Are you planning to take your dog on your next camping trip? I have a dog who mind-reads. She knows long before the camping bags come out. She paces and worries and gets all anxious about being left behind. And the guilt that stabs me as I push my dog’s struggling body back into the house before pulling the door shut can only be matched by the pain of unlatching my wailing toddler off my legs the first day I went back to work.

If you are planning to take your dog camping, prior planning and preparation can make the trip much smoother for everyone.

1. Find a dog-friendly campground – do your research. Make sure pets are allowed. Are there any restrictions? Are there big open spaces for Rover to run around? Are the campgrounds sprayed regularly against mosquitoes and ticks? Are you required to bring and show your dog’s rabies certification?

2. Doggie Bag – what is unsettling to a dog is the myriad of unfamiliar scents, people, objects and spaces he suddenly finds himself in at camp. Comfort him by packing a doggie bag of all his favorite things: sleeping pad/blanket, snacks and toys.

3. Scoop the poop – bring lots of plastic bags and scoop it up just as you would at home. It’s the great outdoors, not the great outhouse. Some campgrounds have banned dogs because of the negligence of a few dog owners.

4. Dog etiquette – your dog should at least have acquired basic etiquette such as not jumping on people, coming when called and not barking at strangers – even weird strangers, which you are bound to encounter in a campground.

5. Last but not least, dog safety

Don’t leave her alone in the tent. Keep her in sight at all times.

Keep him hydrated. Dog and heat don’t get along. Water him often.

Leashed. Just because a campground doesn’t require you to keep her leashed, you may want to in certain situations if she is apt to chase after rabbits or unfamiliar scents.

He should have his id tag on his collar at all times. In case he does chase after that rabbit and get lost.

Be familiar with basic animal first-aid for ticks, scrapes or poison ivy.

Campgrounds are one of the last few vacation places that still allow dogs. So, why not, bring her along, let her frolic under the sun, swim in the pond, roll in the grass.

By: Kayla List
Need more camping tips, recipes or gear suggestions? Watch fun camping how-to videos at http://www.JoyofCamping.com.

For a free 28-page Campfire Recipe book, email camping_recipes@aweber.com

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If your idea of a great vacation is being pampered, wilderness camping is not for you. Since these camps generally offer a variety of high excitement activities with not much in the way of modern conveniences pampering is not an option. However, during a week or two at a wilderness camp, children can learn important lessons such as survival skills, first aid and wilderness safety. As a plus, kids will also be forced away from the television and video games for a spell so they can connect with nature.

One of the first and most obvious aspects of wilderness camping is, of course, the wilderness. These campers do not visit already set up camps with cabins, kitchens and bathroom facilities. Along with leaders experienced in wilderness survival, they set out to make their own adventure and their own camps.

Wilderness campers generally carry all of the things they need to live during their camping trip in a backpack on their backs. Their packs will hold their clothing, food and eating utensils as well as tents and bedding. Depending on their activity, they may make and break camp each day, or they may set up one camp site and stay there during their entire camping trip.

These campers generally travel to remote places where there is no electricity or plumbing. They must learn to cook all of their food over a fire and also set up a tent and campsite that will be protected from the elements. Campers will be taught how to pick a good campsite and how to pitch a tent properly. They will also be taught fire and cooking safety.

During their camping experience campers will also learn the basics of wilderness safety. This will include training in which plants, animals and insects are poisonous and what should be done if someone should become poisoned by a plant or insect. Campers will bring the lessons they learn while wilderness camping back to their everyday lives where they will know how to properly handle emergency situations.

In addition to the skills they will learn, most campers will tell you the exciting activities they can participate in during the trip is the focal point of wilderness camping. Wilderness camping will generally focus on an activity that can no be experienced in any other type of camp.

These activities can include mountain climbing, white water rafting, glacier hiking or backpacking in the forest or jungle. Wilderness camps are available in locations in both the United States as well as foreign locations, so your child can choose the adventure that is right for them.

Participating in a wilderness camp can help children learn the skills they need to survive and help others survive in the case of an emergency. They will also learn the extent of their own inner and physical strength as they participate in the adventure of their lives. Additionally, wilderness camps will also force kids away from video games and television for awhile and help them focus on nature and the world around them.

By: J. Lloyd
Still looking for the perfect summer camp? Try visiting http://www.aboutcamps.com - a website that specializes in providing camp advice,tips and resources including information on wilderness camp.

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

Need a few laughs, check out our camping jokes section.

Camping is fun as it is your opportunity to break away from the hectic routine of city life. Imagine being able to breathe the fresh air while at the same time releasing and submitting yourself completely to nature. Besides adults, kids also enjoy going camping outdoors. However if your camping trip takes too long, they might get bored after a few days away from their television and computer. That could spell disaster. Don't fret though, below are 10 camping activities that would surely keep them entertained and occupied.

1. Get wet and go splashing. If you cannot find a good swimming spot, normally most of the camping parks would suggest where you could find a good and safe spot for you to swim, either a big lake or a small brook. Some of them might have their own swimming pools. Avoid the swimming pool at all costs and go swimming in a lake amidst nature. The experience that you'll get is indescribable. Some camping parks would offer a boat rental service, where you could rent a boat or canoe for a small fee. Your kids will have a blast. A word of caution, never leave your kids swimming by themselves. Be watchful at all times.

2. Rent a bike and go biking together. Most camping sites have biking trails for you and your family to explore. Be adventurous. Riding bicycles is very enjoyable as you are able to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Ride slow and make sure that everybody is not left behind. Bring a map with you and plan your biking trip adventure before making the trip so that you know exactly where you are heading and where you want to be. Plan your time properly, so that you would be able to make the whole trip and back to your camp before it gets dark.

3. Go bird and animal watching. Most forest parks and camping sites have brochures or leaflets about the different types of animals that can be found around the area that are worth watching and to look out for. A fun thing to do is to buy books on wild animals before your camping trip and play a game with your children and see who can spot the animals first. Just be sure that you keep your children at a safe distance.

4. Play outdoor games such as tug-o-war or the classic sack race or just plain tag. Children love these games, especially when they're playing these games in the woods. Make sure that you are playing in a clear area to avoid unwanted accidents and also avoid making loud noises that might disturb other campers and especially the wildlife.

5. Go on a scavenger hunt. Who doesn't love to go on such quests and adventures. What's good about a scavenger hunt is that it involves the physical, which means you'll get yourself and your kids to exercise while having fun at the same time. Prior to the game, just warn the kids on the type of things that they should avoid, such as poison ivy, sumac, oak and other prickly plants that might be lurking in the woods. Also, you have to be sure that you teach your kids how to read maps. That could also be a different game and will be discussed below.

6. Teach your kids how to read maps and compasses. Educate them on the importance of navigation and explore the forest with them using the maps and compasses. Show them the location that they are at now on the map and where you guys are going. Get them to notice anything significant on your path, such as a tree with a weird shape or something that is out of the ordinary to identify. This should go hand in hand with your scavenger hunt.

7. What's camping without a campfire? This is a must to every camper out there. Your camping experience would not be complete without a campfire. This should be done at the end of the day before you go to sleep. Telling each other scary stories and jokes is recommended. Also, don't forget to bring a guitar and sing songs around the campfire. Other activities you can do around the campfire is to play word games and riddles while roasting your favourite marshmallows and hotdogs.

8. Another night activity that you can do is to watch the stars in the sky. This is both fun and educational. Get everyone to lie on an open field and appreciate the free light show in the sky. You can also bring a star chart and try to discover the famous constellations and other heavenly bodies. If you're lucky, you might catch a shooting star. Don't forget to make your wish though.

9. This next game is frowned upon by some campers, but you should bathe in the rain when it rains. This is recommended if the weather is not cold. Otherwise you might get sick. It's sort of depressing when it rains when you are out camping. Rather than complaining about it, take the opportunity to have fun in the rain and enjoy mother earth's natural shower. Not recommended when there is thunder and lightning.

10. Just simply enjoy the moment and relax. It might not be a big hit with the kids but it is the most appropriate time to bond with your family and enjoy everyone's company. Take your time to enjoy the nature, it's not everyday your family get to enjoy this holiday.

There are many other outdoor activities that you could enjoy doing when you go out camping. By no means that the 10 activities discussed above are complete. The most important thing to remember is to enjoy your time with your family. It's not everyday that you get this kind of opportunity. So, enjoy!

By: Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann
Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies and love to camp whenever they could find the time. Discover the fun things to do when you go family camping at campgrounds of your choice.

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

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While visiting Pigeon Forge, you must make a trip to the Smoky Mountains National Park. As the most visited national park in America, the Smokies receive over 9 million visitors a year. There is so much to do and see in the park including overlooks that give you a view of the beautiful mountain ranges, hiking trails, camping, fishing, historic sites and wildlife. There are five different forest types throughout the Smoky Mountains and over 4,000 plant species. Some sections of the park are actually classified as rain forests. The park totals over 500,000 acres in size.

Most visitors to the Smoky Mountains National Park are there for a one day visit. However, if you love the outdoors and enjoy camping, there is no better place in the country to camp than the Smoky Mountains. The campgrounds in the park are primitive on purpose. There are ten campgrounds and all of them have running water, flush toilets and fire grills. There is a charge for staying at these campgrounds but they are nominal. There are no hookups available at these campgrounds.

Hiking is another enjoyable thing to do in the park. Not only does it give you a chance to see the the great outdoors but also is a great way to exercise. There are over 850 miles of hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains. The trails range from less difficult half hour walks to more difficult trips. Many provide beautiful views, historic landmarks and waterfalls. The Appalachian Trail stretches 70 miles along the top ridge of the Smokies.

Wildlife viewing is excellent in the Smoky Mountains. Early morning and late evening are the optimal times to see wildlife. There are over 65 mammals living in the park with the red wolf and bear being the favorite of tourists. Coyote and Bobcats are skittish and their sightings are rare while the Deer are easily viewed in the park. Other animals that you will see are red and gray squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, raccoons, opossums, red and gray foxes, skunks, and bats. Elk, river otters, beavers, wild hogs and of course snakes also live in the Smoky Mountains.

There are over 230 species of birds in the Smoky Mountains and 110 that reproduce in the mountains. As far as snakes, the Copperhead and the Timbler Rattler are the only poisonous snakes in the Smokies but neither have lethal poison. The most common non-poisonous snakes are black rat, garter, and the common water snake. Other reptiles include frogs, toads and salamanders. The Smokies 27 species of salamanders make the Smokies the salamander capital of the world.

Fishing is another thing to do in the park. Anglers 13 and over need a valid fishing license to fish in the Smokies which needs to be purchased before visiting the park. The national park does not sell licenses. Fishing is allowed year round and there are over 40 species of fish including darters, dace, suckers, bass, shiners, and trout. Brook trout are the only trout native to the Smoky Mountains. Stop by a visitors center for fishing regulations.

The weather in the Smoky Mountains can change quickly. The climate is moderate but because of the higher elevations, you can experience changes in the weather quickly. Elevations in the Park range from 800 feet to 6,643 feet and the temperature can drop from 10 20 degrees from the lower elevations to the higher ones. Also just because it is a beautiful day when you leave for the park, doesnt mean it will remain nice weather through your entire trip. There is an average of 55 inches of rain a year in the lowlands compared to 85 inches of precipitation in the higher elevations of the Smoky Mountains. If you have wondered why the Smoky Mountains are Smoky it is a result of the rain and evaporation from the trees. The upper elevations of the Smoky Mountains are classified as rain forest.

If there is one reason why the Smoky Mountains should be classified as a national park it would be because of its plants. The vegetation is what makes these mountains so unique. Because of the many elevation levels, rainfall and temperature, these mountains provide a great habitat for over 1,600 different types of flowering plants, 100 types of trees and over 100 species of shrubs. The park is sometimes referred to as the Wildflower National Park. There are more types of flowering plants in the Smoky Mountains than any other park in the United States. And the beautiful Fall leaves in the national park are spectacular!

Entrance to the Smoky Mountains is free. Due to deed restrictions imposed when the Smokies were established it was decided that entrance charges would never be allowed. There is limited food and supplies available in the park so it is best to bring along a picnic and drinks and rest at one of the several picnic spots in the Smokies. Pets must be on leashes at all times and are not allowed on the trails. Horseback riding and bike riding are also available in the Smokies.

There are many visitors centers in the Smokies to assist you about the park and offer ideas on experiencing the most out of your visit to the park. Many offer exhibits about the history and culture of the Smoky Mountains. Many tours with guides are offered and most have facilities and shops. The Sugarlands Visitor Center offers a free 20 minute Dolby Digital Surround Sound film about the Smokies which is very interesting. There are many places to go in the Smokies to show you the extraordinary nature and cultural history of the Smokies. If you want to learn more about the culture of the early mountain settlers, then make a visit to the Mountain Farm Museum, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, or the Roaring Fork area. At these stops you can tour homes, farms, churches and other structures built by the early settlers. The best places to view wildlife because of the wide open areas are Cades Cove and Cataloochee. For the most beautiful views of the Smoky Mountain range, head for the tops of the mountains at Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap. For a stop in a cool shady forest location, you may want to visit Deep Creek or Roaring Fork.

No matter what you want to do or see while visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will experience a fun filled day. Plan your visit and be ready to experience the beauty of the mountains!

By: Terry Burns
This article is brought to you by Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide. Visit our website at http://www.pigeon-forge-vacation-guide.com for valuable resources and articles on planning your Pigeon Forge, TN vacation!

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

Need a few laughs, check out our camping jokes section.

When most people think about New York State, they think of the largest city in the United States, New York City. Then they usually think of smog, large buildings, overcrowding, and bad attitudes. However this is not the only thing that New York State has to offer. Many places in New York are very scenic, as well as being very peaceful and quiet. Many of these places are great spots to go camping. The top 5 places to go camping in New York State are:

Heckscher State Park – This State Park is located in East Islip, New York. Heckscher State Park has been rated as one of the top 100 campgrounds in the United States. Swimming, hiking, biking, and playground facilities can be found here, as well as nice trails to walk your dog, as long as you keep your dog on a leash.

Wildwood State Park – Wildwood is a wonderful place to go camping if you really like to go camping in the wilderness, because the park is comprised of almost 600 acres of undeveloped land. Swimming, fishing, and hiking are all activities that are offered in Wildwood State Park. The park is open all year round, but camping season is only from April to October.

Hither Hills State Park – Located in Montauk, New York, Hither Hills State Park was rated among the best campgrounds in the United States. Many outdoor activities are available in this park including playing fields, bridle paths, nature trails, and fishing. Skiing is allowed during the winter and hunting is allowed during permitted times.

Letchworth State Park – Letchwork State Park is located along the Genesee River, 35 miles south of Rochester. This park is amazingly beautiful with canyons, rivers, and waterfalls. You can camp under the stars, or stay in one of the very nice inns in the area. Many activities are available here as well, including whitewater rafting, canoeing, hot air ballooning, and swimming.

Allegany State Park – Allegany State Park is located off of I-86, exits 18, 19, and 20. The Quaker and the Red House areas are very well developed with cabins, playgrounds, and inns for your camping pleasure. There are also many activities available including endangered bird watching, picnicking, hiking, hunting, canoeing, and horseback riding.

By: Gabriel J. Adams
Get your camping gear at Thompson Outdoors: Lensatic compass | Coleman Camping.

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

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