Purchasing a family camping tent can be a very frustrating experience if you don't know which style meets your needs. I have previously written an article with steps to take in selecting family camping tents, but I would like to expand upon my advice and explain the different styles. There are many styles of tents to choose from, but for the purpose of selecting a family camping tent I will cover the most popular and the easiest to find. Three of the most common styles of tents I will discuss are, dome tents, cabin tents, and A-frame tents.

Dome tents are by far the most common tent you will find when shopping for your camping tent. Dome tents are typically held up by two poles crossed in the form of an X bent to reach and attach to all four corners on the ground. These have more head room than most styles, but do have an inward slope on the sides making the center the tallest point. Dome tents are great for windy conditions because of their frame strength and are also great for shedding snow. A great example of a dome tent is the Coleman Sundome. The Coleman Sundome tent is an affordable way to go for your weekend camper on a budget.

Cabin tents are typically much larger tents, have a more complex frame, and have vertical walls for more space. Cabin tents are intended for car camping or large family camping when weight is not a concern. They are great for larger families or extended camping trips where more space would be nice. They are heavier because of the extra fabric and more difficult to assemble, but are great when space is needed. An example of a popular cabin tent is the Eureka Copper Canyon.

A-frame tents are a simple design commonly used by Boy Scouts. A-frame tents use two poles on each end in an A shape held together by a ridge pole. These tents don't have as much space because of the aggressive slope of the walls, but they do save a lot of weight and space when in the bag. These are typically used for backpacking tents where space and weight is important. These tents are not as wind resistant, but are great for mild weather camping. A great example of a popular A-frame tent is the Eureka Timberline.

I personally recommend Coleman Tents and Eureka Tents if you are on a budget and looking for discount camping tents. Both Coleman tents and Eureka tents offer all the styles I mentioned for a family camping tent. They offer large family camping tents such as the Eureka Pine Lodge , Eureka Copper Canyon, and the Coleman Sundome. If you are looking for a little lighter weight, and more flexible family camping tent you might consider the Eureka Timberline.

By: Chris Graham
Chris Graham is an editor for CGCamping.com, a website that offers family camping tents, and other discounted camping tents.

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 equipment has come a long way since the early days of freezing in a damp tent. Today's outdoor stores have the latest in camping gear that will have even the amateur camper setting up a tent in no time.

Some of today's tents can be put up in less than 15 minutes. They are equipped with enough room to shelter even a tall person. You can even find tents that offer portable living space that contain individual rooms for getting some rest. There has also been some great advancements in sleeping bags. Today's sleeping bag are manufactured with new materials that can distribute a large amount of heat. They are feather-light bags that can be transported anywhere with ease. The bags are also labeled with well-documented labels that display various temperature gradings in which the bag can be used for.

If you are looking for the ultimate in comfort while camping then you need not worry. You can find packable sleeping mattresses and pads that will provide you with relaxation and a great nights rest. If you still would rather sleep in a bed, then you can find portable cots that complete with mattresses that can easily fit into your car or SUV. If you hate the idea of roughing it in the wilderness, then you will love the newly developed small port-a-potties that can even flush similar to a normal toilet. No need to walk a distance to share a public bathroom facility.

Camping gear has gone through significant advancement over the last 20 years. Manufacturers have been quick on putting out excellent advancements to make campers lives easier. Camping equipment suppliers have made sure that many accessories are safety approved to ensure that accidents never happen. Waterproof lanterns have replaced oil lamps, and tents are now coated with flame-retardant products. The style and design of many accessories has also greatly improved. You can find many bedding and blankets in a wide variety of colors. Also eating utensils and dishes rival that of many homes.

Just like with in today's market, you can find camping equipment in varying degrees of quality and prices from very expensive to relatively cheap. If you are new to camping, you will find that even lower end camping gear will be just fine for those week or two getaways. You will more than likely get many years out of them before they start to wear on you.

When you purchase camping gear, you are not only buying accessories to keep you comfortable in the wilderness, but are also investing in family memories for years that you will have for the rest of your life.

By: James Kronefield
Do you like camping? Find great articles and resources about camping and camping gear at http://www.onlinecampingworld.com/.

While New York City gets much of the press, it is New York state park campgrounds that have captured the hearts of many northeastern travelers. There is just something so incredibly comforting about spending time in these scenic playgrounds. Once you've visited one of the premiere New York state park campgrounds, chances are you'll be hooked for life, given the variety of amenities they offer.

Undoubtedly, one of the most popular of the New York state park campgrounds is Allegany State Park. In fact, this campground was named in 2007 as a Top "Amazing Spot" in the nation. The park is vast, measuring some 65,000 acres. It is perhaps best known for its primitive forests, lovely fall foliage, and amazing wildlife. The park is divided into two developed areas--Red House and Quaker. Both locations boast sandy beaches, enchanting picnic grounds, fascinating museums, and challenging hiking trails. The park facility is a favorite for both dedicated walkers and bike riders, thanks to its miles of paved trails.

Meanwhile, the Art Roscoe Ski Touring Area offers both cross country skiing and mountain bike trails--perhaps some of the greatest trails in all of the Northeast. The park is also a favorite of snowmobilers, thanks to its 90 miles of snowmobile trails. In addition, at Allegany State Park you can enjoy fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, canoeing, and horseback riding.

Because Allegany State Park offers a variety of camping facilities, it is one of those New York state park campgrounds that is appropriate for both weekend warriors and extended stay vacationers. The park is home to some 424 campsites, 375 cabins, and three group camps. You can also rent one of the park's comfortable vacation cottages.

Another one of the most popular New York state park campgrounds is Moreau Lake State Park, which has been listed as one of the top 100 campgrounds in the U.S. This incredible camping site is known for its hardwood forests and tranquil grounds, along with its pristine beachfront. At Moreau Lake, you can enjoy hiking, boating, cross country skiing, and even ice fishing. The site also features a wooden pavilion which can accommodate as many as 120 people. It's also a user-friendly site, since vacationers can easily rent fishing gear, snowshoes, beach lounges, and beach umbrellas. Meanwhile, the famed Lake Shore Cottage boasts a refrigerator, stove, bathroom with shower, fireplace, and screened porch.

New York state park campgrounds are well-maintained and well-equipped to meet your vacation needs. They're appropriate for both winter fun and summer sunbathing and can provide you with a lifetime of wonderful memories.

By: Philippe De Tiege
How to have a safe, fun and inexpensive vacation, please visit: http://www.campgrounds.yourcampingonline.com and unlock your free report 'Camping with the Family'.

Many people think of camping as a getaway from the daily grind of life and enjoying what some other region has to offer. Choosing between the fast convenience of tents that have the disadvantage of roughing it a bit and the more expensive yet more comfortable rental of an RV that can leave you limited to your vacation destinations can be a difficult one. Here's a quick look at the pros and cons of each to help you make your choice on camping accommodations.

Cost is a factor whether you choose camping equipment or renting an RV. Good, solid tents and warm sleeping bags plus all the other accessories you'll need for your vacation aren't that cheap, but compared to the cost of an RV rental, you're still coming out ahead. If you're planning to go camping on a regular basis, the long-term potential involved in purchasing equipment is worth the expense, and you'll be able to enjoy your equipment for many years. Renting an RV will most likely be a one-time thing, but if it's not, you'll have to factor the expense into your yearly holiday budget. However, just as with camping equipment, you can go one step further and outright buy an RV for vacationing to have for many trips to come. Again, the price difference is incomparable to the few hundreds tents will cost you, but creatures of comfort will never be one hundred percent happy in more rustic accommodations, so if you're the kind of person that prefers convenience and luxury, aim for an RV.

With an RV rental, you'll have good solid shelter, leg- and head-room, and you'll have the comfort of tables, benches and proper sleeping accommodations. There's very little set up involved with an RV, as you're basically just parking the vehicle and hooking it up to the camping installation's amenities. The added advantage of having the conveniences of a shower, a bathroom and hot water at your disposal is often appreciated. However, RV rentals can be pricey and you'll need to consider how you're going to haul the equipment around. You may end up having the extra cost of a truck rental added on to your budget, and you'll have twice as many worries about damages to equipment that you don't own. Also, you can't just set up an RV wherever you please and will have to find a campground with free space to accommodate your equipment.

Finding the type of accommodation that suits you best will mean that you'll enjoy your camping trip far more than if you'd tried to box your personality into a bad fit. Outdoorsmen shun creature comforts, and those who like easy convenience find tents frustrating and unpleasant, so it's a wise idea to find out what type of personality you are and choose the accommodations that will suit you best.

By: James Kronefield
Do you love camping? Find out everything you need to know about RV camping at http://www.rvcampingreview.com.

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