is August.... PLEASE HELP ME!! my mom says its just in my head.. but i dont know... Thanks in advance

mackenzie

Answer
When I was a kid, I use to get stomach cramps and diarrhea when I was stressed. I have irritable bowel syndrome now, but I am an old granny. Hopefully it is just stress for you! Very best wishes that this problem goes away soon. I don't want to tell you to take anything for it, because if you get constipated from medicines it will make things worse. Try and eat a diet healthy in fibers, including fruits and vegetables, and cut back on greasy stuff and sugary foods and see if that helps. I sure do understand what you are going through because I was the same way.

What are all the things you will need to load a muzzleloader?

Larry

Answer
Here is a complete list for the modern day muzzleloader when hunting

MUZZLELOADER MUST-TAKE GEAR
by Brad Fenson
When deciding to venture to the Northwest Territories for a Dall's sheep hunt with Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters, it didn't take me long to decide to do it with my trusty muzzleloader. The backpack hunt that I opted to book would be physically demanding, and packing the right gear would be crucial to my success. Clothing, boots, sleeping gear and packs were all carefully considered before placing them on my "must-take" list. In the end I used a small fanny pack to stow everything I needed in one small, convenient bundle. I took extra powder and bullets in the event my rifle or scope was banged in the rugged terrain. Accidents happen, but being prepared means you have the powder and bullets to check your zero if necessary.As it turned out, I only required a single shot to take a great 10-year-old ram with a sweeping full curl on his magnificent set of horns.
SHOOTING GEAR
Triple Seven loose powder (canister left in main camp)
Powder flask to take on hunt (enough volume to hold powder for 10 magnum loads)
Powder measurer
Six speedloaders
One capping tool filled with 209 primers
20 PowerBelt Platinum bullets
Ziploc bag to store all shooting components in a dry environment
CLEANING SUPPLES
Resealable bag of 50 presoaked cleaning patches
100 dry patches
Wire brush
Screw-in T-handle to turn ramrod into cleaning rod
Cleaning jag
Small tube of breech plug lubricant
Small bottle of cleaning solvent
Ziploc bag to store supplies and prevent leaks or spill

Those critical primers do not belong in your dirty, lint- and dust-filled pants pocket. Just imagine what a few grains of grit will do to a tiny flash hole. Most speedloaders have a cool primer pocket built in, so take advantage of it.

Usually, I have five or so shots with me on a typical deer hunt. If at all possible, I carry an entire can of propellant or box of pellets and a few packs of bullets that stay in camp. You just never know what can happen that would force you to zero in the field.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Where is the best place to camp in Wisconsin Dells?

Rachel B

I am taking my brother and one of his friends to wisconsin Dells in August and just incase if for some reason we aren't able to check into the hotel I need a plan B. (i like to be prepared for anything) We all thought it would be fun to go camping so I am trying to pick a good campground. I have KOA and Bonanza in mind already but is there a really good place we could go? We would be bringing a tent but if we have the money, a cabin would be nice too. So what would you recommend?

Answer
Sherwood Forest! I've been to almost all of them because each time I go to Wisconsin Dells we stay at a different campground, and Sherwood Forest is my favorite. Bonanza is good, and walking distance from the main strip, but you could spend a whole day just relaxing at Sherwood Forest. They have a nice sized pool, and a pretty awesome rec room. If you need some tips on places to go, Email me! My email is deshanejennifer@yahoo.com.

Where is the best place to camp in Southern Wisconsin?

Answer
Not sure if you are looking for southeast or southwest camping, but I attached links for 3 places I've camped.
Kettle Moraine State Park is really beautiful with lots of things to do, great hiking, etc.
Big Foot Beach is really close to Lake Geneva, so there is more social activity there, the lake, restaurants, bars, etc.
Hope this helps.

Info on La benne ocean south west france?

Kate

Hi
in the summer me and some friends are hoping to travel to la benne ocean in south west france close to the spanish boarder.
We're likely to stay at camping municipal so would appriciate some info on that campsite.
Also we need to get from biaritz to la benne, so any travel information would really help.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Kate!
I live not far from the place tou want to go, on the "Bassin d'Arcachon" (Arcachon Bay)
There are several camping sites at Labenne. I guess that you have already taken information about them...Yo have about 110 kilometers to Spanish border, and from Biarritz to Labenne you have a very fine motorway (toll!!!) which goes from San Sebastian in Spain to Paris!!! So, don't worry about the travel .
The only trouble is the sad view that you will have of the beautiful forest of the Landes, after the terrible tempest that we have had three weeks ago! Quite half of the pine trees have been destroyed!!!
Now, if you want some accurate details, do not hezitate to contact me
loganeer48@yahoo.fr
And have a good time! This place is a really good choice!

What is Vichy France?

Do you wan

Is it the none occupied France in World War 2?

Answer
This was the area governed by the Vichy government, which collaborated with the Nazis who allowed an area in south-central France to be placed under their control, meaning that they did not have to occupy it which allowed them to station troops elsewhere. The Vichy government was led by Marshal Petain whose status as a WWI hero saved him from execution after the war, a fate which many of his fellow collaborators did not escape. Petain believed that as the invasion and occupation were a reality that a government under his control would allow France some dignity and to control their own affairs. In reality they were firmly under the thumb of the Nazis and actively opposed Allied attempts to free France and participated in the rounding up and removal of Jewish people into camps. They were then later deported the death camps like Auschwitz.

Things to do while RV camping?

We are in our 40's & Have a few kids from 6 -16 in a 28 ft travel trailer , and looking for things to keep us busy or things to bring for a family's 1st time camping trip in the NY CT ME RI area.Tailgating ideasfor the adults are also considered. in addition to any lighting flags party favor ideas for the whole experience.. We have tent camped and just upgraded froma pop up..

Answer
Whenever I go camping, be it in a tent or an RV, I choose my destination because there's things I want to do or see there. Neither the RV (or tent) nor campground is my destination, I only go there to sleep or maybe take some meals.

We enjoy visiting national and state parks, BLM land, wilderness properties owned by friends and members of our or other Jeep clubs. We spend our time off-roading, hiking, climbing, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, floating and just enjoying the scenery. Upstate NY - Adirondacks and Catskills regions - is a favorite destination. Maine and western Massachusetts also offers outdoor recreational and scenic opportunities. If we go to a "tourist" type area, we'll visit the typical sites, hit the shops, take lots of pictures, maybe spend one or two days relaxing by the pool at the campsite.

The only things I ever brought to keep the kids busy at camp were their bicycles, a couple of board games and some videos for them to watch on the TV or laptop in case of rain.

Northern Arizona Camping?

xxx

I want to go on a camping trip to northern Arizona, perhaps the Grand Canyon in mid May. I live in west Phoenix but I'm new to Arizona so I don't know any good camping grounds. I've only camped twice, and I'm only looking for a two night trip. So basically, any info I would need to know, or any suggestions about good camping grounds. I do have a jeep so it would be fun to do a little 4x4-ing maybe to get to the camp area. Also, I'm a college kid dont have that much money so whatever is nice area but cheap too would be great!

Answer
Try using this site, it's pretty simple to use http://www.woodalls.com/tents/

Just enter in a state, city or tell it within so many miles of a location. It'll also give you info on what amenities that campground offers. Example, pets, swimming, fishing, if they're year round, etc.

I like it because Woodalls is a name you can trust and it's a great tool to find campgrounds anywhere with the amenities you might be looking for.

Also, if you need a checklist to make sure you're not forgetting anything, we have a pretty good camping checklist on our website. You can see it here. http://www.family-tents.com/articles/Camping-Checklist

Oh, don't forget the food. Campsite food seems to always taste really good. Camping food memories can be among the best. Here is a great website for camping food ideas and they also offer a FREE ebook with camping recipes. I've got it, it's terrific. In fact, as far as camping websites go, this is one of the best I've seen. http://www.joyofcamping.com/category/camping-recipes/

I hope this helps. Happy camping to you.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

a good track camp or track session in northern virginia?

The Greene

where can i find a good track camp?? as in the people are really nice and they're not strict, its really fun, it doesn't cost too much, it's not crowded, the campers there are not mean or anything. it doesn't have to be a camp. oh yeah and is there any good softball camps and lacrosse camps? (it doesn't have to be camps, it can be anything)
or any other sports camp for girls?

Answer
there's an XC camp that's held at the belmount country club or claude moore. It might be too late to sign up but i'm sure..if your interested in running good places to call for Norther VA would be special forces track club or NOVA AC

Lexington, KY good place to move to.?

806girl

Is it a good place to move to. Raise kids. Are the people friendly. What about living on the outskirts of town is it worth the quiteness. We are looking for a place where my hubby can work in the VA and our kids can grow up to be as loud as they want to out in the simi country. We don't want to live in the boonies but just have a little 5 acre lot. Is this do able with a group of good schools close by.
Thanks for all this info. My sons are 6 and 3 now just this year. It may be another year or so before we move. we want to be in between our familys mine in tx his in ma.
eilonwy82971 really thanks for the information i will check it all out. thanks now the snow you guys get snow but not much you say is it enough for small boys to play in.

Answer
This is long, but I hope some of this helps:

I really enjoy living in Lexington, lived here 17 yrs. My husband who has lived in big cities (Chicago, Milwaukee) likes it too. In 2004, Lexington made the top 10 for best cities to be a SAHM, a lot of it had to do with the financial aspects of being able to afford to stay home.

Real Estate...Personally I like the SW end of Lex best. Try the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors page. There are currently 36 listings in Fayette county with 1-5 acres.
http://www.lbar.com/
Also, lots of folks are also spilling over into surrounding counties. Northern Jessamine Co. (county seat: Nicholasville) is almost like a Lexington suburb. Woodford Co. is lovely, lots of horse farms (county seat Versailles [said Ver-Sales...lots of French words in the area aren't pronounced the way you'd think]). Housing is more expensive to buy or rent in Lex than other areas of KY. Which is why some live in another county, but work and play in Lex.

Schools...you don't say what age group you're looking for, but in Fayette Co....there are public schools with magnet programs/tracks, a few private schools, several parochial schools, and a couple home school groups. Many of the local high schools have held state championships for band and girls H.S. basketball the last few years.

Things to do...
-Lexingtonians love to eat out! Most places happily welcome kids, having kids eat free nights or some other kind of specials.
-Basketball is a kind of religion in Lex. Just accept that we "bleed blue"...let's just not talk about the past two seasons
-Kid specific things (for future): Gymboree Play & music, Kindermusik, several great city park pools (Southland and Woodland Parks specifically), local children's museum, two city "nature" parks and the University's arboretum
http://www.explorium.com/
http://www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=200
http://www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=275
http://www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=276
http://www.ca.uky.edu/arboretum/
-The horse park (International Equestrian Games will be here in 2010), horse farms, distillery/farms, and Toyota all offer local tours
-Wonderful state parks near by: Cumberland Falls, one of the only 2 places globally you can see a Moonbow, is 90 mi. south; Natural Bridge 52 mi. SE, great place to hike; Lake Cumberland is 2hr. drive but nice to house boat on
http://parks.ky.gov/
-Cincinnati, 80 mi. N has an aquarium, zoo, train museum, natural history museum, pro football - Bengals (who have summer camp in Georgetown, KY 13 mi. N), and pro baseball - Reds. Louisville, 80 mi. W has Louisville Slugger museum, the Derby (though I lived in KY 36 yrs and never been).
-Lots of movie theaters. Also the local Opera House gets some good Broadway and ballet if you like that. Louisville and Cincinnati also have national touring companies come through
-If you're a reader, you must check out Joseph-Beth Booksellers. Huge selection, kids reading program, and a cafe with an outdoor patio overlooking a pond with ducks (one nested on the patio 2007), geese, and fish. Nice place to take the kids, especially on a spring day.
-Shopping: Fayette Mall and Hamburg Place offer many shops. Fayette Mall is one of the largest indor malls in the state. Hamburg Place has retail, professional and residential developments consisting of in-line stores and free-standing restaurants and stores.
http://www.shopfayette-mall.com/
http://www.hamburgplace.com/

Weather...summer tends to be hazy, hot, & humid. Big drought in 2007, mild one in 2008. Winter tends to be cold and icy. Big snow is unusual. This spring came later and then left faster than usual. But hey the grass looks healthy!

edit: Amount of snow varies. But there is usually enough for sledding/tubing, small-medium snowmen, and snowball fights a couple times each winter. I think there were 10 school snow days this year (but a couple of those were for sub-zero temperatures). Mine children are 3 & 4 and have enough enjoy themselves

Heading for Yellowstone, tent camping entering south gate looking for suggestions for overnight options.?

timberghos

How hard is it to get into a first come first serve campground this time of year? Of the seven campgrounds in Yellowstone Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammonth, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek and Tower Falls. Please offer opnions.....No, not afraid of bears..... just very aware....

Answer
I was just up in Yellowstone. Forget tenting, any camping in Yellowstone is a Walmart parking lot. I recommend the national forest campgrounds coming in from Cody or West Yellowstone. The Northeast entrance from Mt. is far better but because of Grizzlies NO TENTS. This time of year it it's hard to find a parking place let alone a campsite. US 212 from the park to Red Lodge, Mt. is one of the best scenic roads in the world. Break camp before dawn see the park and more animals before the tourist arrive. Yellowstone is very crowded with cars, RV's, people and animals.

Yellowstone?

Jeff

Ok, my family is planning to go on a camping trip to yellowstone over the summer. Where do we start?

Answer
It may be a challenge to find a place to stay. An alternative plan may be to stay at Grand Teton National Park, which is just south of Yellowstone. Using this park as your base you will be able to visit both parks. Gros Ventre campground seldom fills even when all the others are full. A 7 day pass covers both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. I enjoyed the book, "Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park", a Frommer's book. This book has a lot of good suggestions.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Tent Question #3: Common Tent Setup and Maintenance Mistakes?

Mark M

I've done a lot of scout camping in my younger days, was our pack's campmaster for 15+ years, and continue to do a lot of camping every year, sometimes with larger groups of family and friends. I often hear stories about how this or that model tent stinks, but upon listening further, I realize that the problem primarily is due to the user not setting-up the tent properly or not preparing/maintaining the tent properly.

So what are some of the tent setup and maintenance mistakes you've seen, and how do you prevent them from happening. For example:

Do "modern, high-quality" tents need to have their seams sealed before use? Exactly which seams need to be sealed? Do you apply sealant to the inside or outside? Do the seams need to be periodically resealed? What about tape?

With heavy-duty, sealed, waterproof, bathtub floor designs, is a ground sheet still a necessity, and if so, what kind? Is a larger ground sheet better than a short one?

Orienting your tent versus ground features, the sun and wind?

Protecting against water, animal and overhead dangers?

Anything else you've experienced.
So far some great answers. I like to make my own ground sheets as well, but they do need to be shorter than the floor of your tent, or tuck the excess under, to avoid rain from running down the tent walls, collecting on the ground sheet and then possibly pooling between it and the tent floor.

Making a nice layer of dried leaves, leaf duff, pine needles or dry grass not only protects the floor of the tent, it adds insulation and padding while crawling around on your knees. I don't trench; on hard ground I think it's too disruptive, and on loose or sandy ground it's generally unnecessary. But I will take advantage of existing trenches if aligned conveniently.

I'll admit the rolling vs. stuffing argument is new to me. I've seen a few fathers stuff their tents back in the bag, but always chalked it up to laziness. I've always been anally-retentive enough to try and roll my tent as neatly and compactly as possible. Maybe it's why my tents have lasted so long?

Haven't seen anything
... about cheap or incorrect type of stakes. Are they all the same?

Answer
I've seen more tent damage from mis-use, carelessness than anything else, here are some off the top of my head (Scout Leader)

#1) Tent not fully dried when packed. Mold will destroy a tent fast.
#2) Not fully opening zippered doors prior to entry/exit. My little twits can not get out of the habit of opening the fly with the double zipper juuuuusssst enough to step through. At best this puts a lot of stress on the zipper and eventually they will no longer close the zipper coils. Worse, though, the little buggers overestimate their grace and frequently trip on the small opening, causing a tear.
#3) Along the lines of grace, tripping over guy lines.
#4) Tent pole jousting (rolls eyes and sighs)
#5) Food in tents (including other objects that smell like food to animals). Ever see what a determined squirrel can do to a tent? I hope to never see what a Bear would do after seeing a tent destroyed by a small furry mammal.
#6) Failure to pin and guy the tent. I've been in the middle of a 50 mile long lake when a tent went rolling by. I was impressed with it's ability to shed water, but never did locate the owner. My Scouts frequently are running after tents, but have never lost one...yet.

We do use ground tarps cut from large sheets of plastic, seems a good practice.
I have read, but am unable to locate the source, about a test between high end and cheap tents pitched in direct sunlight. The gist was that both were functionally destroyed within 150 days.

Seam sealer, if it is not broke, don't fix it. About every other year we gently hand wash the tents and re-apply nickwax as per the instructions. We only seam seal if there is a leak noticed as we begin the wash process.

Need a New Motorcycle Camping Tent?

Jack

This Summer I am taking a seven or eight day trip up the coast of California and then across the state into The Sierras to meet up with family to fish the lakes and streams. I currently have a 5x7 Alps Taurus 2 which is fine for a night or two, but not for a week. Iâm 6â2â and 250 lbs and with my bedroll there is not enough room to bring in all my MC gear out of the elements.

So, Iâm thinking maybe an 8x8 4-man tent with at least a 5â center height. I donât need to be able to stand straight up to change clothes, but I donât want to have to bend at the waist, either.

The packed diameter is not that much of an issue, nor is the weight. But, the main compartment of my duffel is 24â long and I need my tent to fit in that.

I have a small Coleman Cat Heater that I would use to take the chill off when up in the mountains. Weâve tried that heater in our trailer and in a 10x10 tent. Useless. But it does work well in my 5x7. Maybe it will work in a 4-man, too.

A vestibule would be good, but not necessary. One or two doors; doesnât matter. Aluminum poles are preferable.

Iâd like to stay under $200; $150 or lower would be better. But, Iâll spend more for the perfect tent if needed.

I think I like both the Kelty Trail Ridge 4 and the Big Agnes Jupiterâs Cabin 4. The Kelty is $50 cheaper but the Big Agnes packs a little smaller.

Any recommendations? Or comments on the two mentioned above?

Answer
I have a four-person 9x8 Pacific Crest Rock Creek dome tent that I used on my solo motor camping trip to the Arctic Circle in AK two years ago, and that I will be taking on my planned ride to Panama this spring. I really like it. It works great, and to me is the best combo of price, quality, size, weight, packability, and ease of one-person deployment (I have no trouble putting it up or taking it down alone). It's also very light and compact for its size, measuring right at 24" when in its carry bag.

I use a twin air mattress when I travel by bike (a comfy, good night's sleep is critical), and it has plenty of room inside for that and all of my gear with room left over for changing clothes or whatever. The height at the peak at 52" is a little less than five feet, but I'm 6-2 and it works fine for me.

My previous tent was a three-person dome, but one of the main ridge poles broke while putting it up one evening and I had to replace the whole tent in a small town on the road. I couldn't find another three-person tent since there was only one sporting goods store in that town, and it was kind of a small family-run place with a very limited selection (not complaining - there could have been no selection at all). I was a little worried about bumping up to a four person tent as I thought it might be a little too big and bulky for MC camping, and my three-person had worked so well (other than a balky main zipper).

In reality, I like the four person tent even more than my three, so the broken ridge pole was a blessing in disguise. Aside from being a bit roomier without being TOO big, the Pacific Crest is also higher quality than my last tent, which probably explains the broken ridge pole and balky zipper on the old one.

Best of all? The Pacific Crest Rock Creek is less than $60 from several sources online. I paid $69 for mine at the small town store two years ago, which I still consider a good deal for what I got, especially in a pinch.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Where should my family go on vacation?

Evan H

my dad my mom my brother (12) and me (16) want to go somehwere on vacation NEXT summer. we have thought about australia/new zealand, england/ireland, and italy. what would be the best place to go? we are thinking of going for 14-18 days
oh by the way
my family has already gone to greece and spain and turkey

Answer
Evan:

You have gotta go on a safari in Africa. Go to the Serengetti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania go with a travel company like Tauck, Overseas Travel, Globus, Travcoa or others. Go to http://www.TourVacationsToGo.com to find a good tour company. Or you can set up your own itinerary by using http://www.island-safari.com

Or go to Victoria Falls in Zambia and then to the Chobe National Park in Botswana. Botswana has so many elephants. More than anywhere in Africa. Stay at the Chobe Game Lodge then cross over to Namibia and stay at the Ichingo Tented camp then spend a few days on the Ichobezi houseboat on the Chobe. The game watching from the houseboat is fabulous as the animals come to the river to drink. Then go to the Okavenga Delta and stay in a camp in the Moremi park. Go on game drives every day. It is fabulous. Island Safari can set you up. So can Zambezi tours at: http://www.zambezi.co.uk/

Good luck and have fun. 73 from the Fisherman

The economy is a mess. Why do people object to tent cities when they may be the next ones looking for shelter?

Maya7777

Answer
It's amazing how many Americans are in total denial that these tent cities exist all across the United States.

I was in the USA in 2006 doing a television documentary on the homeless war veterans and 9/11 hero's in the United States and while filming and interviewing. We were invited by the homeless people we met, to see Americas never talked about hidden secret, "Tent Cities".

I've traveled all over the world and have never seen anything like them ever even in a third world country. Which many American families with young children were living in these squalid tent cities. Or living in a car with the parts and wheels sold to buy food or formula for infants and young children.

The people I met all shared the same stories and shed the same tears after of living week to week on one pay check who lost their job and only income to pay rent and ending up living on the street, with no where to turn.

Or families that had no money to pay off medical expenses for their sick child or a spouse. Who were evicted from their home by a sheriff to sell off all their personal assets and house to pay off the medical bills. Being made bankrupt so they were always knocked back of renting an apartment.

Also elderly people evicted from aged care homes or a rented apartment when their insurance ran out and had relatives they could stay with living on the street or in a tent city eating pet food.

All joining returned war veterans and 9/11 hero's who also share tents in these cities along side of these families.

What really got me was a young four year old girl who was eating a bowl of cereal with water for her dinner. Who's mother told me her daughter didn't even know what milk tastes like.

Even though I have returned back to my home in Australia. This whole experience still haunts me, especially seeing the current weather conditions in the USA.

Knowing these families, children, aged, war veterans, 9/11 hero's and others like them are living out in the cold. While more mega churches are being built in the USA, and ignorant Americans complain about the tent cities and people who live in them.

With how the way things are financially going downhill fast and as more Americans are becoming unemployed. It wont be long before many of these bias opinionated American people end up also living also with them.

Camber Sands camping?

Sam H

Hey, me and a few mates are planning on going to Camber Sands for a few days camping, but I just had a few questions that I would love to have answered:

1. Can you legally camp on Camber Sands? If so, is there a limit to the amount of tents you can erect on the beach?

2. Can you light fires on Camber Sands or have BBQs on the beach (they'll only be small)?

Thanks for your time :D

Answer
Hi, Camber Sands is really nice. Lovely all round there. I've moved away up north now but I still get there at times on family visits.
You can't camp on the sands but you can put up a beach shelter and use a small tent for a beach shelter.
If you're caught sleeping in it at night that's your concern.You might get away with a warning but you could be in for a court appearance so weigh it up yourself.....
You can't have fires, however small. The fines even for small fires can be very big so don't risk it.
You can use disposable BBQs with proper safety and care, or a camp stove so long as you don't interfere with other people's enjoyment of the beach which means keeping enough distance between your kitchen arrangements and odours and other people.
There is a very good camp site at Camber Sands with decent facilities and a lot of space. It gets very popular so getting a booking at this time of the year at short notice isn't easy. Also, nearly all camp sites don't like groups of young people and it can be impossible to find a place that will accept a group of under-25s even.
If you are all under 18 just forget all about getting a booking at a camp site in the UK or in most of Europe..
No camp sites are really cheap these days and sometimes a B&B or a backpacker hostel can be cheaper than putting up a tent on a camp site.
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=1579 . . .
Wild camping ( not on a site) isn't a great idea around Rye and the rest of the south east coast. It isn't the kind of country were you can get away nicely hidden somewhere and if you get caught you can be in big trouble.
I've camped wild all over the UK and round the world but the south east and southern coasts are not good for it in most areas.
There is one beach though in Sussex where you can have small fires...small ones.
On Brighton beach there are often a load of students and others who have all-night beach parties.
It's fun on Brighton beach at night and there's enough space under the pier to sleep a hundred people when the rain comes calling.
I've slept under there a few times.
Some small tents are on the beach sometimes and sometimes people sleep in them.
Sometimes they are convenient hidey holes doubling as hotel rooms for social activities of the reciprocating kind with whoever you just fell for at some party or other.
Brighton is a bit err, sociable that way. Take care if you get caught up in party fever after a few beers or vodkas on the beach.
You don't know where people have been. Or what they brought back with them
Gatwick airport is just up the rail track a few miles, with direct trains all day to Brighton. I use them every few weeks
More on here, Brighton beach and wild camping in the UK.
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110321055926AA8g0Ks . . . .
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100502103437AAbdwg8 . . . .

Best place for a Camping Holiday in UK?

Kate

I live in London and im planning to go to go for a 3-4 days holiday somewhere in May. I want to go to a caravan park or something like that where me and my family can just relax and have fun. I want to to be in the forest or something like that. Maybe you have any ideas where i can go. (it should include some interesting/beautiful places to walk around) Please give me so websites or links. p.s and i dont want to spend more than 500 pounds on that. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer
If you have your own tents there is a camp site at Postern Hill in the really beautiful Savernake Forest, near Marlborough, Wiltshire www.campingintheforest.co.uk/england/postern-hill-campsite