No doubt about it, camping can be fun. But, if you don't pay attention to safety, your fun camping outing can turn into the camping trip from Hell. What are some of the most important camping safety tips you should know?

1. Plan Ahead. Do your research. Make sure the campground you've chosen is a safe one. Make sure there are no current fire dangers. Check out the weather. Any health alerts in the area, such as dangerous bacteria count in the water, or outbreak of any rodent-carrying viruses?

2. Pack the Emergency Kit. Be prepared for cuts, bee stings and allergic reactions. Bring antihistamines, antiseptic, bug sprays and insect repellents, pain relievers, bandages, sunscreen and if possible, a snake-bite kit.

An emergency kit should also include the following items: Whistle, flashlight, compass, a small Swiss Army knife, razor blades, tweezers, magnifying glass, sterilized water packets for cleaning wounds, emergency blanket, thermometer, cold pack, and a mirror. A mirror can be helpful when signaling for help. Some people also use a CD. If you can afford them, a pair of night-vision goggles can also be a help in an emergency.

3. Arrive at the Campsite Early. Arriving early, with ample daylight, allows you to examine the entire campsite and set up while there's still light. Be on the lookout for sharp objects, broken glass, huge ant beds, branches, poison ivy, hazardous terrain and bees.

4. Build your Tent on a Safe Spot. Make sure your tent is flame-resistant and keep it at a safe distance from the campfire. Try to pitch your tent on elevated land so it doesn't flood in case of rain. In order to keep the bugs out, make sure you close your tent immediately upon entering and leaving.

5. Go Over Safety Issues with Family Members. Make sure family members are aware of poisonous plants in the area. Be sure the children understand that they should never drink from any stream or river, regardless of how clean it may look. Finally, issue each member of your family a whistle for emergency use only.

6. Be Fire Safe. Make sure there are no current fire restrictions before building any fire, and don't build a fire if there are strong winds. When you do build a fire, keep it in the fire ring, and make sure there are no flammable items near the fire. Do not use heating devices or candles inside the tent.

Never leave your campfire unattended, and keep the area clear of leaves and twigs. Before going to bed, make sure the campfire is property put out by drowning it with water.

7. Be Aware of Wild Animals. Be sure to familiarize yourself and your family with safety concerning wild animals. Wild animals have acute senses of smell. Make sure you keep your campsite clean and free of food or garbage which might attract them. It is best to store all food, garbage and strong-smelling items (such as soap or toothpaste) in bear-resistant containers or your vehicle. Keep your sleeping bag and tent completely free of food and food odors, and set up your cooking and eating area at least 100 yards from your tent. Do not go to sleep in the same clothing you cooked in, as even the cooking smells can attract bears and other wild animals.

While it may seem like attention to safety takes the fun out of camping, in reality it helps ensure that your camping vacation is a fun time for the whole family. And, isn't having fun the point of camping?

By: Shari Hearn
Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of an RV Camping website where you can learn about such things as beach camping parks and RV rental in Alaska.

Camping information featured by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal Resources and Lifestyle information portal.

Need a few laughs, check out our camping jokes section. For jokes on other subjects see the Jokes Index.

If you are road tripping up the east coast, you will inevitably roll through New Jersey. Here are some highlights of RV lodgings in New Jersey where you can stay.

One of the best shorelines on the upper East Coast has to be that of New Jersey. With many different beach towns and resort areas dotting the Jersey shore, there is plenty to see and do for everyone in the family. Atlantic City, the East Coast answer to Las Vegas, is located on the shoreline, as well as other beach havens like Seaside Heights and Cape May. Whether you feel like strolling the boardwalk (found in many shore towns) or gambling, New Jersey's shore is perfect for your trip. The many RV lodgings in New Jersey, especially along the Atlantic Ocean shore, make staying in this area comfortable and easy.

When staying on the Jersey shore, the different towns and regions tend to have different atmospheres. The area around Atlantic City is geared more towards the 21 and over set, although the boardwalk here does offer the Steel Pier amusement park (in season). Seaside Heights is more of a family destination, but some people find the touristy atmosphere along with the crowds that cover the beaches to be a bit too much. Cape May is located at the very southern end of New Jersey, and has been a traditional shore getaway spot for centuries. Victorian houses and quaint bed and breakfast establishments line the streets.

One of the RV lodgings in New Jersey that will allow you to access many points on the Jersey shore is the Holly Shores Lodging and RV Resort. Located just off of the Garden State Parkway in the southern part of Cape May County, Holly Shores is just north of Cape May. This area is within easy driving distance of the rest of the Jersey shore, as well as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The lodging here offers both RV sites and "primitive" tent sites, which do not include electricity or other hookups. Also available are cabins for rent for your stay.

The RV sites here range from minimal hookups (just water and electric), all the way up to their "Premier Ultra Sites", which include water, sewer, electric and cable. These sites are also in premium locations, with a concrete pad and post light. The Holly Shores Lodging is open from April 14 to October 31 each year, and they hold many different activities and theme nights throughout the months they are open. Some examples are a pet show weekend, a pamper your mom weekend and a Fourth of July celebration.

No matter why you want to visit the Jersey shore, you can be sure that you will find great RV lodgings in New Jersey to make your stay complete. A perfect way to enjoy a summer outing to the beach!

By: Adrien White
Adrien White is with RVRentalsforYou.com - find info on RV campgrounds.

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

Need a few laughs, check out our camping jokes section. For jokes on other subjects see the Jokes Index.

For more information about the state of New Jersey see New Jersey Guides And Directories.

Anyone shopping for recreational vehicles will soon find there are almost as many choices as there are people to choose them. When hauling is the desired route and a truck is at hand, slide in campers can be a great way to go.

Slide in campers offer a number of benefits over other forms of camping vehicles. They include:

* Pricing. Most slide in campers tend to be more affordable than drivable campers, such as full RVs. They are considered middle of the road, typically, making them affordable for many. Since they can readily be found on both the used and new markets, pricing buys are generally available.

* Protection. These campers tend to have windows and solid walls. Due to this fact, many consider these designs to be a step up from both a tent, of course, and a pop up camper. The fully enclosed design offers protection from the elements, bugs and other pests that might try to crash in on a camping trip. This can be a great feature for families that have concerns about camping and small children. Since the camper itself is fully enclosed, there should be no worries about children getting out at night or critters getting in.

* Ease of use. These campers are generally fairly easy for anyone with a pick up truck to use. Sliding in to the bed, thus the name, these campers are fully ready to go once they are hooked up. The design options might require some extra steps for full set up, but generally these are fairly minor.

* Options. Slide in campers tend to come with a whole lot of options. They can mirror full size RVs in having kitchens, dining areas, bathrooms and plenty of sleeping space. They can also be much smaller creations that only offer the most basic of creature comforts. The range of options makes these a solid choice for those who want full protection without a lot of thrills. It also works in these campers' favor for buyers who might be looking to take the benefits of home with them on the road.

* Storage. Unless these are fully flush with the back of a bed, these campers are fairly easy to unhook and store. This also makes them a great choice for those who want to unhook and go while they're on vacation. The campers can stay behind while sightseeing, dining and more is enjoyed with only the truck involved. This flexibility makes them the choice of many.

* Capacity. Even on their smaller end, these types of campers tend to offer a fair amount of sleeping space. Using intelligent designs for maximum use and storage potential, slide in campers tend to pack a lot into a little.

Anyone on the market for slide in campers will likely find there are plenty of choices available. The key in finding the best to meet individual needs involves setting a budget and creating a list of desired features.

When more protection from the elements is desired than a tent or pop up camper can provide, slide in campers make great choices. A step up from both, these designs can be as basic or upscale as a shopper might desire.

By: Samantha Kay
For more information on campers, try visiting http://www.typesofcampers.com - a website that specializes in providing camper related tips, advice and resources to include information on slide in campers.

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

Need a few laughs, check out our camping jokes section. For jokes on other subjects see the Jokes Index.

A typical pop up camper might not offer all the perks of a five-star hotel, but the benefits of these for camping enthusiasts, families and hunters can be incredible. There are a number of reasons why people choose these camping accommodations over other options out there.

When it's a toss up between one of these portable homes away from home and something else, a pop up camper will often win out for these reasons:

* Affordability. These campers are generally much more affordable than other recreational vehicles out there. They are considered a major step up from tent camping and a minor step down from other types of recreational vehicles, making them a solid choice for many people. Providing most of the comforts of home, these campers deliver a lot with reasonable price tags, too. Even higher end, higher priced models tend to be within reach of many families.

* Sleeping accommodations. These campers can generally sleep a minimum of four people easily. Larger pop up campers can handle more people over night and they might even be designed to offer a little privacy for those camping in.

* Outdoorsy feel. A pop up camper is not a tent and it isn't a fully enclosed recreational vehicle either. Often relying on heavy duty screen and framing to provide a portion of their walls, these rolling sun porches make sure the great outdoors isn't lost on a trip. The sense while inside one of these is still along the lines of true camping, but without the discomfort of sleeping on the ground in a tent.

* Options. The options on these campers can be amazing. From full, but quite compact kitchens to dining areas and even tons of storage, these campers help ensure people enjoy some of the creature comforts from home without having to give up the outdoorsy feel.

* Portability. A standard one of these campers is very easy to maneuver. They are typically very easy for small trucks and even larger cars to tow. This means expensive extra purchases, such as a large haul truck, are not necessary to enjoy the full benefits of this type of camping.

* Ease of use. Unlike a tent with all its rods and stakes, these campers are very easy to put into working order. Generally nothing more than a crank or switch needs to be tripped to put them in their fully usable form. A few extra steps might be need to complete the finished look, but all in all, they are easy enough to use anyone can assemble them.

* Storage. Since pop ups go back into a fairly flat formation after use, they are much easier to store in yards and garages. In neighborhoods where campers aren't allowed on a full-time basis, they can be easily stowed behind fencing for year-round storage.

Pop up campers might not be for everyone, but they offer a very solid choice for those just getting into the camping craze. Their affordability, options and ease for use and storage makes them a favorite for many.

By: M. Jedediah
For more information on campers, try visiting http://www.typesofcampers.com - a website that specializes in providing camper related tips, advice and resources to include information on pop up campers.

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

Need a few laughs, check out our camping jokes section. For jokes on other subjects see the Jokes Index.

There is nothing like the allure of camping if you yearn to get away from civilization and the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. If you want to get closer to nature, then very little can compare with spending one or more nights at a campsite.

Camping is a big thrill whether you use a tent, a travel trailer, a recreational vehicle or no shelter at all. One thing to bear in mind, though, is that there are laws that cover camping, particularly in designating campsites for the protection of the environment.

For some, camping always brings a feeling of nostalgia or romanticism for simpler times and past camping trips with their fathers and uncles. It brings to mind a feeling of ‘being one with nature’ as well as that other feeling of ‘man against nature.’ After a few hours, it’s easy to see why they refer to camping as ‘roughing it.’

If you want to enjoy your camping trip, you should be prepared. There’s nothing that can ruin a camping trip faster than finding out that you have a short supply of water or no matches or flashlight.

Among the basic camping equipment are a tent, a sleeping bag, an air mattress which is placed under the sleeping bag, a flashlight or lantern, a portable stove so you can have hot meals or drinks when campfires are impractical, a hatchet, axe or saw and lots of rope. Other equipment you need can easily be picked up from home, such as pots, pans, eating utensils, dishes and glasses. Bring these items in plastic as much as possible to make the things you have to carry weigh less.

Once out in the rough, some campers prefer backpacking or hiking across land and camping at remote spots. Others prefer canoe camping, which is similar to backpacking except that travel is done via a canoe or kayak. This is a common practice especially in eastern North America. Another possibility is bicycle touring, which combines cycling with camping. Everything is carried in the bicycle and the big advantage here is that, unlike backpacking, bicycle touring lets campers travel to far greater distances.

If there’s anything else you may need while roughing it, you can also rely on the local camping supplies store for practically everything.

By: Philip Culver
Camping, recreation and travel information available at: http://www.myrecreationweb.com.

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

Need a few laughs, check out our camping jokes section. For jokes on other subjects see the Jokes Index.