Camping is an outdoor recreational activity, in which the campers get away from civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or more nights at a campsite. It may be combined with hiking either as backpacking or as a series of day hikes from a central location. The idea of sleeping outdoors in a sleeping bag or in a tent on the hard ground, cooking a can of beans over a fire and using the bathroom outside were not necessarily what the majority of people might want to do on their holidays. It might have been ok for the young, energetic and childless people out there, but for the average family or older generations, camping was something that was seldom thought of as entertainment.

Many campgrounds have sites with special facilities such as fire rings, barbecue grills, bathrooms and utilities, but not all campsites have similar levels of development. Although those who find romance in the sleeping bag under the stars can still rough it any time they want to, even the hard core roughing it camper will likely find some tools, products or gadgets that they would love to have on their next trip. From the wide variety of locations and venues that are available, not just in the country, but internationally, to the wide range of camping products that are now made, you can virtually create the experience that you and your family may not have even thought to dream of yet.

If you haven’t considered camping as a vacation possibility for you and your family before now, take a moment to think about what it could look like. You arrive at a facility with a reservation for the spot that you would like. That spot could be anything from a parking space for your recreational vehicle to a gorgeous lakeside campground. It could be cabins with indoor plumbing, a site that has group facilities nearby, or a true wilderness location where you can get as close to nature as you’d like. When it comes time to have the next meal, your options are also incredibly varied. Depending on the habitation you’ve chosen, you could find yourself doing anything from cooking over an open flame to using your own high-tech portable oven or grill that provides you with comforts similar to those of home.

But one of the best aspects of camping is the endless array of locations and activities available at each of the different sites. You can find sites at some of the most beautiful natural locations in the world. But that’s not all. Whether your family would prefer to go to the mountains, by a lake, near the sea, or near a historic or tourist location, you can incorporate a number of fun activities into your camping experience. Horse-back riding, boating, hiking, swimming, and any number of games and sports are all possibilities that will satisfy the vacation dreams of every member of your family.

By: Philippe De Tiege
How to have a safe, fun and inexpensive vacation, please visit: http://www.yourcampingonline.com.

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

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

Taking your kids camping the first time can be a daunting task, if you're not well prepared. But a well prepared camping trip with your kids can be a great joy for everyone involved. Here are a few considerations and preparations you should make before leaving home.

First of all, choose an easily accessible location. You may want to choose a camping spot that is accessible by vehicle if your kids are relatively young. If you want to hike in to the camping spot, keep the distance pretty short. Also, remember that younger kids may not be able to carry all of their gear and food in, so you'll end up with one very heavy pack if you're not careful.

Here are a few tips for minimizing the amount of stuff you have to take in, if you're hiking to your camping spot.

First, choose a spot with easy access to water. That way you can take in dehydrated foods, and use the water at the camping spot to cook your food with. That will save you a lot of weight.

Also, try taking one or two larger tents to hold everyone, rather than several smaller tents.

A camp fire is another consideration. Campfires and s'mores are a must when you take your kids camping. Be sure you choose a location that allows campfires, and that has a readily available water supply to put the fire out.

When you take your kids camping, be sure that they have the same essentials that you take camping: extra clothing, a coat or rain jacket, food, water, a tent, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, etc.

One last thing: before you go camping be sure you give your kids a few basic safety instructions, such as safety with fire, snakes, bears (if applicable), etc. Safety first!

By: Gabriel J. Adams
Visit Outdoors And In, outdoorsandin.com, for your kids camping gear.

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.

When it comes to the Northeast, Connecticut is an underappreciated state particularly in the fall. Once in your life, you should travel to the state to watch the brilliant colors when the leaves turn.

Places to Stay in Connecticut in Your RV

Connecticut, located in the New England region of the United States, is a state that is full of historical significance and charm. One of the many states in this region that offers a glimpse into the past of the US, Connecticut also offers RV vacationers beautiful scenery and outdoor activities to take part in. From the spring through the fall, this state is a great place to take a recreational vehicle, and the many Connecticut RV facilities sprinkled throughout the state make it an easy place to take your next RV family trip.

The Mystic Country region of Connecticut has a lot to offer those who like diversity in their vacations. From two of the largest Native American casinos in New England (Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods) to the quaint charm of the town of Mystic with its marina and small shops, this region is a good spot to start your tour of this state. There are several of RV facilities located here for you to stay at, all with different amenities and sizes of parks to suit any needs. One example of a good park to check into is the Brialee RV and Tent Park, located in the Natchaug State Forest.

The Brialee RV and Tent Park, which is open seasonally from April 1 through October 31, offers families a full experience as well as a place to spend the night. With 195 sites located within an area of 120 acres, there are plenty of places to choose from in this park to find your perfect camp. Water, electric and some sewer sites are available, and all of the RV spots are pull through sites. Wireless Internet and cable TV are both available on select sites. You have your choice of a sunny spot or shady wooded area for your RV parking needs, and for those who don't have an RV but would like to experience one, the Brialee also rents RV's.

There is more to the Brialee RV and Tent Park, however, than just the spots where you spend the night. What makes this park unique among others is the fact that they employ two full time recreational counselors so that there can be many different activities for both children and adults who stay at the park. Side trips, ceramics and other craft classes, and swimming and fishing are just some of the recreational activities available to the guests of this RV park. They also have the ability to accommodate group activities and groups of RV vacationers – so think of this area when you plan your next family reunion.

Choosing Connecticut for your next family vacation can be fun and easy. Close to many other states in the New England area (and even to New York City), an RV vacation to this state will be fun for the entire family, no matter what the age range.

By: Adrien White
Adrien White is with RV Rentals for You - information on Connecticut RV rentals, dealers, parks and more.

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.

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.