Crazy For Camping?

By Glenn H. Kipps

Winter Camping, like any [tag-tec]camping[/tag-tec], can be a great experience with careful preparation. Like anything else you do in life, if you are not prepared, there could be some bad repercussions. In this article, I am going to give some pointers on how to prepare for your winter camping trip.

First, you must get a forecast of the [tag-ice]weather conditions[/tag-ice] of the area where you will be going camping. This will give you an idea of what to bring based on how cold it is going to be during the time you are going camping. There are several websites that will give you this type of information. Just enter “weather conditions in…” into the search box of your favorite search engine.

Now, we’ll talk about clothing. Some folks like to wear several layers of clothing. However, from my own experience, you can actually get overheated if you wear too much. Sure, you can take layers off as needed. However, if you are on a winter hike, where are you going to put those layers of clothing you take off your body? You are a few miles away from the campsite. All you really need is a good supply of quality thermal underwear or Long Johns and a good supply of quality insulated socks. After that, it really does not matter what you put over them. You should also have a good pair of insulated boots or winter hiking shoes for your feet. As a matter of fact, if I don’t leave camp, I often just wear my Long Johns, insulated socks and insulated shoes. Nine times out of ten, that is all I need. However, I will add a layer or two if neccessary.

Ok, let’s talk about the rest of your equipment. Your tent should be an all-season tent. A 3-season tent is close, but will not cut it in the winter. Your sleeping bag must be at least a 15 degree bag. This bag will keep you warm down to 15 degrees. However, I like a zero degree bag. Very rarely do I go to a spot that get’s below zero. There are also thermal sleeping pads available to help keep the cold from coming through the floor of the tent.

Last, but most important, let’s talk about what you should do if you get, or think you might have, frostbite. First, heat some water over the fire so that it is luke warm. Hot, warm or cold water could cause grave damage to the affected extremity. Then, get inside your car or somewhere else that is semi warm and soak that foot or other extremity that is affected until it feels normal. Then, to make sure it doesn’t happen again too soon, either lie in your tent or stay in the heated car for a while. When you feel it is safe, come back out and enjoy yourself around the fire. I have done this procedure a few times. I know it works.

In conclusion, being prepared in anything you do reduces the risk of having bad consequences and increases the likelihood that you will enjoy yourself. To ensure your trip is safe and fun, follow the simple guidelines above when you prepare for your winter camping trip.

By Glenn H. Kipps

Most people think that the list of essential camping equipment consists of [tag-tec]tents[/tag-tec], sleeping bags, a good camping stove, coolers, pots and pans, eating utensils, food, toiletries and other personal hygeine items. This is true. These thing are all you need to have a great camping experience. However, one thing that is often overlooked is a [tag-ice]screened gazebo[/tag-ice]. A screened gazebo is a great addition to the joy of camping. If you build it around your picnic table, it provides a flying insect-free environment for cooking and eating (provided you keep the entrance closed). You can also do things, such as play cards or other games in a flying insect-free environment. There are also other advantages to camping with a screened gazebo. There are several different types of screened shelters. In this article, I will explain what they are and how they add benefit to your camping experience.

The first one is your basic canopy. It is basically a frame with a shelter on top. This deserves little mention for the purposes of this article. A tarp tied to four trees can do the same thing. If tied right, the tarp is more sturdy than the canopy for obvious reasons. Now, you can get screened canopies. Even though these are not as sturdy as a fully screened gazebo, they are the least expensive, very light-weight and extremely easy to set up.

There are also your basic screenhouses. The frames are similar to those for the canopies. However, they are designed with screened walls with zippered entrances, which makes them a little stronger than canopies. In addition, they provide protection for your food from flying insects and other debris carried by the wind.

Then, you have the hexagon gazebo. The hexagon gazebo is even more sturdy than the screenhouse. It’s frame consists of a spoked hub pole system creating 6 sides. This is actually my choice. I do not want something that is going to fall every time a stiff wind comes around.

Now, I will go into the ways a screened gazebo can make your camping trip that much more enjoyable. As mentioned earlier, it provides you with a relatively bug free environment for eating and cooking. In the evening, decorate your gazebo with soft, colorful lights for lighting. This provides a nice atmosphere for playing cards and other games. If you do not want to use your gazebo as an activity area, it is perfect for storing your food, coolers and any other camping equipment you are not currently using. This will help your campsite look neat and clean. Remember, this is your home for a duration of time. How you keep your campsite is a reflection of you. If you are going to use it for this purpose, you should set up your screened gazebo as far away from your tent as the campsite area will allow. This way, if a wild animal ransacks it, they will not spill over into your tent. This brings me to another point. Never eat in your tent. Of course, you are almost always going to have to deal with the occasional downpour. The mist from the rain inside the screened gazebo feels extremely good after a hot summer day. In addition to adding to your camping experience, a screened gazebo is also great for backyard parties.

Now that you see what a great addition a screened gazebo could be, you should consider adding one to your camping gear. They are very inexpensive and easy to put up. As you all know, I am partial to Coleman. Coleman has a variety of screened gazebos and other types of screened shelters. I hope this information has shown you how enjoyable and practical camping with a screened gazebo can be.

By Glenn H. Kipps

Planning your camping vacation can be a very tedious task. However, it is neccessary if you want to have a successful Camping Trip. A very well-though-out plan will insure that you forget nothing, whether it be important or unimportant. The best way to do this is to make lists. By the way, this should be started at least three days before you depart on your [tag-tec]camping adventure[/tag-tec]. Start with a master list that lists all of your main categories. From there you make a list for each of your main categories. There is an article that explains this process in detail. It is so well written that I decided to feature it in this post. It is titled “The Importance of Organized Lists for [tag-ice]Camping Supplies[/tag-ice]“. The actual author is unknown, but it comes from this website: www.camping2u.com. Here it is:

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The Importance of Organized Lists for Camping Supplies

By: www.camping2u.com

Organization is the name of the game when planning any family vacation. The adults involved have to be sure to include every necessary, and several unnecessary items, on the packing list.

There are few things more inconvenient than having to find a convenience store in an unfamiliar area or worse yet, find out the missing item can’t be replaced in your location.

Due to the rural setting of many campgrounds, it is extremely important to be sure you have all of your family?s essentials on a list. Having well thought out lists for camping supplies can make the difference between a great vacation and one where you wished the weather had been a little cooler.

The first thing to do is create a master list for all of the important items needed for your trip. This is the list from which all of the other lists for camping supplies will be made.

Be sure to include sections on food and cookware, tents and sleeping essentials, and personal items, deodorant and shampoo. Obviously the master list will be more detailed than that, but those are good places to start.

Simply go through your familys routine in your mind and write down the needed supplies. From there modify the list for any extras that being away from home make necessary.

Depending on the size of your appetite, one of the most important lists for camping supplies could be the food and cookware list.

Decide what kinds of meals and snacks you are planning to have on the trip and create a grocery list. Cookware is directly related to your food choices. Be sure to have the appropriate pots and pans packed for the trip.

As far as the tent and sleeping bags go, make a list of the items and then go through to be sure they are all in good working condition. This is one of those lists for camping supplies that are best used as a check off list while packing the car.

Personal items are extremely vital for hygiene and comfort during a trip to nature. Check this one a lot. You don?t want anyone forgetting his or her special ointment or contact case and solutions.

This is why personal items are one of the most important of the lists for camping supplies. Be sure to include wet wipes, alcohol sanitizer, and first aid items on this list.

If it makes you more comfortable, visit one of the many camping websites for help with your list. Some actually provide pre organized checklists to make this process easier.

http://www.camping2u.com is your ultimate resource site on camping out and a source to most everything you always wanted to know about camping and camping supplies - but never knew how to ask… Check it out - Grab The Free Course ! http://campersupplies.camping2u.com

In association with http://www.articlefire.com

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I hope you found this article as informative as I did. Lists are an integral part of planning your camping vacation. Yes, planning is a very tedious task. However, watching the plan for your camping trip slowly unfold on paper can also be very much fun. What have you got to lose? Absolutely nothing, but maybe a little bit of your time.

By Glenn H. Kipps

A very important component for a camping trip is your [tag-tec]tent[/tag-tec]. You have to remember, this is going to be your house for a certain duration of time. In this article, I am going to tell you what to look for when choosing the right tent for your [tag-ice]camping trip[/tag-ice].

The first thing you should consider is the quality of the tent. Is it sturdy? Does it bleed? For those that are new to camping, what I mean by bleeding is, when the tent is wet from either rain or dew, does water drip inside when you touch the inner walls of your tent?

The next thing you should consider is the dimensions of the tent. If you are bringing the whole family, a three room cabin tent may be what you need. However, to maximize your privacy, you may want to get two or three smaller tents depending on the size of your family. This way, you and your significant other will have your own tent and the kids will have theirs. If you are a backpacker traveling alone, a two man lightweight tent is definitely the answer. All tents have the dimensions and the amount of people they sleep listed somewhere, whether it be on the box, in a manual or on a tag sewn onto the tent itself. In a nutshell, you should identify your camping needs.

Another thing to consider is your budget. Be sure you can afford the tent you choose. However, do not totally replace cheapness for quality. Remember, if you buy a more expensive tent, you save in the long run, because you will not have to replace it as often. A cheaper tent will cost you more in the long run, because it will not last as long as a more expensive tent. If you are on a budget, I would suggest taking the middle of the road.

Select the tent color that best suits your needs. Light colors make the tent brighter on the inside and provide cooler temperatures. This is best for summer camping. Darker colors provide a dark, cave-like feeling inside the tent. They also harness solar energy to help provide a warmer environment inside. This is best for winter camping.

There are many tent manufacturers. Some are noted for making inexpensive tents, while other are noted for making more expensive tents. As you know, I am partial to Coleman. They are a little pricey, but they are built to last. I just bought my first Coleman tent last year. It is 7′ x 9′. It is a little roomy for one person. However, I like a lot of room to move around. Any way, the most impressive feature to me is that it doesn’t bleed. I have not even bought the waterproof spray Coleman offers. I know that I will eventually have to buy the spray and recoat it. However, it has been a year and I haven’t needed it yet. If you can’t afford Coleman, another good choice is Eureka. Their tents are of high quality for the price. This is what I consider taking the middle of the road. Another good manufacturer is Northwest Territory. I had one for many years. Durability is not a problem. However, they do bleed. You need to waterproof them immediately out of the package. After that, you need to do this on a regular basis.

In short, when choosing the right tent for your camping vacation, you need to identify your camping needs. Take your time when considering which manufacturer you are going to go with. Remember, this is going to be your home for a few days or maybe a week. The right tent will keep you comfortable, especially during unfavorable weather conditions. The wrong tent will have you packing your camp and heading for a motel. Now, that would be a real waste of money all the way around.

By Glenn H. Kipps

A sleeping bag is one of the most important items you can bring on a camping trip. After all, how enjoyable can your trip be if you are not sleeping comfortably? There are different types of sleeping bags built for different weather conditions. For instance, if you are camping in the dead of winter, a 50 degree bag is definitely not the answer. Ideally, you need a 0 degree mummy bag. However, some people are not comfortable sleeping in a mummy bag, so a rectangular bag with a cold weather rating will suffice. If you want to camp in the summer, a 50 degree or above rectangular sleeping bag is all you need. There are also kids sleeping bags, which are minis of adult sleeping bags. Most of the kids bags are rectangular in shape. So, you see, choosing the right sleeping bag depends your [tag-tec]camping needs[/tag-tec]. Here is an article by Vinay Choubey that explains the different types of [tag-ice]sleeping bags[/tag-ice] and their uses.

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by Vinay Choubey

There are three basic bag shapes: rectangular, tapered and mummy.

*Rectangular shaped sleeping bags are probably the most popular and the most readily available style. They are roomy and comfortable. These styles are easier to pack and carry. They are quite snug and they work well in intense conditions.

* The mummy bag is shaped like a cocoon and has only a single side seam. Mummy bags are more expensive because they’re more complex to make, but are worth it! A mummy shaped sleeping bag is wider at the top (near the shoulders) and smaller towards the feet. The main advantage of a mummy shaped is that it better fits the shape of the body and consequents has the advantages of better insulation, less weight and less bulk. Mummy sleeping bags are preferable where warmth is critical or where weight/bulk is very important.

* Tapered bags follow the shape of the body, increase warmth and are lighter. It is wider in the shoulder area and narrows at the bottom.

Sleeping bags also come in a range of materials depending on their use. A flannel-lined sleeping bag provides warmth but also provides softness next to the skin. Nylon sleeping bags “breathe” better and do not retain moisture, so they will dry more quickly than other styles. Poly-cotton blends are probably the most durable option and work best in extreme terrain.

There are also differences in the way sleeping bags are sewn and filled. Down fill provides great natural warmth, but cotton, polyester, and new types of synthetic fills are also available. Many new synthetics use a “hollow fiber” method that keeps sleeping bags light and allows for good compression when packing, while still offering excellent warmth. Synthetics are affordable and easier to care for than down.

The way sleeping bags are sewn is also important to consider. Some are made like quilts and the entire bag is stitched into small pockets of fill. This keeps the fill in place, instead of letting it all fall into one section of the bag. Other styles sew “tubes” into the design, using long narrow pockets instead of small squares. Tubular designs are also intended to keep fill in place.

You can also find great sleeping bags for children. These designs are smaller, child sized versions of regular sleeping bags. Most are made in the rectangular style, and you can find a wide variety of designs and trademark characters. Some are made to coordinate with bedroom accessories and are perfect for use as extra sleep space when your child has a sleepover.

Sleeping bags are not just for camping any more. They are used for all kinds of adventures, as well as sleepovers and slumber parties, or when beds are limited on vacation. If you need a sleeping bag, don’t just pick the first one you see. They are available in many different designs and constructions to suit nearly any use you can imagine.

Find more about Sleeping Bags at http://www.ShoppingSoLow.com .

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As far as manufacturers go, I am partial to Coleman. Coleman has a large variety of bags for every camping need. They, like everything else Coleman, are also built to last. You may spend a bit more money, but you save in the long run. If you buy a cheap bag you may have to replace in 5 years, it ends up costing you more in the long run, because a Coleman sleeping bag will last you for many years. I hope this post and the above article by Vinay Choubey has helped you in your quest for choosing the right sleeping bag.

By Glenn H. Kipps

There are a few types of camping each with their own set of needs. For instance, if you want peace and quiet, you do not want to camp next to an area of leisure (such as a golf course), a drag strip, or a highway. I have had the latter two experiences, which I’ll explain later in this post. On the other hand, if you are there to golf and want to be in close proximity to the golf course, you may be willing to put up with the loud industrial mowers they use to mow the green every morning. Likewise, if you come to an NHRA event and want to be within walking distance to the drag strip, you may be willing to be awakened by those darned top fuel cars. It is all a matter of preference. In this article, I will be giving you ideas to help you in finding your ideal campsite.

The first thing you must do is identify your camping needs. Then, you go about looking for a campsite that will suit these needs. You should learn about the surrounding areas of the campgrounds you are considering using for a certain duration of time. The best way to do this is to call the local tourist office or chamber of commerce in the area you are considering. You could call the campgrounds directly. However, their information is a little more biased because they want you to come to their campground. Once you have chosen your campground, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation. This will assure that you have a campsite when you get there. This one thing could greatly increase your chances of having an enjoyable [tag-tec]camping experience[/tag-tec].

Once you have chosen your campground and arrive there, it is time to choose your campsite. Most campgrounds will allow you to drive around and pick your site. Some campsites have flat areas already cleared for your tent. Pay close attention when exploring the campground for these sites. The earlier you arrive, the better choice you have in campsites. They also will let you change your mind, if you find you do not get along with your camping neighbor. They will allow you to move your equipment to another site, but only if there is one available.

I like to camp for many different reasons. Sometimes, I just like the [tag-ice]sounds of nature[/tag-ice] to keep me company. On other occasions, I like to get rowdy with friends. This is the type of camping I do at least once a year. We have a friend that reserves a few campsites close together using her credit card. A bunch of us pay the $10.00 a day fee at the front office, which gets paid back to her minus the $20 a day for her and her boy friend. We then just get rowdy all weekend long. These campsites are at the very back of the campground, so we do not disturb other campers. The only other people who use these sites are rowdy people like us. It is just one big party.

Back in the last decade, my friends and I used to go to the Virginia Motor Sports Park to watch the NHRA event once a year. There was a campground right next door. You could hear the races from there. However, that is why we were there. We tried to get there as early as possible, so we could select the best campsite available. We did not want to be right next to the drag strip. We also did not want to go to the other end of the campground where we would be too far away. We usually picked a spot in the middle of the campground. At night, it was just like any other camping experience.

I have also camped right off major highways. When I moved to Pennsylvania in 1998, I used to go home to Virginia once a year. My relatives live in Salem and Roanoke. I could have stayed at their houses, but I chose to camp, because I am very independent. There is a campground at Dixie Caverns in Salem, VA. The entrance is on HWY 11 and it backs to I-81. However, it is very close to my relatives. Remember, choosing a campsite depends on what your needs are. Besides, these roads do not get much traffic late at night (an occasional tractor trailer or two).

When choosing your campsite, it is important that you do not choose one with camping items on it. Just because the site may appear empty, it could be that they have an rv and decided to take it out for the day. In other words, do not step on other peoples toes. That also goes for the wildlife as well. Always respect the wildlife. Remember, they are the hosts and you are their guests.

Camp about 200′ to 300′ from water to avoid being flooded out in case of a torrential downpour. Being close to water during a thunder storm also increases your chances of being struck by lightning. Do not camp under big pine trees because they act as lightning rods. Be sure to keep your food and garbage away from your tent to avoid having your tent ransacked by animals. Do not eat food in your tent. You may get a rude awakening.

Do not camp at the bottom of a cliff. This could be catastrophic if a loose rock falls on your tent, especially if you are in it. Also avoid campsites with leaning trees. These trees may fall on your tent in the event of a wind storm. Make sure you avoid poison ivy.

Your campsite must have good drainage. You do not want your campsite to become a big puddle after a rain.

In short, for the best camping experience, you must find a campsite that fits all your camping needs. Identfy your needs. Inquire about campgrounds in the area in which you plan on camping. When you arrive to your chosen campground, drive around to explore the campground to find your site. Camp and have a good time. I hope this information helps you in your endeavors in finding your ideal campsite.

By Glenn H. Kipps

Whether you are going on a Camping Trip or the power goes out in your house, a [tag-tec]camping lantern[/tag-tec] is a pretty nifty tool to have. The reason is that a camping lantern can light up a huge area such as a room in your house or an [tag-ice]outdoor kitchen[/tag-ice]. A flashlight burns out much quicker and illuminates a much smaller area. In this article, I will go over the different types of lanterns and their uses. This information should help you in choosing the right camping lantern for your needs.

There are a few different types of lanterns. It is best to identify your camping needs before you decide on which lantern you want to purchase. There are remote control lanterns that operate on infrared technology. These are great in that you do not have to physically touch your lantern to turn it on. There are also rechargeable camping lanterns. These are highly recommended, because you can buy several rechargeable batteries that can be used in other camping gear requiring battery power. Both are the best types to use in the house during a power outage because they are the safest. They do not require fuel or flame to light up a room. Then, there are the traditional lanterns that require fuel to operate. It is best to find out what kind of fuels are going to be at your disposal when choosing one of these. Make sure the lantern you choose can take those kinds of fuels.

Your camping lantern should be built to last a long time. It should be able to withstand the forces of nature easily. As in an earlier post, I recommend Coleman. They have been around a long time and their products are built to last. I have two Coleman Lanterns that my brother and sister had during the 60’s. They still work great. Read the manual for your lantern to find out how long it will burn before you have to change the battery or refuel. Do not be caught half a mile from your campsite with no power. Do not leave your lantern on all night or you may not have power for the rest of your trip, unless you have a good supply of batteries and/or fuel.

In short, choosing the right camping lantern depends on your camping needs. Only you can make the right choice for you. Identify your needs, read the specs of the lanterns you are eyeing to see if they are right for the trip you are going on and choose wisely. Coleman has every type of lantern I have mentioned as well as several different models of each type.

By Glenn H. Kipps

camping can be a rewarding experience, no matter where you are. However, camping in national parks is one of the best ways to experience the great outdoors, because [tag-tec]national parks[/tag-tec] offer the most options. These options range from full service campgrounds with all the facilities you need to [tag-ice]wilderness camping[/tag-ice] with no facilities whatsoever. When planning your camping trip, you must know that there are two types of campgrounds. There are those that accept reservations and those that are operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Those that accept reservations are a little more expensive than the first-come, first served campgrounds. However, on a big weekend such as Memorial Day, you may want to make a reservation, because you may not find a campsite in a first-come, first-served campground. In this article, I will explain everything I mentioned in this paragraph in detail.

Option #1 - Full Service Campgrounds With All the Facilities

These campgrounds are perfect for the family outing. They have full bath facilities complete with sinks, toilets and showers. They also have electric power hookups as well as a camp store. Some of them even have an amphitheater where you can watch a show or a clubhouse where they hire DJ’s or live bands for you partying and dancing pleasure. There are usually quiet hours starting at 10:00 and pets are required to be on a leash. They also offer three options for camping (some, not all). There are cabins for those who do not want to set up anything. There is almost always an RV area for those that do not mind some set up (such as hooking up the RV to get electric power) but don’t like to camp in tents. Then there is tent camping for those that really like the outdoors, but want all the amenities that these campgrounds offer. I am going to stick to tent camping for the purposes of this article.

Option 2 - Back Country Camping With Limited Facilities

These campsites are great for those that want to be a little rowdy without having to deal with quiet hours. However, the facilities are very limited. You may just have an outhouse. However, some of these have a small building with a single shower, a toilet and a sink. Every year, I camp in a place where you have to drive 1/2 mile to the closest bath house. That doesn’t bother me, because I am not one for observing any kind of quiet hours when I am camping. If the site has more than just an outhouse, these sites are also perfect for a romantic experience alone with your girlfriend or wife without your neighbor being a few feet away from you. You do need a permit for this type of camping. Each park has its own rules for getting this permit. Sometimes it is as simple as filling out a form on the day of arrival. Other times, you have to apply for it months in advance. In the latter, it is all about timing. Always plan ahead, or you could be left out in the cold.

Option 3 - Wilderness camping with no facilities

This type of camping is perfect for the all out adventurer from the kayaker to the backpacker. However, you must never travel alone. It is always a good idea to have at least one other person with you to go for help. Both of you should be CPR certified in case of an accident that renders one of you unconscious. If there is more than two of you, only a couple of you need this certification. This ensures that everybody has a high expectancy of coming back alive. Nothing is ever 100%, but the chances are better than average. You also need a permit for this type of camping.

The best way to make a reservation is through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS). Through the NRRS, you can make reservations for the USDA Forest Service, Army Corpes of Engineers, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation outdoor recreation facilities and activities. You can reserve individual campsites up to 240 days in advance, cabins (booking window varies from 180, 240 and 360 days in advance), Alaska cabins up to 180 days in advance and group facilities up to 360 days in advance. You can make reservations online at http://www.recreation.gov or by calling NRRS at 877-444-6777. If you do not want to make a reservation, you can take your chances at one of the many first-come, first-served campgrounds. Remember, this can be a tough way to go if you are planning your trip on a big weekend. You may end up staying in a hotel, if you can even get a room there. What a bummer. At any rate, camping in national parks is really the best way to enjoy the camping experience. However, sometimes you have got to plan in advance, or you could be left out in the cold.

By Glenn H. Kipps

There are many products out there that will aid in cooking when on a camp out. There are outdoor fireplaces that can be converted to grills, ovens and a variety of stoves and grills. My brand of choice is Coleman. This is not because I sell their products online, but because I believe in them. These products are built to last. For instance, I have a Coleman 2-burner stove I purchased in 1988. It still works the same way it did when I first bought it. I have not even had to rebuild it yet. I also have 2 Coleman lanterns that my brother and sister had when they were teenagers in the 1960’s that still work very well. A lantern is not a cooking item, but I thought I would throw that in just to make a point. If it is made by Coleman, it is built to last. Coleman makes all of the above mentioned product types including a variety of 1, 2 and 3-burner stoves. My favorite is an innovative little thing known as the Coleman 2-burner propane grill stove. With this little gem, you can do conventional cooking on one side and grill on the other at the same time. However, Coleman is a little more pricey than a lot of other brands, but the price is well worth it. Cheaper brands may work just as well in the short run, but they don’t last as long. This is just to let readers know that there are cheaper alternatives. However, some people can not even afford the cheaper brands. Relax… all is not lost. In this article, I am going to provide you with tips on how to build a cooking fire.

You can apply the same principles and safety practices of building a Camp Fire to building a [tag-tec]cooking fire[/tag-tec]. The main difference is the end result. When building a camp fire, you want to build a nice flame that you can look at, gather around and enjoy. When building a cooking fire, you want to turn your wood into hot coals. There should be no flame whatsoever. After all, you do not want to burn your food or blacken your pots or other cooking vessels you may decide to use.

First, you must pick a [tag-ice]cooking site[/tag-ice] that is at least 8 feet away from any bushes, combustibles, tents or anything else that can catch fire. You must also clear away any dry leaves and twigs and make sure there are no overhanging branches. Build a U-shaped fire pit using large rocks. The back of the pit should be facing any wind currents when it is windy. Put a larger rock with a flat surface at the back of the pit to act as a chimney to channel the smoke away from the site.

Once your pit is built, you can start building your fire. Start by laying down wads of paper and small twigs on the floor of the pit. Then, you can stack the kindling (dried branches of 1″ in diameter at the most) in even criss-crossed layers. Keep a bucket of water nearby and light the wads of paper to start your fire. Add some bigger pieces of fire wood (preferably hardwood, if available). Make sure these pieces of wood are as close to the same size as possible and lay them evenly over the burning kindling. As soon as all the wood is burned into white coals, use a stick to distribute the coals. The coals should be stacked higher at the back of the pit graded downwards to the front of the pit. This creates the ability to cook at high, medium and low temperatures.

Now, you can set the grill over the rocks and begin cooking. The further back you put your cooking vessel, the higher the temperature, because the coals in the back of the pit are closer to the grill. If you are cooking directly on the grill, have a spray bottle handy in case the dripping from the food cause a little flame. Remember, the perfect cooking fire should have no flame. As your fire dies, bank the coals to get the most heat from them.

After cooking, use the same pit to build your evening camp fire. Make sure the fire is completely out when you retire for the night. I hope these nifty tips on how to build a cooking fire have helped you for your next camping trip.

by Glenn H. Kipps

What is a Camping Trip without a [tag-tec]campfire[/tag-tec]? It would be a rather boring [tag-ice]camping experience[/tag-ice], don’t you think? Building a campfire can be a very rewarding experience, but there are some safety precautions and other factors one should know about before leaving. Here are a few tips on campfire safety that should be adhered to in order to ensure you have a great camping experience.

1. Before going on your camping trip, make sure you choose the right campground. Before you make a reservation (neccessary on a busy weekend like Memorial Day), find out the campground’s rules on campfires. Believe it or not, some campgrounds do not allow campfires at all. They have their reasons. However, I can not imagine what they could be. I usually avoid these places like the plague. If you do not do your research and show up at one of these places, you are just plain out of luck… “Oops!! Look at the signs around the campground. No campfires!! Sorry, honey. I should have done my research.”

There are also areas where you can have campfires, but you can not pick your wood from the woods. There are many places in these areas where you can buy bundles of wood for $3.00 a bundle on up. You have to spend a little bit of money if you want your fire to go all night (or until bed time anyway). However, if you get to one of these areas and you want to build a campfire, that is what you are going to have to do. In California, this type of camping is unavoidable. I did a lot of camping there and did not find a place anywhere where you could pick your own wood.

Then, you have the places that, pretty much, have no real restriction. The only thing they ask is you adhere to general fire safety. These are my favorite places to go.

2. Most of the latter type campgrounds have designated fire pits. USE THEM!!! They are there for your safety. They are usually in the area of the campsite where there are the least low-hanging branches and furthest away from your tent site. If there is not a fire pit, you can easily build one by gathering enough big rocks to put in a circle. This wall of rocks must be big enough to keep the wood inside the ring. Also, clear away any twigs, dried leaves, paper, etc within several feet from the fire pit.

3. When building your fire, start out with small twigs, a little paper and anything else that can be used as a fire starter.

Side note: Some folks put dried leaves on the pile to help start the fire. I do not use them, because they make a fire smokey.

Then, you start putting your kindling down. These sticks are a little bigger that the twigs (about 1/2″ to 1″ in diameter). After that, throw on you bigger logs. There are several way to do this. I like to build a tepee style fire the best. I feel this is the strongest fire structure. There you go… A little architectural lesson from the Indians.

4. Make sure your fire is a comfortable size. Building your fire too big could be catastrophic to the people in your group as well as your camping neighbors. It will not be a great thing for the wildlife and the forest either. “Oh, no! The tree overhead just caught fire. What should I do?” Make sure that you have the correct equipment (ie. bucket full of water, shovel or a fire extinguisher) in case the fire does leave the boundaries of the fire pit.

5. Have fun. Bring out the weenies and the marshmallows. Play cards. Tell stories. However, you must also be safe. Respect your fire. There should be no horseplay around the fire.

I hope these tips on campfire safety have helped you plan a safe camping trip.