Featured Guest Article:

Campers are Being Reminded of Hidden Dangers…in their Firewood

Article written by: Sarah Stovall

Now that winter is over, and summer is approaching, outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for a new camping season. Reservations are being made, RVs are coming out of storage and people are looking for a REI coupon to clip for that must have piece of gear they need.

But there is another activity that actually poses a hazard to the forests and camping areas so many Americans love.

Firewood has been cut and is being seasoned. Some campers will haul it to their favorite destination where it will transform hot dogs to dinner and marshmallows into a gooey campground necessity.

The problem is that firewood can carry microscopic invasive species that threaten native trees. Invasive species councils in the Pacific Northwest were at the forefront of the warnings, suggesting campers only buy firewood that is cut in the same county or region where it will be burned. The general rule of thumb is to not transport untreated wood more than 50 miles.

The Maine Forest Service began offering warnings in 2009. The spread of the Asian longhorned beetle is particularly troublesome, as an infestation could wipe out their maple sugar and tourism industries.

The bugs will spread on their own, but typically just a few miles a year if left alone. Transporting firewood can expedite the spread of the harmful bugs, potentially damaging forests for hundreds of miles. Wood-boring pests, such as the emerald ash borer, European gypsy moth and the aforementioned Asian longhorned beetle, have destroyed millions of trees in the Midwest and Eastern states. Entire forests of hemlock, chestnut, elm and ash trees have been devastated by invasive pests.

The Nature Conservancy states one in 20 Americans aren’t following the guidelines. They also point out that the guidelines are actually laws in certain jurisdictions. They are promoting the following tips to ensure safe, clean firewood is being burnt:

·       When driving to a campsite more than 50 miles away, call the State or Federal Park or forests nearest the site and ask if they know of local distributors.

·       Search the yellow pages for a local dealer.

·       Ask the firewood dealer where the wood was cut — if it isn’t within 50 miles, or if it is from outside the county, find another source.

·       Leave locally purchased wood at the campsite for the next campers when you leave.

·       Be aware of state and county firewood regulations before you go. Some states don’t allow you to bring firewood across their borders, and many counties restrict firewood movement out of the area.

It is important to remember that wood isn’t safe just because it is seasoned. Only kiln-dried wood can eradicate insect eggs and microscopic fungal spores.

Those who are in possession of firewood that has traveled more than 50 miles are being encouraged to burn it as soon as possible. The storage area needs to be thoroughly cleaned and the debris should be burned as well.

It’s a simple step, but an important one. When it comes to firewood: Buy locally and think globally.

Author Bio:  Sarah Stovall loves taking her dog, Ralph, on long hikes through the local state park.

Zion National Park in Utah is most popular for its variety of outdoor activities year round and its beautiful scenery.

The main canyon is the most popular section of the park. The visitor center and Springdale, UT are surrounded by this part of the park. Popular trail-heads for Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, The Narrows, etc. are all found on the eight-mile scenic drive that is accessible by shuttle April through October, and by private vehicle the rest of the year.

Zion National Park offers lots of activities for everyone, hiking, climbing, camping, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park is packed with wonderful scenery and scenic drives throughout the park. You will want a map of the park so you don’t miss out on anything. You can call 877-444-6777 for reservations or more info.

If you like hiking or canyoneering, the Subway (Left Fork of North Creek) is one of the best for spectacular views and scenery.

It is possible to see a variety of wildlife in the park and in the canyons. You may see skunks, ring-tailed cats, kangaroo rats, deer and big-horned sheep or peregrine falcons, eagles, wild turkeys, owls and quail are found in the canyons.

If you have camped, hiked or enjoyed any outdoor activity in the Zion National Park we would love to hear about it. Leave us a comment below.

I like that the Big Agnes tents have reflective guy lines so that they are more visible at night. How many times have you walked by your tent at night and tripped over the guylines? I know I have. LOL

The briefcase style carry bag has  long shoulder straps and organizational pockets. No more rolling up the tent and stuffing it a stuff sack, this tent has two large pockets one for the tent one for the rainfly a center pouch for the poles and a clear pocket for the tent stakes.

Another great feature of this tent is the built in roll out welcome mat, comes in handy when you don’t want wet muddy shoes in your tent.

The Big Agnes Big House camping tent has lots of nice features, a good tent to consider when your ready to buy a tent. The Big House comes in 2 sizes, sleeps 4 and sleeps 6.

The difference between car camping and camping in a hammock for me is about 27 lbs. Sometimes, although I love car camping, I just don’t feel like setting up a tent. That’s when I break out my hammock tie one end on a tree then the other and boom I’m camping. My camping hammock weights just over one pound and in its stuff sack is the size of a grapefruit so if I am hiking I can easily pack it in my backpack and still have plenty of room left over. I also bring along my tree straps, they not only protect the trees but give me added length for trees that are further apart. I Think hammock camping is so much fun it gives you a freedom like no other.

If you like to go camping in a hammock too I would love to hear about it just leave me a note in the comment box.

Happy camping and be safe out there.

Our fishing trip turned into a trip back down memory lane as we turned toward our parking spot along side this big river we have fished at for many years. Thinking back to when I took one of my first steelhead trout out of this big river that was something I will never forget. Being from northern Michigan & being like most trout fisherman from this area, one of my favorite spots is on the banks on the south side of Tippy Dam, located on the Manistee River a few miles south of Mesick. Every spring I pack the truck with enough food for three days & a good supply of insect repellent that has been noted to be one important item. This year I have a new SwissGear St. Alban 8 Person Large Family Dome Tent I know it is a little big but it’s a long weekend & I like to be comfortable & have all my gear inside.

I have found a new tripod & Dutch oven that is going to be full of chili on that first evening of camping out.
It just wouldn’t be camping if I didn’t have my grandmother’s old 15 inch cast iron skillet, or one like it.
This is her camping spot you know, she would want me to use it for the first fish caught. I don’t know anything better than fresh fish cooked right on the river bank & I have packed my favorite fish fry mix from camp dog seasonings,
That first evening laying in my warm sleeping bag listing to water rushing down the river; Then out of the night came a blast from the past, Dang _ What the heck is that !  I jumped up almost knocking the tent over.
I had almost forgotten all about that high water alarm when they opened the dam to let water out.
That was one memory I would have rather remembered in a different way. At least I will have good use to new underwear I have packed for this special occasion.

Guest Article Provided by IronCooker

Thompson’s Lake State Park, nestled in the mountains just four miles from the Helderberg Escarpment, is a popular campground and recreation area. It has wooded campsites, the park features a sandy beach, mixed hardwood and conifer forests, limestone outcroppings, and open fields. Recreational opportunities include a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, a playing field, swing sets, carry-in boat access, rental rowboats, fishing areas, and nature trails. Interpretive and recreational programs are offered for campers throughout the summer. During the winter, visitors can cross-country ski and ice fish.

 Location

Thompson’s Lake State Park is located 18 miles southwest of Albany.

68 Thompsons Lake Road

East Berne, NY 12059

Phone: (518) 872-1674

Fax: (518) 872-9133

 Recreation Activities

 Beach swimming, boating, fishing (and wintertime ice fishing) park-organized recreation activities, hiking and wintertime cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are the park’s major activities. The Emma Treadwell Thacher Center is located on Thompson’s Lake next to the campground and is accessible to campers. The center opened in July 2001 and offers exhibits, interactive displays, trails for hiking and skiing, and educational programs.

 Facilities

 Boat launch sites, boat rentals, campsites, dumping stations, a nature trail, a playground, playing fields, and showers are among the amenities available.

 Fees

 Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

Rowboats:

$8 per hour

$15 – 2 hours

$20 – 3 hours

$25 per day

Paddleboats:

$5 per 30 minutes

$10 per hour

$13 – 1.5 hours

$16 – 2 hours

$27 – 3 hours

Camping Misc. Fees:

$15/site ($4 amenity fee weekend & night before weekend)

$7 third vehicle fee

Interpretive Programs:

$2/person

Vehicle Entrance Fee:

$7 per car with beach

$6 per car without beach

Newsletter Update: 

 First of all we would like to thank all of our customers for a successful year; we couldn’t have had such a great year without you. We have been able to interact with many of our customers through email, we love getting to know you and helping you find the right gear is so much fun for us.

We have been asked by several customers why the shipping costs are higher. Unfortunately we don’t have control over this; the higher the gas prices go the more it affects our shipping prices. Just like it affects how much we pay for groceries. Gas prices affect everything. Right now we are offering free shipping for orders 249.99 or more. There are exceptions to some larger orders you can contact us at customerservice@insidethecamp.com if you have questions regarding larger orders.

 What’s New

We have some exciting news! We have picked up some new manufacturers this year like Slumberjack, Big Agnes, Kamp-Rite, Frogg Toggs, Goal Zero and will be adding more later in the year. If you don’t see a lot of products under one or more of these manufacturers keep checking back, we will be adding more products as they become available to us.

 Camping Recipe

 Mexican Dish

Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 lb. hamburger

• 1 can Rotel

• 1 can ranch style beans

• 1 box Spanish rice

• 1 large bag Doritoes

Cooking instructions:

Brown hamburger with onion if desired, add all ingredients, heat until warm, pour over chips and add cheese if desired.

While I don’t have a dog of my own yet, I have friends who own dogs and like to camp, and I’ve learned a lot about pets and camping from them.  I had no idea that there were such specific guidelines and rules that applied to our four legged friends.  Some rules are no-brainers, like keeping them leashed at all times and picking up after them when they go to the bathroom. But having the vaccination records on hand? It makes total sense, but I wouldn’t have thought of it.

Below is an excerpt from Reserve America in regards to the specific rules for pets;

PETS-Are allowed with proof of a currently valid rabies vaccination in the form of a current year’s tag or a certificate issued by the veterinarian. Campers can walk dogs on a leash no longer than six feet as long as the animal is under control. Dogs cannot be left unattended and are not allowed in facility structures, on the beach or in day use areas.

For more information specific to your campground, visit http://www.reserveamerica.com/

I think it’s also important to be considerate of your neighbors at all times. Make sure to keep your dog off other people’s sites (especially if they have dogs of their own) and keep them as quiet as possible. As much as I love dogs, no one loves listening to them bark all day long.

Don’t forget to pack for your dog too. Whether it is his bedtime crate, a fluffy bed or his favorite blanket to sit on outside – he will appreciate the familiarity. Don’t forget the food and water bowls, chew toys to keep him busy during “down time” and anything else that your dog may like. Remember, it’s a vacation for him too! If possible, you may even want to bring some water from home. Dogs have a keen sense of smell and can sometimes turn up their noses at water they’re not use to.

Article provided by: CampSideChef.com

Campfire Chicken

• Split chicken breast
• Red potatoes (cut in half)
• Carrots (cut in half)
• Onion (cut in half)
• Plum tomato (cut in half)

Place the above ingredients into aluminum foil sheets, make into pocket. You can add some seasonings (I use some balsamic dressing mix). Bake in the oven or over a campfire. You can also add a small piece of corn on the cob. This is great – it’s a I full meal but no pots or dishes to wash. Great for camping.

Share your favorite camping recipe with us we would love to feature your recipe.

This camping recipe was provided by Adventure Sports Online.

I always like to start off with a list so that I don’t forget anything. I plan meals ahead of time so that I know what spices, additional pans, etc. to bring. Anything you can cook at home you will be able to cook on a camping trip if you bring the right supplies and cookware. I can’t tell you how great food tastes when you are camping, you will have to experience that for yourself. I can tell you, it will definitely put a smile on your face! Some of my fondest camping memories growing up was the good eats my Dad made in his dutch oven.

The more items you add to your camping kitchen you will find it easier to have a camping box or large plastic containers with lids to keep you kitchen items in. This will keep your camping kitchen items clean, all together and organized for your next camping trip. I like to bring a tarp to cover my kitchen area, not only to provide shade but to provide shelter if the weather should turn nasty.

Below is a list of items that will help you get started with setting up your camping kitchen. This list is intended as a suggestion, the more you go camping the more you will personalize your list for the items you need for your camping kitchen.

Cooking Equipment

• Camp Stove

• Grill Rack

• Charcoal

• Lighter

• Matches

• Dutch Oven

• Pots and Pans

• Coffee Pot

• Thermos Jug

Cookware

• Can Opener

• Measuring Cups

• Measuring Spoons

• Potholders

• Long Tongs

• Spatula

• Long Handle Spoons

• Long Handle Slotted Spoon

• Pronged Fork

• Whisk

• Kitchen Knives

• Grater

• Campfire forks

• Cutting Board

• Basting Brush

• Vegetable Peeler

• Meat Thermometer

• Colander or Strainer

• Metal or plastic mixing bowls

• Egg holder(s)

Tableware

•  Spoons

• Forks

• Knives

• Plates

• Bowls

• Drinking Cups

• Coffee Cups

Other Items

• Aluminum Foil

• Dish Soap

• Dishcloth

• Dishpans (3)

• Paper Towels

• Trash Bags

• Folding Table

• Tablecloth

• Tablecloth clips

• Cooler

• Fresh Water Containers

• Hand Soap

• Hand Sanitizer

• Tarp (To shelter camp kitchen)