Many RVers are held back from the joys of boondocking by concerns about boondocking safety. Aside from wanting the amenities and full hook-ups, safety concerns are the reason most people cite for preferring developed pay-campgrounds.

If you've made up your mind to be paranoid, you probably won't even be reading this, but if you're looking for boondocking safety information and advice to put your mind at ease, read on.

Dispelling Your Fears

For me, there were 3 parts to dispelling my initial fears about boondocking safety .

Hearing about other's experiences and taking comfort in their recommendations.

Experiencing boondocking in remote locations first hand without incidence.

And most importantly, thinking rationally about my fears and what really was behind them.
That's not to say there aren't places and reasons to be cautious in this world. Not only as far as RVs and boondocking safety are concerned, but in any situation, you need to let your own common sense rule.

The Common Sense Approach To Boondocking Safety

I truly believe that everything in life, even sitting in a chair and breathing, involves some element of risk. Each of us decides for ourselves every day what risks we are willing to take. If your risk tolerance is exceptionally low, you're not likely to be travelling at all or reading this website.

When it comes to quieting our fears, nothing's more effective than knowledge and experience.

From 8 years of boondocking experience, here are my common sense conclusions, insights and boondocking safety advice.

When it comes to robberies, statistically, I am much more likely to be a victim in my house than in my RV.

Setting up camp down a dirt road on public land makes me no more a target for a thief than anyone who builds a home or cottage on a country road in a remote area

My RV is much less appealing to a thief than a permanent residence in that I don't have the same amount of valuable removable furniture or fixtures that can easily be converted to cash.

I'm often only camped in one location for a day or two...not enough time for a thief to scope the place out and get to know my routines.

Although the majority of RVers are honest nice people, even if we're camped in a "secured" campground or an LTVA area with other RVers all around us it doesn't mean there isn't a thief amongst us or that we're safe from a break-in or robbery

I admit that, like many people, at home, I don't know some of my closest neighbors and I have very little time or interest in seeing who comes in and out of their yard. Most RVers will agree that when we're traveling we're much more likely to get to know and keep an eye on our neighbor's property than when we're at home.

In most boondocking areas, the common courtesy is to leave space, a few hundred yards minimum between campers. In campgrounds, where units are closer, if someone (a stranger) is walking towards or around the immediate area of your unit, it may not be as obvious or noticeable.

We use common sense when selecting a place to stop. When it comes to boondocking safety we trust our intuition and drive on if the environment doesn't "feel" safe.

The further from civilization, the more safe it feels to be camped where we're totally alone.

There's safety in numbers. This holds true for boondocking safety. Especially when we're closer to urban areas, we want others, RVers, truckers etc. within view.

Most thieves are lazy. That's why the majority of RV break-ins occur within easy access of the cities where most thieves hang out. We avoid boondocking when we're within a short drive of the biggest cities.

Most thieves don't want to deal with any type of struggle so the easiest time to steal our possessions is when we're not in the RV. As with any parked vehicle, we don't leave cash in the RV and keep valuables out of sight.

Because we're inside our motorhome at night, our RV is much more likely to be a target in the daytime or evening while we 're parked for shopping, dining out, or going to a show in any urban location than when we're camped in an out-of-the way boondocking site.

In parking lots, truck stops or road side areas, don't look for the darkest concealed corner. Instead park in the light, and use black-out curtains or eye-wear that block the light while you sleep.

No matter where you are parked, if trouble does come to find you, driving away your vehicle can be your best defence.

Park so that you can leave by driving forward. If you need to leave in a hurry, you don't want to have to back up, or do more manoevering than necessary.

Keep your vehicle in the best possible operating condition.

Believe it or not, the only boondocking safety concern isn't burglers. No matter where you're camped, in case of a medical emergency, be sure you have enough fuel to make it to the nearest hospital or all night gas station in the middle of the night.

Don't be parnoid. Just cautious.

When you're in a community of RVs, even in a gated pay campground, make a point of getting aquainted with your neighbors before you leave your RV unattended for the day.

In small towns, if there's no signage to the contrary, ask at the grocery store or gas station or even ask the local police about using the town park or a parking lot to "spend the night". If you get a positive response, you'll have the added security of them knowing you're there and watching out for you.

Always be attentive to your surroundings.

By: Marianne Edwards
Marianne Edwards is the author of the Frugal Shunpiker's Guides to the Southwest. She has been boondocking safely for more than 8 years. Learn how to find great boondocking locations on her website http://www.frugal-rv-travel.com.

Submitted by:
Barry Arcant
Legal Resources Services

Camping in Islamorada and the Florida Keys campgrounds in general is a wonderful experience that provides relaxation, and breathtaking views. Imagine setting up your tent or RV in one of the many campgrounds that offer waterfront sites and you will feel like you own a portion of this beautiful American Caribbean place, enjoy snorkeling in the turquoise waters, take a short trip to the reef to see the most amazing marine life or relax at night watching the stars while the marshmallows melt off the sticks, camping in the Florida Keys is an experience of a lifetime.

Islamorada has two main campgrounds nearby, the beautiful Long Key State Park and Campgrounds Oceanside located at Mile Marker 67.5, 67400 Overseas Highway, this campground offers 60 full-facility campsites in the park, all overlooking the Atlantic ocean! Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, ground grill, water, and electricity. Three restrooms with hot showers, are centrally located. Also provided, is a dump station for gray and black water.

There is great snorkeling just off the shores and a short trip to the reef provides an amazing adventure for your family.

Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park.

Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground. Pets are not allowed on beaches, along the natural shoreline, in picnic shelters, or in the bathhouses. In the areas where pets are allowed they must be on a six-foot hand held leash and be well behaved at all times.

The second campground is located in Mile Marker 70 and it belongs to KOA, Fiesta Key is targeted more towards Rv's and travel trailers, there are plenty of tent sites too. As every KOA facility, there is a Bar-Grill, Arcade Room, Beach-Liquor Store and Swimming pool on site.

If you enjoy camping in a peaceful an quiet environment don't make reservations on holidays, it can be very crazy with the campground full.

You can choose from a motel room (several with full kitchens), pull thrus, tent sites or a variety of RV sites. Enjoy sea-and-sun fun in the Olympic-size pool and hot tubs. Take advantage of the full-service marina with boat ramp and slip rentals. Find just the right souvenir or grocery item in the Kampstore. Watch the sun set at the waterfront Beach House Pub. The Fiesta Key KOA offers special activities for campers during the holidays. Enchanting Key West lies 70 miles south, and Islamorada, the sportfishing capital, is even closer.

By: Carlos Aguaron
The Florida Key and Key West Travel Guide is the online Premium Companion for visitors to the Island Chain. Visit Travel To The Keys.

Submitted by:
George Snedrow
Free Reverse Directories

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.