So you want to go camping? The Internet can't help you gather firewood
or get that tent to stay up, but there are many resources to help you
plan your trip, find a campground, make reservations and buy equipment.
Two great general sites that will let you do all these things are
CampNet America and the
Great Outdoor Recreation Pages. Perhaps you know
exactly what you are looking for. A place near Omaha to plug in your RV?
Maybe a backcountry permit in Yellowstone Park? All the answers are just
around the corner with these excellent camping resources.
Planning your trip
There are many Web sites to help you research your trip and find that
perfect campsite. Most national parks feature
excellent camping facilities, and you can even make
online reservations. Also check out the
National Recreation Reservation Service,
which gives you access to 1,700 different locations managed by the USDA Forest Service and the
US Army Corps of Engineers, plus many state parks.
KOA Kampgrounds offer campers consistent quality in prime locations
across the country. Their Web site provides
information on locations and amenities of campgrounds across the country.
Camping in comfort
Recreation vehicle, or RV camping has become increasingly popular in
recent years. A study released by the Recreational Vehicle Industry
Association (RVIA) reports that one out of every
10 vehicle-owning households in the U.S. owns an RV. There are many
different sizes, styles and price ranges to choose from in this $15.8-billion-a-year industry.
If you are thinking about buying an RV, the
RVIA's facts and news has everything you
need to know about types of RVs. Or, visit a few of the major RV
manufacturers like Winnebego Industries,
Monaco Coach and Rexhall Industries.
If you already enjoy RV traveling, you need to visit Woodall's,
an excellent site for everything RV. Check out their suggested
RV Camping Hot Spots. There are
also several magazines dedicated to the RV lifestyle. Two of them with
good Web sites are Trailer Life and
MotorHome. Finally, a very handy site is
The RV Doctor, where you can ask questions and get
tips on maintaining your vehicle.
Be prepared
From the backpacker to the RV owner, all campers need quality equipment
for survival in the great outdoors. Youcan research and purchase everything from parkas
to pocket knives online. Start by visiting
LL Bean and
Land's End, two catalog companies that offer outdoor
clothing and equipment. Those interested in pitching a tent in the snow
should check out L.L. Bean's camping guide. Coleman
is a leading manufacturer of camping stoves and
many other types of equipment. Retailer REI sells
high-end gear.
Once you get there
After a long day enjoying mother nature, it's time to eat a hearty meal
and settle around the campfire. Becky, a grad student and scout leader
in Canada, has compiled a list of
campfire songs, skits and stories.
Camp-A-Roo offers great tips and for camping with kids. Without access to your well-stocked kitchen,
cooking while camping can sometimes be an adventure in itself.
Fortunately, the folks at FamilyFun have put together some
great family
recipes. Try them out, and don't forget the marshmallows!
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