Family Camping Holidays

Have You Considered Family Camping Holidays?

If you haven't thought of camping holidays as a vacation option, perhaps you should. It's a great way to spend the holidays with your family and very affordable too! Our family has been camping for years, taking us to some fabulous places in North America. From starting in a tent, to the back of our pickup, tent trailers, 5th Wheels and now owning a Class C motor home, we have camped out in pretty much everything! With some careful planning, it can be done on a limited budget that will suit most everyone.

Family Camping Holidays - Affordable Family Vacation Alternative

Even with the economy as it is, believe it or not, RV sales continue to be on the rise! Certainly, largely in part because of the increasing number of baby boomers retiring and who are making a large number of the RV purchases today. But also because of the diversity camping offers in travel, especially for those people with families. The places to see and visit are endless. Want to get away from it all and camp in the backwoods or stay in a beautiful RV park at Disneyland in California? Take your camping holidays to the lake or take a scenic camping trip through the Red Wood Forest in California? Well, there's no better way to enjoy it then camping. Whether you take your family camping in a tent packed in the trunk of your car or pack up that beautiful motor home, it's still a great way to travel! Stop and smell the roses, take your time and enjoy quality time with your family.

Family Camping Holidays - A Great Way to Spend Quality Time Together

From rustic camping to exclusive recreational vehicle parks, sightseeing travel to family camping at a NASCAR race event, you can go whenever or wherever you wish! Go RVing formed in 1994 and now a leading coalition consisting of Recreational Vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, dealers and campgrounds, have stated, that since the 1980′s, a typical family RV vacation costs less than any other normal forms of holidays. After having seven complete vacation costs analysis completed by an international travel and tourism research firm, Go RVing insists camping is still the leader in low - cost family vacation travel!

Not sure where to start?

If you're new to RVing and camping, there are many options available to get you started. Renting an RV is a great alternative and there are many reputable companies that rent on a daily basis. There are so many different types of RV's to choose from, taking the time to select and purchase one that suits your plans and budget is important. Start with a family outing on a long weekend to the lake or a special event taking place near you. We love taking our Motor home to Arizona for vacation to attend Phoenix International Raceway for a NASCAR race, just as an example of things to do camping with your family.

There are so many things you can do and places to go while enjoying camping. Just plan something you would like to do as a family and get going! Beware, once you get started taking camping holidays, it's hard to stop! Start planning your family camping holidays and see what you're missing!
Happy Travels!

Robert Tellier

Robert Tellier - A passion for travel and with over 35 years experience in the Travel Industry, I now enjoy sharing travel information, tips, destinations and much more, helping to make your family travel stress-free and enjoyable. Please visit: http://holidaysforfamily.com and receive our Free Travel Tips eBook just for dropping by!

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Camping Utah's Nebo Loop

Need to get away from the daily grind? Ascend Utah's Nebo Loop Scenic Byway nestled in the firs, aspens, oaks and maples of the Uinta National Forest where you can find the perfect getaway campsite. While relaxing in your campground, listen to the prelude of the crickets' symphony and the postlude of the birds' sonata. Each year, more than one million people visit the Nebo Loop, many of them reserving their campsites a year in advance to get a good spot to stay, relax, and recreate for a few days.

If your ideal camping trip includes fishing, pick one of the plentiful sites near the Payson Lake Area and let your line float while you roast marshmallows over a campfire. While Big East, the largest lake in the Payson Lake Area, is the most popular place to fish on Nebo Loop, McClellan Lake, Box Lake, and Maple Lake are all well-stocked and not far from the byway. Also, enjoy hiking the nearby trails, swimming, boating, and observing the fiery colors of the towering firs and aspen in season.

Don't forget your mountain bike on your camping adventure--you won't want to miss the Blackhawk Loop Trail. Winding through meadows and groves of pine and aspen, the singletrack Blackhawk Loop Trail is full of thrilling twists, turns and runs. You'll need to be a strong rider to tackle this 18-mile loop that rises from Payson Canyon to the heights of Nebo Loop Scenic Byway! The trail circles through Blackhawk Campground. Open to groups, horseback-riding, campers and RVs, as well as tents, this developed and shady campground is just five miles away from trout-stocked Payson Lake.

Tinney Flat Campground, about 10 miles from Blackhawk Campground, is another great area with hiking. Enjoy the scenery of the canyon setting while you hike from the Tinney Flat Trailhead to the Nebo Basin Trail. This is also a great area for bird watching and other wildlife-viewing opportunities. Check travel conditions before you go -- the campground has both group and RV sites, but the road to the campground from the byway is not paved!

Want to pack some hiking adventures into your camping trip? Open May through October, the 23-site Ponderosa Campground is right by the Loafer Mountain Trail, the easiest access to the Mt. Nebo Wilderness Area. Go six miles north of Ponderosa to the Devil's Kitchen, a natural amphitheater of redrock "hoodoos" that looks like a miniature Bryce Canyon. The byway's namesake, 11,928-foot Mt. Nebo, is also near the Ponderosa Campground. From where you perch on one of the many overlooks, Mt. Nebo looks near enough to touch. Keep in mind that all campgrounds on Nebo Loop close for winter, as does the byway.

With plenty of picnic venues, campgrounds, and fun activities available, an exciting family camping adventure awaits you on the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway.

Jay Bryce

Jay Bryce - About the Author:

Jay Bryce is a community manger at iFished.com (http://www.ifished.com/). iFished.com has fishing and local information for over 40,000 lakes and fishing areas in the United States. Information includes current weather and forecasts, best times fishing charts, maps, local businesses, Sailfishing in Guatemala, and more.

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Create Your Perfect Camping Kitchen

The camping kitchen is the hub of your campsite. It's where all the delicious smells of camping food come from and are turned into wonderful camping meals.

I don't want to spend all day packing up everything from my home kitchen and I'm sure you don't either so let's go over the kitchen essentials that every camping family will need.

Picnic Table or a Portable Folding Table:

Use the picnic table if one is provided for prepping food and eating.

Bring along a heavier duty plastic table cloth.

Your camping stove can sit on the end of your table or bring along a portable camp stove stand.

Fridge:

A great cooler will keep your food cold, and the ice will last at least two or three days. We bring a very large cooler for our family camping trips and organize it into sections.

One side holds our meat, one side has the fruit and vegetables and in the middle we place the milk, juice, condiments, bread, cheese and eggs.

Dry Food Storage:

Good quality plastic containers with tight fitting lids are perfect for dry food like cereal, nuts and snacks. I highly recommend storing this container in your vehicle at night. Raccoons are pretty crafty and have managed to open one of our lids to get at the cookies inside.

Camping Dishes:

Pots and pans for cooking - use a different set than what you use at home.

Cooking utensils - Go over your meal planning list and this should help you decide what you need to bring to cook with.

Spatulas

Cutting knives

Whisk

Wooden spoon

Measuring cups

Oven mitts or pot grabbers

Bottle opener/corkscrew

Mixing bowl

Serving platter (we bring a couple of extra dinner plates with us for this)

Cutting board - I typically forget this and we use a flat piece of wood instead.

Eating utensils:

Forks, knives and spoons for everyone plus plates, bowls and drinking glasses.

We have a camping set we use, they are inexpensive and very durable.

Napkins for messy eaters!

Other camping kitchen supplies:

Resealable storage bags

weiner/marshmallow sticks

garbage bags

foil and plastic wrap

pot scrubber and dish washing cloth

drying towels

dish soap (we use the biodegradeable kind that washes everything and everyone!)

Camping Coffee Maker:

We've given up on this messy tradition and love the new Starbucks singles that you simply pour into a mug of hot water for delicious tasting coffee. I don't think they thought of campers and hikers when they designed their new coffee to go product but it's perfect for us. No fuss and great coffee.

If you cover off these kitchen essentials, along with your well thought out meal planning, you're off to a great camping holiday and a well stocked and organized camping kitchen.

Bon Appetit!

Leanne Arnott invites you to read more articles about taking your family camping or going on a family hiking trip at http://www.family-camping-and-hiking.com.
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Florida State Parks Offer Family Camping for a Bargain

Author: Kirby Collins

I have traveled all around the state of Florida and one of my favorite things about this state is all the state parks, there are over 150 in Florida. They are broken up into 5 districts, the Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southwest and Southeast Districts. There are approximately 700,000 acres of land that include vast open prairies, steep ravines, lush semi-tropical forests, cultural sites and crystal clear springs, lakes and rivers, and there are approximately 100 miles of sandy white beaches.

One of the favorite things to do at any state park is camp and the weather here in Florida is great for much of the year making opportunities for camping plentiful, different parks offer different camping experiences. If you have a boat there are five Florida State parks with boat slips, these slips include water, electricity and basic amenities, at south Florida's Biscayne Bay at Bill Baggs Cape you can anchor overnight. If you have a horse there are several state parks such as the Suwannee River State Park where they have ride-in primitive areas as well as areas suitable for rigs.

There are many family friendly activities to enjoy, like swimming, snorkeling and diving which can be done in rivers or springs, fishing from bridges, piers or off shore. You can take a kayak or canoe through rivers and down streams, take a scenic nature trail and go hiking or do some bird watching and take beautiful pictures along the way. You can go horseback riding, even along the surf in a few parks like Amelia Island, and of course camp. You can find year-round outdoor activities such as battle reenactments and Native American festivals that celebrate Florida's history, art shows, museums and lighthouses and then there are the more common ranger-led tours that give wonderful and informative histories of the parks.

If you're planning to make the trip to several different parks in a year annual passes are a good idea, I strongly recommend getting one. When you buy an Annual pass it is good for entrance into most Florida parks, there are some exceptions but only a few. If there are other attractions like glass bottom boats tours or snorkeling or diving opportunities, like there are at John Pennekamp in Key Largo, there maybe additional charges. The Annual Pass rates vary for individuals and families and there are special discounts for active, retired or inactive military members and their families.

There are over 50 family campgrounds throughout Florida's state parks. There are full-facility campsites for tent campers and RVers that include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table they also have centralized showers, restrooms and dumping stations. If you enjoy secluded areas and carrying your camping gear, sometimes miles, to the campsite, primitive campsites are also available. Amenities and accessibility at these sites vary, and they usually have no electric power, and may or may not have potable water or convenient bathroom facilities. We stayed at Bahia Honda State Park at a site that was right on the water, it was so nice not to mention romantic.

Group facilities and youth facilities are available at select state parks, like Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale. Capacity and amenities vary by park, but most have accommodations for at least 20 campers and provide picnic tables and a ground fire ring. Most state parks are open 8:00 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year, some camping grounds require reservations that can be made anywhere from a day to 11 months in advance and camping fees vary.

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About the Author

Hiking, camping and canoeing are just a few fun things to do in Florida on your vacation. There are many activities at Florida State Parks your family can enjoy all year long.

Family Tent Camping In California

California is a spectacular place for camping. Having hundreds of parks and campgrounds available for camping, means there is no shortage of great locations all across the state. Choosing a Campground: How do you find the best campground for your family? First, you need to know what you want out of your camping vacation. All family members will have different tastes when it comes to a camping trip. There are many factors you need to consider for the ideal campground. Cost is important, but most campgrounds are relativity inexpensive and this should be considered when planning your budget. Most campgrounds in California charge an admission fee or a camping fee. These range in price and discounts can sometimes be obtained for extended stays. Smaller campgrounds usually charge less depending on amenities. A larger campground may charge higher fees, but usually have more amenities and activities for family entertainment. Popular Campgrounds: While there is no shortage of campgrounds in the Golden State, we will look at a few of the most popular campgrounds. #1. Big Basin Redwoods State Park - One of the most stunning landscapes with ancient giant redwoods, this park boast 18,000 acres of forest with over 2,000 feet of elevation change. A wide range of climates from sunny and warm ridge tops to foggy and damp at the ocean levels. Family and group camping is available along with tent cabins for rent. Activities include hiking and mountain biking trails, backpacking and equestrian trails. Over 80 miles of trails. This park is open year round. #2. D. L. Bliss State Park - Enjoy this park on the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe. This park has over 744 acres and features the Balancing Rock trail for hiking, boating and fishing on Lake Tahoe and family / group camping. The land was donated to the State Park system in 1929 by the he D.L. Bliss family. #3. Joshua Tree National Park - This park turns 75 years old in 2011, visiting this park brings anniversary activities that will be held throughout the year. Normal activities include wildflower viewing, bird watching and anniversary activities such as the "Bio-Diversity Hunt" and the "National Junior Ranger Day" during National Park Week. Family camping and hiking through this desert park are likely to observe as many as 813 species of vascular plants, lizards and painted panoramas. Seasonal Temperatures: California has a wide range of temperatures depending on what area of the state you plan to camp and what time of the year you visit. Temperatures can range from the lower teens in winter mountainous regions to well over the century mark during summer months. Be sure and connect with the campground administrators for guidance on local temperatures and predicated weather. Campground Activities: Activities vary greatly from campgrounds to campground. Consider what your family likes to do while vacationing and look for these features when choosing where your camping holiday will be. Common activities include Hiking trails, bank fishing and boat rentals for leisure cruising. Larger parks may provide swimming pools and bike trails with rentals available. Reservations: Most campgrounds in California will take reservations and allow you to choose your camping spot. This is the best type of campground to choose if you are particular and prefer to pick out your own spot. Most reservations can be done online or by phone. Popular campgrounds and parks may be sold out well in advance, especially during holidays, so get your reservations as early as possible. For less crowded stays, you may wish to avoid holidays altogether. What To Expect: Almost all parks and campgrounds will incorporate the basic necessities such as water, restrooms, camp grills and trash disposal. Some larger parks may have a small store on-site that offers food, drinks and camping supplies. What's Next: Now that your familiar with campgrounds and know what to look for, it's time to do the research. Ask friends and family for recommendations, visit state and national parks websites or contact a local travel information center. This will help you learn what you need to know and allow you to compare several campgrounds to find the perfect one for you. Be Prepared: Download several camping checklist from the internet to help guide you. These list will help prepare you by showing almost every conceivable item you may need during a camping trip. Next, Let us help you with canvas camping tents, camping gear and screen tents for your next vacation. Visit PracticalSports.com

Author Resource:- Canvas Camping Tents, Screen Tents

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The Best Places to Camp in the UK

Camping has become very popular in recent years thanks to milder weather and improved equipment. The best places to camp in the UK have beautiful views and a wide variety of landscapes and activities.

South England

Dorset is certainly one of the best places to camp in the South of England. Burnbake is ideal for those with children. It has a woodland setting with lots to do and excellent facilities. Some children can get bored when camping but Burnbake has plenty of activities to keep them occupied.

Tom's Field, in Langton Matravers is another popular spot in Dorset. It is a well established site but the facilities are basic. There is a coastal walk which keeps campers returning year after year. The views out over the sea are spectacular.

North England

The Lake District is an obvious choice for campers in the north of England. Low Wray in Windermere is a beautiful spot to pitch a tent. There is a nice wooded area by the lake shore which is ideal to setup camp. The lake looks fantastic on a summers evening when the setting sun's rays cascade off the water. A short walkaway offers panoramic views of the countryside.

Coniston is another excellent option in the Lake District. At Coniston Hall the water is very clear and there is even a private beach. The village close by has won the award of Britain's best village on more than one occasion. It is a nice walk to the shops to purchase supplies and there are endless opportunities for those who wish to explore the countryside.

Scotland

The Big Sand Holiday Centre in Gairloch, Highlands is nestled away in the sand dunes. This protects it from the harsher elements which are often associated with Scottish camping. There are plenty of nice places to eat close by and the beach is excellent for activities or a long walk.

Wales

Glanllyn Lakeside in Bala is a popular spot in the north of Wales. This is one of the best places to camp in the UK for those that enjoy water sports. It is situated on the banks of Lake Bala which is in the Snowdonia National Park. Windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and even swimming are just some of the popular activities on offer. Tryweryn National Whitewater Centre is just 5 miles away from those that enjoy rafting. The area is also ideal for bicycle rides.

This is an article written on behalf of best holiday parks, the best site for information about holidays in the UK.

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The Top Ten Camping Locations in New Zealand

Author: Kelly Fredrickson

New Zealand is a smorgasbord of pristine locations, but some spots stand out above all the rest. This is your guide to the top ten locations for camping holidays in New Zealand. Of course, everyone has their own idea of the perfect campsite, but this list provides you with the most popular choices, tried and tested by true lovers of the outdoors. So who makes the list?

1. Camp Waipu Cove, in Northland is a must for beach lovers. It's expansive and well equipped with communal facilities - ideal for less experienced campers and families.

2. Also making the top ten camping locations in NZ - Hahei Holiday Resort in Whitianga. It has 300 camping spots and is close to picturesque Cathedral Cove and the famous Hot Water Beach.

3. Waihi, like many locations on this list is known for its beaches, but Waihi Motor Camp comes recommended for its beautiful mature forestry and for being handy to the scenic walkways of Karangahake Gorge.

4. Surfing in NZ is synonymous with Raglan and camping holidays in NZ aren't complete without a visit to Solscape Eco Retreat. If you want to catch a few waves and stay at a campsite that has ecology at its heart, this one's for you.

5. Dying to see the wondrous Waitomo Caves? Waitomo Top Ten Holiday Park is just a stone's throw away and has a bar and restaurant on site for campers that love home comforts.

6. A list of the top ten camping spots wouldn't be complete without a visit to Rotorua. Cosy Cottage International Holiday Park is surrounded by spectacular geothermal wonders. Needless to say, there's always plenty of hot water in the shared facilities!

7. If camping holidays in NZ mean time on the beach to you, it's hard to go past Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park. You're virtually on the beach, but still handy to shops and cafes.

8. Able Tasman National Park is renowned for breath-taking vistas. Canaan Downs camping grounds provides a secluded spot, right in the heart of it. Close to mountain biking and hiking tracks, this one's for the adventurous at heart.

9. Beside the turquoise waters of Kenepuru Sounds you'll find Driftwood Cottage. A slice of paradise, this secluded site is perfect for soaking up the beauty of Marlborough Sounds.

10. To round off the selection of top ten camping locations we turn to Queenstown. Less than ten minutes' drive from the heart of the adventure capital is The Shotover Top Ten Holiday Park - a gateway to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the South Island.

There you have it - the top ten camping sites in New Zealand. Try one on your next camping holiday in NZ.

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About the Author

The Kiwi Camper is a uniquely designed canvas camper unit which collapses down into a special tailer unit for easy mobility - great for camping holidays in NZ.