Why You Should Plan Your Camping Vacation In Advance

December 31, 2010

Are you interested in taking a camping vacation with your romantic partner, your friends, or your family? If you are, have you already started planning your camping vacation? If you have yet to start planning your camping vacation, you may want to think about doing so soon.

Although it is nice to know that you should think about planning your camping vacation in advance, you may be wondering exactly why you should do so. In all honesty, you will find that there are a number of different reasons as to why you should start planning your next camping vacation in advance, as well as a number of benefits to doing so. Just a few of those many reasons and benefits are outlined for you below.

Planning your camping vacation in advance will help to ensure that you are able to get a reservation. Camping is a popular activity, especially during the spring and summer months. What does this mean for you? It means that you are likely one of hundreds of people in and around your area who are also interested in having a fun filled camping vacation, possibly even at the same time as you. Unfortunately, many campgrounds are limited on the amount of space that they have. To ensure that you are able to get a camping vacation reservation, you will want to make your plans in advance.

In addition to getting a reservation, planning your camping vacation in advance may also help you get a better camping spot. What many individuals do not know is that many campgrounds allow their campers to choose which specific locations they would like to camp at. By viewing a map of the campground in question, you may find that the perfect camping spot is located next to a lake or one that is close to a hiking trail. With that in mind, however, it is important that you know that the longer you wait to make your camping vacation reservations, the less “prime,” camping locations you will have to choose from.

Planning your next camping vacation in advance will also give you more time to prepare for it. For instance, what type of foods would you like to bring on your next camping adventure or what type of games would you like to play? These are questions that you should ask yourself, as it may make it easier for you to prepare for your vacation. By making your camping vacation reservations in advance, you can determine, ahead of time, whether or not the campground has a lake, hiking trails, or electricity. This can make it much easier to prepare for your next camping vacation, as well as ensure that you have all needed camping supplies and camping equipment pieces.

It is also important to mention having a memorable experience. Planning your next camping vacation in advance is likely to make your experience a more memorable one. As it was previously mentioned, when you plan your camping vacation in advance, you are better able to ensure that you have all of the needed camping supplies and you may possibly even be able to even handpick your camping spot. This is likely to improve your camping trip.

The above mentioned reasons are just a few of the many reasons why you should think about planning your next camping vacation in advance. In all honesty, only good can come from doing so.

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Unique Camping Gift Ideas for Christmas

December 24, 2010

As November passes quickly, it is time to start thinking about buying Christmas gifts. Heres a primer on unique Christmas gift ideas for people who like to go camping.

Unique Camping Gifts

Camping enthusiasts love to get away from the rat race and just take in the majesty of Mother Nature. If youre shopping for a person that likes to go camping, here are a few unique camping gift ideas.

1. National Parks Pass Some of the best camping locations are in the United States National Parks system. Yosemite, Glacier Park and so on provide simply stunning scenery and absolutely tremendous camping opportunities. The National Park Pass grants admission to all of the National Parks for one year. The National Parks Pass costs 49.99. 80 percent of the proceeds go to the preservation of the parks.

2. Play & Freeze Ice Cream Maker This cool little gadget lets you make ice cream on the fly while camping. In the form of a plastic ball, you simply add rock salt and ice to one end and provided ice cream to the other. Seal it up and start rolling it around like a soccer ball. Before you know it, youll have ice cream. This very cool gadget will run you 30.

3. Fold Away Food Covers While getting back to nature is a blast, insects become annoying. The Fold Away Food Covers act as a little tent you can put over food to keep the little buggers off. The covers fold up and easily stored making them the ideal camping accessories. Coghlans covers are the best. Youll spend 5 or so for the covers, a very small price for keeping food insect free.

4. Nomad Camping Journals A little self-promotion here. Nomad Camping Journals are compact writing journals that let campers keep notes and a record of their camping trips. Really great for creating a record of who was on the trip, how the trip went, other places to try and so on. The camping journals are great keepsakes for adults and something to do for kids during down times. As the trips add up over the years, youll enjoy reading about past trips. You can click the link at the bottom of this article to see them and expect to pay 25 for the journal with case.

Camping is a great way to escape the chaos of daily life and provides plenty of gift buying ideas. Get out there and enjoy the world!

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Taking A Motorcycle On Your Camping Trip

December 17, 2010

Traveling across the country on a motorcycle can be exhilarating. You have a greater sense of your environment and immediate surroundings on a motorcycle and can have a sense of freedom when riding. Its a wonderful way to explore the countryside. Camping with your motorcycle, though takes some planning and adjustments from other, more traditional forms of camping.

Because you wont have as much space on a motorcycle as with a car, you have to pack lightly and include only the essentials. This is easier then it sounds but will take some planning. Make sure you choose items to take with you that are small and have multiple uses. A good multi tool knife is great and will allow you to do repairs and maintenance, cooking and preparing.

Take a small bag for personal items and choose travel size bottles of everything needed. These are readily available at discount and grocery stores and will help save storage room. Use saddle bags for storing food, clothing and personal gear. Youll have to economize so be prepared to wear the same clothing several times. Take re-closable plastic storage bags or plastic trash bags for disposing of items and for storing dirty clothes.

You should have ample room in saddlebags and the glove compartment for small items. For sleeping and camping equipment, use the luggage rack or passenger seat and secure these items with bungee cords. Make sure to bring compact equipment that can tightly fold or roll up. You should easily be able to store a collapsible tent and sleeping bag. You can even add a sleeping mat for added comfort.

If you intend to cook while camping out pack only what youll need. Look for camping recipes that only require one pot. There are many available and this will help conserve space. You can get eating utensils to store in a saddle bag. These do not take up much space.

For safety, make sure your motorcycle is serviced and in good working condition before embarking on a trip. Chart your route so you know where gas stations and restaurants are on your route. These can be valuable in restocking food supplies and in emergency situations. Keep a map and compass handy so you dont get lost on the road or while camping.

You may not be able to camp in the lap of luxury when you bring your motorcycle but it will be a fun experience. Your motorcycle has ample room to store the necessities and if you can accept sleeping outdoors and only packing essentials, this can be a highly rewarding experience. Having a motorcycle available also gives you a lot more flexibility in traveling in and out of campsites. It is easy to pack all your gear and leave or go on a short sight seeing trip.

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Some Essential Camping Supplies For Your Camping Adventures

December 10, 2010

There are certain supplies that every family should have when camping. Ensuring you have the basic supplies to have fun and stay safe will enhance your camping experience. So do not pack on the fly. Instead, make sure you plan well and make lists so nothing is forgotten. Make lists and check off items as you pack. But also pack as lightly as possible. Remember that camping is a temporary state and that you will not need a lot of different clothing and only enough food and water to sustain you and your family during your trip.

Always be sure you have enough food and water so you and your family are properly nourished and hydrated. However, choose items that are lightweight, easy to cook and easy to clean up. Canned goods and lightweight items such as soups, canned meats, jerky, and cereals are perfect.

Take campfire wood with you unless you plan to purchase wood on the way to your camping area or at the campground. Also take newspaper and small twigs to make starting your fire easy. A small hatchet can be handy too.

Dress appropriately for the season but also prepare for unexpected weather changes. Summer clothing should include light colored items and good hiking boots. In winter weather, make sure to dress in layers for maximum warmth. Always have spare clothes available in case clothing gets wet or there is a shift in climate. Remember that even in summer it can get cold at night.

For day trips where you will leave your camp area, use a backpack to bring essential supplies. Maps and a compass are essential supplies to have. Make sure to research the area where you will be camping so you are familiar with where there are main roads and emergency facilities. Waterproof matches will help start a fire even in rainy conditions. A flashlight will provide light for night time. Make sure to use a heavy duty model that is waterproof. Extra batteries are also advised.

Survival kits are necessary in case of emergency. These are available pre made at outdoor sporting good stores but you can also gather supplies individually. Rope is a common element of these supplies. Also, food items for emergency survival are usually included. A whistle in case you are stuck or trapped will help you call for help without expending a lot of energy. A multi- use knife is a compact item that provides many essential tools including a saw and can opener. Shelter equipment such as blankets and tarps can help you stay warm and protected while awaiting assistance. Although many wilderness areas will not have reception, it may be possible for a cellular phone to reach a nearby emergency station. It is advisable to carry one just in case you will be able to get reception and call for help.

First aid kits are also essential camping supplies. These are readily available pre made in pharmacies and sporting good stores. Ensure they have materials to aid in bandaging wounds and treating illness. They should include insect repellant and sunscreen to protect against sunburn and pests. Bandages and antibiotic ointment will help in mending scrapes and cuts. Aspirin and non aspirin pain medication should be included. Iodine tablets will help if a person is dehydrated.

Supplies that will keep your family safe and nourished in case of emergency are essential elements when camping. But do not forget to have some fun. Bring games, fishing poles and books to spend some time. Do not forget binoculars for watching wildlife and the camera for memorializing your experience. Be organized and make a list of all supplies needed before embarking on your trip to ensure the most fun and safest camping trip possible.

Other items to pack include: folding chairs; trash bags; pre-moistened wipes (especially handy if your camping area does not have hand-washing facilities in the bathroom area); a dishpan, dish soap, dish cloths, and dish towels for cleaning dishes; paper towels; clothespins to hang swimsuits and towels on the rope youve also packed; and pot holders to handle hot food.

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How Camping Can Be a Unique Romantic Getaway

December 3, 2010

Are you interested in taking a romantic getaway with your romantic partner? If you are, have you already decided where you would like to go and what you would like to do? If you have yet to choose your romantic getaway destination and your romantic getaway activities, you may want to look into camping. Camping is popular, but it is still considered unique, at least for romantic getaways. With that in mind though, it is a romantic getaway that you and your partner would likely enjoy and possibly never forget.

Although it is nice to hear that camping in a unique, yet fun way to spend a romantic getaway, you may be wondering exactly why that is. If you are, you may be pleased to know that there are a number of different reasons as to why camping is perfect for romantic getaways, like your next one. Just a few of the many reasons why you may want to think about further examining camping are outlined below.

One of the many reasons why camping is perfect for romantic getaways is because of the nature. When camping, you are, literally, one with nature. You will find that the surroundings are absolutely beautiful. Most campgrounds have hiking trials, lakes, forests, and much more. You and your romantic partner should love waking up to the beautiful surroundings each and everyday of your romantic getaway.

Another one of the many reasons why camping may be perfect for your next romantic getaway is because you may be able to handpick your own camping spot. If you make your camping reservations in advance, you will find that many campground officials give you the opportunity to choose which camping spot you and your partner would like to have. If you prefer hiking, you may wish to be located close to a hiking trial. On the other hand, if you would like privacy on your romantic getaway, you may be able to choose a camping spot that is more secluded than the others.

Also, what is nice about camping is that you have a number of activities to choose from. When examining the activities, it is important to remember that camping is an activity all by itself. When camping, you can either choose to rent or buy an RV or you can choose to camp in a tent, both of which are pretty romantic. As for the other activities that you may be able to participate in, you may be able to go hiking, swimming, or boating. You may also enjoy just spending time with your partner around the campfire.

If you are interested in making your next romantic getaway a camping one, you will want to start planning your getaway well in advance. By taking the time to actually plan your next camping getaway, you can ensure that it is exactly how you wanted it to be. You may want to think about reviewing a number of campgrounds, to find the perfect one. Unless you are planning on making your camping getaway a surprise, you may want to think about planning your camping adventure with your romantic partner. This will help to ensure that both of you enjoy your next camping getaway.

Of course, your romantic getaway doesn’t have to be a camping adventure, but you may at least want to think about it. For many, camping is a great, yet unique way to spend quality time with their romantic partners.

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Hiking and Camping: The Perfect Combination

November 26, 2010

Are you interested in taking a trip? Whether you want to your trip to be alone, with your friends, with your family, or even just with your romantic partner, you will need to find a place to visit, as well as activities to participate in. If you have yet to decide what you would like to do for your next trip, have you ever though about going camping and hiking? When alone, camping and hiking are both fun filled activities, but when combined, they are, literally, the perfect combination.

Although it is nice to know that hiking and camping are the perfect combination, you may be wondering exactly why that is. If you are, you will find that there are an unlimited number of reasons as to why hiking and camping are the perfect fit for each other and the perfect way to spend your next vacation. For reasons as to why you should give camping and hiking a try, you will want to continue reading on.

As previously stated, camping and hiking are things that just seem to fit together. This is apparent in a number of different ways. For instance, hiking trails are commonly found in areas or establishments that are referred to as hiking parks. Hiking parks, especially large popular ones, often have their own onsite campgrounds. You will also find that most public campground parks have at least one or two hiking trials on them. The fact that hiking and camping experts automatically pair hiking and camping together is a sign that camping and hiking really are the perfect combination.

Another reason why camping and hiking may be perfect for your next trip or vacation is because they are both designed for individuals of all ages. This is important, especially if you are looking for something to do with your family. Children of all ages, as well as adults, enjoy both camping and hiking. In fact, in the United States, you will find that hiking trials come in a number of different difficulty levels. For instance, it is more than possible to find hiking trails that are designed for beginners. These types of hiking trials would be ideal, in most cases, for young children or elderly individuals.

The cost of hiking and camping are another one of the many reasons why they make the perfect combination, as well as why they may be perfect for your next trip, vacation, or adventure. Hiking and camping are both affordable activities for you to participate in. In fact, if you decide to make a reservation at a public campground park, you will likely find that you are able to go hiking, on an onsite trail, free of charge. The same may even be said for if you visited a hiking park and decided to stay overnight. While many activities may end up being free for you, you will see that it all depends on the establishment in question.

If you are interested in combining hiking and camping to make the perfect adventure for you, your family, your friends, or you and your romantic partner, you may want to think about making your arrangements in advance. Hiking and camping are both popular activities in the United States. While you may not necessarily need to make reservations to go hiking, you may need to make them if you plan on camping overnight at a hiking park or in a public campground. In fact, the earlier that you make your reservations, the more choices you may have, as many establishments allow you to handpick your own camping spots.

As you can see, there are a number of different reasons as to why hiking and camping make the perfect combination, as well as why they would be great for your next vacation, trip, or adventure. Hiking and camping is something that you may at least want to think about discussing with your traveling party. Once it is mentioned, you may be surprised with just how many people would like to give this perfect combination a try.

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Getting Ready To Go Camping

November 19, 2010

So you want to take your kids camping just like you did as a child with your parents of grandma or grandpa. Opps the camp ground they took you to is now condos on the lake .

Let assume you are new to camping but you have some experience as a child. You will need to become familiar with camping gear. If you have a friend that camps a lot you can go with them to learn the basics.

Ah go with a friend and show him he is smarter then me not a chance. For I would never hear the end of it.

The first thing you will need is some type of shelter for you and the kids.
Then you will need some thing to sleep in a sleeping bag and something to cook with. Pots and pans portable barbecue hey I know how to use that. Already you are on the road to your first camping trip.

What Gear Do I Need?

Most first timers start out with a tent. The first tent should not be to expensive but it should provide good shelter in the wind and rain. With all the models out there spend some time looking them over do not get one that requires a masters degree in engineering to set up. Stay to the basic needs as you get more experience the tent can be given to the kids as you will upgrade to a fancy one.

Remember you are camping on a budget no use in spending thousands of pounds for all the gear only to find the wife , kids, or your self hates camping. The tent should shield you from bugs sun and the rain.

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There are bugs our here in the wilderness so be ware. The tent should have a good screen to keep the little varmints out and yet be easy for the kids to open.

The tent will be some place to sleep and store your cloths. If the weather turns bad them the kids can play or read in the tent under supervision. It is nice to sleep under the stars but you will have to get a tent sooner or later.

So choose one that has enough room for you and the family and all the gear you will want to put in the tent while you are out swimming. Your tent should cost between 100 to 200 pounds depending on the style you pick for your family

If you want to sleep in a tent or under the stars up should have some type of padding The ground is not comfortable to sleep on. You will find padded mats made from plastic with air bubbles, vinyl cover stuffed pads and the good old air mattress.

I prefer the air mattress as it also doubles for the family to float around on the lake. If you go with the air mattress remember you will need a pump to blow them up a large foot pump works best.

Sleeping bags

If you are like most people you will be camping in the summer and early fall so do not buy a sleeping bag rated for -20 weather this will just be extra money that could be use for some thing other thing you will want.

The light rectangular sleeping bag will do If you and your spouse want to sleep in the same sleeping bag just zip them together and you will have one large sleeping bag. Do not forget your pillows but if you do roll up your towels they can make not a bad pillow.

Be sure to have at least two ground tarps at least the size of the floor of your tent. Place on down on the ground then set your tent on it. The second one may be used as a shelter above the picnic table.

Campground Cooking

All of use love the smell of food cooking outside whether it is at the camp ground or in the backyard. If you barbecue a lot at home you all ready have the basic now how to camp cook. Most public camp grounds and private camp ground will have a picnic table and a cooking pit at each camp site.

Take a portable grill with you and you will feel right at home. Pick up a gas stove and a set of pots and pans and you are ready to be a camp chef, remember a coffee pot as the nearest coffee shop may be 20 or so miles away.

Depending on you level of cooking skills you will now be able to prepare meats as if you were at home.

When shopping for gear go to the local big box store as they will carry every thing you need. Some will have tents set up if so climb in ask yourself is this roomy and will every one fit in comfortable. along with all the stuff you will take with you.

If the tents are not set up mark out a piece of the floor at home with tape this will be the same size as the floor of the tent call a family meeting and get every body to lay in the tape lines you laid down is it the right size? If not reassess your needs.

That’s it…you are that much closer to have a fun camping trip for all!

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Camping Tents

November 12, 2010

So you’ve decided to go camping. You’ve check out the camp sites that are accredited by the ACA or American Camping Association and KOA or Kampgrounds of America. Now you need to decide how much you want to “rough it”. Are you staying in an RV, or a pop up camper? Perhaps you’re pulling a travel trailer. Much too “luxe” for you, you say. You’re a real man and all you need is a sleeping bag and a tent.

Choosing a tent for camping is the first task for any camping trip. What type of weather conditions are you expecting? Always be prepared for the worst, rain, wind, and cold. There are three season and four season tents available. Four season tents are heavier than three season tents. They tend to have more poles than three season tents to help them withstand wind and snow fall. Of course, most of us are fair weather campers. A three season tent will be fine for us. So, now, what style of tent do you want?

What style of tent you want may depend on how much backpacking you’re going to do. If you’re a pack backer you’ll want to keep your load as light as possible. A tarp tent may be the one for you, or if you’re camping in summer a lightweight warm weather tent may work.

If you’re the type of camper who likes to “rough it” at a drive up base camp area then the weight of a tent will not be an issue for you. You will probably be more concerned with how many people will be sharing your tent. A two man tent will most likely be uncomfortable for two large adults and all their gear. Those with camping experience say that you’ll want to look for at least 30 square feet of floor space per person. They say that you should divide the number of people a tent says is it’s capacity by 2. If you’re traveling with young children you definitely want to look into a larger model of tent. You’ll want a large area inside your tent, especially as you may experience some inclement weather and have the children inside the tent for long periods of time. It would be nice if they had an area to play their board games.

Before you spend your hard earned money on a tent go to your neighborhood camping store where you can actually see the tents set up. Walk around in it. Lie in it. Stand up straight in it. Make sure that the tent you choose will meet all your camping requirements before you get to your campsite.

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Camping In BC – Beautiful British Columbia

November 5, 2010

BC camping is like camping Yellowstone or camping California. The diversity of all the areas is very similar with mountains, stream, and lakes. You can get in to trouble very easy in the mountains if you are BC camping.

When BC camping most people just go for a short walk and find themselves lost fore every thing looks the same if you do not now or have any experience in the woods. If you find your self lost stay put do not wander around because every tree will look familiar and every stream is the one you pasted on the little walk you took.

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Most kids that get lost will wander away from the campsite playing with the family pet or playing hide in seek with other kids and got scared and tried to find the campsite. But wandered farther and farther away.

I put a whistle on a sting and place it around the kids neck and the rule is they can not take it off till we are ready to leave for home. The kids are not allowed to blow the whistle unless they are in trouble. They will try just to see if it works but if you explain it is only for an emergency they will understand. Tell them it is like calling 911 on the phone all kids understand what 911 is for.

If you find yourself lost or confused as to the direction back to camp a whistle around your neck would help. I even have one for myself and my wife. This way if you should lose your way for what ever the reason a whistle of three short blasts will get the attention of most campers of people looking for you.

If you are in the woods and lost stay put providing you are not in danger if the weather changes look for a safe place to protect yourself from the elements. But not to far dont wander around for hours looking for a safe place if needed stand on the down wind side of a large tree. It will offer you some protection and blow you whistle every 10 or 15 minutes with three short blasts and listen for the people looking for you.

Do not wander off looking for the people that are looking for you just use your whistle above all help will arrive .Do not panic if you find your self lost stay calm and reason out where you are sit tight folks are looking for you.

I have found many people only because I have the training. Do not interfere with the professional searches they have the gear and the training to find people. They are a very dedicated group of people and will not give up, no matter how harsh the weather gets. You do not want them to have to find you because you got lost looking for some one be it a family member or a friend.

If some one from your group gets lost and you cant find them in the near area call or find the ranger or park attendant they have the knowledge on who should be called to help, and to call the need for a search.

So be safe and enjoy the camping think before you act. BC camping is great!

Here at Camping-For-Fun I’m going to make sure your camping trip is plenty of fun!

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Camping Equipment And Sites For a Northwest Vacation

October 29, 2010

Residents of the Northwest United States are proud of the conservation efforts put forth in their state. Washington, Oregon and Idaho have preserved some of the most beautiful forests, mountains, deserts and valleys for generations of outdoors enthusiasts. Much of the land in these great states is made available for people all over the country to enjoy on a regular basis. Camping, hiking, hunting and fishing are popular vacation activities in this part of the country because there are so many diverse places to go and see.

Camping in the Northwest is a popular past time that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter what their skill level or age. When camping in this area of the country, there are a few things that must be considered and equipment that should be taken. It is important to have durable, waterproof camping gear, no matter what season you are camping in, because this is an area that might be cold or wet unexpectedly, even in the middle of the summer. You also want to be sure that you have plenty of good lighting gear. LED lanterns and flashlights work best in the dense forests of the Northwest because they provide you with an even, long-lasting light. Having a reliable, compact light is important in this area because often time campsites can be located deep into the mountains or forests. These locations require that campers hike in, so packing lightly but smartly is very important.

Washington, Oregon, and Idaho are full of great camping locations. The states are filled with diverse national and state park areas. Explorers that enjoy mountain wildernesses will find great camping in the coastal ranges up Oregon and Washington and along their many rivers. Desert campers can find relaxing places in eastern Oregon and in Idaho. Even winter campers that enjoy the snow can find open sites around Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and The Three Sisters. These areas have excellent camping areas that can provide you with a great place to stay, beautiful sites, and a lot to do while your there.

Peninsula
Located in Northwest Washington, the Olympic is the home to both the towering Olympic Mountains and the Pacific coastline. The Bogachiel, Sequim Bay, Old Fort Townsend and Fort Worden State Parks are a few of many camping and hiking destinations in the area. Camping on the peninsula requires waterproof equipment.

Deschutes National Forest
Central Oregon is the home of the Deschutes National Forest. This area has great camping sites right in the middle of some of the oldest forests in North America. Camping here can be easy or challenging, depending on what you are looking for. When camping in the desert, make sure to pack plenty of water and food. Also, packing a powerful lantern or set of flashlights is important as the deserts in the Northwest are very dark at night.

Priest Lake State Park
The Priest Lake State Park is one of the favorite camping destinations for Idaho residents because of its diverse options. Camping is available all along the shoreline of Priest Lake and Upper Priest Lake, as well as on the Lakes islands themselves.

These are just a sample of the many incredible camping locations located in the beautiful, green Northwest. Campers can find information on camping fees, hiking trails and site amenities by looking online at the various state park web sites.

~ Ben Anton, 2008

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