The Camping Lifestyle » Family Camping

Trailer Life RV Parks, Campgrounds and Services Directory 2010

Dave — Sat, 15 May 2010 00:34:29 +0000

Trailer Life RV Parks, Campgrounds and Services Directory 2010 (Trailer Life Directory: RV Parks & Campgrounds)
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Description

Known simply as "the bible" among RVers, this exhaustive reference contains over 11,000 detailed listings for parks, service centers, and attractions. Compiled by the experts at Trailer Life, it rates each park with their exclusive triple rating system for everything from cleanliness and amenities to visual appeal. This edition fully embraces the Internet age, with handy charts showing which parks offer Internet and Wi-Fi access and those that accept online reservations. Other helpful features include phone numbers for up-to-the-minute traffic and weather conditions in each state and province, free dump site locations, and more than 70 full color digital maps complete with bridge, ferry, tunnel, and toll information. The guide also covers the rules of the road and towing laws for each state. No matter how far-flung the destination, the Trailer Life Directory 2010 ensures that travelers are never lost, in danger, or unprepared for what lies ahead.

Reviews

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Great Season for River Floating in Missouri

Dave — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:36:19 +0000

This years record rain has left devastation in its path, but for the rivers in southern Missouri it has made for some great floating. Many of the rivers start running low this time of year and continue to drop through the summer causing some parts to be to shallow for floating. This years rain has left the rivers in great shape and many outfitters say they should be in good shape for the entire summer season.

We have a trip planned to Alley Springs the first week of July. We made this trip later in July last year and found the Jacks Fork to be very shallow and difficult to float. You can read about that trip in the archives. Again this year we will be using the Sea Eagle 9 raft for the float along with tubes and will float from Alley Springs to Eminence. The reports from the outfitters sound promising and I hope for a much easier float this year.

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Camping Reservations – Do you need them?

Dave — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:29:06 +0000

You have spent weeks planning and packing for a great camping trip, just to arrive and find the campground packed full! You should have checked ahead if time and made a reservation. Seasoned campers are already aware of this and plan ahead. But, if you are new to camping or just camp once in a while, you should be aware that many campgrounds can fill up quickly.

We have our favorite campground and have a favorite campsite, problem is that it seems to be a favorite of many campers. Knowing this we try to plan ahead and make reservations as far in advance as possible. Having reservations avoids the hassle of driving around and around trying to find a suitable spot to setup camp. If you are going to a new campground try and research as much as possible to find a good site.

The following are some tips we use for making reservations:

Plan as far in advance as possible
Check on line for site photos and campground maps to help find the perfect site
If you frequent the same campground get a map and make a list of sites you like, this helps avoid surprises
Visit camping forums and ask what campsites are good and what campsites to avoid
Scout ahead if possible

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Camping in The Fall

Dave — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:41:15 +0000

It won't be long before the leaves begin to change and temperature drops, but that should not stop you from camping. Camping in the fall is very enjoyable and can be a whole new experience. Many things change during the fall. The trees begin to change, the animals prepare for the winter and most notable the temperature begins to fall. When packing for a fall trip care must be taken to bring the appropriate clothing and bedding. Shorts and t-shirts may be comfortable during the day, but as the sun begins to set the temperatures can drop by 30 degrees or more. Taking care to pack long pants and jackets is very important to insure a fun filled trip. Bedding is another area that must be addressed. While packing for the trip make sure to include extra covers or sleeping bags. When you think you have packed enough add one more just to be sure, you can always remove layers if needed.

Activities also change this time of year as swimming gives way to hiking or biking. Taking a little time to plan ahead will make for a wonderful trip. Research the area where you will be camping and find out what activities are available. Many parks and campgrounds offer special programs in the fall, these can be very fun especially if you have little ones coming along. Be sure to bring along the camera, as the fall foliage can make for some very spectacular photos. Last but not least have fun.

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Camping With Personality

Jennifer — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 22:29:41 +0000

Everyone has seen them when they have gone camping. The decorations that almost all campers put up around their camp site. Whether it be party lights, flags, windsocks or welcome signs, they all give a little of your own personality into that space for the time that you have it.

Canopy or Party Lights

The most common are those lights hanging from the canopy of all style's of campers. Small or large they all seem to have some type of lights. They come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. The selection is unlimited, from beer bottle's to flip-flops the choice is never ending. It was one the first things I bought, after purchasing my camper.

Canopy light range in price from $9.99 & Up. There are other options to the party lights, you can use rope lights or make your own flower pot light. There is also a benefit to having these lights in camp, they will provide dim lighting at night, so you can find your way around the camp site and they don't draw as many bugs as the lanterns. Follow the links below to see some examples of various lights.

Windsock Lights

Jewel Tone Globe Patio Lights

Flags

Flags are another popular campsite decoration, many campers will display their favorite sports team or state flag. They also come in many different sizes and styles, with the United States flag being the most popular. Flag poles range in price from $5.99 & Up , it generally depend on the size and style of the pole. You can find flags at most retail locations and on Ebay from $4.99 & Up depending in size. There are options available for the flag pole, you can use the type that mount to your camper (most place them on the hull, or use the garden flag style, which stick in the ground. The other option make your own out of PVC pipe, click here for plans.

US Garden Flag Kit

Welcome Signs

Welcome signs with the last names and city/state that they reside, are great, it gives you the opportunity to meet people from your neck of the woods, other areas or even other countries. These are quite simple to come by, you can create your own, or purchase a custom made sign.

You may also like to try your hand at making a Flower Pot Light. It is a simple light made from plastic flower pots and decorating beads. Flower Pot Light

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Planning Your Camping Trip

Jennifer — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:38:15 +0000

Planning your Camping Trip
Preparing for a vacation can be hectic. The planning of what to do and where to go etc..., but it can be especially hard when you are going on a camping trip. Do you not only have to pack clothes, you have to practically pack a moving house. Listed below are some tips and printable checklists to get you off on the right foot when planning a camping trip, whether a week long or just a few days or maybe it's your first trip, these will get you started:

Reservations

Try to make reservations at least a week in advance, or months if you will be going during the prime season.
Making reservations will assure you a place to camp, I highly recommend this if you plan on camping over a weekend or the holidays.
Research the camping park that you are wanting to visit, they might have pictures of the campsites which will better serve you when choosing your site.
Most state parks and other camping parks will accept reservations, either on-line or over the phone. A deposit or payment will be required for some reservations, plus a small fee.
The idea of reservations for camping might seem unreal, but it's take a lot of pressure off, when you know there will be site waiting for you and your family.

Camping Gear

Camping Gear this will be all non-clothing items needed when camping.
Check all of your camping gear, make sure you have everything you will need to go camping and that all items are in working order.
Always pack a First Aid Kit
Use a checklist to assure yourself that you have everything you will need, check items off as you are loading/packing up for the trip.
Make a shopping list for items, that you might still need to purchase.

Clothing Packing

Make a list, great way to assure you have everything for each member of the family.
Always remember the tennis shoes or hiking shoes.
Pack according to weather and activities
Always take at least one jacket or sweatshirt, for those cold evening or a change in the weather.
Take extra, if you have the room, if not pack the necessities.

Meal Planning

Plan your meals ahead of time.
Make a detailed (by the day) Meal Planning Chart of what your going to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also include snacks on the list,especially if you will be camping with children. (insert list)
Make a shopping list of the food required for your meals, this will prevent you from forgetting something, while grocery shopping.

Activities Planning

Research the activities available in the park & surrounding areas.
State Parks will usually have a welcome center, I recommend that you visit them, they will have a lot of information on programs that they offer and other activities.

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Fishing with Children

Jennifer — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 23:50:23 +0000

When fishing with your family, it's really not about the size of the fish you catch, it's about the fun and the excitement it brings to your children's faces. Recently we went to Meramec State Park, MO on a week long camping trip and fished with our 6 year old daughter, she enjoyed catching the little fish and on occasion would catch a keeper. Generally we caught Blue Gill and Sunfish and the occasional “what kind of fish is that?”, but all in all she just enjoyed catching them. Watching the red & white bobber go under or just get tugged at will get them excited and motivated to catch a fish, no matter the size or type. They will have a sense of accomplishment, when they have reeled them in. If your child is anything like mine they will keep count and you can play games with them while fishing, like who can catch the most or biggest, just get creative.

We usually fished at least once a day, usually in the evening after we had dinner., If you prefer to fish through out the day, try to find a location that offers swimming, you can fish in the same vicinity (of course out of the way of the swimmers) and when the children get tired of fishing they can take a swim and continue fishing later. Which we did occasionally. We used a basic and easy pole set-up with just a simple bobber and worms as bait, just try to find some discount fishing gear, nothing expensive is needed. The only down side to this is you will either have to bait their hook for them or teach them to do it themselves, it really depends on the child's age. Fishing with children is also a way to teach them about the different types of fish. Fishing guides are available for free at most park visitor centers for that area, these guides will identify the fish and have helpful tips, rules and regulations.

Of course when you fish with children the tackle box might contain different things than your normal fish angler. I have made a fishing trip checklist of items you might want with you when fishing with children. These are items that I always have with me when fishing with my children. So just remember when fishing with your children that it's about the fun and not the size, that matters.

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