As everyone here is well aware of, camping is a great way to take in all that nature has to offer. Popup campers are a cost effective, simple way to enjoy comfort while out in the wilderness. A great alternative to tents, pop up campers can be rented or purchased for a price that won't hit too hard on the wallet. Brand new popups can be found from around $4,000 all the way up to $12,000. There is also a huge used market out there for such campers. Used popups can be found for very fair prices.

A big plus to popups, being a trailer, have the ability to be towed behind nearly any vehicle with a hitch. A small car can even handle the load with ease. Of course, a hitch will likely need to be purchased as well. Popups have a nice, low profile, which is good for two main reasons: Minimal vision obstruction and minimal wind resistance (which hurts fuel economy significantly, as seen with traditional pull behind campers).

Popups are surprisingly roomy when expanded, and one who hasn't taken the time to check out the inside of a set up unit would be pleasantly surprised. Families with children can fit comfortably with their own separate areas.Also it is thought that popups are difficult to set up, but this is most definitely not the case, not even in older used models. They simply crank up and secure to their position, and you pull out slide out areas , if applicable, and you'll be ready to go.

Never forget to put down the stabilizers on each end of the camper to ensure it can't tip when somebody is in it. Popups can be set up very easily, from the most ignorant beginner to the most experienced expert. Remember- popups have had years and years of time to perfect the design and the easiest, quickest setup method has been optimized. Setup time total ranges from 30 minutes to an hour, which is longer than an RV, but the difference in cost more than makes up for this pitfall. Also, most big tents can easily take this much time to get properly set up while providing far inferior protection to the elements.

A popup camper should be considered by anyone interested in a cost effective "home away from home" in the great outdoors. You'll have the security and comfort that your old popup tent never could. Popup campers are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

By: Cam R Snyder
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You may have already decided to start camping and have your very own reasons for doing so. However, below you'll find many more great reasons to go camping.

1. Camping is inexpensive compared to most types of vacation

Whether you are a lone camper, a couple or a large family, camping is a very inexpensive way to take a vacation. Not only is the per night cost of your stay significantly less than a night in a hotel, once you have purchased a tent and other equipment, all of the major costs have been covered in the initial outlay.

And now that you own your tent and the equipment that goes with it, you can use it again and again, not only every year but as many times as you can get away during a season. Vacation in a hotel or apartment and you are faced with high accommodation costs each and every trip!

Camping vacations are tremendous value for money at any time, and in times of recession when we all have to tighten our belts, they may be the only viable option for a vacation at that time.

Put simply, a camping vacation can save you and your family a fortune in vacation costs.

2. Camping gives you independence and freedom from the herd mentality

A typical package vacation or guided tour often means being herded from start to finish, beginning with the need to arrive at the airport at a specific time (often at an unsociable hour) and continuing during your time at the resort ....a merry-go-round of schedules, activities and the rules and regulations of the hotel and the holiday rep.

Camping gives your much greater choice and freedom to do what you want, when you want...and if your don't like the campsite, move on to another one nearby.

3. Get closer to nature

So many of us live in towns and cities and live our lives at a pace where we rarely get the chance to experience what is going outside our technological world. It is so easy for us to lose touch with the natural wonders that surround us.

Camping lets you get closer to nature and wildlife, to see, smell and hear things that we do not normally experience in our everyday lives.

4. Get closer to each other

Getting away from it all in a tent can bring couples and families closer together. The opportunity to spend quality time together in a relaxing environment, without the distractions of a computer or television, can give you the opportunity to slow down and do things together that you would not have time or the inclination to do back home.

5. Step back in time and experience doing things the simple way

Assuming that you are not planning a camping vacation with a microwave oven, TV, computer, fridge and the other "must haves" of modern living, camping will enable you to experience getting back to basics and the enjoyment of doing things in a more simple and maybe skillful way.

6. Your pets can enjoy a vacation too

I must admit that I have not seen anyone take their cat or rabbit camping yet, but dogs will often be seen on a campsite with their owners. You can not only save on the expense of boarding kennels but also allow your pet to enjoy a vacation with the family too.

7. Take your accommodation with you to a festival

Taking your tent to a music festival gives you the best of both worlds; the enjoyment of camping and living in inexpensive accommodation nearby. And when the days entertainment is over, you are but a short walk away from the comfort of your bed.

8. Recreate memories

Many of us will have experienced camping as a child, maybe as a scout or girl guide, or simply with friends. Others like myself and my wife took camping holidays in the early years of our relationship when money was in relatively short supply.

In adulthood, after many years of expensive and often sophisticated vacations, a camping holiday can be a great way of reliving those simple and happy memories of the past.

9. Build and tailor your accommodation to your specific needs

Hotels and apartments are much the same and you get what you are given. With so many different types of tents and an even greater choice of equipment and accessories, you have the means to put together a tent that is tailor made to the needs and requirements of you and your family.

And every time you arrive at a campsite you get the opportunity to put it all together again (and of course take it all down again when you leave). And each time you go camping you can make it a little different. You might even own a selection of tents for your different camping needs. We own a 6 berth tent for longer camping vacations, a 3 berth tent for weekends away and a compact tent for touring holidays in a MX-5/Miata roadster.

10. You can make new friends

Sitting next to your tent, relaxing or enjoying a meal al fresco, it is easy to strike up a conversation and potential friendship with your neighbors. Likewise you might get to meet some interesting locals when you are out walking or visiting local sites.

You may also join a camping club and get to take part in rallies and other events where you can get to meet fellow campers on a regular basis.

Overall, camping is a great way to meet other people, in wonderful locations and at low cost. But be warned, you could get addicted to it!

By: Alan J James
The Author is a keen Camping Newbie who has a developing blog with the aim of providing other camping newbies with advice and inspiration to go camping. Please visit the Camping Newbie blog at http://campingnewbie.blogspot.com

It is not always that a family or group of friends could get together and enjoy some activities so why not plan your camping trips ahead in order to get the most out of it. In activities wherein many people are involved, it is very important that everything is well planned and the equipment well prepared so that everyone would have fun and ensure the safety of every participant.

The key to succeeding in planning is to start with the venue or the place where the activity will be held. Check on the place, book and secure the location.

Take note of the weather changes that might occur and be ready for circumstances that may arise. Once the place is set and ready for the trip, plan the activities that everybody may be able to enjoy. Consider the age range of the people involved in the camping and be sure to check on everyone's specific needs to see which may need additional help such as those who are asthmatic, with high blood pressure and others that might need special attention.

The children should also be properly supervised to ensure their safety. Do not just travel without an emergency kit handy. One of the basic things included in the kit should be alcohol, towels, medicines, water and band-aids. All camping trips should have at least one first aid kit.

The camping activities should then be planned carefully so that everyone will have fun. Be sure that both the children and adults will be able to participate in these activities.

Some examples of activities include fishing, cooking, or simple karaoke inside the tents. For more active participants, you can prepare extreme sports such as rock climbing, hiking, biking, and bungee jumping, cliff diving or swimming. Feel free to involve these participants in the planning process too. Ask for their suggestions as to what activities they would like to do during their camping trips and you'll be amazed at how their suggestions would make the planning a whole lot easier.

Be sure to prepare every needful equipment, gear and accessories so that the trip would be worth it. Remember that both proper planning and execution constitutes successful camping trips

By: Tom Houser
Tom is an experienced camper who has been camping all his life. He has taken many family trips and many canoe trips as well. Click here for information on choosing a good sleeping bag sleeping bag
By T. Houser

Despite the close proximity of Westchester County to Yew York City, it does make for a very good and attractive RV camping site in the area. Westchester County does have a lot to offer nature lovers and people looking for all forms of camping.

RV camping at Westchester County can be a lot of fun and convenient too because the vast expanse of the RV camping park offers a lot of facilities to the RV campers who visit the park in thousands every year. Irrespective of the park you choose to camp in, you will have full excess to all the facilities any other park has to offer. Croton Park and Ward Pound Ridge are to of the popular parks at Westchester County, these parks have a vast range of hook-ups and the rates vary according to the time you need to use the facility.

Naturally, locating a good camping site for your RV is just the first accomplishment of your trip. For this there are maps and instructions available at the Park office and you can easily locate good camping spots with the aid of these facilities. Once you have decided on a spot, you can park your camper or RV and then explore the country side.

There are many activities to take part in, and you literally have a choice of what you want to choose to do. Perhaps you could start with the Seven Wonders of Westchester. These are the seven most popular sites in the Park. These include; Caramoor Center for the Arts, the Hudson River Museum, the Katonah Museum of Art, Kykuit, Lyndhurst, Neuberger Museum of Art, Philipsburg Manor, and the Performing Arts Center. Scores of people visit these sites daily. Then there is 'Playland', which the first ever planned amusement park of the Unites States.

Then there are the scores of American Revolutionary War sites. These sites are easily reachable from any of the camping sites of Westchester County. If you are there for Independence Day, this is the place to celebrate your freedom. Some of the best places to visit are Thomas Paine's Cottage and Patriots Park. After visiting these places you can get back to the camp and continue your celebrations with some burgers and a BBQ and perhaps watch or take part in the County's firework display.

Westchester Camping County has a few words of advice for their patrons who visit the site in thousands each year. The peak season for RV camping is the entire summer months, and also during the week ends, and you want to get yourself a good camping spot, ensure that you make reservations well in advance. Millions of people are vying for the very same spot you have your heart set on. So, reserve in advance to avoid hours of driving around the park to locate a suitable camping site for your RV.

By: Abhishek Agarwal
Abhishek is a Camping freak! Visit his website http://www.Camping-Guru.com and download his FREE Camping Report "Camping With The Family: How To Have A Safe, Fun, And Inexpensive Vacation" and learn some amazing Camping tips and tricks for FREE. Learn how to have the perfect vacation on a shoe-string budget. But hurry, only limited Free copies available.

The most important factor to keep in consideration is that bears and other wildlife are as their name implies-wild. While bear sightings are very rare in the mountains in Breckenridge, you should keep in mind that the goal is to coexist with these creatures, so you should do your part to keep these animals wild and safe. Under no circumstances should bears be captured, harassed, or fed. In fact, feeding a bear will likely make them become more aggressive toward the next group of humans it comes across. Before you go out playing in the Breckenridge mountains, take these precautionary tips into consideration:

• Make noise.

Although the mountains boast a calming and relaxing environment, an unassuming bear can feel startled if snuck upon. For maximum safety, make mountain activities a group effort. The more noise you make, the less likely a bear will approach. If a bear hears you, it's unlikely that it's going to come to the noise. It would rather keep to itself and leave you alone. When bears are surprised by mountain visitors sneaking up on them, they are more likely to feel threatened. Talk, sing, or hum as you explore the mountains. Local shops in Breckenridge sell bells that you can tie around your neck, automatically making noise for you as you hike trails.


• Stay calm.

In the rare event that you do come across a bear while hiking, try to keep a cool head. Slowly lay down your pack or anything else you are carrying and back away from the animal. In most cases, the bear will either move along on its own or take interest in your pack. If the bear does approach you, make yourself look big by extending your arms above your head, and make loud noises.

• Clean up.

Bears are hungry creatures and will likely follow the smell of food the longer it lingers. After you've finished cooking, burn all excess grease and food from grills and stoves. Be sure to wipe your table or eating area clean as well. Additionally, try to situate your camping area so that your tent and sleeping bag do not smell of food. Because the clothes that you've cooked in will retain the grill's smell, store those in bear-proof containers as well.

• Store it.

Keep your food and garbage in the trunk of your car or suspended from a tree. Get all food at least ten feet off the ground and four feet from the trunk of the tree to be safe. Remember, vehicles are not bear proof-the trunk is the safest storage place if your car is nearby.

• Get it out.

Don't burn or bury your trash-a bear will just dig it up and create a mess. Pack it in bear-proof containers and pack it out with you. Many camping areas are equipped with bear-proof garbage cans for your use.

Remember, bear encounters in Breckenridge are extremely rare. Bears are solitary creatures that like to stay to themselves. Hikers and campers can continue to coexist with mountain wildlife by remembering these basic tips of hiking and camping in the Colorado high country, so get out and have a good time in Breckenridge.

By: Christine J. Cook
Chris Cook lives part time in Breckenridge, Colorado and loves to share her expertise on the mountains with visitors. If you're planning a trip to the Rocky Mountains, visit this site for your Breckenridge lodging: http://www.summitvacations.net