The Camping Club

5 Cross-Country Skiing Campgrounds

By John Rarity
Active.com

From Washington to New Hampshire, pack up your skis and head out to one of these one-of-a-kind destinations for cross-country skiing.

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Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming

Winter is the ideal time to beat the crowds at this world-famous park and indulge in some of the best Nordic skiing in the country.

• Camp at Yellowstone National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Washington

The Paradise area of Mount Rainier is the place to be in the winter. Enjoy free ranger-guided walks and countless miles of scenic terrain.

• Camp at Mount Rainier National Park

Harriman State Park

Idaho

Harriman State Park is part of the greater ecosystem that encompasses Yellowstone National Park and offers endless miles of trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Camp at Harriman State Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado

Home to 60 mountain peaks and an array of animal and plant life, there is no shortage of sights and activities at Rocky Mountain NP.

• Camp at Rocky Mountain National Park

White Mountain National Forest

New Hampshire

Enjoy panoramic views of the White Mountains amid groomed cross country trails, as well as top notch back country skiing within the boundaries of the Pemigewasset Wilderness.

• Camp in White Mountain National Forest

Take Action

• Find Winter Activities Campgrounds Near You
• Join the Cross Country Skiing Community on Active
• Meet a Winter Sports Buddy

How to Be Prepared for Last-Minute Camping Trips

Thinking about a last-minute camping trip but abhor the time it takes to get ready? Here’s an easy-to-use list that will shorten your prep time.

It will make getting ready and out the door to do the things you love a whole lot easier—and a whole lot funner.

Weather

First, remember to check the weather. Nothing can ruin a great time outdoors than the unexpected rain, wind or snow.

If you’re willing to go out under partly cloudy or "chance of rain conditions," pack accordingly. This would include a water-proof jacket, layered clothing for warmth and a shell or tarp to water-proof your tent.

Gear

Whether you’re leaving for just one day or a couple of nights, much of your core gear requirements will remain the same. Aside from your tent and sleeping bags, here are a few items to keep handy in a duffel bag or storage bin for quick loading in the car:

• Sleeping pads
• Flashlight and batteries
• Knife
• Insect repellent
• Rope or cord
• Axe
• Sunscreen
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Cooking kit (couple plates, forks, cups and pan)
• Cooking stove and fuel
• Matches
• Hat
• Waterproof jacket
• First Aid Kit

Food and Water

You won’t be gone for long if you forget these. There are many great ideas out there on tips for cooking at your campsite. For purposes of this article, the important thing to remember is to pack items that are:

• Easy to pack
• Easy to prepare
• Easy to clean up

Some examples of food to pack include:

• Precooked and dehydrated foods such as those sold at camping and outdoors stores
• Oatmeal
• Trail mix
• Hot chocolate mix or Jello mix (great source of carbs)
• Jerky
• Dehydrated fruits
• Energy bars

Finally, don’t forget water. Whether you’re car camping and can purchase several gallons to store in your car, or you intend on hiking to your campsite. Bring along a water purifying kit, fill your water bladder and bottles, and fill or purchase a couple of gallon-containers of water you can leave in the car.

The extra water will not only assist in assuring you remain hydrated, but also help a lot in rinsing off dirty dishes, as well as washing your hands and your teeth.

 

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5 Scenic Cycling Hot Spots

Go for a bike ride along some of America’s most beautiful locations. Here are five cycling hot spots with miles of unmatched scenery.

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Porcupine Campgrounds

Anchorage, Alaska

Located in the town of Hope, Porcupine is only 20 miles from Anchorage and is surrounded by miles of space for riding.

• Camp at Porcupine

Eureka KOA

Eureka, California

This newly refurbished KOA is surrounded by riding opportunities and is also home for the California Coast Redwoods Tour Race.

• Camp at Eureka KOA

Eleven Mile State Park

Eleven Mile, Colorado

Cycling is a popular activity among Colorado's scenic peaks. Experience it from one of Colorado's most picturesque campgrounds.

• Camp at Eleven Mile

Tacoma KOA

Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma KOA is conveniently located and beside the Green River. Easy access to tons of scenic mileage and home to the 170 mile Ride Around Puget Sound.

• Camp at Tacoma KOA

Old Orchard Beach KOA

Saco, Maine

Follow this popular stretch of Maine's coastline in search for several of the state's famous lighthouses. Also near the site of the Maine Lighthouse Ride.

• Camp at Old Orchard Beach KOA

8 Fun Family Festivals

Support your local community and have fun with the whole family. Here are eight festivals across the U.S. that offer tons of activities and events for the whole gang.

Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland, Maine

The lobster crate race across the Atlantic's icy waters has a more refreshing finish but you can also participate in the Sunday morning 10K or the kids' fun run. Other events include cooking contests, arts and crafts, a parade, musical entertainment and all the lobster you can eat.

Georgia Peach Festival, Byron, Georgia

Honor Georgia's peach growers at the Georgia Peach Festival. Sign up for the 5K road race then indulge in the world's largest peach cobbler, with a side of peach ice cream of course. Weekend events include free concerts and a fireworks show.

Three Disciplines Triathlon Festival, East Tawas, Michigan

Celebrate the end of race season with a half-iron distance triathlon, then relax at the post-race beach party. Enjoy music, movies, Marshmallow roasting, beach volleyball and more.

• Camp at the Oscoda KOA Family Campground

New Belgium FIBArk Whitewater Festival, Salida, Colorado

Kayak clinics and competitions abound but don't miss the skateboarding and mountain biking competitions, the hooligan race, the pancake breakfast, the carnival, the farmer's market or the Boys & Girls Club recycled costume show.

• Camp at Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area

Discover 4 More Fun Family Festivals

Entrance Fees Waived During National Park Week

National Park Service
Press Release
April 2010

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that all 392 national parks will have free admission during National Park Week, April 17 to 25. Parks will also offer additional family-friendly activities and special offers on tours, lodging, food and souvenirs. A listing of parks and promotions is available at www.nps.gov/npweek.

"We are rolling out the red carpet and inviting everyone to visit a national park and help celebrate National Park Week," said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. "Parks are fun and affordable destinations and great places to engage in healthy, outdoor activities, whether for a few hours or a few days."

National Park Week, a program of the National Park Service, is an opportunity to engage families and communities in America's Great Outdoors, reconnecting them with nature and creating close to home opportunities for people to get outside, be active, and have fun. "National parks preserve our heritage, promote recreational experiences, and provide places of quiet refuge," said National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis. "Most people live within a short drive of a national park so I encourage everyone to spend some time enjoying America's Great Outdoors during National Park Week."

There will be hundreds of family friendly events on Saturday, April 24, for National Junior Ranger Day. Each child participating in Junior Ranger activities will receive a certificate, patch or pin.

Other National Park Week highlights include the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and the 75th anniversary of the nation's most visited national park--the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Normally, 146 of 392 national parks charge entrance fees ranging from $3 to $25. The other 246 do not charge for admission. The fee free waiver for National Park Week does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors--such as fees charged for camping, reservations and use of concessions.

9 Places to Celebrate National Park Week

5 Outdoor Escapes for Winter

Skip the ski slopes this winter and take the family camping. Here are five places where lodging is cheaper than a lift ticket.

Death Valley, California

Tour 3.4 million acres of desert and mountains in Death Valley--the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Sitting 282 feet below sea level, it is also is the lowest, hottest and driest valley in the U.S., making it a great winter getaway.

Camp at Furnace Creek» 

Saguaro National Park, Arizona

"Winters are delightful" in Saguaro National Park--According to the National Park Service. And with 165 miles of hiking trails there are plenty of ways to take advantage of the good weather.

Camp at Whitetail Campground» 

Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas

The wide variety of species that coexist here make Big Thicket a great place to explore the diversity of America's wilderness.

Camp at Village Creek State Park» 

Read More: Outdoor Escapes for Your Family

5 Campgrounds for Winter Sports Enthusiasts

Activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are sure to keep you warm at one of these cold-weather campsites.

Farragut State Park, Idaho

Take advantage of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails in the park, plus miles of snowmobile trails just south of the park. Don't forget to pack your sled and hit up the amphitheater bowl where the real action takes place.

Eleven Mile, Colorado

Eleven Mile's large reservoir, where three Colorado Classic Ice Fishing Tournament events are held, is popular among ice fishermen, but it also provides a great setting for ice skating, ice boating and cross-county skiing. 

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Tips to Use on Your Next RV Trip

Next time you plan a cross-country RV trip, try these helpful tips from experienced RVers.

Use a Timer for Your Lights
We have heard complaints about people who leave their awning lights on all night and how it disrupts those around them. We realized that if we use an outdoor timer, we can set it and forget it. Now no one is disturbed by our lights at night. Submitted By: Roger & Brenda Hagan

Solar Lights
Purchase a couple of solar lights and place them by your RV steps. They will give off enough light for you to see, but they aren't so bright that they disturb your neighbors or other RVers nearby. Submitted By: Warren Brelsford

Calculate Your RV Solar Power Needs

It requires only a little math and a realistic assessment of how much power you actually use. The formula for computing amp hours is the number of hours multiplied by the number of amps used per hour. For example, one light uses 1.5 amps x 6 hours which equals 9 amps per hour. Your television uses 1.4 amps x 3 hours which equals 4.2 amps per hour. Submitted By: Robert Flasken

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10 Dog-Friendly Campgrounds

Take your furry friend and pitch your tent at one of these pet-friendly parks out West.

San Francisco, North Petaluma:

Nestled near the Napa and Sonoma wineries, this spot is rated one of the top campgrounds in California. Only thirty miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, you and your dog are welcome in most of the Bay Area parks and trails.

Nine more places to camp with your dog.

2 Days in Lake Tahoe

Yes, Lake Tahoe is as pretty as the pictures suggest and the lakes are as blue as the bumper stickers boast. But don't just take my word for it--go see for yourself. With infinite places to stay and play near the big lagoon, here are a few recommendations to keep in mind when planning your trip.

Hikes in Lake Tahoe

Mt. Tallac: Take in all of Lake Tahoe from the top of Mount Tallac. With a 3,500-foot elevation gain in only four and a half miles, it's a tough one, but the panoramic view of the Sierras and surrounding lakes are an ample reward. The trail head is only one mile from the Fallen Leaf Campground and less than five miles from town.

Tip: Chipmunks on Mt. Tallac are ruthless. When you stop to refuel, avoid a picnic-style lunch.

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