RV Camping, Camping Tips and Camping Gear
How to go winter camping on a budget: where to camp cheaply or for free in the off-season, which gear matters most (sleeping pad R-value and bag rating), low-cost ways to stay warm, buying used, layering with what you have, food and water in the cold, carbon monoxide and hypothermia safety, and a budget winter packing list. Continue reading Winter Camping on a Budget: Affordable Gear, Free and Off-Season Sites, and Staying Warm and Safe
How national park camping reservations work: where to book (Recreation.gov and park pages), how booking windows and release times work, first-come first-served campgrounds, backcountry permits, timed entry versus camping reservations, fees, cancellations, pass discounts and nearby free and low-cost alternatives on national forest and BLM land. Continue reading National Park Camping Reservations: How Booking Works, Booking Windows, First-Come Sites and Backup Options
How to find free campsites in the U.S.: using Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps, BLM field offices and maps, free developed campgrounds, state and county lands, overnight parking rules, online maps and apps, how to scout a free site, the 14-day limit and what to bring when there are no services. Continue reading How to Find Free Campsites: Maps, Agency Tools and Scouting Tips for Free Camping in the U.S.
A step-by-step guide to dumping RV holding tanks: the difference between black and gray tanks, the gear you need, the right order (black first, then gray), rinsing the black tank, when to dump, where to find dump stations, hookup tips, etiquette, cold-weather notes and the mistakes that cause clogs and smells. Continue reading How to Dump RV Tanks: Black and Gray Tank Steps, Gear, Dump Station Etiquette and Mistakes to Avoid
Solo camping safety tips for camping alone: leaving a written trip plan, choosing campgrounds versus dispersed sites, satellite messengers and personal locator beacons (and NOAA registration), first aid, wildlife and weather planning, personal security at camp and a solo-specific packing checklist. Continue reading Solo Camping Safety: Trip Plans, Communication, Campsite Choices and What to Pack When You Camp Alone
How to choose a safe campsite and the best spot to pitch your tent: checking for dead trees and widowmakers, avoiding flash flood zones and low spots, lightning and wind exposure, distance from water, wildlife and food storage, ground surface and slope, plus a quick arrival checklist. Continue reading How to Choose a Safe Campsite: Where to Pitch a Tent and What to Avoid
