Fond childhood memories of camping with our families often bring smiles and a wash of nostalgia in us. Now that you have a family of your own, it's your turn to let your kids experience great camping time and have their own camping memories to bring home and cherish.

But making a camping trip a great family time is not all about fun and games. It's not all about great food and great hiking. Sure, you have to bring your family to a nice camping site and create exciting and wonderful camping activities and games for them, but also one of the most important aspects of camping that you should never overlook is camp safety.

Safety during camping time, including cooking time with your Coleman stoves is one of your responsibilities that you have to take care of during a camping trip. Here are some safety guidelines you can follow to ensure your family of a safe and fun camping vacation.

* Never let children especially very young ones get too near the camping stoves or grills during cooking time. Should they want to assist, they can help prepare the ingredients or make the drinks.

* Educate your family about the "stop, drop and roll" method of putting off a fire on one's clothing. Orient them about the things to do in case of scenarios where fire is involved. Make sure they know how crucial it is to remain calm to be able to respond better to emergency situations.

* It is best to store flammable liquids only in safety cans and metal containers, a good distance away from your tent, RV or any source of heat or open flame. Make sure you close the cap of the container tightly.

* Refill your stove at a safe distance away from any heat source.

* When pouring flammable liquids, use a funnel to prevent spills. Clean any spill at once.

* Use the recommended fuel for your stove. Do not improvise or use an alternative unless it is specified in the stove manual that it is permissible to use an alternative fuel. Use only what is indicated.

* Should the need for changing a compressed gas cartridge or refilling a liquid fuel container arise, let the stove cool down completely first before doing so.

* Put your Coleman stove on a level surface. If the ground is uneven or if there is snow, what you can do is place it on top of sturdy plywood to keep the stove warm and minimize the risk of it tipping over.

* Check the stove and its parts like hoses and tanks for any damage. Make sure that there are no bent valves, cracks on the hose or uncovered treads because these can cause dangerous leaks.

* It is always a smart idea to keep the fuel tank away from the camping stove.

* Never leave a lit camping stove unattended.

* Dispose empty fuel containers properly.

* Never use your Coleman stove inside your tent.

* Label fuel containers accordingly so as not to mistake it for water bottles.

* Carefully read and follow the instructions for using Coleman stoves.

Incidents of your kid getting a scald from the hot soup or you getting a burn from improperly lighting up the stove will certainly ruin a camping trip. Remember, a good camping memory consists of wonderful family bonding time, great camping site, spectacular views and a sumptuous but safe cooking fiesta.

By: Nicole Munoz
For more tips and information about Camping Stoves, check out http://www.summitcampinggear.com.

For those interested in an exciting outdoor adventure in the cooler weather, winter camping may be the choice for you. Winter camping brings an entirely new element to the activity of camping. Not only do you see the great outdoors in a totally different light, it also offers different challenges from summer camping.

Winter Camping Supplies

It is important to have the correct supplies for winter camping, as this is can, at times, have a level of danger not present at other times of the year. Things to bear in mind include rapid changes in the weather the weather may be fine and sunny, although cool, when you leave to hike to your destination and within minutes a winter storm can blow up. Dress appropriately in layers for winter camping. Avoid wearing cotton. Cotton does not dry quickly and retains the water against your skin causing you to become even colder with the added risk of hypothermia developing.

For winter camping trips always wear nylon or wool clothing ... wool should be used for socks. Dress in layers starting with a thin layer of clothing against your skin. There are some sportwool fabrics that are used in long johns, next a warm layer of clothing that may be a fleece type material and finally a quick-drying outer layer from a material like nylon or goretex. Always wear woolen socks to keep the feet dry and comfortable.

Make sure you have appropriate boots for winter camping. Boots must be water repellant or have a protective coating to keep them from absorbing water. Always wear a hat or a woolen beanie and bring an extra one just in case. A great deal of body heat can be lost through an uncovered head.

Wear or carry gloves and have them attached to your jacket to prevent losing them. Light weight glove liners can be added for extra warmth.

Winter-weight camping tents can be purchased, although sometimes they can be heavier to carry. Depending on where you are going and how far you are hiking, you may be quite comfortable in a three-season tent. A four-season or winter tent will stand up to strong winds, will repel all forms of precipitation and be able to withstand a heavy fall of snow.

If you do not have a tent you may be able to build a snow shelter for protection, however, you'll want to practice building a snow shelter before you actually need to spend a night in one during a winter hike.

Make sure to bring a sleeping bag that is made to withstand the deep freeze of winter. There are many mummy-type bags that are extremely warm and designed to withstand temperatures of 10 degrees and below. A foam underlay may also be a useful addition to keep the sleeping bag off the ground and away from moisture. The pad can also be used to sit on during the day.

When winter camping make sure to bring food that may be eaten without heating up. Although there are water proof matches, sometimes it can be difficult to find tinder when winter camping. Have a supply of food that you carry with you when winter camping, in case you loose your original supply.

Winter camping is an exciting outdoor activity; however, it is imperative that the camper has the appropriate equipment for this venture.

By: Alison Stevens
Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains The Hiking And Camping Website to assist hikers, campers and backpackers to choose the right equipment and enjoy their outdoor adventure.

In Washington State, you'll find a great diversity of things to do and see. Enjoy the Olympic Peninsula, Mount Saint Helens and the area around Mount Rainier. Why not make Washington your next RV destination?

Washington State has everything to offer RV lovers - pristine old-growth pine forests, snow-capped mountain peaks, rainforests, glaciers and a coastline unlike anywhere else in the United States. And, right in the middle of it all is the city of Seattle, a great jumping off point for your motor home adventures.

You'll find a wide variety of natural beauty and outdoor activities in Washington State.

The Olympic Peninsula has quite a variety to offer, for such a small area. There are beautiful coastlines that zigzag back and forth. You can see giant meadows where glaciers are slowly melting off and joining the ocean. And there are valleys where you can enjoy America's only rainforests.

Here are a few of the most popular motor home parks in the area:

Crescent Beach and RV Park in Port Angeles puts you an easy half-mile from a great, sandy beach. This area is fully equipped with hook-ups and modern facilities, and there are a number of activities you can enjoy on the beach, including kayaking, kite flying and good surfing.

Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend is fully equipped with everything you'll need, and it has two separate sights for you to choose from. You can choose a spot in the middle of the forest, or out in the open where you can see the Straits of Juan de Fuca. There are many activities in walking distance of the site, including museums, an aquarium and nature hikes.

At Old Fort Townsend Sate Park in Port Townsend, you get a great view of the port and the island. It's right next to the water, so you'll hear the ocean waves rolling in. They do not accept reservations, however, so it's sometimes hard to get a spot.

At The Edge of the Volcano - Mount St. Helens

No trip to Washington would be complete without seeing America's biggest volcano. In 1980, St. Helens erupted, sending ash into the air, lava over the ground and destroying the nearby communities. But don't worry, they're keeping tabs on her, and they'll let you know if it looks like it's going to happen again!

Now you can see the after-effects of the eruption. There are giant pieces of ruptured rock, lava beds, and the majestic cinder cone itself, looming in the distance.

St. Helens is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and there are many activities there, including camping, hiking and other outdoor recreational pursuits. Here are a few of the best motor home spots in the area.

Mt. St. Helens RV Park at Castle Rock is an RV site favored by the locals because of its friendly, helpful staff and close proximity to all the things to do.

Toutle's Eco Park Resort is as close as you can get to the mountain, and still sleep in an RV. The entire space is 90 acres, and it is full of activities such as horseback riding, hiking, wildlife viewing and helicopter tours.

Lush Woodlands And Melting Glaciers - Mount Rainier

How about another great volcano that has less chance of exploding? The 14,410 foot Mt. Rainier is a volcano just like Mt. St. Helens, but the almost 40 square miles of glaciers and snow help keep a cap on it. The mountain is surrounded by miles of forests and meadows. There are hiking trails and campgrounds throughout the area, where you can be surrounded by whispering pines with the snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance.

Mt. Rainier National Park has quite a few options for accommodations and is the closest you can get to everything. It offers sights such as hot springs, glaciers and geysers, and there is biking, fishing, horseback riding, skiing and auto touring.

Rainier View RV Park in Graham is a great spot for those who would rather get a view of the mountain than be at the base of it. It is located on a high hill where every site has a great view of the mountain and surrounding forests.

With it's wonderful coastline, lush forests, sub alpine meadows and towering mountain peaks, Washington is a great destination for your motor home.

By: A Aaronson
The United State's western coast has many beautiful locations where visitors and locals enjoy nature. Washington State is motor home friendly with its parks, forests and wildlife. Bankston Motor Homes can help you embark on a memorable Washington State RV vacation. http://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com.

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.