Owning a Sports Utility Vehicle gives one access to a vast array of outdoor activities. Its’ no secret that SUVs can go places ordinary vehicles can’t, but little attention has been given to proper SUV camping equipment and methods. That’s right, we’re talking about sleeping right there in the back of your SUV.

The first consideration, of course, is whether your particular model of vehicle has enough room to actually stretch out and sleep. I’m six feet tall and have no problem sleeping in the back of my Nissan XTerra. The best way to find out if you fit is to crawl in there and lay down! I’ve found that sleeping in the vehicle itself has advantages. The foremost of these is the security of being in a vehicle during a rainstorm or foul weather. Also, while I’m not averse to old fashioned tent camping, I find that the vehicle is much warmer than the cold ground. Another plus is that I don’t roll over in the night to find a tree root stuck in my back. Some great solutions for a good nights sleep in the back of your SUV may actually be in your closet or basement right now. One of the best is a single sized futon pad. These roll-up nicely for transport and provide not only comfort but insulation on colder nights. Some campers like to use inflatable mattresses of various sizes, including the small inflatable models sold for hikers in most outfitter stores. Personally, I use a pad from a chaise lounge on my back deck. It folds well and is rugged enough for tough use. Also, the SUV makes a great base-camp for day-hikes or fishing expeditions. By using the SUV as a tent you don’t need to carry a restrictive mummy bag if you don’t wish. Break out the cotton sheets and sleep in comfort!

Another consideration is ventilation. Sleeping in your SUV with the windows closed can become uncomfortable, especially in warm weather. Not only do the windows become foggy, but the entire interior of the vehicle can become moist with breath exhalation and quite stuffy. Leaving the windows down is a solution that works fine so long as there are no bugs flying around. However, add a few mosquitoes or other buzzing critter and the night can become very uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are a couple of ready solutions for this problem. The first, and most expensive, is to purchase a truck tent system for your SUV. There are many models designed to fit over the tail gate of many common models. Some are smaller and simply create a little extra space with the gate open. Others create an entire room off the back of the vehicle with screened windows and room for the family. This choice is a matter of personal taste, budget, and intent. Another solution, which can compliment a truck tent or be used solo is a product called the “Magna Screen”. These allow you to sleep with your windows down and provide a barrier against insects. Basically, a Magna Screen is a screen that fits magnetically over the exterior of your side window. They’re inexpensive, durable and solve the problem nicely.

Getting to the back-country should be no problem. The best thing you can own is a detailed map of your local National Forest or Park. Make sure to own a map that details all accessible fire roads in the area, and check local conditions to be sure that motor vehicles are allowed where you plan to camp. High end dashboard GPS units, such as Garmin, will also have details on access roads. Once you use a GPS unit you may never buy a map again, and with a good GPS system you can mark all your favorite fishing and camping spots to return again and again with laser precision. So there you have it, your SUV can do even more for you if you’re willing to try something new. Sleeping in your SUV may seem odd at first to some, but once you experience the freedom it allows on back-country jaunts you will be sold. Remember, always respect your environment and always practice “leave no trace” tactics when enjoying the outdoors.

By: Jeffrey Gray
Jeffrey Gray, founder of TroutWorld.com, has been helping trout fishermen find their way to new and different fishing venues via the internet since 1999.
http://www.troutworld.com -- bringing you great deals on gear, trout fishing news, tips, tricks and a world of information.
MagnaScreen.com -- The SUV camping solution: Turn your SUV into a tent.

Camping information featured by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal Resources and Lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

Maryland is a state of many different regions and attractions. From the coastal areas of the state, which border both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, to the larger cities of Maryland, this area is a great place to stop on your family vacation. Enjoy some of the regional specialties, such as Maryland Crab Cakes, and explore the areas near the nation's capital - all while spending time in your comfortable recreational vehicle. The many Maryland RV lodgings offer vacationers to this state a choice in where to stay and what to do while traveling here.

One part of Maryland that is particularly popular with families and tourists who visit the state in RV's is the Eastern Maryland region. This area is a beach lover's paradise, with many coastal towns and amusements waiting for your arrival. Maryland is considered one of the Mid-Atlantic States, meaning that temperatures here do not tend to be so comfortable in the late Fall, Winter and early Spring months. It is best to plan a stay in one of the Maryland RV lodgings during the months of May-September, especially if you want to stay in the coastal region.

A popular lodging located in the coastal region of Maryland is the Buttonwood Beach RV Resort - located in Earleville, Maryland. This RV park boasts that it is unlike any other RV park you've stayed at before - which is evident upon arrival, which happens through an electric security gate. At Buttonwood Beach, you can either bring your own RV for your stay, or rent one of the park owned RV's, so you can be sure to have a great RV camping experience. A perfect spot to experience the coast of Maryland, there are many little areas in the lodgings that offer tranquil bird watching spots, as well as fishing, crabbing and other water sports.

The Buttonwood Beach resort also offers amenities for children, such as their "Wreck Room", and each hook-up at the resort is "full". This means that there are electric hookups, as well as sewer, water, cable television and phone service. The resort also is home to a convenience store (where you can purchase propane as well as other camping necessities), a swimming pool and full laundry center. Additionally, many hookups include docks on the river, as well garden areas and other beautiful landscaping.

Staying at one of the many coastal Maryland RV lodgings can be a great way to spend your next family vacation in this great state.

By: Adrien White
Adrien White is with RVRentalsforYou.com - get daily RV tips and more.

Camping information featured by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal Resources and Lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

Massachusetts is a beautiful New England state providing plenty of opportunities for exploration. Following are Massachusetts RV lodgings where you can stay on your trip.

Massachusetts RV Lodgings

New England is a great area of the United States for a vacation any time of year. If you enjoy winter sports such as skiing or summer events like going to the beach and outdoor activities, there is definitely a spot waiting for you in New England. Among the states here, Massachusetts is perhaps the best example of the region as a whole. Filled with historical sights and beautiful shorelines (such as those on Cape Cod) this state is a very popular family destination. Choosing to stay at any of the Massachusetts RV lodgings can make your trip even more enjoyable.

One very popular section of Massachusetts is Cape Cod. Long known as a resort area for people from Boston as well as other large cities in the nearby states, this peninsula sees thousands of visitors each year. Its unique semicircular shape and the fact that it borders both Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean make Cape Cod a good place to see beautiful lighthouses and other types of New England architecture, as well as a great starting point for going whale watching in the area.

A look at the Massachusetts RV lodgings in the Cape Cod area reveals a lot of choices. One of these lodgings is the Bay View Lodgings in Bourne, Massachusetts. This small town is located just near the Cape Cod Canal, and is a short one hour ride from either Boston or Providence, Rhode Island. Built high up in the wooded area around the Canal, this lodging offers access to beautiful views as well as beaches that offer marinas, fishing in either the Cape Cod Canal or Bay and many other water activities.

The Bay View Lodgings offer RV campers 400 back in or pull through sites, each with water, electric, sewer and cable hookup. There are also picnic benches and a fireplace situated at every site. Also located on the Bay View property are laundry facilities, a camping/convenience store, restrooms with hot showers and ice and wood available for purchase. During the summer months (and on weekends in the off season), an outdoor eatery is set up at the lodgings offering fried and grilled foods - with an ice cream parlor also available for desserts and snacks. There are three swimming pools available for your use in season, as well as camp-led activities for visitors of all ages.

Massachusetts RV lodgings make staying in this state fun and comfortable. With the many choices out there, your biggest problem may be choosing which area of the state to camp in.

By: Adrien White
Adrien White is with RVRentalsforYou.com - get daily RV tips and more.

Camping information featured by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal Resources and Lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

If you want to purchase a brand new Class A motor home they start at about $56,000.00 but as you add amenities, such as a full bath, luxury fabrics, full galley or complete entertainment center, the cost climbs. I have seen these RV’s with prices above$150,000.00.

Some financial institutions will give you a 15 year term, on a motor home loan, so shop around for the best possible rates and terms to fit your budget.

If you visit the web sites of Class A, motor home manufacturers and purchase from the factory, you can choose the amenities you want. It’s almost like having your motor home custom built.

One way to save money is to buy a used Class A mobile home. You can get an almost new RV at huge savings.Try checking out magazines and web sites dedicated to hunting, fishing and camping, they often run ads for RV’s that are for sale by owners. Negotiating with an individual owner is easier than dealing with a business or financial institution.

Another way to save money is to buy a diesel Class A motor home a.k.a. motor coach. You get better mileage from diesel, than from gasoline

Senior citizens are one of the fastest growing groups of people taking to the road in RV’s, many of them on a full time basis.

We know of two couples who are currently full timers. Jack and Nan have a 3 year old Class A motor home RV, which they bought new and have been on the road since. Joe and his wife left a few weeks ago and plan on being full timers in their van camper.

Before you leave for your first RV trip, talk to people who have some experience. Also go on line or tips about how to have a successful vacation in an RV.

For instance: How do I choose a campground? What do I need to bring? Where do I get repairs? There are probably dozens of other questions you want to ask and there are websites that will answer them.

Rving is democratic at most RV parks. You will find pop-up campers next to the Class A motor coaches and even tent camping Usually everyone is very friendly and helpful especially to newbies.

A class A motor home camper will give you most of the amenities of a 1st class hotel and the privacy and comfort of your home.

If you have never taken an RV trip, my friends Jack and Nan suggest that you rent a motor coach for at least a week and head for a campground no more than 150 miles away.

Jack says “This maiden voyage will help you decide if you enjoy this lifestyle and you will learn what you don’t need to bring next time and what you forgot to take.”

His wife Nan, adds, “take at least one more trip a little longer than the first. It is this second jaunt that will convince you and send you off searching for your own Class A motor home RV”.

By: Nina Romanov
More about Rv-ing : http://rv-motor-mobile-home.blogspot.com

Nina is an expert freelance writer. She is a cake decorator and a certified naturopath. Presently she is happily RV-ing with her husband.

Camping information featured by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal Resources and Lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

A camper van looks like a family van that has been stretched out. One of the perks of this kind of RV is that you can park it in a regular parking spot in the mall or in front of the local mini-mart. So you don’t have to tow the family car behind your rig.

Stopping at campgrounds is much less costly then hotels. Fees range from 20 to 50 dollars a night and you don’t have to eat all meals in restaurants or pack and unpack at each stop between home and your destination.

Tent camping fees are less expensive than those for RV’s. We checked that out in Louisiana, California, Iowa and New York. From what we’ve heard from other Rvers that holds true all over the country.

Never been Rving? I’d suggest you rent a class B motor home RV for your first trip. That way if you decide Rving is not your thing or find that you need longer mobile home, you won’t be stuck with the van camper. Actually I’d suggest a couple of short trips and one of two or more weeks before you lay out money for a motor home.

This class of RV drives just as easy as the family van, they don’t burn much more gas than your S.U.V. and many can be parked in a normal sized garage.

A friend we met in Canada uses his class B motor home RV as his everyday family vehicle. A new class B RV starts at somewhere around $58,000. Of course if you add extra amenities the cost is higher. However you can get loans with a 15 year term.

You may want to consider purchasing a pre-owned camper van. You can save big money and get an almost new RV. However don’t buy one sight unseen, have it checked by a mechanic and make sure all appliances and systems are working.

Search the web for manufacturers if you want your camper customized. You can also locate owners and dealers that are selling class B RV’s.

Next you have to decide whether you want a gasoline or diesel powered van camper. Diesel, though more per gallon to buy gets much better mileage than gasoline, which is very important when you drive long distances.

The B class motor home plus or BC class motor home is more luxurious than the class B van but smaller and not quite as fancy as a class C coach.

Whether you show up at a campground with a class B camper van, a luxury motor coach or a tent, you will generally find a warm welcome from fellow RV’ers.

By: Nina Romanov
More about Rv-ing : http://rv-motor-mobile-home.blogspot.com

Nina is an expert freelance writer. She is a cake decorator and a certified naturopath. Presently she is happily RV-ing with her husband.

Camping information featured by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal Resources and Lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.