Camping is an activity that I spent most of my forty plus years believing I had no interest in and absolutely no use for. And don't you just love it when circumstances present themselves which shatter long standing beliefs?

After the passing of my dear mother, it was her wish that my family and I did something that would enhance our togetherness in her memory. For weeks, I struggled with how I was going to fulfill her wishes. Nothing seemed just right, and the few ideas I had just didn't seem "lasting" enough.

Then, one day I stopped into a local grocery store that I seldom use, but it was convenient at the time so I rushed in through the front door, with only my urgent grocery needs in mind. As I was passing their bulletin board with local ads, business cards and such, a flyer jumped out at me with the following words in big, bold lettering:

Family Camping is Just What You Need!

Well, I certainly didn't think my family "needed" camping, but for some reason that headline compelled me to take a closer look. Below the headline, there was a photo of a motor home for sale and the flyer went on to say that the seller's wife had just passed away and he no longer could maintain the motor home by himself and was forced to sell. He said the motor home would be perfect for a family looking to enjoy the togetherness that camping afforded, and for which he and his wife had so many fond memories.

Jumping ahead about six weeks...

My husband and I found ourselves backing our new travel trailer into our driveway excitedly for the first time, with no idea of the joy this box on wheels was about to bring to our lives. We didn't end up purchasing the motor home shown on the flyer, but we did go look at it and got quite a camping education from the seller. And it was that visit which put the notion into our heads that perhaps camping would be a wonderful experience for us and our two daughters and the lasting memories would be a fitting tribute to my own mother as well.

How we found and picked up our new toy is another story in and of itself, and I will blog about it very soon. But for my purposes here, I want to illustrate the merits of staying open to any possibilities that cross your path, because you never know when a new adventure is right around the corner.

Because we got our trailer late in the season, we only managed to squeeze in three camping trips before the winter weather set in. But oh what trips they were! From the very first campground we pulled into, it became abundantly clear that this was the best investment we had ever made.

I had never relaxed on a vacation so much and enjoyed nature and the outdoors to the extent that our new hobby permitted. And our children played, explored and had experiences that will remain with them for life. My husband, well, let's just say he's already looking at our next trailer and he will gladly take any proud camper up on the offer to "look inside," and show him around their "perfect," model.

So, I will say this to you... If a headline jumps out and you and says: Family Camping is Just What You Need! - Take 2 minutes to stop and consider the message, you may be very glad you did!

Stephanie Mulac is a Motivational Coach and owner of http://www.90PercentAttitude.com, a website dedicated to helping Marketing Professionals Make Money With Websites on the Internet by developing a positive, winning attitude and providing online encouragement to others who don't have a support system in their lives. For additional camping information, visit http://www.RVCampingTips.com

Provided by the Campgrounds Directory from Resources For Attorneys.

Camping outdoors can be an exciting adventure. Camping is a great way for family, friends, and loved ones to have a wonderful outdoor experience. Camping can create unforgettable memories: from exploring the woods to telling ghost stories around the campfire. Now before you go camping, you should be well equipped. Bringing along the right materials is a necessary when camping. Here is some advice about what you should bring along a camp trip:

Equipment

Tent - One of the first things you should bring is a tent. A good idea would be to bring an extra tent as well, in case one of the tents becomes damage on the trip.

Sleeping Bags - You will need something to keep yourself warm, and to use as a blanket. The woods, forests, and mountain areas are often cool during the night.

Cell phone - to call for help if needed

Backpack - Bring a backpack to carry the items you will bring with you

- Other items: Towels, toilet paper, flashlight, rain gear, bug repellant, and matches (You will need matches for the campfire.)

Clothes

You should only pack clothes that will be necessary for you to wear when camping. You don't want to over-pack, because over-packing will only become a burden to you. You will not exactly have a lot of places to store your clothes. Here is a basic list of clothes to bring:

Jacket - For when it is cool outdoors Shirts Long pants - It is good to wear long sweat pants when jogging to avoid ticks Bandana - These help absorb sweat Extra Socks Shorts Hat

Food Utensils

Cooler - You can store your food inside a cooler Utensil you use to eat with (e.g. forks, spoons, cups, etc.) Utensil you use to cook with (e.g. pans, pots, knives, can-opener etc.)

The advice in this article will be helpful for anyone planning to go on a camping trip.

Jones, who is the author of this article is the blogger of 3 travel related blogs: http://travel-article-blog.blogspot.com, http://adventure-travel-blog.blogspot.com, and http://travel-writing-center.blogspot.com.

Featured by the Campgrounds Directory of the lifestyle section of Resources For Attorneys

Camping in the Yosemite Valley area Many people who decide to visit Yosemite are adventurous spirits seeking to enjoy the natural beauty that Yosemite offers. Those who love the idea of being outdoors will find excellent campsites for extended trips, and there are overnight trips available to those that want to venture further into Yosemite's wilderness. Many of the camps are only open for the warmer months, such as late spring through summer. There are both spaces to set up tents and special areas with 'tent cabins.' Tent cabins usually consist of a concrete floors and walls, canvas top, bunk beds, and sometimes, double-beds. Bed linen isn't usually available, but you can rent it for a small fee that you are charged per night. Camps in the Yosemite Valley area that are ideal for all travelers are camps like White Wolf, the High Sierra Camps, Tuolumne Meadows, and Housekeeping Camp. These are all great places to check out if you're looking for a more interesting time in Yosemite. Camps in the Yosemite Valley area White Wolf Camp Another major camp that is a great is the White Wolf in Yosemite. Named for the rare white wolf who once roamed there, White Wolf camp is as lovely as its name. White Wolf is open from July through September and offers 24 tent cabins and 4 cabins with private bath. The tent cabins are wood frame on a raised wooden platform. They include linen, beds, and a wood stove. Some of the cabins have baths, and others don't. The cabins that do are usually a little extra. High Sierra Camps The High Sierra Camps are a series of five 'villages' of tent cabins. They are located in Yosemite's backcountry, and the majority of the cabins house four people and are co-ed. Some of the most popular camps, they are usually visited by those on hiking or horseback tours. Each camp is a day's hike apart, and there are a few lodges that include hot showers and dinner and breakfast with the package; you've still got to bring your own towel. Since Demand for the High Sierra Camps is so high, reservations are doled out in a type of lottery held from about mid October through the end of November. Winners are typically assigned their places by the end of March. Tuolumne Meadows Tuolumne Meadows is another camp, but is open a little later than the others, from mid-July through the end of September. They are smaller, offering just 69 'tent' cabins. These cabins come with a central bathing area and have concrete floors, wooden frames, and canvas walls. They come with linen, candles, bunk beds and a wood stove. Housekeeping Camp Housekeeping Camp is a typical Yosemite camp that offers 266 'tent' cabins that are great for visitors looking for reasonable lodging that is rustic, yet comfortable. The 'tents' have a concrete floor and walls, a top of canvas, and usually stacked bunk beds. Occasionally they might have a double bed. Bed sheets are available for rental; you can save yourself some cash and bring your own. Housekeeping camp is only open during the summer months. http://www.yosemitelodging.com.

Marcela De vivo is the CEO of Authority Domains.com She has been in Search Engine Optimization since 1999 and has optimized and ranked thousands of sites. She is well known in the industry for her insights into SEO and as one of the early moderators at WebmasterWorld.com

Furnished by: The Campgrounds Directory from the Lifestyle section of Resources For Attorneys.

Planning a Catalina Island camping trip requires some careful planning and packing, as you won't have your car or RV with you.

Since the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy owns most of Catalina, the natural beauty is well preserved, so you are in for a real treat.

There are five campgrounds on the island, not counting the boat-in campsites. Most people arrive by ferry or private boat, so you want to pack enough, but not too much.

A permit is required by all campers, which can be obtained at the Two Harbors Visitor Services or Avalon's Island Plaza. When arriving at the island, you must check in with them before going to your campground.

For Catalina Island camping reservations, call 310-510-8368. You may also be able to rent camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags and pads. All the campgrounds charge $12 per adult per night and $6 per child. They also all have a 10-day maximum stay limit. Unfortunately for campers who love to bring their dogs along, no pets are allowed.

HERMIT GULCH CAMPGROUND

Located 1 1/2 miles from the boat landing on Avalon Canyon Road, you can hike in or take a taxi from Avalon. It is set on a grassy field with trees, inland near Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.

This campground has 54 tent sites. You'll find flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, BBQs and a small store. Propane, charcoal, firewood and ice is available for sale from the rangers.

TWO HARBORS CAMPGROUND

This campground is located in Two Harbors on a bluff above the beach. You can either hike 1/4 mile uphill from Two Harbors or take the Safari Bus. There are 43 tent sites and 3 group sites. Several of the sites are sheltered, which is a blessing during the hot summer days. There are chemical toilets, cold showers, a snack bar and a coin laundry. Activities include snorkeling and biking.

LITTLE HARBOR CAMPGROUND

A third campground is the Little Harbor Campground. Located 7 miles east of Two Harbors and 16 miles west of Avalon, you can get there by hiking (for the studly), or take the Safari Bus from Two Harbors or Avalon.

This campground has 17 tent sites, of which 8 are group sites. They have chemical toilets, cold showers, picnic tables, a BBQ and a fire ring. You can snorkel and swim at two sandy beaches.

If you prefer, you can arrange in advance with Visitor Services to have your gear transported from Two Harbors for a fee.

BLACKJACK CAMPGROUND

Another of the campgrounds on Catalina Island is the Blackjack Campground. It is located near Mt. Orizaba, which is the highest peak on the island. It is inland, set amongst the trees. Located 9 miles west of Avalon and 11 1/2 miles east of Two Harbors off Old Stage Road, you can access it by a 1 1/2 mile hike to the campground. To get to the trailhead, hike in or take the Safari Bus or Airport Shuttle from Avalon. You can check in at either Avalon's Island Plaza or Two Harbors Guest Services.

This campground has 11 primitive tent sites, along with chemical toilets, BBQ, fire ring and picnic tables.

PARSON'S LANDING CAMPGROUND

This campground is found between Land's End and Arrow Point. Located 7 miles west of Two Harbors, you must hike in or come by kayak to get there.

It has 8 primitive tent sites, chemical toilets, BBQ, fire ring and picnic tables. There is no water so you must bring your own. They may include water and firewood in the fee, so double-check this when you make your reservation. It faces the beach, which is nice, but it is advisable to bring your own shade

BOAT-IN CAMPSITES

A unique way to experience Catalina Island camping is by boat or kayak. There are nine named boat-in camping areas in all, covering a total of 17 campsites. All are situated around the northeast shore of Avalon. They are primitive sites with no water, toilets or moorings. You must pack out your trash and bring your own portable toilets and water. No fires are allowed. A ranger will check you in and then checks on each site daily. Kayak rentals are available in Avalon. For more information, call 310-510-7265.

If you love to camp by the beach, try getting away from the hustle and bustle and crowds of the mainland by camping on Catalina Island.

By: Laura Eggers
Laura Eggers is a beach lover with a website. http://www.southern-california-beaches- ... -guide.com offers visitors a plethora of information about the different beach areas to help with planning their beach vacation in sunny Southern California.

Featured by the Campgrounds Directory from the lifestyle section of Resources For Attorneys

The last thing you want to happen when you're 20 miles into the woods is to find your sleeping bag is not warm enough. You will be facing a very long and restless night which can ruin your spirits and sap your strength for the next day.

So how do you make sure you've selected the right sleeping bag for your needs? There are several aspects to consider:

GOOSE DOWN or SYNTHETIC?

There are pros and cons to most of the options available in sleeping bags.

Goose down is very warm. It is lightweight to carry and can be easily compressed for travel and quickly regain form when shaken out. It is by far a better choice for backpackers who intend to carry the bag with them for extended trips because of the lighter weight and smaller packing. However, goose down is also more expensive and loses its insulating properties when wet - a consideration if sleeping outdoors or travelling in inclement weather.

Synthetic filled bags are cheaper than goose down and retain their warmth even in wet conditions. They dry faster than down and are good choices if travelling by boat or sleeping outdoors on the ground. However, synthetic bags are heavier and larger which can be a downside if you are hiking long distances with the bag.

For the average family camper synthetic bags are the least expensive and least affected by wet conditions. If travelling by car to a campground the size and weight of a synthetic bag should not be a problem.

RECTANGLE, TAPERED or MUMMY BAG?

As with the insulating materials, the shape of bag you choose will depend on your specific needs with pros and cons for each type.

Rectangle bags are most similar to bed sleeping and most familiar to the average user. They permit room for movement and you can easily zip two bags together for shared sleeping. However, rectangle bags are the biggest and not the best option for carrying on extended hikes.

Tapered bags are somewhat narrower towards the feet area of the sleeping bag. This shape provides less freedom of movement but more warmth because of the restricted space.

Mummy bags are the smallest and lightest to carry. They are very snug to the body (as the name suggests) with a hood that can be fitted around the head to conserve the greatest amount of body heat. While the average user may find the mummy bag uncomfortable to sleep in because of the restriction, they are the best choice for cold weather camping and long hikes because of their warmth and small size.

WHICH TEMPERATURE RATING?

Sleeping bags will list the coldest temperature they are suitable for sleeping in. Depending on if you are camping in the summer or colder months you will need to choose a bag accordingly. Also take into consideration if you are normally cold or hot when sleeping and make the adjustments.

In most cases it is recommended to choose a warmer bag since you can always open it for venting if it is too warm. The temperature rating is based on using a sleeping pad under the sleeping bag which conserves body heat from the ground.

ADDITIONS:

If you frequently camp out you may want to consider a liner for your bag which will increase its warmth and can be washed separately, saving your sleeping bag from extra wear and tear.

You can also purchase sleeping bag covers. Some of these can substitute for a warm weather sleeping bag and can extend an all season bag into a cold weather bag by increasing the warmth. They can also provide extra protection from wet conditions and are a good choice for protecting goose down sleeping bags.

How comfortable you are when you sleep will drastically affect your enjoyment of a camping or hiking trip. Saving five or ten dollars at the expense of a good nights sleep will not seem like a good idea when you are tired and cold out in the woods, so choose wisely.

By: Trevor Kassulke Camping.

Furnished by the Campground Directory from the Lifestyle section of Resources For Attorneys.