Search Results for: blog camping in the yard

Camping: Beach vs. Woods

Considering that my idea of “roughing it” is shacking up at the Hilton, you wouldn’t think I would have a definitive opinion in regards to the best camping venues. Generally campers have two venues to choose from: the beach or the woods. Depending on which part of the country you are planning to pitch a tent, your options may be limited if you prefer one over the other. For example, I live in the Upper Midwest, so campsites on the beach are not as easy to come by as they would be in Hawaii. Still, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan are … Continue reading →

West Coast Camping

I grew up in Hawaii, where most people don’t plan too far in advance for a weekend camping trip. Rather, they simply pull up to a beach with a sheet and a packed cooler, and let the good times roll. When I moved to the mainland for college I was surprised by how the other-half camped. One of my first camping experiences took place in northern California, near Lake Tahoe. It was an incredible trip filled with hiking, kayaking and learning the finer points of cooking on an open fire. I’m told that people from different regions of the country … Continue reading →

Camping With Children

This photo of Stanton / Meramec KOA is courtesy of TripAdvisor I love taking vacations with just Hailey now that I’ve gotten the hang of it. Initially it was kind of scary. When I was married the only vacations we took were to visit my ex-husband’s family, so I didn’t really have any experience with booking rooms and flights and things like that. It was intimidating to think about going to a strange place and being the only responsible adult. My first vacations as a single parent were camping trips, usually with friends. The first solo trip Hailey and I … Continue reading →

Camping in the Yard

Like many small children, my daughter just loves camping. Like many tired parents, I am no fan of camping. It’s not that I don’t love nature. I do love nature. We hike a lot and we go to our cabin in the summer time. That’s all good. However, hiking involves minimal preparation time, and while our cabin involves a lot of packing, once we are there we can cook with ease and sleep in a bed. Our cabin does not involve epic amounts of packing over several days for a short trip, cooking that takes many times as long to … Continue reading →

Great American Backyard Campout

Get out your tents and marshmallows; it’s time to go camping. Only you won’t have to travel far to tell ghost stories and roast hot dogs if you are participating in the National Wildlife Federation’s 2009 Great American Backyard Campout. The event takes place tomorrow and is designed to encourage families to tap into the myriad of resources available that promote communing with nature just steps from your own home. If you hate bugs, pit toilets and being without running water, then your backyard is the ideal place to pitch a tent and give your kids a night to remember. … Continue reading →

Hiking and Camping with the Pups

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Love the great outdoors? Your dog just might love it, too! If you’re planning a hike or camping trip with your four-legged best friend, here’s a list of supplies to get you started. For your pup: Collar and ID tags — these are essential on ANY trip. If your dog becomes separated from you, how will you find him again? Make sure your cell phone number (if you have one) is on your dog’s collar. A leash. Just because you’re in the wilderness doesn’t mean you want to let your dog run wild all the time! Current vaccination records. They’re … Continue reading →

“Pretend” Camping – All the Fun of Camping Without So Much Work

My last entry on camping supplies reminded me of “pretend camping”. Many years ago a friend and I decided to our little boys up to the mountains for a hike. We parked near a picnic area and had a nice hike with our children. When we came back down from the hike, we spread out our picnic and let the kids play in the little creek while we talked. A couple of hours went by and the kids still didn’t want to get in the car. My friend and I didn’t either. We knew that traffic, boring chores, yard work, … Continue reading →

Luxury Camping Without the High End Prices

Like mother like daughter I guess. I blame my lack of enthusiasm for camping on my mother who, like many others out there, does all her “camping” at a Hilton. Which is not to say that I have never pitched a tent and lived off the land during the summer months. (You can read about my first camping trip here.) I just don’t seem to embrace the experience of roughing it as much as others. However, there is an entirely different breed of lodging in the great outdoors that I am quite interested in—luxury camping. Did you know that there … Continue reading →

Luxury Camping Destinations

In previous blogs I’ve told you about some of my camping “adventures.” I wouldn’t consider any of them “luxury,” even though the hottest new trend in camping is lodging in high-end accommodations. (Yes, gone are the days of “roughing it.”) These days more and more families are opting to camp in a variety of spectacular locations with added amenities. The following properties combine the best of camping with creature comforts. Consider ditching the pup tent and soggy marshmallows and gear up for deluxe bungalows, maid service, and working showers… at a price even the most budget conscious camper couldn’t resist. … Continue reading →

Camping Options For The Anti-Camper

My name is Michele and I am an anti-camper. I’ve regaled you with my camping stories (okay story) in a previous blog, just to prove that I am not someone who voices discontent with an activity without trying it first. What can I say? I’m just not the camping type. At least that’s what I thought until I heard about “glamping.” Have you heard of “glamping?” According to tour companies, the word is shorthand for glamorous camping. Resorts in the United Kingdom and Canada have turned the spotlight on luxury camp sites in an effort to lure high rollers to … Continue reading →